초록 ▼

A system and method for influencing and potentially altering a consumer's purchase decisions at the point-of-purchase in a retail store using a portable bar code scanner that is in constant wireless communication with the store and a retailer/manufacturer's computer/controller. The consumer uses the

A system and method for influencing and potentially altering a consumer's purchase decisions at the point-of-purchase in a retail store using a portable bar code scanner that is in constant wireless communication with the store and a retailer/manufacturer's computer/controller. The consumer uses the portable bar code scanner to scan products in the store, and if a scanned product is currently under a promotion, the controller alerts the consumer's portable bar code scanner as to the promotion, so that the consumer can to take advantage of the promotion. In another embodiment, the consumer will be identified before beginning shopping by their frequent shopper card, so that the computer/controller, in communication with the portable bar code scanner, can utilize the consumer's past purchase history and offer the consumer promotional product discounts. A video surveillance camera within the portable bar code scanner also allows the retailer to monitor each portable bar code scanner's use throughout the retail establishment for security purposes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for promoting consumer products having UPC bar codes at the point-of-purchase within a retail establishment, comprising:processing means including data receiving means for receiving consumer product and promotional information, data storage means for storing

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for promoting consumer products having UPC bar codes at the point-of-purchase within a retail establishment, comprising:processing means including data receiving means for receiving consumer product and promotional information, data storage means for storing the received consumer, product and promotional information, and data transmission means for transmitting the stored consumer product and promotional information within the retail establishment;at least one portable bar code scanner for use by a consumer during shopping, and having scanning means for scanning the UPC bar code, a transmitter for transmitting the scanned UPC bar code information to said processing means, a receiver for receiving consumer product and promotional information transmitted from said data transmission means, and user controls for allowing the consumer to control the portable bar code scanner functions;security means incorporated into said portable bar code scanner; and,said processing means selectively transmitting consumer product and promotional information to said portable bar code scanner based upon the consumer scanned UPC bar code. receiver and the retailer/manufacturer's computer via a local area network.