Interactive touch screen locator and guide

• US 20040104930A1
• Filed: 11/12/2003
• Published: 06/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Randy M. Stoler
• Original Assignee: Randy M. Stoler
• Inventors: Stoler, Randy M.
• Application Number:
  US10/712,556
• Publication Number:
  US 20040104930A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/738
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Abstract

An interactive system that allows a user to input a list of desired products and receive guidance regarding the location of the desired products within a store. In one embodiment, the system can provide the user with time or distance efficient navigation instructions and/or can provide the user with suggested and/or alternate products.

Claims

1. A location system comprising:

an input mechanism for receiving data;

a computer adapted to receive said data from said input mechanism;

a database containing location information for items within a store; and

an output device operatively associated with said computer processor adapted to provide a user with location information in response to said data.

2. The location system of claim 1 further comprising a system for determining an efficient routing path through said store.

3. The location system of claim 1 wherein said system device is capable of providing a user with information related to charge card application material.

4. The location system of claim 3 wherein said system is capable of collecting user information related to a charge card application.

5. The location system of claim 1 wherein said system can provide a user with at least one of electronic coupons and printed coupons.

6. The location system of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises an event ticketing system.

7. The location system of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises a printer capable of generating a map of said store with indications of item locations.

8. The location system of claim 5 wherein said location information includes location information for items related to said coupons.

9. The location system of claim 1 wherein said database is located within the computer.

10. The location system of claim 9 wherein said database can be updated from an external source.

11. The location system of claim 1 wherein said database is located external to said computer.

12. A method for directing persons to items of interest within a store comprising the steps of:

receiving a list of items;

determining the location of said items within the store;

outputting location information for each item.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

presenting a user with items not included on said list.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said step of presenting includes the step of providing the user with at least one of electronic and tangible coupons.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

determining a distance efficient path through the store; and

presenting said distance efficient path.

16. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

presenting a user with information related to at least one of items contained on said list and items not contained on said list.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein said information is related to potential safety hazards.

18. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

presenting a user with information pertaining to products unrelated to items available within the store.

19. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

presenting a user with information pertaining to services.

20. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

presenting a user with information that the store deems appropriate.

21. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of:

receiving information from a remote source.