US6587835B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shopping assistance with handheld computing device
Assignee: F Poszat HU LLC
•
Filing: 2000-02-09
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Granted: 2003-07-01
•
Expires: 2020-02-09
Abstract
Abstract A system is provided in which a handheld computing device may be used to provide a user with shopping assistance services. A shopping assistance service may allow a user to obtain directory information for a shopping mall. A user may use the handheld computing device to handle shopping lists. The handheld computing device may display promotional material based on the shopping lists. The handheld computing device may be used to obtain information on products being sold in a store. Products may be purchased using wireless financial transactions. Reminders and other messages may be sent to the handheld computing device. The location of the handheld computing device may be monitored. Services may be provided to the user based on the location of the handheld computing device. The handheld computing device may communicate with communications equipment in retail establishments using a local wireless link.
Inventors
- 👤 G. Victor Treyz
- 👤 Susan M. Treyz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 00:22
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/02; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/12; G06Q20/30; G06Q20/32; G06Q20/322; G06Q20/3224; G06Q20/327; G06Q20/3278; G06Q20/34; G06Q20/343; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/0241; G06Q30/0251; G06Q30/0267; G06Q30/0277; G06Q30/06; G06Q30/0601; G06Q30/0613; G06Q30/0617; G06Q30/0633; G06Q30/0641; G07G; G07G1/00; G07G1/12; G07G1/14; H; H04; H04M; H04M15/00; H04M15/80; H04M15/8033; H04M15/8083; H04W; H04W4/00; H04W4/24; H04M2215/00; H04M2215/01; H04M2215/0184; H04M2215/20; H04M2215/2026; H04M2215/32; H04M2215/74; H04M2215/7435
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for providing a user at a handheld computing device with a shopping assistance service for an establishment having a plurality of stores, comprising: allowing the handheld computing device to be used to establish a local wireless link with wireless communications equipment associated with the establishment; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that allows the user to use the handheld computing device to obtain directory information identifying each of the plurality of stores over the local wireless link; monitoring the user's location within the establishment; and displaying promotional material on the handheld computing device based on the user's location.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for providing a user at a handheld computing device with a shopping assistance service for an establishment having a plurality of stores, comprising: allowing the handheld computing device to be used to establish a local wireless link with wireless communications equipment associated with the establishment; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that allows the user to use the handheld computing device to obtain directory information identifying each of the plurality of stores over the local wireless link; monitoring the user's location within the establishment; and displaying promotional material on the handheld computing device based on the user's location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method defined in claim 1 further comprising using the handheld computing device to obtain mall directory information over a local wireless infrared link with the wireless communications equipment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 1 further comprising displaying a map showing the location of at least one of the stores within the establishment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method defined in claim 1 further comprising: displaying store category information on the handheld computing device; and displaying promotional information on the handheld computing device that is associated with at least one of the stores, wherein the store category information and the promotional information are displayed on a common screen by the handheld computing device.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for providing shopping assistance to a user with a handheld computing device in a store in an establishment having a plurality of stores, comprising: using the handheld computing device in the store to establish a wireless link with a computer associated with the store; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that provides the user with an opportunity to place a request for a product to be picked up and paid for in the store; allowing the handheld computing device to be used to establish a local wireless link with wireless communications equipment associated with the establishment; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that allows the user to use the handheld computing device to obtain directory information identifying each of the plurality of stores over the local wireless link; monitoring the user's location within the establishment; and displaying promotional material on the handheld computing device based on the user's location.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for providing shopping assistance to a user with a handheld computing device in a store in an establishment having a plurality of stores, comprising: using the handheld computing device in the store to establish a wireless link with a computer associated with the store; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that provides the user with an opportunity to place a request for a product to be picked up and paid for in the store; allowing the handheld computing device to be used to establish a local wireless link with wireless communications equipment associated with the establishment; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that allows the user to use the handheld computing device to obtain directory information identifying each of the plurality of stores over the local wireless link; monitoring the user's location within the establishment; and displaying promotional material on the handheld computing device based on the user's location.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method defined in claim 5 wherein the on-screen option allows the user to place a request for deli products at a deli within the store.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method defined in claim 5 further comprising displaying information on the handheld computing device on the locations within the store of various products offered for sale in the store.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method defined in claim 5 further comprising: using a local radio-frequency wireless link to communicate between the handheld computing device and the computer associated with the store; and displaying promotional information related to products offered for sale in the store on the handheld computing device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method defined in claim 5 further comprising: displaying an interactive advertisement related to a product offered for sale in the store on the handheld computing device; and providing the user with a financial benefit at checkout if the user responds to the interactive advertisement.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method defined in claim 5 further comprising transmitting an electronic message to the handheld computing device when the requested product is ready to be picked up.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for using a mobile electronic device to provide shopping assistance to a customer who is shopping in a retail store in an establishment having a plurality of stores, comprising: using the mobile electronic device to establish a wireless link with a computer; using the mobile electronic device in the retail store to display an on-screen option that allows the customer to obtain information from the computer on where products are located in the store; allowing the handheld computing device to be used to establish a local wireless link with wireless communications equipment associated with the establishment; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that allows the user to use the handheld computing device to obtain directory information identifying each of the plurality of stores over the local wireless link; monitoring the user's location within the establishment; and displaying promotional material on the handheld computing device based on the user's location.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
154 words
A method for using a mobile electronic device to provide shopping assistance to a customer who is shopping in a retail store in an establishment having a plurality of stores, comprising: using the mobile electronic device to establish a wireless link with a computer; using the mobile electronic device in the retail store to display an on-screen option that allows the customer to obtain information from the computer on where products are located in the store; allowing the handheld computing device to be used to establish a local wireless link with wireless communications equipment associated with the establishment; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that allows the user to use the handheld computing device to obtain directory information identifying each of the plurality of stores over the local wireless link; monitoring the user's location within the establishment; and displaying promotional material on the handheld computing device based on the user's location.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method defined in claim 11 further comprising displaying promotional material to the user with the mobile electronic device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method defined in claim 11 further comprising using the mobile electronic device to display an on-screen option that allows the user to search for products within the store using the computer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method defined in claim 11 wherein the mobile electronic device is a handheld computer, the method further comprising: allowing the user to use the handheld computer to input a product name; and displaying information on the product from the computer based on the product name; and displaying interactive advertisements for products in the store on the handheld computer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method defined in claim 11 further comprising: using the mobile electronic device to wirelessly identify a product in the store; and adding the identified product to a list with the mobile electronic device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 11 further comprising using the mobile electronic device to display a video to the user in the store.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method defined in claim 11 further comprising: allowing the user to create a shopping list using an in-home electronic device; and using the mobile electronic device to access the shopping list in the store.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for providing shopping assistance to a user in a store with a mobile electronic device in an establishment having a plurality of stores, comprising: using the mobile electronic device to establish a local wireless link with a computer; displaying a screen on the mobile electronic device that contains promotional information from the computer on products offered for sale in the store; allowing the handheld computing device to be used to establish a local wireless link with wireless communications equipment associated with the establishment; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that allows the user to use the handheld computing device to obtain directory information identifying each of the plurality of stores over the local wireless link; monitoring the user's location within the establishment; and displaying promotional material on the handheld computing device based on the user's location.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for providing shopping assistance to a user in a store with a mobile electronic device in an establishment having a plurality of stores, comprising: using the mobile electronic device to establish a local wireless link with a computer; displaying a screen on the mobile electronic device that contains promotional information from the computer on products offered for sale in the store; allowing the handheld computing device to be used to establish a local wireless link with wireless communications equipment associated with the establishment; displaying an on-screen option on the handheld computing device that allows the user to use the handheld computing device to obtain directory information identifying each of the plurality of stores over the local wireless link; monitoring the user's location within the establishment; and displaying promotional material on the handheld computing device based on the user's location.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method defined in claim 18 wherein the mobile electronic device is a handheld computer, the method further comprising using the handheld computer to provide the user with an opportunity to order products over a remote wireless link.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method defined in claim 18 wherein the promotional information is an interactive offer related to a product in the store, the method further comprising: allowing the user to accept the offer using the mobile electronic device; and providing the user with a financial benefit related to the offer at checkout.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method defined in claim 18 further comprising: monitoring the user's location within the store; and using the mobile electronic device to display information to the user based on the user's location within the store.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-12-30 | 2007-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-30 | 2010-12-30 | 2011-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-30 | 2014-12-30 | 2015-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |