US20030132298A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Consumer interactive shopping system
Assignee: Symbol Technologies LLC
•
Filing: 2001-11-21
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2021-11-21
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates generally to a consumer interactive shopping and marketing system. The system includes a portable data terminal for communicating information over a communication network. The present system has aspects that may be used within a shopping establishment or at a user's home.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerome Swartz
- 👤 Thomas Roslak
- 👤 Mauro Premutico
- 👤 Adam Petrovich
- 👤 Edward Barkan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:14
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07G; G07G1/00; G07G1/0036; G06; G06K; G06K17/00; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/20; G06Q20/30; G06Q20/32; G06Q20/327; G06Q20/3276; G06Q20/34; G06Q20/343; G06Q20/355; G06Q20/3552; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/06; G06Q99/00; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/02; G07F7/08; G07F7/10; G07F7/1008; G07G1/0045; G07G1/0054; G07G1/0072; G07G3/00; G06Q20/321
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 120
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
1 . An interactive consumer marketing system comprising: a) a wireless data collecting device for use by a customer at home or within a shopping establishment, said wireless data collecting device including a scanner for reading identification codes on products of interest and a memory for storing a product list; b) a comprehensive database for storing information relating to products available for purchase within the shopping establishment; and c) an intermediate consumer presentation device, comprising i) a communications link for communicating with the wireless data collecting device and the comprehensive database; ii) a data aggregator for correlating the products on the product list and the information stored in the comprehensive database; iii) a display for presenting to the consumer an enhanced presentation of products on the product list and information stored in the comprehensive database.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
1 . An interactive consumer marketing system comprising: a) a wireless data collecting device for use by a customer at home or within a shopping establishment, said wireless data collecting device including a scanner for reading identification codes on products of interest and a memory for storing a product list; b) a comprehensive database for storing information relating to products available for purchase within the shopping establishment; and c) an intermediate consumer presentation device, comprising i) a communications link for communicating with the wireless data collecting device and the comprehensive database; ii) a data aggregator for correlating the products on the product list and the information stored in the comprehensive database; iii) a display for presenting to the consumer an enhanced presentation of products on the product list and information stored in the comprehensive database.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
2 . The system of claim 1 wherein the intermediate consumer presentation device is secured to a shopping cart.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
3 . The system of claim 1 wherein display on the intermediate consumer presentation device is at least 6″ by 6″.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
4 . The system of claim 1 further comprising a location tracking agent for determining the approximate location of the intermediate consumer presentation device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
5 . The system of claim 1 further comprising a messaging agent for providing messages to the display of the intermediate consumer presentation device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
6 . The system of claim 1 wherein the enhanced presentation includes indications of which products on the product list are available at a discounted rate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
7 . The system of claim 1 wherein the enhanced presentation includes only products that are offered for sale by the shopping establishment.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
8 . The system of claim 1 wherein the enhanced presentation includes a sorting of the product list according to the layout of the shopping establishment.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
9 . The system of claim 1 wherein the product list is generated by the consumer at the home.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
171 words
10 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a wireless network for the bi-directional communication of data; b) a wireless shopping device, said wireless shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a display for displaying said message; c) a customer database containing data relating to at least one shopping behavior characteristic of the customer, wherein said data relating to at least one shopping behavior characteristic of the customer is modified in real time as the customer registers product identification numbers with said wireless shopping device; and d) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to said customer database, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the product identification numbers registered by the wireless shopping device; ii) a message selector for selecting said message, said message being correlated to said shopping behavior characteristic; and iii) a message sending agent for communicating said message via the communication link to said wireless shopping device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
171 words
10 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a wireless network for the bi-directional communication of data; b) a wireless shopping device, said wireless shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a display for displaying said message; c) a customer database containing data relating to at least one shopping behavior characteristic of the customer, wherein said data relating to at least one shopping behavior characteristic of the customer is modified in real time as the customer registers product identification numbers with said wireless shopping device; and d) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to said customer database, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the product identification numbers registered by the wireless shopping device; ii) a message selector for selecting said message, said message being correlated to said shopping behavior characteristic; and iii) a message sending agent for communicating said message via the communication link to said wireless shopping device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
11 . The system of claim 10 further comprising a location tracking agent for determining the approximate location of the wireless shopping device.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
12 . The system of claim 11 wherein the location tracking agent determines the location of the customer by a) accessing a product location database containing data representing products available for sale and a location identifier associated with said available products and b) determining the location identifier associated with the product registered by the wireless shopping device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
13 . The system of claim 10 wherein the host computer has access to a database that stores the customer's preferred payment method.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
14 . The system of claim 10 wherein the host computer has access to a database that stores information about a credit account associated with the customer and wherein the credit account is automatically charged when the customer completes his product selection.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
15 . The system of claim 10 wherein the wireless shopping device is removably secured to a shopping cart.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
16 . The system of claim 10 further comprising a remote computer having a communication link for communicating over said wireless network.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
17 . The system of claim 16 wherein said remote computer is associated with the customer's home, said remote computer having a docking station for communicating with said wireless shopping device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
18 . The system of claim 16 wherein said remote computer is associated with a manufacturer or distributor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
19 . The system of claim 10 further comprising a kiosk associated with a store, said kiosk having a communications link for communicating with said wireless shopping device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
20 . The system of claim 19 wherein said kiosk uploads information stored in said wireless shopping device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
21 . The system of claim 19 wherein said kiosk downloads information to said wireless shopping device.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
243 words
22 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a wireless network for the bi-directional communication of data; b) a first shopping device and a second shopping device, said first shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; and ii) a transmitter for communicating said product identification number to said second shopping device; said second shopping device having i) a latching mechanism for securing said second shopping device to a shopping cart; ii) a receiver for receiving said product identification number from said first shopping device; iii) a radio for receiving a message over said wireless network and for communicating said product identification number over said wireless network; and iv) a display for displaying said message; c) a product profile database containing an identification number for a plurality of products, wherein each identification number includes correlation data linking said identification number with one or more correlated products; and d) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to said product profile database, said host computer having: i) a communication link for receiving the product identification number registered by the first shopping device; ii) a message selector for selecting said message, said message relating to the one or more correlated products corresponding to the identification number registered by the first shopping device; and iii) a message sending agent for communicating said message via the communication link to said first shopping device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
243 words
22 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a wireless network for the bi-directional communication of data; b) a first shopping device and a second shopping device, said first shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; and ii) a transmitter for communicating said product identification number to said second shopping device; said second shopping device having i) a latching mechanism for securing said second shopping device to a shopping cart; ii) a receiver for receiving said product identification number from said first shopping device; iii) a radio for receiving a message over said wireless network and for communicating said product identification number over said wireless network; and iv) a display for displaying said message; c) a product profile database containing an identification number for a plurality of products, wherein each identification number includes correlation data linking said identification number with one or more correlated products; and d) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to said product profile database, said host computer having: i) a communication link for receiving the product identification number registered by the first shopping device; ii) a message selector for selecting said message, said message relating to the one or more correlated products corresponding to the identification number registered by the first shopping device; and iii) a message sending agent for communicating said message via the communication link to said first shopping device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
23 . The system of claim 22 further comprising a location tracking agent for determining the approximate location of the customer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
63 words
24 . The system of claim 23 wherein the product profile database contains a location identifier associated with the plurality of products and wherein after a customer scans a product the location tracking agent determines the location of the customer by a) accessing the product profile database and b) determining the location identifier associated with the product registered by the wireless shopping device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
42 words
25 . The system of claim 22 wherein the host computer has access to a database that stores information about a credit account associated with the customer and wherein the credit account is automatically charged when the customer completes his product selection.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
26 . The system of claim 22 further comprising a remote computer having a communication link for communicating over said wireless network.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
27 . The system of claim 26 wherein said remote computer is associated with the customer's home, said remote computer having a docking station for communicating with said wireless shopping device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
28 . The system of claim 26 wherein said remote computer is associated with a manufacturer or distributor.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
29 . The system of claim 22 further comprising a kiosk associated with a store, said kiosk having a communications link for communicating over said wireless network.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
30 . The system of claim 22 further comprising a kiosk associated with a store, said kiosk having a communications link for communicating with said first shopping device.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
31 . The system of claim 30 wherein said kiosk uploads information stored in said first shopping device.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
32 . The system of claim 30 wherein said kiosk downloads information to said first shopping device.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
243 words
33 . A system for enabling a customer to shop for products offered for sale by a merchant, the system being operable within a store associated with the merchant and at a location remote from the merchant's store, the system comprising: a) a wireless network for the bi-directional communication of data; b) a wireless shopping device capable of operating in an in store mode and an out of store mode, said wireless shopping device having i) a reader for registering product identification numbers; ii) a radio for receiving a message over said wireless network and for communicating said product identification numbers over said wireless network; and iii) a display for displaying said message; c) a host computer associated with the merchant having i) a communication link for receiving the product identification numbers registered by the wireless shopping device; ii) a message selector for selecting said message to send to the wireless shopping device; iii) a message sending agent for communicating said message via the communication link to said wireless shopping device; wherein when the wireless shopping device is operating in the out of store mode, the wireless shopping device requests that the customer select a delivery method for products associated with said product identification numbers transmitted from the wireless shopping device to the host computer and wherein when the wireless shopping device is operating in the in store mode, the wireless shopping device does not request that the customer select a delivery method.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
243 words
33 . A system for enabling a customer to shop for products offered for sale by a merchant, the system being operable within a store associated with the merchant and at a location remote from the merchant's store, the system comprising: a) a wireless network for the bi-directional communication of data; b) a wireless shopping device capable of operating in an in store mode and an out of store mode, said wireless shopping device having i) a reader for registering product identification numbers; ii) a radio for receiving a message over said wireless network and for communicating said product identification numbers over said wireless network; and iii) a display for displaying said message; c) a host computer associated with the merchant having i) a communication link for receiving the product identification numbers registered by the wireless shopping device; ii) a message selector for selecting said message to send to the wireless shopping device; iii) a message sending agent for communicating said message via the communication link to said wireless shopping device; wherein when the wireless shopping device is operating in the out of store mode, the wireless shopping device requests that the customer select a delivery method for products associated with said product identification numbers transmitted from the wireless shopping device to the host computer and wherein when the wireless shopping device is operating in the in store mode, the wireless shopping device does not request that the customer select a delivery method.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
34 . The system of claim 33 wherein said message selector selects said message based on the output of an inference engine.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
35 . The system of claim 33 wherein said message selector selects said message based at least partly on chance.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
165 words
36 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a communications port; iii) a memory for storing a customer identification code; and iv) a display for displaying messages; b) a kiosk for linking with the communications port of said shopping device; c) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to a customer database, said customer database including information about the customer, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the customer identification code of the customer and for communicating with the shopping device via the kiosk; and ii) a message selector for selecting messages to download to the shopping device, at least one of said messages being correlated to said information about the customer identified by the customer identification code; and d) a triggering agent for triggering the display of one of said selected messages on the shopping device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
165 words
36 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a communications port; iii) a memory for storing a customer identification code; and iv) a display for displaying messages; b) a kiosk for linking with the communications port of said shopping device; c) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to a customer database, said customer database including information about the customer, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the customer identification code of the customer and for communicating with the shopping device via the kiosk; and ii) a message selector for selecting messages to download to the shopping device, at least one of said messages being correlated to said information about the customer identified by the customer identification code; and d) a triggering agent for triggering the display of one of said selected messages on the shopping device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
37 . The system of claim 36 wherein said kiosk links with said shopping device via a wireless communication link.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
38 . The system of claim 36 wherein said kiosk uploads information from said shopping device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
39 . The system of claim 36 wherein said kiosk uploads recipes from said shopping device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
40 . The system of claim 36 wherein said kiosk downloads to the shopping device an aisle sorted shopping list.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
31 words
41 . The system of claim 36 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the customer registering a product with said shopping device.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
27 words
42 . The system of claim 36 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the location of the customer.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
26 words
43 . The system of claim 36 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the time of day.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
186 words
44 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a communications port; iii) a memory for storing a customer identification code; and iv) a display for displaying messages; b) a kiosk for linking with the communications port of said shopping device; c) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to a product database, said product database including a product identification number for a plurality of products and product correlation data linking said product identification number with one or more correlated products, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the customer identification code of the customer and for communicating with the shopping device via the kiosk; and ii) a message selector for selecting messages to download to the shopping device; and d) a triggering agent for triggering the display of one of said selected messages on the shopping device, said selected message containing information about one of the products correlated to the product identification number registered by the shopping device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
186 words
44 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a communications port; iii) a memory for storing a customer identification code; and iv) a display for displaying messages; b) a kiosk for linking with the communications port of said shopping device; c) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to a product database, said product database including a product identification number for a plurality of products and product correlation data linking said product identification number with one or more correlated products, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the customer identification code of the customer and for communicating with the shopping device via the kiosk; and ii) a message selector for selecting messages to download to the shopping device; and d) a triggering agent for triggering the display of one of said selected messages on the shopping device, said selected message containing information about one of the products correlated to the product identification number registered by the shopping device.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
45 . The system of claim 44 wherein said kiosk links with said shopping device via a wireless communication link.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
46 . The system of claim 44 wherein said kiosk uploads information from said shopping device.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
16 words
47 . The system of claim 44 wherein said kiosk uploads recipes from said shopping device.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
48 . The system of claim 44 wherein said kiosk downloads to the shopping device an aisle sorted shopping list.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
31 words
49 . The system of claim 44 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the customer registering a product with said shopping device.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
27 words
50 . The system of claim 44 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the location of the customer.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
51 . The system of claim 44 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the time of day.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
176 words
52 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a customer database containing data relating to at least one shopping behavior characteristic of the customer; b) a shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a communications port; iii) a memory for storing a customer identification code; and iv) a display for displaying messages; c) a cradle for linking with the communications port of said shopping device; d) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to said customer database, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the customer identification code of the customer and for communicating with the shopping device via the cradle; and ii) a message selector for selecting messages to download to the shopping device, at least one of said messages being correlated to said shopping behavior characteristic of the customer identified by the customer identification code; and e) a triggering agent for triggering the display of one of said selected messages on the shopping device.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
176 words
52 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a customer database containing data relating to at least one shopping behavior characteristic of the customer; b) a shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a communications port; iii) a memory for storing a customer identification code; and iv) a display for displaying messages; c) a cradle for linking with the communications port of said shopping device; d) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to said customer database, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the customer identification code of the customer and for communicating with the shopping device via the cradle; and ii) a message selector for selecting messages to download to the shopping device, at least one of said messages being correlated to said shopping behavior characteristic of the customer identified by the customer identification code; and e) a triggering agent for triggering the display of one of said selected messages on the shopping device.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
53 . The system of claim 52 wherein the cradle is integrated into a kiosk.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
54 . The system of claim 53 wherein the kiosk is located at an end cap within the shopping establishment.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
31 words
55 . The system of claim 52 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the customer registering a product with said shopping device.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
56 . The system of claim 52 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the location of the customer.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
193 words
57 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a product profile database containing a product identification number for a plurality of products, wherein each product identification number includes correlation data linking said product identification number with one or more correlated products; b) a shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a communications port; iii) a memory for storing a customer identification code; and iv) a display for displaying messages; c) a cradle for linking with the communications port of said shopping device; d) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to said product profile database, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the customer identification code of the customer and for communicating with the shopping device via the cradle; and ii) a message selector for selecting messages to download to the shopping device; and e) a triggering agent for triggering the display of one of said selected messages on the shopping device, said selected message containing information about one of the products correlated to the product identification number registered by the shopping device.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
193 words
57 . A system for marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment comprising: a) a product profile database containing a product identification number for a plurality of products, wherein each product identification number includes correlation data linking said product identification number with one or more correlated products; b) a shopping device having i) a reader for registering a product identification number; ii) a communications port; iii) a memory for storing a customer identification code; and iv) a display for displaying messages; c) a cradle for linking with the communications port of said shopping device; d) a host computer associated with the shopping establishment having access to said product profile database, said host computer having i) a communication link for receiving the customer identification code of the customer and for communicating with the shopping device via the cradle; and ii) a message selector for selecting messages to download to the shopping device; and e) a triggering agent for triggering the display of one of said selected messages on the shopping device, said selected message containing information about one of the products correlated to the product identification number registered by the shopping device.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
58 . The system of claim 57 wherein the cradle is integrated into a kiosk.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
59 . The system of claim 58 wherein the kiosk is located at an end cap within the shopping establishment.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
31 words
60 . The system of claim 57 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the customer registering a product with said shopping device.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
27 words
61 . The system of claim 57 wherein the display of said one of said selected messages is triggered in response to the location of the customer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
199 words
62 . A system for marketing products available for sale by a merchant to a customer, the system comprising: a) a wide area network for the bi-directional communication of data; b) a remote terminal associated with the customer, said remote terminal having: i) a communication link for communicating over said wide area network ii) a graphical user interface for displaying graphical representations of the products available for sale by the merchant, wherein said graphical representations are arranged according to virtual aisles and virtual shelves, and for displaying messages promoting the products on the virtual aisles; iii) a product selector for allowing the customer to select which products the customer would like to purchase; c) a host computer associated with the merchant, said host computer having access to a customer database containing information about the customer, and further having: i) a communications link for communicating over said wide area network, wherein said host computer can receive a customer identification code sent from the remote terminal; ii) a message selector for selecting the promotional messages to send to the remote terminal, at least one of said messages being correlated to said information about the customer identified by the customer identification code.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
199 words
62 . A system for marketing products available for sale by a merchant to a customer, the system comprising: a) a wide area network for the bi-directional communication of data; b) a remote terminal associated with the customer, said remote terminal having: i) a communication link for communicating over said wide area network ii) a graphical user interface for displaying graphical representations of the products available for sale by the merchant, wherein said graphical representations are arranged according to virtual aisles and virtual shelves, and for displaying messages promoting the products on the virtual aisles; iii) a product selector for allowing the customer to select which products the customer would like to purchase; c) a host computer associated with the merchant, said host computer having access to a customer database containing information about the customer, and further having: i) a communications link for communicating over said wide area network, wherein said host computer can receive a customer identification code sent from the remote terminal; ii) a message selector for selecting the promotional messages to send to the remote terminal, at least one of said messages being correlated to said information about the customer identified by the customer identification code.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
14 words
63 . The system of claim 62 wherein said graphical representations are three dimensional.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
64 . The system of claim 62 wherein the product selector is a computer mouse.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
110 words
65 . A method for a manufacturer or distributor to manage inventory of a product through an indirect sales entity, wherein the manufacturer or distributor has access to a host computer and wherein a plurality of consumers utilizing the indirect sales entity each have a wireless shopping device, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining an inventory surplus quantity of the product based at least partly on sales of the product; b) calculating, as a function of said inventory surplus quantity, a discount to offer to the consumers; and c) transmitting said discount to said wireless shopping device wherein said wireless shopping device notifies the consumer of said discount.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
110 words
65 . A method for a manufacturer or distributor to manage inventory of a product through an indirect sales entity, wherein the manufacturer or distributor has access to a host computer and wherein a plurality of consumers utilizing the indirect sales entity each have a wireless shopping device, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining an inventory surplus quantity of the product based at least partly on sales of the product; b) calculating, as a function of said inventory surplus quantity, a discount to offer to the consumers; and c) transmitting said discount to said wireless shopping device wherein said wireless shopping device notifies the consumer of said discount.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
25 words
66 . The method of claim 65 further including the step of determining consumer responsiveness data based at least partly on sales of the product.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
21 words
67 . The method of claim 66 further including the step of transmitting to said host computer said consumer responsiveness data.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
24 words
68 . The method of claim 66 further including the step of calculating an adjusted discount as a function of said consumer responsiveness data.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
69 . The method of claim 65 wherein an expiration date of the product is a factor in said calculating step.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
102 words
70 . A method for a store to manage inventory of a product, wherein the store has access to a host computer and wherein a plurality of consumers each have a wireless shopping device, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining an inventory surplus quantity of the product based at least partly on sales of the product; b) calculating, as a function of said inventory surplus quantity, a discount to offer to the consumers; and c) transmitting said discount from said host computer to a first wireless shopping device wherein said first wireless shopping device notifies the consumer of said discount.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
102 words
70 . A method for a store to manage inventory of a product, wherein the store has access to a host computer and wherein a plurality of consumers each have a wireless shopping device, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining an inventory surplus quantity of the product based at least partly on sales of the product; b) calculating, as a function of said inventory surplus quantity, a discount to offer to the consumers; and c) transmitting said discount from said host computer to a first wireless shopping device wherein said first wireless shopping device notifies the consumer of said discount.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
25 words
71 . The method of claim 70 further including the step of determining consumer responsiveness data based at least partly on sales of the product.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
