Abstract: A method for processing information wherein information is received from a plurality of bar code scanners, preferably reading web codes, the source and destination information for the received information is determined and data from the received information is distributed to at least one destination identified by the destination information.

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.

Abstract: Architecture for presenting m-commerce transaction data to a user. An m-commerce device includes a device reading apparatus adapted to read a dataform. At least one item for purchase has associated therewith an item dataform readable by the m-commerce device, the item dataform linked to item information of the item. A terminal is provided for interactive presentation of information to the user. The m-commerce device and terminal are in communication over a network such that item information input to the m-commerce device is transmitted to the terminal for interactive presentation to the user.

Abstract: Architecture for presenting m-commerce transaction data to a user. An m-commerce device includes a device reading apparatus adapted to read a dataform. At least one item for purchase has associated therewith an item dataform readable by the m-commerce device, the item dataform linked to item information of the item. A terminal is provided for interactive presentation of information to the user. The m-commerce device and terminal are in communication over a network such that item information input to the m-commerce device is transmitted to the terminal for interactive presentation to the user.

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.

Abstract: A portable tendering station includes a movable housing, a removable terminal attached to the housing for acquiring transaction information, and at least one peripheral device attached to the housing and coupled to the terminal for conveying the transaction information and related information to or from a user. Preferably, the terminal includes a display and a device for communicating the information over a wireless communication network, and at least one activation key for activating one or more user functions. The portable tendering station can be easily deployed to various locations within a shopping facility, warehouse, manufacturing facility or the like, and is especially useful for accommodating customers and minimizing delays during peak activity periods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal shopping system for combined use in both the home of a user and a shopping establishment. The system includes a host computer which is coupled to a host modem and, optionally, to at least one wireless multi-access point. At least one shopping establishment kiosk cradle is employed to interface with a portable terminal which is also part of the system. The portable terminal can be used in both the shopping establishment and the home of the user. It is configured to read bar codes associated with items related to shopping, and includes a memory, a bar code reader, a wireless transceiver, and a data interface. The data interface of the terminal communicates with a data interface of the shopping establishment kiosk cradle. A home cradle for the portable terminal is also provided and is adapted to remain in the home of the user.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal shopping system for combined use in both the home of a user and a shopping establishment. The system includes a host computer which is coupled to a host modem and, optionally, to at least one wireless multi-access point. The portable terminal can be used in both the shopping establishment and the home of the user. It is configured to read bar codes associated with items related to shopping, and includes a memory, a bar code reader, a wireless transceiver, and a data interface. The data interface of the terminal communicates with a data interface of the shopping establishment kiosk cradle or directly with the shopping establishment's communications network.

Abstract: A system and method of securely allocating mobile devices is disclosed. A plurality of mobile devices are stored in an inoperative state under the control of a host computer. A user enters an identification code, which is received by the host computer, and the host computer selectively places a mobile device in an operative state based on the identification code. If the selected mobile device is not returned within a first predetermined interval, then the selected mobile device is placed back in the inoperative state. If the selected mobile device is not returned within a second predetermined interval, then all data within the selected mobile device's memory is purged. Additionally, the plurality of mobile devices can be stored in a secure area. Access to the secure area is granted based on the identification code.

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.

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.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for conducting an auction. The system may include a plurality of mobile devices and a server. Each mobile device may include a data reading arrangement (e.g., a barcode reader) for reading from products product identifier data and a data transmission arrangement (e.g., a modem or a wireless modem) for transmitting product selection data including product identifier data read from a product, customer identifier data corresponding to a customer controlling the mobile device and desired transaction data (e.g., a price). The server communicates with a product database where the server stores the product selection data. For each selected product, the server compares product selection data received from the customers to determine, based on information stored in the product database, whether the product selection data received from one or more customers meets predetermined sale criteria.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal shopping system for combined use in both the home of a user and a shopping establishment. The system includes a host computer which is coupled to a host modem and, optionally, to at least one wireless multi-access point. At least one shopping establishment kiosk cradle is employed to interface with a portable terminal which is also part of the system. The portable terminal can be used in both the shopping establishment and the home of the user. It is configured to read bar codes associated with items related to shopping, and includes a memory, a bar code reader, a wireless transceiver, and a data interface. The data interface of the terminal communicates with a data interface of the shopping establishment kiosk cradle. A home cradle for the portable terminal is also provided and is adapted to remain in the home of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal shopping system for combined use in both the home of a user and a shopping establishment. The system includes a host computer which is coupled to a host modem and, optionally, to at least one wireless multi-access point. At least one shopping establishment kiosk cradle is employed to interface with a portable terminal which is also part of the system. The portable terminal can be used in both the shopping establishment and the home of the user. It is configured to read bar codes associated with items related to shopping, and includes a memory, a bar code reader, a wireless transceiver, and a data interface. The data interface of the terminal communicates with a data interface of the shopping establishment kiosk cradle. A home cradle for the portable terminal is also provided and is adapted to remain in the home of the user.