GB2515261A - Transaction System and Method - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable transaction system (100, figure 1) comprises an item detection device 102 being configured to perform a transaction. The detection device is operable to set a predetermined monetary limit for the transaction and comprises a scanner (208, figure 2C) to detect at least one item (106, figure 1), which the user intends to purchase, and capture item information. The detection device further comprises a collection portion 204 configured to receive a credit card or similar payment means and a display means 206A configured to display the item information and/or the predetermined monetary limit. The system further comprises a remote transaction (104, figure 4A) device that is operable to communicate with the detection device and that is configured to store received item information. The remote transaction device is further operable to deduct a monetary fund from said monetary tool and comprises a printer (402A, figure 4A) to generate a transaction record or receipt. The remote transaction device further comprises a recharge outlet (404A, figure 4A) being configured to recharge said detection device.

Description

Transaction System and Method

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWTNGS

[0001] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: [0002] FIG. I illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary transaction system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0003] FIGs. 2A-2G illustrate various views of an exemplary detection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0004] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate top views of exemplary display portions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0005] FIGs. 4A-41 illustrate various views of an exemplary remote transaction device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0006] FIGs. 5A-5G illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary detection device mounted on an exemplary mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0007] FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary printer portion emitting an exemplary transaction record, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0008] FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary detection device with an exemplary touch screen and an exemplary button entry, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0009] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary transaction method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [0010] FIG. 9 illustrates a typical computer system that, when appropriately configured or designed, can serve as an exemplary method for identification, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

(0012] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures

and description set forth herein.

[0013] A computer" may refer to one or mote apparatus and/or one or more systems that are capable of accepting a structured input, processing the structured input according to prescribed rules, and producing results of the processing as output.

Examples of a computer may include: a computer; a stationary and/or portable computer; a computer having a single processor, multiple processors, or multi-core processors, which may operate in parallel andlor not in parallel; a general purpose computer; a supercomputer; a mainframe; a super mini-computer; a mini-computer; a workstation; a micro-computer; a server; a client; an interactive television; a web appliance; a telecommunications device with internet access; a hybrid combination of a computer and an interactive television; a portable computer; a tablet personal computer (PC); a personal digital assistant (FDA); a portable telephone; application-specific hardware to emulate a computer and/or software, such as, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application specific instruction-set processor (ASIF), a chip, chips, a system on a chip, or a chip set; a data acquisition device; an optical computer; a quantum computer; a biological computer; and generally, an apparatus that may accept data, process data according to one or more stored software programs, generate results, and typically include input, output, storage, arithmetic, logic, and control units.

[0014] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that where appropriate, some embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Where appropriate, embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination thereof) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0015] "Software" may refer to prescribed rules to operate a computer. Examples of software may include: code segments in one or more computer-readable languages; graphical and orltextual instructions; applets; pre-compiled code; interpreted code; compiled code; and computer programs.

[0016] The example embodiments described herein can be implemented in an operating environment comprising computer-executable instructions (e.g., software) installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware. The computer-executable instructions can be written in a computer programming language or can be embodied in firmware logic. If written in a programming language conforming to a recognized standard, such instructions can be executed on a variety of hardware platforms and for interfaces to a variety of operating systems. Although not limited thereto, computer software program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more suitable programming languages, including an object oriented programming languages and/or conventional procedural programming languages, andlor programming languages such as, for example, Hyper text Markup Language (HTML), Dynamic HTML, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL), Document Style Semantics and Specification Language (DSSSL), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Synchronizçd Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL), Wireless Markup Language (WML), Java.TM., Jini.TM., C, C++, Smalltalk, Perl, UNIX Shell, Visual Basic or Visual Basic Script, Virtual Reality Markup Language (VRML), ColdFusion.TM. or other compilers, assemblers, interpreters or other computer languages or platforms.

[0017] Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" progranithing language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remotc computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0018] A network is a collection of links and nodes (e.g., multiple computers and/or other devices connected together) arranged so that information may be passed from one part of the network to another over multiple links and through various nodes. Examples of networks include the Internet, the public switched telephone network, the global Telex network, computer networks (e.g., an intranet, an extranet, a local-area network, or a wide-area network), wired networks, and wireless networks.

[0019] The Internet is a worldwide network of computers and computer networks arranged to allow the easy and robust exchange of information between computer users.

Hundreds of millions of people around the world have access to computers connected to the Internet via Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Content providers (e.g., website owners or operators) place multimedia information (e.g., text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and other forms of data) at specific locations on the Internet referred to as webpages.

Websites comprise a collection of connected, or otherwise related, webpages. The combination of all the websites and their corresponding webpages on the Internet is generally known as the World Wide Web (WWW) or simply the Web.

[0020] Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0021] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0022J These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0023] Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical, Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0024] It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) will receive instructions from a memory or like device, and execute those instructions, thereby performing a process defined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety of known media.

[0025] When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article.

[0026] The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the present invention need not include the device itself.

[0027] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory.

Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor.

Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0028] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying sequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, TDMA, CDMA, 30.

[0029] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to those described may be readily employed, (ii) other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed. Any schematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of any sample databases presented herein are exemplary arrangements for stored representations of information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by the tables shown. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases represent exemplary information only; those skilled in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries can be different from those illustrated herein. Further, despite any depiction of the databases as tables, an object-based model could be used to store and manipulate the data types of the present invention and likewise, object methods or behaviors can be used to implement the processes of the present invention.

[0030] A "computer system" may refer to a system having one or more computers, where each computer may include a computer-readable medium embodying software to operate the computer or one or more of its components. Examples of a computer system may include: a distributed computer system for processing information via computer systems linked by a network; two or more computer systems connected together via a network for transmitting and/or receiving information between the computer systems; a computer system including two or more processors within a single computer; and one or more apparatuses and/or one or more systems that may accept data, may process data in accordance with one or more stored software programs, may generate results, and typically may include input, output, storage, arithmetic, logic, and control units.

[0031] A "network" may refer to a number of computers and associated devices that may be connected by communication facilities. A network may involve permanent -connections such as cables or temporary connections such as those made through telephone or other communication links. A network may further include hard-wired connections (e.g., coaxial cable, twisted pair, optical fiber, waveguides, etc.) and/or wireless connections (e.g., radio frequency waveforms, free-space optical waveforms, acoustic waveforms, etc.). Examples of a network may include: an internet, such as the Internet; an intranet; a local area network (LAN); a wide area network (WAN); and a combination of networks, such as an internet and an intranet.

[0032] As used herein, the "client-side" application should be broadly construed to refer to an application, a page associated with that application, or some other resource or function invoked by a client-side request to the application. A "browser" as used herein is not intended to refer to any specific browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Safari, FireFox, or the like), but should be broadly construed to refer to any client-side rendering engine that can access and display Internet-accessiblc resources. A "rich" client typically refers to a non-HTFP based client-side application, such as an SSH or CFIS client. Further, while typically the client-server interactions occur using HTTP, this is not a limitation either.

The client server interaction may be formatted to conform to the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and travel over HTFP (over the public Internet), FTP, or any other reliable transport mechanism (such as IBM.RTM. MQSeries.RTM. technologies and CORBA, for transport over an enterprise intranet) may be used. Any application or functionality described herein may be implemented as native code, by providing hooks into another application, by facilitating use of the mechanism as a plug-in, by linking to the mechanism, and the like.

[0033] Exemplary networks may operate with any of a number of protocols, such as Internet protocol (IF), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and/or synchronous optical network (SONET), user datagram protocol (UDP), IEEE 802.x, etc. [0034J Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses for performing the operations disclosed herein. An apparatus may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose device selectively activated or reconfigured by a program stored in the device.

[0035] Embodiments of the invention may also be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. They may be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by a computing platform to perform the operations described herein.

[0036] More specifically, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit,' "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0037J In the following description and claims, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer readable medium" may be used to generally refer to media such as, but not limited to, removable storage drives, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive, and the like. These computer program products may provide software to a computer system. Embodiments of the invention may be directed to such computer program products.

[0038] An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be a self-consistent sequence of acts or operations leading to a desired result. These include physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

[0039] Unless specifically stated otherwise, and as may be apparent from the following description and claims, it should be appreciated that throughout the specification descriptions utilizing terms such as "processing1' "computing," "calculating," "determining," or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0040] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computing platform" may comprise one or more processors.

[00411 Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may also include tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readable storage media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such non-transitory computer-readable storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, including the functional design of any special purpose processor as discussed above. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, FEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions, data structures, or processor chip design. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or combination thereof) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium.

Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.

Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of the computer-readable media.

[0042] While a non-transitory computer readable medium includes, but is not limited to, a hard drive, compact disc, flash memory, volatile memory, random access memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, semiconductor based memory, phase change memory, optical memory, periodically refreshed memory, and the like; the non-transitory computer readable medium, however, does not include a pure transitory signal per Sc; i.e., where the medium itself is transitory.

[0043] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0044] There are various types of systems and methods for conducting transactions that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention, in one embodiment of the present invention, the transaction system and method may allow a user to conduct mobile transactions with efficient budgeting, scanning, and checkout capabilities through the use of a detection device and a remote transaction device. The transaction may include, without limitation, grocery shopping, computer purchases, used vehicle part purchases, and purchasing food in a cafeteria. In some embodiments, a transaction system may include a detection device for detecting and identifying at least one item, and a remote transaction portion for communicating item information and finalizing the transaction. The detection device may remain in proximity to the user and at least one item, while communicating with the remote terminal device. In some embodiments, the detection device may include a detection portion for identifying at least one item. The detection portion may include, without limitation, a scanner. The detection device may be mobile while previewing and finalizing transactions for the at least one item. In some embodiments, the detection device may initially collect user information, including, without limitation, a credit card, a monetary fund limit, and an item restriction.

The user may manually enter the user information through a collection portion of the detection device. The collection portion may further be configured to operatively join with a monetary tool, including, without limitation, a credit card, an external drive, and a debit card, for communicating the user information. However, in other embodiments, other means may be utilized to communicate the user information to the system, including, without limitation, searching archived user information, processing user transaction history, and inquiring information from the user. In some embodiments, the detection device may allow the user toidentify and view item information prior to finalizing the transaction. The item information may be obtained by scanning indicia on a selected item with the detection portion. However, in other embodiments, other detection means may be available to obtain the item information. In this manner, the user may preview various item information, including, without limitation, price, weight, expiration date, competitor pricing, and quantities available, prior to conducting the transaction. In some embodiments, the detection device may make changes to transactions prior to finalization. For example, without limitation, a user may scan indicia on ten items into a container to identify and purchase the items, and then later remove five of the items by scanning the indicia on the selected items. In some embodiments, the cumulative cost for the transaction may change in real time in response to the initial addition, and subsequent removal of the at least one items. In this manner, a user may have greater flexibility with budgeting and allocating resources during the transaction.

[0045J In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection device may receive and store user information, including, without limitation, monetary limits, time allotments, and item restrictions. In this manner, the system may help a user regulate transaction behavior. For example, without limitation, the user may only have a predetermined quantity of monetary funds to spend. The system may terminate further transactions after a predetermined monetary fund limit has been reached: In some embodiments, the user may enter a predetermined monetary fund into the detection device, whereby a budgetary constraint may be established for the transaction. However, in other embodiments, the user may communicate the predetermined monetary fund to the detection device through a monetary tool, including, without limitation, a credit card, a bank account, and a debit card. In one alternative embodiment, the system may terminate the transaction if a predetermined time for the transaction has been reached. In yet another alternative embodiment, the system may terminate the transaction if a restricted item is scanned.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system may be operable to allow communication between the detection device and a remote transaction device for processing inventory and monetary funds, and also performing a final transaction. The remote transaction device may store the item information, including, without limitation, price, weight, competitor pricing, expiration date, and inventory. Through communication with the detection device, the remote transaction device may deduct and add to the user monetary funds in real time. The remote transaction device may further coordinate the evolving inventory of each item, relaying this information to the user and remote data storage. In some embodiments, the detection device may provide accounting functionality for real time budgeting. The detection device may also remotely link to user monetary funds by operatively joining monetary storage sites, including, without limitation, the remote transaction device, a user bank account, and a user credit card account. In some embodiments, the detection device may remotely checkout and finalizes the transaction, without requiring the user to perform additional checkout steps, such as presenting each item at a checkout point or presenting cash or credit cards at the checkout point. For example, without limitation, the user, carrying the at least one item and the detection device, may pass in proximity to the remote transaction device. The detection device may then communicate the detected/purchased items to the remote transaction device, whereby the remote transaction device may finalize the transaction by deducting the appropriate monetary funds from the user's selected monetary tool.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system may include a detection device for receiving and storing user information, detecting indicia on items, relaying item information, and changing and finalizing the transaction. The detection device may position in proximity to the user during the transaction to facilitate access to the at least one item. In one embodiment, the detection device may include a portable hand-held light scanner with a processor. The scanner may be operable to detect light from a scanned light beam reflected from item indicia, such as a bar code, and producing an electrical signal representative of the detected light. The processor may be configured to process the electrical signal for storing and performing operations on the user information, item information, monetary fund tools, communications, and finalizing the transaction. In some embodiments, the detection device may be remotely and operatively joined with the remote data storage portion for receiving, storing, and relaying information on at least one item and finalizing the transaction. The remote data storage portion may store and process information on the at least one item. The remote data storage portion may further perform transactions in response to actions from the detection device.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection device may include a housing portion for containing the components of the system. The housing portion may be configured to protect the detection device from forceful engagements and external elements. The housing portion may include a rubber that at least partially encloses the detection device. In some embodiments, the detection device may include a collection portion for collecting user information and monetary tools. The collection portion may include a slot for receiving a credit card and a data entry keyboard for collecting user information. The user may operate the collection portion prior to conducting the transaction to set budgetary parameters and select the desired monetary tool to be used for the transaction. In some embodiments, the detection device may include a detection portion for detecting indicia for the at least one item. In this manner, unique indicia may join with each item, and the detection portion may detect and properly identi& the item and consequent item information. The detection portion may include a scanner that emits a light and registers the reflection of the light off the item indicia. The generated signal may be processed to determine the item information.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection device may include a display portion. The display portion may include a screen configured to display item information, user information, and monetary information. For example, without limitation, the screen may display the item scanned, the price of the item, the predetermined monetary fund, and the remaining funds available. The display portion may be viewed from a variety of orientations for facilitating operation and mobility during the transaction. In some embodiments, the display portion may include a mounting portion forjoining with a mobile cart. The mobile cart may be configured to store and transport each item selected by the user. The mounting portion may include, without limitation, a clip that joins with a handle on the mobile cart. The orientation of the detection device may be regulated by a mounting position of the detection device. In this manner, the at least one item may be scanned, and the appropriate monetary funds deducted from the monetary tool as the item enters a container. The detection device may further include a charging portion to receive power from a remote power supply. The charging portion may include, without limitation, a LJSB port, a socket, and a prong.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system may include a remote transaction device that operatively communicates with the detection device. The remote transaction device may store inventory records of the at least one item, whereby scanning each item with the detection portion may display the quantity and availability of each item on the display portion. The remote transaction device may further communicate with the collection portion to add and deduct monetary funds from the monetary tooL The remote transaction device may further access user information from the collection portion for marketing purposes, such as suggesting items to the user. In some embodiments, the remote transaction device may finalize the transaction when the detection device positions in proximity to a checkout point. In some embodiments, the remote transaction device may include a printer portion for printing a transaction record, such as a paper receipt, of the finalized transaction. In some embodiments, the remote transaction device may include a recharge outlet for powering the detection device when not in use. A user may remove the detection device from the recharge outlet prior to the transaction, and then return the detection device to the recharge outlet after the transaction.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, a transaction method may help facilitate mobile transactions through the utilization of a detection device that identifies at least one item. The detection device may receive and display item information. The detection device may further regulate a predetermined monetary limit for a user, whereby the user may monitor and set budgetary constraints. In some embodiments, the method may allow a user to communicate personal information and financial information with a collection portion of the detection device, The information may be utilized to conduct the transaction remotely and while on the move. In some embodiments, the method may allow the user to preview at least one item and identify item information with a detection portion, including, without limitation, a bar code scanner, a light scanner, and a digital scanner. The user may add and deduct items during the transactions while viewing real time item information about the item, including, without limitation, price, expiration date, availability, inventory, and weight. In some embodiments, the method may allow for facilitated checkout to finalize the transaction by operatively joining a remote transaction device with the detection device. After the user completes the transaction, the user may position the detection portion and the at least one item in proximity to the remote transaction device to finalize payment, whereby the remote transaction device deducts monetary funds from a use monetary tool that operatively joins with the detection device.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may include an initial Step of communicating user information to a detection device. The user may log in and enter a password into a collection portion of the detection device to register and/or retrieve prior user information. The detection device may operatively join a monetary tool with the collection portion prior to the transaction. The monetary tool may include, without limitation, a credit card, a debit card, and an external drive. In this manner, the user may set a predetermined monetary limit to create a budget. The detection device may then disallow additional transactions when the predetermined monetary limit is reached.

In some embodiments, the method may include a next Step of identif'ing at least one item for transacting. The user may utilize a detection device, including, without limitation, a light scanner, a bar code scanner, and a digital scanner, to detect and identify indicia on each item. The indicia may include a bar code. In this manner, the detection device may identify the selected item and retrieve item information, including, without limitation, price, expiration date, inventory, and weight. The detection device maybe mounted to a mounting surface on a container, whereby the at least one item may be scanned upon entry into the container. Likewise, the at least one item may be scanned, and deleted from the transaction upon leaving the container. In some embodiments, the method may include a Step of communicating monetary and item information. The detection device and the remote transaction device may communicate remotely to help correlate the inventory of the at least one item, and the changing amount of monetary funds available for the transaction. Upon scanning by the detection device, the at least one item may be deducted from inventory. The monetary funds may also be reduced to reflect the price of the at least one item. The user may view the outcome of each communication on the display portion. In some embodiments, the method may include a next Step of finalizing the transaction. The transaction may be finalized when the user stops obtaining and/or returning items, or when a monetary fund limit has been reached.

The user may position in proximity to the remote transaction device, whereby the detection device communicates the quantity and price of the at least one item and the remote transaction device deducts the appropriate funds from the monetary tool. A receipt may be printed from the printing portion to provide a record of the transaction. In one embodiment, the user may be charged an additional fee for the convenience of utilizing the transaction system and method.

[0053] FIG. I illustrates a detailed perspective view ofan exemplary transaction system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the transaction system and method may allow a user to conduct transactions from multiple locations while being mobile. The transaction system and method may further allow the user to budget the transaction in real time, while obtaining information about the items or services. Finalizing the transaction may also be facilitated through remote communication of a detector device and a remote transaction device. The transaction may include, without limitation, grocery shopping, computer purchases, used vehicle part purchases, and purchasing food in a cafeteria. However, in other embodiments, the transaction may also include services, virtual products, and events. In some embodiments, a transaction system 100 may include a detection device 102 for detecting and identifying at least one item 105, and a remote transaction portion 104 for communicating item information and finalizing the transaction. The detection device may remain in proximity to the user and at least one item, while communicating with the remote terminal device. In some embodiments, the detection device may include a detection portion for identifying at least one item. The detection portion may include, without limitation, a scanner. The detection device may be mobile while previewing and finalizing transactions for the at least one item.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection device may initially collect user information, including, without limitation, a ôredit card, a monetary fund limit, and an item restriction. The user may manually enter the user information through a collection portion of the detection device. The collection portion may further be configured to operatively join with a monetary tool, including, without limitation, a credit card, an external drive, anda debit card, for communicating the user information.

However, in other embodiments, other means may be utilized to communicate the user information to the system, including, without limitation, searching archived user information, processing user transaction history, and inquiring information from the user.

In some embodiments, the detection device may allow the user to identify and view item information prior to finalizing the transaction. The item information may be obtained by scanning indicia on a selected item with the detection portion. However, in other embodiments, other detection means may be available to obtain the item information. In this manner, the user may preview various item information, including, without limitation, price, weight, expiration date, competitor pricing, and quantities available, prior to conducting the transaction. In some embodiments, the detection device may make changes to transactions prior to finalization. For example, without limitation, a user may scan indicia on ten items into a container to identify and purchase the items, and then later remove five of the items by scanning the indicia on the selected items. In some embodiments, the cumulative cost for the transaction may change in real time in response to the initial addition, and subsequent removal of the at least one items. In this manner, a user may have greater flexibility with budgeting and allocating resources during the transaction.

[0055] FIGs. 2A-2G illustrate various views of an exemplary detection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the detection device may include a housing portion 202 for containing the components of the system. The housing portion may be configured to protect the detection device from forceful engagements and external elements. The housing portion may include a rubber that at least partially encloses the detection device. Suitable materials for the housing portion may include, without limitation, rubber, foam, plastic, and cork. In some embodiments, the detection device may include a collection portion 204 for collecting user information and monetary tools. The collection portion may include a slot for receiving a credit card and a data entry keyboard for collecting user information. The user may operate the collection portion prior to conducting the transaction to set budgetary parameters and select the desired monetary tool to be used for the transaction. Tn some embodiments, the detection device may include a detection portion 208 for detecting indicia for the at least one item. In this manner, unique indicia may join with each item, and the detection portion may detect and properly identify the item and consequent item information. The detection portion may include a scanner that emits a light and registers the reflection of the light off the item indicia. The generated signal may be processed to determine the item information.

[0056] Tn one embodiment of the present invention, the detection device may include a display portion 206A, 206B, 206C, 206D, 206E. The display portion may include a screen configured to display item information, user information, and monetary information. For example, without limitation, the screen may display the item scanned, the price of the item, the predetermined monetary fund, and the remaining funds available. In some embodiments, the display portion may include a mounting portion for joining with a mobile cart. The mobile cart may be configured to store and transport each item selected by the user. The mounting portion may include, without limitation, a clip that joins with a handle on the mobile cart. However, in other embodiments, the detection device may slide along a handle, orienting so that the detection portion faces an open end of the container. The orientation f the detection device may be regulated by a mounting position of the detection device. In this manner, the at least one item may be scanned, and the appropriate monetary funds deducted from the monetary tool as the item enters a container. The detection device may further include a charging portion 210 to receive power from a remote power supply. The charging portion may include, without limitation, a IJSB port, a socket, and a prong.

[0057] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate top views of exemplary display portions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the display portion may be viewed from a variety of orientations for facilitating operation and mobility during the transaction. The display portion may be oriented horizontally or vertically for facilitated mounting on the mounting surface. The display portion may include a log in page, a monetary limit entry page, an item information page, and a finalized transaction page. In one embodiment of the present invention, the display portion may display the quantity of monetary funds available from a monetary tool 302 that joins with the detection device. The detection device may receive the monetary tool through the collection portion. The collection portion may record the amount of monetary funds available in the monetary tool, using this amount as the limit for the transaction.

However, in another embodiment, the user may set a predetermined monetary limit 304 for terminating the transaction. In some embodiments, the collection portion may receive and store user information, including, without limitation, monetary limits, time allotments, and item restrictions. In this manner, the system may help a user regulate transaction behavior, For example, without limitation, the user may only have a predetermined quantity of monetary funds to spend. The system may terminate further transactions after a predetermined monetary fund limit has been reached. In one alternative embodiment, the system may terminate the transaction if a predetermined time for the transaction has been reached. In yet another alternative embodiment, the system may terminate the transaction if a restricted item is scanned.

[00581 FIGs. 4A-41 illustrates various views of an exemplary remote transaction device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the system may include a remote transaction device that operatively communicates with the detection device. The remote transaction device may store inventory records of the at least one item, whereby scanning each item with the detection portion may display the quantity and availability of each item on the display portion. The remote transaction device may further communicate with the collection portion to add and deduct monetary funds from the monetary tool. The remote transaction device may further access user information from the collection portion for marketing purposes, such as suggesting items to the user. In some embodiments, the remote transaction device may finalize the transaction when the detection device positions in proximity to a checkout point. In some embodiments, the remote transaction device may include a printer portion 402A, 402B, 402C for printing a transaction record, such as a paper receipt, of the finalized transaction. In some embodiments, the remote transaction device may include a recharge outlet 404A, 404B, 404C for powering the detection device when not in use. A user may remove the detection device from the recharge outlet prior to the transaction, and then return the detection device to the recharge outlet after the transaction.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system maybe operable to allow communication between the detection device and a remote transaction device for processing inventory and monetary funds, and also performing a final transaction. The remote transaction device may store the item information, including, without limitation, price, weight, competitor pricing, expiration date, and inventory. Through communication with the detection device, the remote transaction device may deduct and add to the user monetary funds in real time. The remote transaction device may further coordinate the evolving inventory of each item, relaying this information to the user and remote data storage. In some embodiments, the detection device may provide accounting functionality for real time budgeting. The detection device may also remotely link to user monetary funds by operatively joining monetary storage sites, including, without limitation, the remote transaction device, a user bank account, and a user credit card account. In some embodiments, the detection device may remotely checkout and finalizes the transaction, without requiring the user to perform additional checkout steps, such as presenting eadh item at a checkout point or presenting cash or credit cards at the checkout point. For example, without limitation, the user, carrying the at least one item and the detection device, may pass in proximity tO the remote transaction device. The detection device may then communicate the detected/purchased items to the remote transaction device, whereby the remote transaction device may finalize the transaction by deducting the appropriate monetary funds from the user's selected monetary tool.

[0060J FIGs. 5A-SG illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary detection device mounted on an exemplary mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the display portion may be viewed from a variety of orientations for facilitating operation and mobility during the transaction, in some embodiments, the display portion may include a mounting portion 502 for joining with a mounting surface 504 of a container 506. The container may include, without limitation, a shopping cart, a shopping basket, a trolley, and a mobile cart that is configured to store and transport each item selected by the user. The mounting surface may include, without limitation, a push handle and a sidewall of the container. For example, without limitation, the mounting portion may include an aperture that at least partially receives a push handle of a shopping cart. The orientation of the detection device may be regulated by a mounting position of the detection device.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an exemplary printer portion emitting an exemplary transaction record, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the remote transaction device may finalize the transaction when the detection device positions in proximity to a checkout point. In some embodiments, the remote transaction device may include a printer portion for printing a transaction record 602, such as a paper receipt, of the finalized transaction. The transaction record may include, without limitation, a paper receipt, an emailed receipt and a digital screen display.

[0062] FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary detection device with an exemplary touch screen and an exemplary button entry, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the detection device may include a plurality of indicators that display when the monetary limit has been reached. In this manner, the user may remain within a predetermined monetary limit for enhanced budgeting. In some embodiments, the display portion may include a touch screen display portion 702. However, in other embodiments, the display portion may include a button entry display portion 704. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the touch screen display portion may provide streamlined aesthetics, while the button entry display portion may provide reduced manufacturing costs. In some embodiments, a checkout portion 710 may allow a user to indicate to the system when the transaction is deemed terminated. The checkout portion may include, without limitation, a button, a digital display, and a switch. A budget portion 712 may allow the user to set the predetermined monetary limit. A commence transaction indicator 706 may indicate when the transaction is èommeneing. The commence transaction indicator may include, without limitation, a green illumination. A terminate transaction indicator 708 may indicate when the transaction is terminated, such as when the predetermined monetary limit has been reached, or the checkout portion has been actuated. The terminate transaction indicator may include, without limitation, a red ilium ination.

[0063] FIG: 8 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary transaction method, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a transaction method 800 may include an initial Step 802 of communicating user information to a detection device. The user may log in and enter a password into a collection portion of the detection device to register and/or retrieve prior user information. The detection device may operatively join a monetary tool with the collection portion prior to the transaction. The monetary tool may include, without limitation, a credit card, a debit card, and an external drive. In this manner, the user may set a predetermined monetary limit to create a budget. The detection device may then disallow additional transactions when the predetermined monetary limit is reached. In some embodiments, the method may include a next Step 804 of identifying at least one item for transacting. The user may utilize a detection dcvice, including, without limitation, a light scanner, a bar code scanner, and a digital scanner, to detect and identif, indicia on each item. The indicia may include a bar code. In this manner, the detection device may identify the selected item and retrieve item information, including, without limitation, price, expiration date, inventory, and weight. The detection device may be mounted to a mounting surface on a container, whereby the at least one item may be scanned upon entry into the container. Likewise, the at least one item may be scanned, and deleted from the transaction upon leaving the container. In some embodiments, the method may include a Step 806 of communicating monetary and item information. The detection device and the remote transaction device may communicate remotely to help correlate the inventory of the at least one item, and the changing amount of monetary funds available for the transaction. Upon scanning by the detection device, the at least one item may be deducted from inventory. The monetary fUnds may also be reduced to reflect the price of the at least one item. The user may view the outcome of each communication on the display portion. In some embodiments, the method may include a next Step 808 of finalizing the transaction. The transaction may be finalized when the user stops obtaining and/or returning items, or when a monetary fund limit has been reached. The user may position in proximity to the remote transaction device, whereby the detection device communicates the quantity and price of the at least one item and the remote transaction device deducts the appropriate fl.rnds from the monetary tool. A receipt may be printed from the printing portion to provide a record of the transaction. In one embodiment, the user may be charged an additional fee for the convenience of utilizing the transaction system and method.

[0064] In one alternative embodiment, the transaction may include purchasing a service, an event, and/or a virtual product. In yet another alternative embodiment, a single detection device positions on the ceiling of a store, and detects purchases for a plurality of users. In yet another alternative embodiment, the shopping cart includes a camera, whereby the user remotely makes purchases for future delivery or pick up. In yet another alternative embodiment, the detector portion detects the item by shape, color, and smell, whereby bar code may not be required.

[0065) FIG. 9 illustrates a typical computer system that, when appropriately configured or designed, can serve as an exemplary method for identification, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a communication system 900 includes a multiplicity of clients with a sampling of clients denoted as a client 902 and a client 904, a multiplicity of local networks with a sampling of networks denoted as a local network 906 and a local network 908, a global network 910 and a multiplicity of servers with a sampling of servers denoted as a server 912 and a server 914.

[0066] Client 902 may communicate bi-directionally with local network 906 via a communication channel 916. Client 904 may communicate hi-directionally with local network 908 via a communication channel 918. Local network 906 may communicate hi-directionally with global network 910 via a communication channel 920. Local network 908 may communicate bi-directionally with global network 910 via a communication channel 922. Global network 910 may communicate bi-directionally with server 912 and server 914 via a communication channel 924. Server 912 and server 914 may communicate hi-directionally with each other via communication channel 924.

Furthermore, clients 902, 904, local networks 906, 908, global network 910 and servers 912, 914 may each communicate hi-directionally with each other.

10067] In one embodiment, global network 910 may operate as the Internet. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that communication system 900 may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of forms for communication system 900 include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired telephone networks, wireless networks, or any other network supporting data communication between respective entities.

[0068] Clients 902 and 904 may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of clients 902 and 904 include personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones and smartphones.

(0069] Client 902 includes a CPU 926, a pointing device 928, a keyboard 930, a microphone 932, a printer 934, a memory 936, a mass memory storage 938, a GUI 940. a video camera 942, an input/output interface 944 and a network interface 946.

[0070] CPU 926, pointing device 928, keyboard 930, microphone 932, printer 934, memory 936, mass memory storage 938, GUI 940, video camera 942, input/output interface 944 and network interface 946 may communicate in a unidirectional manner or a bi-directipnal manner with each other via a communication channel 948.

Communication channel 948 may be configured as a single communication channel or a multiplicity of communication channels.

[0071] CPU 926 may be comprised of a single processor or multiple processors.

CPU 926 may be of various types including micro-controllers (e.g., with embedded RAMIROM) and microprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., RISC or SISC based, or CPLDs and FPGAs) and devices not capable of being programmed such as gate array ASTCs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors.

[0072] As is well known in the art, memory 936 is used typically to transfer data and instructions to CPU 926 in a bi-directional manner. Memory 936, as discussed previously, may include any suitable computer-readable media, intended for data storage, such as those described above excluding any wired or wireless transmissions unless specifically noted. Mass memory storage 938 may also be coupled bi-directionally to CPU 926 and provides additional data storage capacity and may include any of the computer-readable media described above. Mass memory storage 938 may be used to store programs, data and the like and is typically a secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will be appreciated that the information retained within mass memory storage 938, may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated in standard fashion as part of memory 936 as virtual memory.

[0073] CPU 926 may be coupled to GUI 940. GUI 940 enables a user to view the operation of computer operating system and software. CPU 926 may be coupled to pointing device 928. Non-limiting examples of pointing device 928 include computer mouse, trackball and touehpad. Pointing device 928 enables a user with the capability to maneuver a computer cursor about the viewing area of GUI 940 and select areas or features in the viewing area of GUI 940. CPU 926 may be couplcd to keyboard 930.

Keyboard 930 enables a user with the capability to input alphanumeric textual information to CPU 926. CPU 926 may be coupled to microphone 932. Microphone 932 enables audio produced by a user to be recorded, processed and communicated by CPU 926. CPU 926 may be connected to printer 934. Printer 934 enables a user with the capability to print information to a sheet of paper. CPU 926 may be connected to video camera 942. Video camera 942 enables video produced or captured by user to be recorded, processed and communicated by CPU 926.

[0074] CPU 926 may also be coupled to input/output interface 944 that connects to one or more input/output devices such as such as CD-ROM, video monitors, track balls, mice, keyboards, microphones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, magnetic or paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, of course, other computers.

10075) Finally, CPU 926 optionally may be coupled to network interface 946 which enables communication with an external device such as a database or a computer or telecommunications or Internet network using an external connection shown generally as communication channel 916, which may be implemented as a hardwired or wireless communications link using suitable conventional technologies. With such a connection, CPU 926 might receive information from the network, or might output information to a network in the course of performing the method steps described in the teachings of the present invention.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application, and that the systems of the foregoing embodimen s may be implemented using any of a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and is not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode and the like. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied.

[0077] The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.