Abstract: To be used with a purchase monitoring device which is utilized to scan a bar code of an item to be purchased and obtain store and purchase information relative to the item to be purchased, a purchase checkout station which has a monitor cradle to receive the purchase monitoring device in data transmitting communication with a data transmission connector within the monitor cradle such that the purchase and pricing information regarding the items to be purchased can be transmitted to the purchase checkout station for totalling and storage.

Abstract: A purchase monitoring device, to be used by a shopper in a self-service store having items with bar codes which identify the item and its price, the device including primarily a portable handset having a bar code scanner which enables pricing and identification data of a selected item to be displayed on an LED display of the handset. Through selective use of a price check button, a purchase button, and a return button, the price of the item may be checked, added to a running total of purchase items, or removed from a running total of purchased items. During scanning of an item, a three headed roller selectively designates the item as a purchase item or as a non-purchase item by marking the bar code with either a red or a green line, so the purchase items can be quickly verified. Alternatively, the roller may change the state of a polarized metallic strip included with the bar code.