Electronic shopping system utilizing a program downloadable wireless videophone

Claim 2

A program downloadable wireless videophone comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory; and a digital camera in communication with the microprocessor, the digital camera being adapted to take pictures of visual images representing indicia of items to be purchased, the digital camera being further adapted to transmit visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the items to be purchased.

Claim 3

An electronic transaction system comprising: a server for storing a transaction program and for facilitating electronic transactions; at least one wireless videophone for communicating with the server, the wireless telephone(s) comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; and a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory; and a digital camera in communication with the microprocessor, the digital camera being adapted to take pictures of visual images representing indicia of items to be purchased, the digital camera being further adapted to transmit visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the items to be purchased.

Claim 4

An electronic transaction system comprising: a server for storing a transaction program and for facilitating electronic transactions; at least one wireless videophone for communicating with the server, the wireless telephone(s) comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; and a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory; and a digital camera in communication with the microprocessor, the digital camera being adapted to take pictures of visual images representing indicia of items to be purchased, the digital camera being further adapted to transmit visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the items to be purchased.

Claim 5

A program downloadable wireless videophone for facilitating performance of purchase transactions, the program downloadable wireless videophone comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded purchase transaction program; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the purchase transaction program from a server into the program memory; a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded purchase transaction program stored in the program memory; a digital camera in communication with the microprocessor for taking pictures of visual images representing indicia of products to be purchased and for transmitting visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the products to be purchased; and an IC card reader/writer in communication with the microprocessor for facilitating payment for products purchased.

Claim 6

A program downloadable wireless videophone for facilitating performance of purchase transactions, the program downloadable wireless videophone comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded purchase transaction program; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the purchase transaction program from a server into the program memory; a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded purchase transaction program stored in the program memory; a digital camera in communication with the microprocessor for taking pictures of visual images representing indicia of products to be purchased and for transmitting visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the products to be purchased; and an IC card reader/writer in communication with the microprocessor for facilitating payment for products purchased.

Claim 7

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 3 , wherein the purchase transaction program includes promotional messages specific to the particular seller.

Claim 8

An electronic shopping system for facilitating purchase transactions via a wireless videophone, the electronic shopping system comprising: a server for storing a purchase transaction program and for facilitating electronic purchase transactions; and at least one wireless videophone for communicating with the server, the wireless telephones comprising: an antenna for receiving a radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal comprising at least a purchase transaction program; a radio frequency receiver/amplifier coupled to receive the radio frequency signal from the antenna for amplifying the radio frequency signal; a demodulator coupled to receive the amplified radio frequency signal from the radio frequency receiver/amplifier for demodulating the amplified radio frequency signal; a channel decoder coupled to receive a demodulated signal from the demodulator for separating non-speech and non-video digital data from the demodulated signal, the non-speech and non-video digital data comprising the purchase transaction program; a program memory coupled to receive the purchase transaction program from the channel decoder for storing the purchase transaction program; a program loader for downloading a purchase transaction program from the server into the program memory; and a digital camera for taking pictures of visual images representing indicia of items to be purchased and for transmitting visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the items to be purchased.

Claim 9

An electronic shopping system for facilitating purchase transactions via a wireless videophone, the electronic shopping system comprising: a server for storing a purchase transaction program and for facilitating electronic purchase transactions; and at least one wireless videophone for communicating with the server, the wireless telephones comprising: an antenna for receiving a radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal comprising at least a purchase transaction program; a radio frequency receiver/amplifier coupled to receive the radio frequency signal from the antenna for amplifying the radio frequency signal; a demodulator coupled to receive the amplified radio frequency signal from the radio frequency receiver/amplifier for demodulating the amplified radio frequency signal; a channel decoder coupled to receive a demodulated signal from the demodulator for separating non-speech and non-video digital data from the demodulated signal, the non-speech and non-video digital data comprising the purchase transaction program; a program memory coupled to receive the purchase transaction program from the channel decoder for storing the purchase transaction program; a program loader for downloading a purchase transaction program from the server into the program memory; and a digital camera for taking pictures of visual images representing indicia of items to be purchased and for transmitting visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the items to be purchased.

Claim 10

The electronic shopping system according to claim 5 , wherein the server is disposed proximate a store with which purchase transactions are performed.

Claim 11

The electronic shopping system according to claim 5 , wherein the server is disposed at a location which is remote from the store with which purchase transactions are performed.

