Scheduling, tracking, and synchronization of events with personal portable computers using bar code data input
First Claim
1. A network based scheduling method, comprising:
- reading a bar code symbol representing a product item with a bar code reader having an internally stored user identification;
processing the data from the bar code symbol together with user options, and the user identification into a scheduling task and transmitting the information on the task from the reader over a wireless communication link connected to a network;
receiving the message at a registry node on a network;
processing the symbol product data, scheduling task and the user identification information at the registry node to determine the potential vendors of the product item; and
transmitting a message to the user over the wireless network at the scheduled time determined by the user with product information from potential vendors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A bar code reader initiated method in which a mobile computer with a bar code reader having an internally stored user identification, reads a bar code symbol, processes the data from the bar code symbol and the user identification into a message, and automatically transmits the message over a wireless communication link connected to a network according to a registry server where certain events or transactions can be scheduled and tracked. The message is received at a registry server, on the network, where the symbol data and the user identification information is processed and stored. When the user contacts the server at a later date, the mobile computer is updated or sychronized with the new data at the registry server based upon the processing that has occurred since the last association, including reminders concerning scheduled events.
27 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A network based scheduling method, comprising:
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reading a bar code symbol representing a product item with a bar code reader having an internally stored user identification;
processing the data from the bar code symbol together with user options, and the user identification into a scheduling task and transmitting the information on the task from the reader over a wireless communication link connected to a network;
receiving the message at a registry node on a network;
processing the symbol product data, scheduling task and the user identification information at the registry node to determine the potential vendors of the product item; and
transmitting a message to the user over the wireless network at the scheduled time determined by the user with product information from potential vendors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for using a portable digital assistant and a bar code reader to facilitate scheduling events, notification, or transactions between a buyer and at least one of a plurrality of sellers of a product or service, utilizing a computer netework comprising:
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reading a bar code symbol to input into a data base record in the portable digital assistant information with respect to a date, a product or service, and a recipient;
transmitting a registry request with the record over a computer network to a registry site on the network;
determining the potential suppliers on the network capable of providing the product or service identified in the record;
transmitting an inquiry over the network to the identified potential suppliers to determine the price and availability of the product or service;
receiving at the registry site responses to the inquiry from one or more potential suppliers; and
determining the current network location of the user and transmitting the responses at a predetermined schedule to the user. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification