Abstract: The present invention proposes to streamline the process by replacing most of the manual entry and mobile navigation through a mobile client application that will allow the user to [a] capture a barcode using a camera phone or any other camera-equipped communicating device such as a PDA with a camera attachment or a internet connected computer with a web-cam and [b] automatically send—or prepare the transmission of—the relevant information to the vendor directly or through the usage of a centralized platform.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for providing information associated with a barcode are provided. The methods including receiving barcode information and a user identifier from a mobile device; sending the barcode information to at least one content provider; receiving content information related to the barcode information from at least one of the at least one content provider; retrieving layout information from a database based on the user identifier; aggregating the received content information to form aggregated content information, wherein the layout of the aggregated content information is based on the retrieved layout information; and sending the aggregated content information to the mobile device. In some embodiments, methods for obtaining information associated with a barcode are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of systems capable of managing the interaction between vendors and end users. To use the system, a user first scans any common barcode using a mobile device. The barcode information along with a user identification number is then sent to a server. The server uses the user identification number to look up the user's preferred vendors and content providers. The manufacturer code from the barcode is also looked up in a vendor database. Once the preferences have been determined, this information is sent to each vendor and content provider which returns information, a list of options, and/or other content. This information is then aggregated into a WAP page by the server and transmitted to the mobile device. The user utilizes the mobile device to select a content provider or vendor.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes and other similar objects taken by the digital camera connected to or embedded in a mobile device. This filter works by converting the image into its equivalent gray scale. The algorithm then divides the image into sections and finds the pixels of minimum intensity in each section of the image. This minima is used to calculate cut-off values for thresholding. After thresholding, the image is reassembled from its divided sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of systems capable of managing the interaction between vendors and end users. To use the system, a user first scans any common barcode using a mobile device. The barcode information along with a user identification number is then sent to a server. The server uses the user identification number to look up the user's preferred vendors and content providers. The manufacturer code from the barcode is also looked up in a vendor database. Once the preferences have been determined, this information is sent to each vendor and content provider which returns information, a list of options, and/or other content. This information is then aggregated into a WAP page by the server and transmitted to the mobile device. The user utilizes the mobile device to select a content provider or vendor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a behavior monitoring system and method for tracking users' consumer behavior in real-time. Each participant of the system is equipped with a mobile device capable of decoding barcodes. Every time a participant makes a purchase, they scan the barcode located on the product and answer preliminary questions about the product. This information is then sent to a server via a wireless network and stored in a user database. The participant is then prompted with a series of more specific questions once the scanned barcode has been identified using a product database. The answers to the additional questions are also stored in the user database.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes and other similar objects taken by the digital camera connected to or embedded in a mobile device. This filter works by converting the image into its equivalent gray scale. The algorithm then divides the image into sections and finds the pixels of minimum intensity in each section of the image. This minima is used to calculate cut-off values for thresholding. After thresholding, the image is reassembled from its divided sections.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes from images acquired using a mobile device. Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device. After the barcode image has been acquired, the image is sent to a server via a wireless network which enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention enables the transfer of data from barcode scanners to computers for use with various software applications. An Active-X plug-in is downloaded to the user's computer the first time they access an application and need to use the scanner to upload information they have scanned using the barcode scanner. The Active-X plug-in aids the transfer and translation of data from the user's computer to the dedicated servers through the application. The Active-X plug-in is compiled code that resides on the user's machine making function calls to system files that interact with the barcode scanner by communicating with the machine's COM ports. Once the Active-X plug-in gathers the data from the scanner, the data can be used by the host application or posted to the Internet via XML.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for encoding and decoding combination barcodes which contain two or more items of data. Generally, the device encodes a combination barcode by assembling a string of codes associated with each item of data. A barcode is then created from the string of codes by feeding it into a barcode generator. Both one and two-dimensional barcode symbologies may be utilized to create the combination barcode. To decode a combination barcode, a user first scans and uploads the combination barcode to a computer application. The application then identifies the uploaded combination barcodes utilizing a metric and separates the combination barcodes into their constituent parts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for creating custom barcoded documents from preexisting lists. A user of the system first selects a list containing the desired products and item codes. Once the list has been selected, the user selects the desired format and layout of the catalog. A program located on the computer then generates the barcoded catalog utilizing the user's selected list and catalog format preferences. The document can then be saved to a file or printed out for ordering use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for managing client orders from multiple vendors utilizing barcode scanning technology. Client identification barcodes are utilized to identify each of the user's clients. To order products for a client, a user first scans the client identification barcode using a barcode scanner and then scans the barcodes of the desired products. This process can be repeated for multiple clients. A software program is then utilized to upload the barcode information, create shopping lists, and upload the information to different vendor websites for order completion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for placing orders utilizing barcode scanning technology. A user of the system utilizes a barcode scanner to scan the barcodes for all the objects the user wishes to order. The user then uploads this information to a computer. A software application located on the computer parses the information and assigns each scanned product to a vendor based upon the user's predetermined preferences. The application then launches a browser with a populated shopping cart at each vendor's e-commerce website. The user can then utilize the different e-commerce websites to complete the ordering transaction.