Abstract: A video game machine with a portable memory module is used by a customer to generate and store a shopping list and other types of shopping related information. A retailer periodically transmits to the customer a CD-ROM storing merchandise information, coupons, and the like. The CD-ROM is run using the video game machine to generate a shopping list. The shopping list is stored in the memory module and removed from the game machine for taking during a shopping excursion. During checkout, coupons stored in the memory module are applied to a current purchase, and an electronic receipt is written to the memory module. If the customer has met a particular purchase amount, a software key may also be written to the memory module. The software key is used to activate a software program also delivered with the CD-ROM.

Abstract: A self-scanning system including a mobile personal shopping terminal having enhanced features. A bar code scanner coupled to the terminal is disabled for a period of time after a scanning activity to prevent the inadvertent scanning of the same item two or multiple times. The time period varies based on the user's profile information. When a single item is nonetheless scanned two or more times, the terminal notifies the user of this fact. Usage of the terminal is also monitored to detect a user that has trouble finding an item within the retail facility. A store clerk may approach such a user and volunteer assistance. Furthermore, kiosk functions are incorporated into the terminal for providing the user information and business opportunities with the retail store. For example, the retail store may allow the user to purchase an audio piece that is being broadcast at the store using the terminal.

Abstract: A self-scanning system including a mobile personal shopping terminal having enhanced features. A bar code scanner coupled to the terminal is disabled for a period of time after a scanning activity to prevent the inadvertent scanning of the same item two or multiple times. The time period varies based on the user's profile information. When a single item is nonetheless scanned two or more times, the terminal notifies the user of this fact. Usage of the terminal is also monitored to detect a user that has trouble finding an item within the retail facility. A store clerk may approach such a user and volunteer assistance. Furthermore, kiosk functions are incorporated into the terminal for providing the user information and business opportunities with the retail store. For example, the retail store may allow the user to purchase an audio piece that is being broadcast at the store using the terminal.

Abstract: A video game machine with a portable memory module is used by a customer to generate and store a shopping list and other types of shopping related information. A retailer periodically transmits to the customer a CD-ROM storing merchandise information, coupons, and the like. The CD-ROM is run using the video game machine to generate a shopping list. The shopping list is stored in the memory module and removed from the game machine for taking during a shopping excursion. During checkout, coupons stored in the memory module are applied to a current purchase, and an electronic receipt is written to the memory module. If the customer has met a particular purchase amount, a software key may also be written to the memory module. The software key is used to activate a software program also delivered with the CD-ROM.

Abstract: A system and method that facilitates the recovery of bar code scanning errors due to irregularities in the bar code. When a bar code scanning error occurs, the system displays the erroneously scanned bar code indicating the characters that could not be resolved successfully. The store clerk or operator need only fill the missing digit to confirm the scanned item without manually entering the entire code. Alternatively, a search engine evaluates the portions of the bar code which have been successfully resolved and displays a text and/or graphics list of all products having the resolved portion of the bar code. The store clerk or operator then need only choose the correct item from the screen list to confirm the sale. A printer allows the completed bar code to be printed on a receipt paper. The user of the system may then use the printed bar code for items that continuously result in a bar code error. The system may further keep a list of erroneously scanned bar codes.

Abstract: A system for organizing and categorizing purchases made through an Internet based home shopping system is disclosed. Products offered for sale over the Internet are contained in a server's PLU table and are each associated with weights and measures metrics, environmental storage metrics and nutritional content indicia. As items are selected for purchase, and placed in a virtual shopping basket, a user may evaluate the contents of a virtual shopping basket in accordance with any of the physical property, environmental storage, or nutritional content indicia. Goods designated for either pickup or delivery are packaged in accordance with their size and weight criteria and are stored in an appropriate environmental storage facility in accordance with their environmental storage indicia.

Abstract: An electronic shopping system, communicating between a store computer and a customer assistance terminal, for providing item price information for general customers and effecting item transactions for customers carrying a valid customer identification indicia. The shopping assistance terminal operates as a price check terminal in a default mode and is adaptively reconfigurable to a transaction terminal mode upon receipt of a valid customer identification indicia. A Price Look Up table is maintained in the store data base and, as a product is scanned, the item's price is verified and displayed on an integral display screen. If the terminal is configured in the transaction terminal mode, the item data is further added to a transaction list maintained in a memory storage area of a customer ID card.

Abstract: The past purchase data of the customers stored in a point-of-sales data management system, i.e., stored in a POS system are read out, and are classified and totalized depending upon designated periods or designated articles, and the classified and totalized data are output to terminal equipment of the POS system.