Patent ID: 6168079
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B62B,G06K,G06Q,G07F,G07G,H01M,H02J,Y02E

Abstract:
A customer information terminal system comprising: (a) a host computer system having memory means for storing customer shopping data for a plurality of customers; (b) a customer information terminal including: dataform reader means adapted for reading and decoding a dataform, input means adapted for inputting data to the customer information terminal, terminal communication means adapted for communicating data between the customer information terminal and the host computer system, display means adapted for displaying data, rechargeable power supply means adapted for supplying power to the customer information terminal, and coupling means adapted for coupling the customer information terminal to a docking means; (c) at least one docking means adapted for supporting a customer information terminal, the at least one docking means located in a central docking area and including an electrical interface means for coupling said customer information terminal to a first external power source for at least one of operating said customer information terminal and charging the rechargeable power supply means; and (d) at least one cart means, wherein each said cart means includes a support means for supporting a customer information terminal, wherein said system further comprises in the central docking area: identification means for identifying a customer; association means for associating a particular customer information terminal with a particular customer; and release means, responsive to said association means, for releasing a customer information terminal from said docking means.