Customer information terminal system with a docking member for a data collection device
First Claim
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.
13 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
48 Claims
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1. A customer information terminal system comprising:
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(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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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10. A customer information terminal system comprising:
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(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. - View Dependent Claims (11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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39. A customer information terminal system, comprising:
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(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.
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40. A customer information terminal system comprising:
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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.
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41. A customer information terminal system comprising:
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(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. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43)
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44. A customer information terminal system comprising:
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(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. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48)
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.
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46. A customer information terminal system according to claim 45, wherein said bias means biases said second gripping means toward said first gripping means.
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47. A customer information terminal system according to claim 44, wherein said support means includes a cradle for receiving said customer information terminal.
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48. A customer information terminal system according to claim 44, wherein said support means is integral with said customer information terminal.
Specification