Customer information terminal system with a docking member for a data collection device

• US 6,168,079 B1
• Filed: 06/06/1997
• Issued: 01/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Telxon Corporation (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Inventors: Ramsey, Roger H., Becker, Robert J, Vanhorn, David B., Canda, Gregory R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Thien Minh
• Application Number:
  US08/870,248
• Time in Patent Office: 1,306 Days
• Field of Search: 235/432, 235/380, 235/382, 235/383, 235/382.5, 235/375, 235/379, 235/462.01, 235/472.01
• US Class Current: 235/383
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 3/1408 Display devices mounted on it, e.g. advertisement displays
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 3/1416 mounted on the handle
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 3/1424 Electronic display devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0004 Hybrid readers
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/084 sensing magnetic material by relative movement detecting flux changes without altering its magnetised state
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0045 with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0081 the reader being a portable scanner or data reader G07G1/009 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/44 Methods for charging or discharging circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A customer information terminal system having a docking member for supporting a data collection device on a shopping cart, wall or the like. The docking member is dimensioned to receive the data collection device and allow for convenient storage thereof during and after use. The data collection device may take any number of forms, including a consumer assistant data terminal, a pen based data terminal, a scanning gun terminal or the like, and may communicate with a host computer system storing customer shopping data. The docking member may provide one or more degrees of movement, so that the data collection device may be situated in a convenient position. An interlock switch may also be provided to allow for the alternative selection of power sources. When the data collection device is located remote from the docking member, the interlock switch causes the device to be powered by an internal power source. When the data collection device is situated in the docking member the interlock switch causes the device to be powered by an external power source. In addition, the external power source can be used to charge the internal power source.

Claims

1. A customer information terminal system comprising:

(a) a host computer system having memory means for storing customer shopping data for a plurality of customers;

(b) a customer information terminal including;

dataform reader means adapted for reading and decoding a dataform,

input means adapted for inputting data to the customer information terminal,

terminal communication means adapted for communicating data between the customer information terminal and the host computer system,

display means adapted for displaying data,

rechargeable power supply means adapted for supplying power to the customer information terminal, and

coupling means adapted for coupling the customer information terminal to a docking means;

(c) at least one docking means adapted for supporting a customer information terminal, the at least one docking means located in a central docking area and including an electrical interface means for coupling said customer information terminal to a first external power source for at least one of operating said customer information terminal and charging the rechargeable power supply means; and

(d) at least one cart means, wherein each said cart means includes a support means for supporting a customer information terminal,

wherein said system further comprises in the central docking area;

identification means for identifying a customer;

association means for associating a particular customer information terminal with a particular customer; and

release means, responsive to said association means, for releasing a customer information terminal from said docking means.

2. A customer information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said customer information terminal includes gripping means for gripping a support structure of said cart means, said support structure including a wall portion of said cart means.

3. A customer information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said cart means supports a second external power source, and said support means includes electrical interfacing means for coupling said customer information terminal to the second external power source for at least one of operating said customer information terminal and charging the rechargeable power supply means.

4. A customer information terminal system according to claim 2, wherein said customer information terminal includes mode changing means for operating said dataform reader means in a presentation mode when said customer information terminal is coupled with said support means, and for operating said dataform reader means in a power saving mode when said customer information terminal is not coupled with said support means.

5. A customer information terminal system according to claim 3, wherein said customer information terminal includes mode changing means for operating said dataform reader means in a presentation mode when said customer information terminal is coupled with said support means, and for operating said dataform reader means in a power saving mode when said customer information terminal is not coupled with said support means.

6. A customer information terminal means according to claim 4, wherein said presentation mode includes an autosense operation wherein the dataform reader means is periodically activated to detect the presence of a dataform, and upon detection, activated to read and decode the dataform.

7. A customer information terminal means according to claim 5, wherein said presentation mode includes an autosense operation wherein the dataform reader means is periodically activated to detect the presence of a dataform, and upon detection, activated to read and decode the dataform.

8. A customer information terminal system according to claim 6, wherein customer information terminal includes a trigger means for activating said dataform reader means, and said power saving mode includes a trigger button operation, said dataform reader means activated to read and decode a dataform upon manual activation of said trigger means.

9. A customer information terminal system according to claim 7, wherein customer information terminal includes a trigger means for activating said dataform reader means, and said power saving mode includes a trigger button operation, said dataform reader means activated to read and decode a dataform upon manual activation of said trigger means.

12. A customer information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said identification means includes a magnetic strip reader system for reading and decoding identification data encoded on a magnetic strip of an ID card.

14. A customer information terminal system according to claim 12, wherein said system further comprises in the central docking area:

communication means for communicating identification data and terminal identification data to said host computer system, and means for receiving terminal release authorization from the host computer system.

