Methods for using a bar code reader for facilitating transactions and collecting a toll based on use
First Claim
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1. A method for determining charges for use of a system including optical code readers comprising:
- providing optical code readers having associated therewith at least one reader identifier;
using the optical code reader to read an optical code that contains an identifier of a supplier of information, products or services of interest;
establishing communication between the optical code reader and a terminal linked to the Internet;
accessing a web site of the supplier using the supplier identifier obtained from the optical code and associating a reader identifier with the access; and
imposing a charge on the supplier based on the access to the supplier'"'"'s web site that has been associated with the reader identifier.
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Abstract
A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data. The system includes user and supplier identifiers which are employed to facilitate sales transactions and allocate use-based tolls.
74 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for determining charges for use of a system including optical code readers comprising:
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providing optical code readers having associated therewith at least one reader identifier;
using the optical code reader to read an optical code that contains an identifier of a supplier of information, products or services of interest;
establishing communication between the optical code reader and a terminal linked to the Internet;
accessing a web site of the supplier using the supplier identifier obtained from the optical code and associating a reader identifier with the access; and
imposing a charge on the supplier based on the access to the supplier'"'"'s web site that has been associated with the reader identifier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for using a bar code reader to facilitate a transaction between a buyer and at least one of a plurality of sellers of a product or service utilizing a computer network comprising:
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inputting into the bar code reader a product or service identification derived from scanning a bar code symbol associated with a vendor of products or services;
providing a customer identifier in the bar code reader;
accessing a web site and registering the customer identifier at the web site;
establishing a transaction monitor and recording access to information by the customer at the web site; and
establishing a vendor account and performing a computational debit of the account whenever the transaction monitor indicates that a registered customer has accessed the vendor'"'"'s web site. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
manually associating the bar code reader with a transaction terminal linked to a computer network to register the customer identifier at the web site.
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18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
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determining the potential suppliers on the network capable of providing the product or service;
transmitting an inquiry over the network to the plurality of sellers to determine the price and availability of the product or service;
receiving in the terminal responses from one or more sellers including a sales offer;
transmitting an acceptance responsive to one of said sales offers; and
providing a payment to said one seller by using a payment identifier transmitted by the transaction terminal.
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Specification