Compact bar code scanner
First Claim
Patent Images
1. 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:
- inputting into the bar code reader a product or service identification derived from scanning a bar code symbol;
providing a customer identifier in the bar code reader;
manually associating the bar code reader with a transaction terminal linked to a computer network;
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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Accused Products
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.
148 Citations
12 Claims
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1. 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;
providing a customer identifier in the bar code reader;
manually associating the bar code reader with a transaction terminal linked to a computer network;
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. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7)
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2. A method for using a bar code reader to facilitate a transaction between a buyer and a supplier or distributor 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;
providing a customer identifier, a payment identifier and a supplier identifier in the bar code reader;
transmitting an inquiry over the network to the supplier to determine the current price and availability of the product or service;
receiving in a response from the supplier over the network including the current price; and
transmitting an acceptance identifier to the supplier over the network. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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3. A method for using an integrated bar code reader and wireless communications transceiver unit to facilitate a transaction between a buyer and a seller of a product or service in a computer network comprising:
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inputting into the unit a product or service identification derived from scanning a bar code symbol;
providing a customer identifier in the unit;
accessing the network by wireless communication to determine if a seller is capable of providing the product or service;
transmitting an inquiry over the network to determine the current price of the product or service;
receiving in the unit responses from one or more sellers including a sales offer; and
transmitting an acceptance responsive to one of said sales offers. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification