Abstract: A data reader system comprising an optical reader for reading symbol indicia and producing a symbol signal representative of the symbol indicia; a memory device for storing parameter data specific to the optical reader; and a processor for controlling: the optical reader; receiving the symbol signal and interpreting the symbol signal; the processor having memory for storing parameter data specific to the optical reader, wherein the processor is located remotely from the optical reader and memory device.

Abstract: A method of biometrically identifying a customer of a retail or non-retail establishment to facilitate or enhance the customer's shopping experience. The method includes obtaining a biometric profile representative of a biometric characteristic of a customer using a biometric sensing device; retrieving shopping history related information for the customer based on the biometric profile; and providing the customer with one or more items that facilitate or enhance the customer's shopping experience such as coupons, a shopping list, and/or a map showing the physical location of shopping list items in the retail establishment, the one or items based on the shopping history related information.

Abstract: A system and method of verifying an identification of a customer using a self-checkout system of a retail establishment, the method including capturing an image of a customer's identification at the self-checkout system and displaying the customer's identification at a location remote from the self-checkout system to verify the identification of the customer. Capturing an image of a customer's identification may include, for example, obtaining an image of a customer's drivers license, retrieving stored information that would normally be found on a customer's drivers license such as a picture of the customer and personal information on the customer, and/or obtaining an image of the customer. This information may be displayed at an attendant station of the retail establishment so that an attendant can verify the customer's identity for purchasing age-restricted items such as tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or certain solvents, or for other purposes.