초록 ▼

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 devi

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:] [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

[ Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:] [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, andcoupling 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; andrelease means, responsive to said association means, for releasing a customer information terminal from said docking means.