21 words
72 . The method of claim 71 further including the step of transmitting to said host computer said consumer responsiveness data.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
24 words
73 . The method of claim 71 further including the step of calculating an adjusted discount as a function of said consumer responsiveness data.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
21 words
74 . The method of claim 70 wherein an expiration date of the product is a factor in said calculating step.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
129 words
75 . A method for marketing products to a plurality of customers in a shopping establishment wherein the customers each use a wireless shopping device for registering a product identification code on selected products, the method comprising the steps of: a) classifying the customers according to a behavior category, said behavior category being based upon products selected for purchase by the customers; b) maintaining a database containing data relating to said behavior category; c) associating a message with said behavior category; d) transmitting said message to said wireless shopping device of the customers that are classified as being within said behavior category according to said data maintained in said database; e) monitoring the customer selected products in real time; f) modifying said database in response to said monitoring step.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
129 words
75 . A method for marketing products to a plurality of customers in a shopping establishment wherein the customers each use a wireless shopping device for registering a product identification code on selected products, the method comprising the steps of: a) classifying the customers according to a behavior category, said behavior category being based upon products selected for purchase by the customers; b) maintaining a database containing data relating to said behavior category; c) associating a message with said behavior category; d) transmitting said message to said wireless shopping device of the customers that are classified as being within said behavior category according to said data maintained in said database; e) monitoring the customer selected products in real time; f) modifying said database in response to said monitoring step.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
19 words
76 . The method of claim 75 wherein said modifying step comprises changing the behavior category of the customers.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
41 words
77 . The method of claim 75 wherein the wireless shopping device comprises: a) a first handheld device having a reader for registering the product identification code; and b) a second device having a video display secured to a shopping cart.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
19 words
78 . The method of claim 75 wherein said behavior category relates to whether the customer has young children.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
20 words
79 . The method of claim 75 wherein said behavior category relates to the types of food the customer purchases.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
131 words
80 . A method of marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment wherein the customer uses a wireless shopping device for registering a product identification code on selected products, said wireless shopping device being capable of receiving promotional messages relating to products offered for sale, the method comprising the steps of: a) calculating a message control value, said message control value being used to determine whether to send a message to the customer; b) comparing said message control value to a threshold level; c) displaying said message on said wireless shopping device if said message control value is below said threshold level; d) monitoring the customer's response to said message displayed on said wireless shopping device; and e) adjusting said message control value in response to said monitoring step.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
131 words
80 . A method of marketing products to a customer in a shopping establishment wherein the customer uses a wireless shopping device for registering a product identification code on selected products, said wireless shopping device being capable of receiving promotional messages relating to products offered for sale, the method comprising the steps of: a) calculating a message control value, said message control value being used to determine whether to send a message to the customer; b) comparing said message control value to a threshold level; c) displaying said message on said wireless shopping device if said message control value is below said threshold level; d) monitoring the customer's response to said message displayed on said wireless shopping device; and e) adjusting said message control value in response to said monitoring step.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
38 words
81 . The method of claim 80 wherein said adjusting step comprises increasing said message control value if said customer does not register the product identification code for the product associated with the message within a predetermined time.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
32 words
82 . The method of claim 80 wherein said adjusting step comprises decreasing said message control value if said customer registers the product identification code for the product associated with the message.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
33 words
83 . The method of claim 80 wherein said threshold level is based at least in part on the customer's input as to the number of messages the customer would like to receive.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
21 words
84 . The method of claim 80 wherein said customer receives a discount based upon the setting of the threshold level.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
127 words
85 . A method of shopping in a shopping establishment wherein a customer uses a wireless shopping device, the method comprising the steps of: a) storing an electronic shopping list on said wireless shopping device, said electronic shopping list comprising a list of products the customer would like to purchase; b) providing a host computer associated with the shopping establishment, said host computer having access to an inventory list comprising a list of products available for purchase from the shopping establishment; c) providing a communication link between said wireless shopping device and said host computer; d) generating a product availability list comprised of products that are common to both said electronic shopping list and said inventory list; and e) providing said product availability list to the customer.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
127 words
85 . A method of shopping in a shopping establishment wherein a customer uses a wireless shopping device, the method comprising the steps of: a) storing an electronic shopping list on said wireless shopping device, said electronic shopping list comprising a list of products the customer would like to purchase; b) providing a host computer associated with the shopping establishment, said host computer having access to an inventory list comprising a list of products available for purchase from the shopping establishment; c) providing a communication link between said wireless shopping device and said host computer; d) generating a product availability list comprised of products that are common to both said electronic shopping list and said inventory list; and e) providing said product availability list to the customer.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
31 words
86 . The method of claim 85 wherein said communication link between said wireless shopping device and said host computer is created by coupling said wireless shopping device to a kiosk.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
30 words
87 . The method of claim 85 wherein said host computer downloads messages to said wireless shopping device, said messages being correlated to the products on said electronic shopping list.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
22 words
88 . The method of claim 85 wherein said host computer accesses said electronic shopping list stored in said wireless shopping device.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
16 words
89 . The method of claim 85 wherein said wireless shopping device accesses said inventory list.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
27 words
90 . The method of claim 85 wherein the order of the products in said product availability list is correlated to the layout of the shopping establishment.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
30 words
91 . The method of claim 85 further comprising the step of providing to the customer information useful in locating at least some of the products on product availability list.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
19 words
92 . The method of claim 85 wherein said product availability list is displayed on said wireless shopping device.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
21 words
93 . The method of claim 85 wherein said product availability list is printed out under the control of a kiosk.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
21 words
94 . The method of claim 85 wherein said wireless shopping device includes a reader for reading a product identification code.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
35 words
95 . The method of claim 94 further comprising the step of providing an indication when a product identification code of a product on said product availability list is read by said wireless shopping device.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
26 words
96 . The method of claim 94 wherein said electronic shopping list is at least partly generated by reading a product identification code in an advertisement.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
41 words
97 . The method of claim 85 wherein the wireless shopping device comprises: a) a first handheld device having a reader for registering the product identification code; and b) a second device having a video display secured to a shopping cart.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
24 words
98 . The method of claim 97 wherein said step of providing said product availability list comprises displaying said list on said video display.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
231 words
99 . In a self-service shopping checkout system wherein a shopper uses a portable terminal for scanning of a bar code of an item selected for purchase and wherein items selected for purchase are deposited in a plurality of shopping bags, and wherein a list of items self-scanned by the shopper is compiled, the improvement comprising a method for performing a security check to determine if the shopper has failed to scan an item deposited into the shopping bags, said method comprising the steps of: a) selecting from the shopping bags one or more items to be scanned by a clerk; b) scanning a barcode located on each of said items selected for scanning; c) determining a weight associated with each of the items on said list that were not scanned by the clerk; d) determining a net weight of each shopping bag, said net weight of each shopping bag being associated with a weight of each shopping bag without the items selected for scanning; e) comparing the net weight of each shopping bag with the weight of the items on said list that were not scanned by the clerk; and f) disallowing the shopping transaction if said comparison step indicates that the net weight of any of the shopping bags could not be attained from the weight of the items on said list that were not scanned by the clerk.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
231 words
99 . In a self-service shopping checkout system wherein a shopper uses a portable terminal for scanning of a bar code of an item selected for purchase and wherein items selected for purchase are deposited in a plurality of shopping bags, and wherein a list of items self-scanned by the shopper is compiled, the improvement comprising a method for performing a security check to determine if the shopper has failed to scan an item deposited into the shopping bags, said method comprising the steps of: a) selecting from the shopping bags one or more items to be scanned by a clerk; b) scanning a barcode located on each of said items selected for scanning; c) determining a weight associated with each of the items on said list that were not scanned by the clerk; d) determining a net weight of each shopping bag, said net weight of each shopping bag being associated with a weight of each shopping bag without the items selected for scanning; e) comparing the net weight of each shopping bag with the weight of the items on said list that were not scanned by the clerk; and f) disallowing the shopping transaction if said comparison step indicates that the net weight of any of the shopping bags could not be attained from the weight of the items on said list that were not scanned by the clerk.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
64 words
100 . The method of claim 99 wherein said step of determining the net weight of each shopping bag comprises determining a weight associated with each shopping bag, determining a weight associated with each of the items selected for scanning and deducting from the weight of each shopping bag the weight of each of the items selected for scanning within the respective shopping bags.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
34 words
101 . The method of claim 99 wherein said step of determining the net weight of each shopping bag comprises measuring the weight of each shopping bag after removing the items selected for scanning.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
30 words
102 . The method of claim 99 further including the step of determining if the item selected for scanning is present on said list of items self-scanned by the shopper.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
43 words
103 . The method of claim 99 further comprising the step of determining probability that the net weight of any of the shopping bags could be attained from the weight of the items on said list that were not scanned by the clerk.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
25 words
104 . The method of claim 103 further comprising the step of disallowing the shopping transaction if said probability is less than an acceptable level.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
24 words
105 . The method of claim 104 wherein said acceptable level is based at least in part on a security record of the shopper.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US6330543B1
Cited
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