Real-time bargain hunting
First Claim
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1. A method of acquiring consumer product information with a handheld electronic device, comprising:
- acquiring a product identifier from a product located near the handheld electronic device;
transmitting the product identifier from the handheld electronic device to a data manager via a wireless network, the data manager communicatively coupled to a database of product information;
receiving product information associated with the product identifier from the data manager via the wireless network; and
displaying the product information on the hand-held electronic device.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for providing shopping-related information to a consumer are provided. Embodiments of the system provide a consumer with shopping-related information, such as pricing information, product quality, consumer ratings, and other information that may help a consumer make an informed purchasing decision. Other embodiments allow a consumer to obtain and compare retail prices offered by several retailers for a specified product. Still other embodiments allow a seller to send targeted product information to a consumer who has indicated an interest in purchasing a specific product.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of acquiring consumer product information with a handheld electronic device, comprising:
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acquiring a product identifier from a product located near the handheld electronic device; transmitting the product identifier from the handheld electronic device to a data manager via a wireless network, the data manager communicatively coupled to a database of product information; receiving product information associated with the product identifier from the data manager via the wireless network; and displaying the product information on the hand-held electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A handheld electronic device, comprising:
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an input device configured to receive a product identifier associated with a product; a wireless networking interface configured to transmit a request for product information associated with the product to a data manager via a network and receive product information associated with the product from the data manager via the network; a processing device configured acquire the product identifier from the input device, send the request to the wireless networking interface for transmission to the data manager, and display the product information received from the data manager. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A system for providing targeted advertising to an electronic device, comprising:
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a data manager configured to receive an information request from a handheld electronic device via a wireless network, the information request regarding a product identified by the handheld electronic device; and one or more databases communicatively coupled to the data manager, the one or more databases comprising information related to the product and advertisements related to the product; wherein the data manager is configured to transmit the advertisement to the electronic device via the wireless network in response to the information request; and wherein an operator of the data manager and the one or more databases populates the one or more databases with information and advertisements provided by one or more retailers and/or one or more manufacturers in exchange for a fee paid by the one or more retailers and/or one or more manufacturers. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification