SHOPPING USING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

• US 20090192892A1
• Filed: 11/16/2008
• Published: 07/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Cason, Stanley Philip
• Application Number:
  US12/271,914
• Publication Number:
  US 20090192892A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.23
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0222 During e-commerce, i.e. online transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0253 During e-commerce, i.e. online transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0633 Lists, e.g. purchase orders, compilation or processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces

Abstract

This is a system to assist shoppers through a handheld wireless communications device which is Bluetooth-enabled (as an example) (a registered trademark), connected to a barcode reader to scan Universal Product Code (UPC) barcodes on items in the store. The shopper is required to login to the store'"'"'s shopping system using this device once a personal account has created. While shopping, scan the items, view their prices and running total and finally complete the purchase. This system is also capable of (as an example) consolidating a personal shopping list created remotely through vendor'"'"'s web site or stored on the personal communication device and the shopping cart to help and enhance the shopping experience.

Claims

1. A system of shopping using wireless communication, used in a shopping center or mall, said system comprising:

a wireless device; and

a first shopping cart;

wherein a shopper uses said wireless device to communicate with a network;

said shopper logs in to a store shopping system, using a cellular or mobile phone;

said shopper scans a first bar code or universal symbol, printed on a first object, using said wireless device;

wherein said first bar code or universal symbol indicating price, tax, and information about said first object;

said shopper adds said first object to said first shopping cart;

said shopper removes a second object from said first shopping cart;

a total value of said first shopping cart is calculated;

said shopper remotely creates a first shopping list through a vendor'"'"'s web site as an alternative to said first shopping cart;

a total value of said first shopping list is calculated;

said first shopping cart and said first shopping list are stored on said wireless device and said cellular or mobile phone;

said shopper scans a second bar code or universal symbol printed on a piece of paper or substrate, using said wireless device, from a remote location with respect to the physical location of said shopping center or mall;

wherein said second bar code or universal symbol indicating price, tax, and information about a third object;

said shopper adds said third object to a virtual shopping cart;

said shopper removes a fourth object from said virtual shopping cart;

a total value of said virtual shopping cart is calculated;

a virtual shopping list is established as an alternative to said virtual shopping cart;

a total value of said virtual shopping list is calculated;

said virtual shopping cart and said virtual shopping list are stored on said wireless device and said cellular or mobile phone;

data from said virtual shopping cart and said virtual shopping list on said wireless device and said cellular or mobile phone are combined with data from said first shopping cart and said first shopping list on said wireless device and said cellular or mobile phone;

a consolidated list of items from said virtual shopping cart and said virtual shopping list is displayed to show missing items not in the shopping cart that must be shopped;

available inventory at said store shopping system is checked;

available sales and coupons at said store shopping system are checked;

all the objects selected by said shopper are displayed;

said all the objects selected by said shopper are compared with each other and with a database;

a discount based on a volume of purchase is received;

a contract between said store shopping system and said shopper is obtained;

a discount based on predetermined prices given in said contract between said store shopping system and said shopper is received;

wherein said contract further comprising a pre-approved list of items and pre-approved credit;

objects are checked out from said store shopping system;

a fifth object is returned to said store shopping system; and

a receipt from said store shopping system is received.