Importance

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Abstract

A system for making and reviewing video recordings of transactions occurring at cashier lanes uses a television camera for developing frames of video signals of the transactions at two or more cashier lanes. A register at each lane generates digital signals representing events that occur at the lanes. A computer responsive to the digital signals generates a digital transaction signal. A VCR records the camera video signal and the computer digital transaction signal on a cassette, the digital transaction signal being recorded in a certain relation (e.g. in synchrony) with the camera video signal and in such a manner as to substantially not affect the clarity of each video frame. In a playback mode, the VCR generates a playback video frame signal, and the computer generates an overlay control signal. An overlay means responsive to various signals generates a composite video signal of an alpha-numeric display of the digital transaction information relating to the desired cashier lane overlaying the video signal, the alpha-numeric information being positioned in the composite video signal so as not to obscure that portion of the video frame that pertains to the desired cashier lane. In another aspect of the invention, a computer responds to the register signals and generates a video storage signal at the start of a subsequent transaction and a transaction summary signal. The overlay means generates a summary snapshot video frame signal comprising alpha-numeric transaction summary information overlaying the picture of the merchandise at the start of the transaction.

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First Claim