16. A customer information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said identification means includes support means for supporting in front of the dataform reader means an ID card having a dataform, such that the dataform reader means can read and decode the dataform thereon.

18. A customer information terminal system according to claim 16, wherein said terminal communication means operates to communicate ID data and terminal data to said host computer system and receive terminal release authorization from said host computer system.

20. A customer information terminal system according to claim 18, wherein said system further comprises in the central docking area:

means for receiving a release signal from said customer information terminal and releasing said customer information terminal in response thereto.

22. A customer information terminal system according to claim 14, wherein said customer shopping data includes data files having data indicating at least one of items selected for purchase by a customer and data indicating items desired to be purchased by the customer.

24. A customer information terminal system according to claim 18, wherein said customer shopping data includes data files having data indicating at least one of items selected for purchase by a customer and data indicating items desired to be purchased by the customer.

26. A customer information terminal system according to claim 22, wherein said dataform data communicated to said host computer system by the customer information terminal associated with a customer is used to modify said customer shopping data associated with the customer.

28. A customer information terminal system according to claim 24, wherein said dataform data communicated to said host computer system by the customer information terminal associated with a customer is used to modify said customer shopping data associated with the customer.

30. A customer information terminal system according to claim 26, wherein said host computer system communicates advertising data to said customer information terminal for a customer viewing said respective display means, the advertising data being communicated in response to a dataform being communicated to said host computer system by said customer information terminal.

32. A customer information terminal system according to claim 28, wherein said host computer system communicates advertising data to said customer information terminal for a customer viewing said respective display means, the advertising data being communicated in response to a dataform being communicated to said host computer system by said customer information terminal.

34. A customer information terminal system according to claim 22, wherein said host computer system includes TCP/IP communications means for communicating data with a customer information terminal in a customer'"'"'s home, the data being used to modify said customer shopping data.

36. A customer information terminal system according to claim 24, wherein said host computer system includes TCP/IP communications means for communicating data with a customer information terminal in a customer'"'"'s home, the data being used to modify said customer shopping data.

38. A customer information terminal system according to claim 1, wherein said host computer system includes a customer preference file having data used to set operating parameters of a respective customer information terminal.

10. A customer information terminal system comprising:

(a) a host computer system having memory means for storing customer shopping data for a plurality of customers;

(b) a customer information terminal including;

dataform reader means adapted for reading and decoding a dataform,

input means adapted for inputting data to the customer information terminal,

terminal communication means adapted for communicating data between the customer information terminal and the host computer system,

display means adapted for displaying data,

power supply means adapted for supplying power to the customer information terminal, and

coupling means adapted for coupling the customer information terminal to a docking means;

(c) at least one docking means adapted for supporting a customer information terminal, the at least one docking means located in a central docking area; and

(d) at least one cart means, wherein each said cart means includes a support means for supporting a customer information terminal, wherein said system further comprises in the central docking area;

identification means for identifying a customer;

association means for associating a particular customer information terminal with a particular customer; and

release means, responsive to said association means, for releasing a customer information terminal from said docking means.

11. A customer information terminal system according to claim 10, wherein said identification means includes a magnetic strip reader system for reading and decoding identification data encoded on a magnetic strip of an ID card.

13. A customer information terminal system according to claim 11, wherein said system further comprises in the central docking area:

communication means for communicating identification data and terminal identification data to said host computer system, and means for receiving terminal release authorization from the host computer system.

15. A customer information terminal system according to claim 10, wherein said identification means includes support means for supporting in front of the dataform reader means an ID card having a dataform, such that the dataform reader means can read and decode the dataform thereon.

17. A customer information terminal system according to claim 15, wherein said terminal communication means operates to communicate ID data and terminal data to said host computer system and receive terminal release authorization from said host computer system.

19. A customer information terminal system according to claim 17, wherein said system further comprises in the central docking area:

means for receiving a release signal from said customer information terminal and releasing said customer information terminal in response thereto.

21. A customer information terminal system according to claim 13, wherein said customer shopping data includes data files having data indicating at least one of items selected for purchase by a customer and data indicating items desired to be purchased by the customer.

23. A customer information terminal system according to claim 17, wherein said customer shopping data includes data files having data indicating at least one of items selected for purchase by a customer and data indicating items desired to be purchased by the customer.

25. A customer information terminal system according to claim 21, wherein said dataform communicated to said host computer system by the customer information terminal associated with a customer is used to modify said customer shopping data associated with the customer.

27. A customer information terminal system according to claim 23, wherein said dataform data communicated to said host computer system by the customer information terminal associated with a customer is used to modify said customer shopping data associated with the customer.

29. A customer information terminal system according to claim 25, wherein said host computer system communicates advertising data to said customer information terminal for a customer viewing said respective display means, the advertising data being communicated in response to a dataform being communicated to said host computer system by said customer information terminal.

31. A customer information terminal system according to claim 27, wherein said host computer system communicates advertising data to said customer information terminal for a customer viewing said respective display means, the advertising data being communicated in response to a dataform being communicated to said host computer system by said customer information terminal.

33. A customer information terminal system according to claim 21, wherein said host computer system includes TCP/IP communications means for communicating data with a customer information terminal in a customer'"'"'s home, the data being used to modify said customer shopping data.

35. A customer information terminal system according to claim 23, wherein said host computer system includes TCP/IP communications means for communicating data with a customer information terminal in a customer'"'"'s home, the data being used to modify said customer shopping data.

37. A customer information terminal system according to claim 10, wherein said host computer system includes a customer preference file having data used to set operating parameters of a respective customer information terminal.

39. A customer information terminal system, comprising:

(a) a host computer system having memory means for storing customer shopping data for a plurality of customers;

(b) a customer information terminal including;

dataform reader means adapted for reading and decoding a dataform,

input means adapted for inputting data to the customer information terminal,

terminal communication means adapted for communicating data between the customer information terminal and the host computer system,

display means adapted for displaying data,

power supply means adapted for supplying power to the customer information terminal, and

coupling means adapted for coupling the customer information terminal to a docking means;

(c) at least one docking means adapted for supporting a customer information terminal, the at least one docking means located in a central docking area; and

(d) at least one cart means, wherein each said cart means includes a support means for supporting a customer information terminal, wherein said support means comprises;

docking means adapted for receiving a customer information terminal and having at least two degrees of movement; and

mounting means adapted for mounting the docking means to a docking structure, said mounting means having an adjustable length and including;

first and second rod means, wherein said first rod means is fixed to said docking structure, and said second rod means is movable relative to said first rod means to adjust the length of said mounting means, and

locking means for fixing the position of said second rod means relative to said first rod means.

40. A customer information terminal system comprising:

a dataform reader adapted for reading and decoding a dataform,

an input device adapted for inputting data to the customer information terminal,

a communication device adapted for communicating data between the customer information terminal and an associated host computer system,

a display adapted for displaying data,

a power supply adapted for supplying power to the customer information terminal, and

a coupling device adapted for coupling the customer information terminal to an associated docking station, wherein said associated docking station is adapted for supporting the customer information terminal, the at least one docking means located in a central docking area; and

at least one cart means, wherein each said cart means includes a support means for supporting a customer information terminal, wherein said support means comprises;

first means adapted for receiving a customer information terminal; and

mounting means adapted for mounting the first means to a support structure, said mounting means adapted to hang from the support structure, and including slot means for receiving a portion of the support structure, wherein said slot means includes;

first and second wall means for gripping said support structure, and

bias means for biasing the second wall means towards said first wall means.

41. A customer information terminal system comprising:

(a) a customer information terminal including;

a dataform reader adapted for reading and decoding a dataform,

an input device adapted for inputting data to the customer information terminal,

a transceiver system for communicating data between the customer information terminal and an associated host computer system, said host computer system including a storage device for storing customer shopping data for one or more customers,

a display unit adapted for displaying data, and

a power supply adapted for supplying power to the customer information terminal; and

(b) support means for supporting a customer information terminal on an associated cart having a support structure, said support means including docking means adapted for receiving the customer information terminal.

42. A customer information terminal system according to claim 41, wherein the height of said docking means is adjustable.

43. A customer information terminal system according to claim 42, wherein said support means is connected with telescoping rod means for adjusting the height of said docking means.

44. A customer information terminal system comprising:

(a) a customer information terminal including;

a dataform reader adapted for reading and decoding a dataform,

an input device adapted for inputting data to the customer information terminal,

a transceiver system for communicating data between the customer information terminal and an associated host computer system, said host computer system including a storage device for storing customer shopping data for one or more customers,

a display unit adapted for displaying data, and

a power supply adapted for supplying power to the customer information terminal; and

(b) support means for supporting a customer information terminal on an associated cart having a support structure.

45. A customer information terminal system according to claim 44, wherein said support means includes:

first and second gripping means for gripping said support structure, and

bias means for biasing at least one of said first and second gripping means.

46. A customer information terminal system according to claim 45, wherein said bias means biases said second gripping means toward said first gripping means.

47. A customer information terminal system according to claim 44, wherein said support means includes a cradle for receiving said customer information terminal.

48. A customer information terminal system according to claim 44, wherein said support means is integral with said customer information terminal.