Claim 12

The electronic shopping system according to claim 5 , further comprising an extension PBX in communication with the server for facilitating wireless communication between the server and the wireless videophone(s).

Claim 13

The electronic shopping system according to claim 5 , wherein the program loader comprises a firmware memory.

Claim 14

The electronic shopping system according to claim 5 , wherein the program loader comprises a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions which are executed to effect storage in the program memory of the purchase transaction program received by the wireless videophone.

Claim 15

The electronic shopping system according to claim 10 , wherein the wireless videophone further comprises a microprocessor in communication with the program loader and the program memory for executing the instructions stored within the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the purchase transaction program stored within the program memory.

Claim 16

The electronic shopping system according to claim 5 , the wireless videophone further including pattern recognition software, the pattern recognition software recognizing the item indicia and translating the item indicia into a corresponding desired product identification.

Claim 17

The electronic shopping system according to claim 12 , wherein the item indicia is a bar code, the pattern recognition software translating the bar code data into a numerical product identification.

Claim 18

The electronic shopping system according to claim 12 , wherein the item indicia is a product specific pattern shape, the pattern recognition software translating the pattern shape data into a numerical product identification.

Claim 19

The electronic shopping system according to claim 5 , the server configured to host a pattern recognition software program receiving the visual image data associated with the item indicia, the pattern recognition software program further recognizing the item indicia and translating the item indicia into a corresponding desired product identification.

Claim 20

The electronic shopping system according to claim 15 , wherein the item indicia is a bar code, the pattern recognition program translating the bar code data into a numerical product identification.

Claim 21

The electronic shopping system according to claim 5 , wherein the purchase transaction program includes promotional messages specific to the particular seller.

Claim 22

A program downloadable wireless videophone for bidirectional communication with an electronic shopping system server, comprising: a housing; a digital camera, disposed on a front end of the housing; a display screen disposed on the surface of the housing; bidirectional electronic communication circuitry, disposed within the housing, the circuitry including; an antenna; transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals between the server and the videophone; a demodulator coupled to demodulate radio frequency signals received from the server; a channel decoder coupled to receive a demodulated signal from the demodulator, the channel decoder separating the received signal into voice, video and data portions; program loader circuitry configured to download executable program instructions from the server, the executable program instructions comprising a data portion of the received signal; and a program memory coupled to the program loader circuitry, the program memory storing the downloaded executable instructions; and a microprocessor for executing the downloaded instructions for using the digital camera to take pictures of visual images representing indicia of items to be purchased and for transmitting visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the items to be purchased.

Claim 23

A program downloadable wireless videophone for bidirectional communication with an electronic shopping system server, comprising: a housing; a digital camera, disposed on a front end of the housing; a display screen disposed on the surface of the housing; bidirectional electronic communication circuitry, disposed within the housing, the circuitry including; an antenna; transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals between the server and the videophone; a demodulator coupled to demodulate radio frequency signals received from the server; a channel decoder coupled to receive a demodulated signal from the demodulator, the channel decoder separating the received signal into voice, video and data portions; program loader circuitry configured to download executable program instructions from the server, the executable program instructions comprising a data portion of the received signal; and a program memory coupled to the program loader circuitry, the program memory storing the downloaded executable instructions; and a microprocessor for executing the downloaded instructions for using the digital camera to take pictures of visual images representing indicia of items to be purchased and for transmitting visual image data associated with the acquired visual images to the server for indicating the items to be purchased.

Claim 24

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 18 , wherein the digital camera is rotatable.

Claim 25

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 18 , wherein the executable instructions comprise a purchase transaction program.

Claim 26

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 20 , wherein the program loader circuitry includes a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions which are executed by the microprocessor to effect a download of the purchase transaction program and storage of the program within the program memory.

Claim 27

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 21 , wherein the acquired visual image is an item specific pattern image representing a desired item for processing by a pattern recognition software, the pattern recognition software recognizing said pattern and translating said pattern into an alpha-numeric character string corresponding to the item.

Claim 28

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 22 , wherein the item specific pattern image pattern is a bar code.

Claim 29

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 23 , wherein a bar code identifies particular ones of a plurality of items, the items defining an application selected from the group consisting of an electronic shopping system merchandise ordering display, a bar code telephone directory, a printed bar code identified merchandise catalog, and a product affixed identification label.

Claim 30

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 18 , wherein the item indicia corresponds to an item weight, the item weight being displayed on the display screen of an electronic scale.

