Method and apparatus for providing security to a self-service checkout terminal

摘要

A method of providing security to a self-service checkout terminal (10) having a bagwell (15) and a light curtain device (24) that generates a light curtain (25) which is positioned over the bagwell (15) includes the steps of locating a grocery container (17) in the bagwell (15); generating an item-entered control signal when a product code associated with an item is entered into the terminal; advancing the item through the light curtain (25) and into the grocery container (17) and generating a first detection control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating an invalid-use control signal when the first detection control signal is generated prior to generation of the item-entered control signal. A self-service checkout terminal (10) is also disclosed.