Claim 31

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 25 , wherein the item indicia further includes a product identification in combination with an item weight.

Claim 32

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 26 , wherein the item indicia is a bar code.

Claim 33

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 26 , wherein the item indicia gives an alpha-numeric product identification.

Claim 34

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 18 , the server configured to host recognition software receiving the visual image data associated with the item indicia, the recognition software further recognizing the item indicia and translating the item indicia into a corresponding desired product identification.

Claim 37

The method according to claim 30 , wherein the step of storing the purchase transaction program comprises using a program loader to store the purchase transaction program.

Claim 38

The method according to claim 30 , wherein the step of calling a server comprises calling a server disposed proximate a store where items are to be purchased.

Claim 39

The method according to claim 30 , wherein the step of calling a server comprises calling a server disposed at a location remote from the store where items are to be purchased.

Claim 40

The method according to claim 30 , wherein the step of calling a server comprises calling a server via an extension PBX.

Claim 41

The method according to claim 30 , wherein the step of using the program to perform a purchase transaction comprises using an IC card reader/writer in communication with the wireless videophone to effect payment for a purchased item.

Claim 42

The method as recited in claim 30 , further comprising the step of communicating by video via the wireless videophone to make an inquiry about a product while the purchase transaction program is being executed.

Claim 43

The method as recited in claim 30 , further comprising the step of transmitting a video communication from the server to the wireless videophone while the purchase transaction program is being executed.

Claim 44

The method according to claim 30 , wherein the visual indicia corresponding to an item to be purchased is an item weight.

Claim 45

The method according to claim 38 , wherein the digital camera scans the item weight indicia from the display screen of an electronic scale.

Claim 46

The method according to claim 39 , wherein the visual indicia further includes item identification information in combination with said item weight.

Claim 47

The method according to claim 40 , wherein the visual indicia is presented in bar code form.

Claim 48

The method according to claim 40 , wherein the visual indicia is presented in alpha-numeric form.

Claim 49

The method according to claim 30 , wherein the visual indicia corresponding to an item to be purchased is a videographic image of said item.

Claim 50

The method according to claim 43 , wherein the videographic image of an item to be purchased is recognized by pattern recognition software downloaded to the wireless videophone.

Claim 51

The method according to claim 43 , wherein the videographic image of the item to be purchased is transmitted to the server, the videographic image of the item to be purchased being identified by pattern recognition software resident on said server.

Claim 52

The method according to claim 43 , wherein the videographic image of the item to be purchased is transmitted to the server, the videographic image being manually identified by a store clerk.

Claim 53

A program downloadable wireless videophone comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program from a particular seller, the transaction program allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller, the format being customized based on a purchaser's profile information; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; and a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory.

Claim 54

A program downloadable wireless videophone comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program from a particular seller, the transaction program allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller, the format being customized based on a purchaser's profile information; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; and a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory.

Claim 55

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 47 , wherein the transaction program includes promotional messages specific to the particular seller.

Claim 56

The electronic transaction system according to claim 48 , wherein the transaction program includes promotional messages specific to the particular seller.

Claim 57

An electronic transaction system comprising: a server for storing a transaction program and for facilitating electronic transactions; at least one wireless videophone for communicating with the server, the wireless telephone(s) comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program from a particular seller, the transaction program allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller, the format being customized based on a purchaser's profile information; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; and a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory.

Claim 58

An electronic transaction system comprising: a server for storing a transaction program and for facilitating electronic transactions; at least one wireless videophone for communicating with the server, the wireless telephone(s) comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program from a particular seller, the transaction program allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller, the format being customized based on a purchaser's profile information; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; and a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory.

Claim 59

A program downloadable wireless videophone for facilitating performance of purchase transactions, the program downloadable wireless videophone comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program from a particular seller, the transaction program allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; and a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory; a digital camera in communication with the microprocessor for acquiring visual indicia indicating products to be purchased; and an IC card reader/write in communication with the microprocessor for facilitating payment for product purchased.

Claim 60

A program downloadable wireless videophone for facilitating performance of purchase transactions, the program downloadable wireless videophone comprising: a program memory for storing a downloaded transaction program from a particular seller, the transaction program allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller; a program loader comprising a firmware memory, the firmware memory containing instructions for downloading the transaction program from a server into the program memory; and a microprocessor for executing the instructions contained in the firmware memory of the program loader and for executing the downloaded transaction program stored in the program memory; a digital camera in communication with the microprocessor for acquiring visual indicia indicating products to be purchased; and an IC card reader/write in communication with the microprocessor for facilitating payment for product purchased.

Claim 61

The program downloadable wireless videophone of claim 51 , wherein the format specified by the particular seller is customized based on a purchaser's profile information.

Claim 62

An electronic shopping system for facilitating purchase transactions via a wireless videophone, the electronic shopping system comprising: a server for storing a purchase transaction program and for facilitating electronic purchase transactions from a particular seller, the transaction program allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller, the format being customized based on a purchaser's profile information; at least one wireless videophone for communicating with the server, the wireless telephone(s) comprising: an antenna for receiving a radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal comprising at least a purchase transaction program; a receiver comprising: a radio frequency receiver/amplifier coupled to receive the radio frequency signal from the antenna for amplifying the radio frequency signal; a demodulator coupled to receive the amplified radio frequency signal from the radio frequency receiver/amplifier for demodulating the amplified radio frequency signal; a channel decoder coupled to received a demodulated signal from the demodulator for separating non-speech and non-video digital data from the demodulated signal, the non-speech and non-video digital data comprising the purchase transaction program; a program memory coupled to receive the purchase transaction program from the channel decoder for storing the purchase transaction program; and a program loader for downloading a purchase transaction program from the server into the program memory.

Claim 63

An electronic shopping system for facilitating purchase transactions via a wireless videophone, the electronic shopping system comprising: a server for storing a purchase transaction program and for facilitating electronic purchase transactions from a particular seller, the transaction program allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller, the format being customized based on a purchaser's profile information; at least one wireless videophone for communicating with the server, the wireless telephone(s) comprising: an antenna for receiving a radio frequency signal, the radio frequency signal comprising at least a purchase transaction program; a receiver comprising: a radio frequency receiver/amplifier coupled to receive the radio frequency signal from the antenna for amplifying the radio frequency signal; a demodulator coupled to receive the amplified radio frequency signal from the radio frequency receiver/amplifier for demodulating the amplified radio frequency signal; a channel decoder coupled to received a demodulated signal from the demodulator for separating non-speech and non-video digital data from the demodulated signal, the non-speech and non-video digital data comprising the purchase transaction program; a program memory coupled to receive the purchase transaction program from the channel decoder for storing the purchase transaction program; and a program loader for downloading a purchase transaction program from the server into the program memory.

Claim 64

A program downloadable wireless videophone for bi-directional communication with an electronic shopping system server associated with a particular seller, comprising: a housing; a digital camera, disposed on a front end of the housing; a display screen disposed on the surface of the housing; bidirectional electronic communication circuitry, disposed within the housing, the circuitry including; an antenna; transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals between the server and the videophone; a demodulator coupled to demodulate radio frequency signals received from the server; a channel decoder coupled to receive a demodulated signal from the demodulator, the channel decoder separating the received signal into voice, video and data portions; a program loader circuitry configured to download executable program instructions from the server, the executable program instructions comprising a data portion of the received signal, the executable program instructions allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller; and a program memory coupled to the program loader circuitry, the program memory storing the downloaded executable instructions; and a microprocessor for executing the downloaded instructions.

Claim 65

A program downloadable wireless videophone for bi-directional communication with an electronic shopping system server associated with a particular seller, comprising: a housing; a digital camera, disposed on a front end of the housing; a display screen disposed on the surface of the housing; bidirectional electronic communication circuitry, disposed within the housing, the circuitry including; an antenna; transceiver circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals between the server and the videophone; a demodulator coupled to demodulate radio frequency signals received from the server; a channel decoder coupled to receive a demodulated signal from the demodulator, the channel decoder separating the received signal into voice, video and data portions; a program loader circuitry configured to download executable program instructions from the server, the executable program instructions comprising a data portion of the received signal, the executable program instructions allowing display of information in a format specified by the particular seller; and a program memory coupled to the program loader circuitry, the program memory storing the downloaded executable instructions; and a microprocessor for executing the downloaded instructions.

Claim 66

The program downloadable wireless videophone according to claim 54 , wherein the executable program instructions include promotional messages specific to the particular seller.

Claim 67

The program downloadable wireless videophone of claim 54 , wherein the format specified by the particular seller is customized based on a purchaser's profile information.

Claim 70

The method according to claim 57 , wherein the purchase transaction program includes promotional messages specific to a particular seller.