WO2010099525A1 - Automated shopping system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A shopper (10) is able to obtain information about selected products, comparables and promotions while shopping by using a wireless connection to a service provided by the shopping venue (20) or by a web-based provider (5). Product barcodes are scanned and sent to the service provider (5) who returns information on the item scanned as well as comparables and also promotions available on them. Each product selected is registered with the provider (5) and when finished shopping, the shopper (10) is able to check out immediately using a charge card that has been previously validated by the provider (5). A quick review of the products purchased at the exit allows the shopper (10) to leave the shopping venue (20) immediately after check out.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Automated Shopping System and Method

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application describing the same invention as an active provisional application, serial number 61/208,702 filed on 2/27/2009, and this non-provisional application being filed within one year of the provisional application, hereby claims date priority therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Present Disclosure

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to information systems for enabling more effective shopping methods and more particularly to such a system wherein a portable device is used to obtain information about products for sale, to compare the products and to obtain promotions for optimizing the shopping experience for shoppers and for enabling shopping venues to operate more efficiently.

Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

[0003] Shopping is a tiresome and often frustrating task. The typical shopper does not know how to identify the best buy between competing brands and available products, and does not know what promotional opportunities exist for a given product. Once having selected desired items, the shopper must stand on a checkout line and must then negotiate payment with a clerk who must scan each purchased item to arrive at a total while the shopper waits. The prior art teaches some aspects for automating shopping activities.

[0004] Parpart, US 20020169683, discloses a method for automated shopping including the steps of scanning a user ID with a handheld wand, scanning a vendor ID with the wand, and scanning a product ID with the wand. The wand is then placed in a cradle module for connection with an order center over a data network, with the scanned vendor ID, product ID, and user ID transmitted over the data network to the order center.

Shopping is thereby accomplished with minimal effort on the shopper's part, and with fast order placement

[0005] Nishioka, et al., U.S. 6269445 discloses an electronic shopping method using both an apparatus 10 and an apparatus 30 to hold a key K(A, C) in common, and both the apparatus 30 and an apparatus 40 to hold a key K(B, C) in common. The apparatus 10 transmits a cipher text Cl which is obtained by enciphering a written order

P of the products to be purchased using a key K, a cipher text C2 which is obtained by enciphering the key K using the key K(A, C), and authentication information C3 relating to a part P2 of the written order P to the apparatus 30 and the like. The apparatus 40 deciphers the key K on the basis of the cipher text C2, transmits a cipher text C4 which is obtained by enciphering the key K using the key K(B, C) to the apparatus 30. The apparatus 30 deciphers the key K on the basis of the cipher text C4, deciphers the written order P on the basis of the cipher text Cl, authenticates the part P2 by referring the authentication information C3₃ and transmits a fifth cipher text C5 which is obtained by enciphering the authentication information C3 and the part P2 using the key K(B, C) to the apparatus 40. The apparatus 40 deciphers the part P2, and authenticates the part P2 by referring to the authentication information C3.

[0006] DiAngelo , et al., US 6101482, discloses a method of purchasing products and services on-line using a client connectable to a plurality of servers via a computer network. The method begins by initiating from the client two or more independent transaction sessions, each of the independent transaction sessions established as a connection between the client and one of the plurality of servers is active. During each independent transaction session, transaction information is collected at the client to facilitate a purchase of products and services after the connection between the client and the server is closed and the transaction session is completed. According to the invention, the transaction information is maintained persistent across multiple independent transaction sessions. At a given time, for example, after all Web sites have been visited and the information gathered, the transaction information (as originally collected and/or as filtered, updated or enhanced) is then used to effect a purchase of given products and services.

[0007] Bianco, US 5047614, discloses a method and means to aid shopping which includes the use by a consumer of a portable bar code scanner having an electronic memory. The consumer enters desired items into the memory by scanning bar codes on, for example, containers, coupons, advertisements, and pamphlets furnished by a store. The memory is then read by a store terminal which may compile a printed shopping list and/or may transmit the order to a warehouse environment for manual and/or automatic order picking. The memory may be read by the store terminal over a telephone line via a modem.

[0008] Scroggie, et al, US 5970469, discloses a system and method for delivering purchasing incentives and a variety of other retail shopping aids through a computer network, such as by E-mail over the Internet or the World Wide Web. Customers of retail stores can establish a bi-directional communication link with the system, log in to the system, and then elect to browse among available purchasing incentive offers or elect to explore other shopping aids, such as a shopping list generator a recipe center or simply elect to claim a product rebate or to receive product information. If the customer elects to have product information or rebate information delivered, only minimal customer identification is required. For purchase incentives redeemable at retail stores, the customer must provide identification information and must also designate a retailer at which the purchasing incentive can be exercised. For receipt of focused incentives based the customer's past shopping behavior, the customer must also supply a unique customer id., such as a check cashing card number or credit card number, used for in-store purchases. For delivery of a product sample, the customer's name and address must be supplied. The system merges this customer-supplied information with other purchase incentive data and creates a printable graphical image of the purchasing incentive for transmission to the customer. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the purchase incentive is not transmitted directly to the customer. Instead, the terms of the incentive are transmitted electronically to the retail store designated by the customer, who receives either a token to present at the store or an advisory message. In yet another embodiment of the invention, incentives may be targeted to specific consumers based on a consumer purchase history, and transmitted to consumers' computers using electronic mail addresses stored in a consumer database.

[0009] Kenney, US 6026376, discloses an interactive electronic shopping system and method that creates a virtual shopping facility from an actual shopping facility, such as a grocery store, restaurant, or office. A shopper at a computer or other suitable display device can move through the virtual shopping facility and see replicas of what would be seen in moving through the actual shopping facility. Various lists of items selected for purchase can be made, and predetermined lists and information can be displayed. Changes in the actual shopping facility, such as a change in a display of goods, can be accommodated by replacing prior data with new data so that the virtual shopping environment is kept current with the actual shopping facility.

[00010] The above sited prior art references define the current state of the art in automatic shopping. However, the prior art fails to disclose the presently described fully automated system and processes for shopping at a physical shopping venue. The present disclosure distinguishes over the prior art providing heretofore unknown advantages as described in the following summary.

DEFINITIONS

[00011] The following definitions relate to technical terms used in the presentation of the invention including the drawing figures attached hereto.

[00012] Portable Device: As used herein, this phrase refers to personal cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, computer tablets and any other personal portable device which is capable of communicating with an intranet or the Internet wirelessly when brought within range of a hot-spot and which has a screen for displaying information and a virtual or actual keypad for entering information, and may have voice recognition for entering information. As used herein, the portable device also includes a scanner which is defined below.

[00013] Hot-Spot: The hot-spot is also known as a Wi-Fi access point, it offers wireless interconnectivity with the Internet to portable devices that are within its range.

[00014] Barcode: As used herein, this term refers to any code symbols on a product, or that refers to a product, and which allows the acquisition of information about the product by reading the code by scanning or by photographic techniques. This includes optical machine readable representations referred to as one dimension barcodes, two dimension "barcodes," and also passive RFID tags. The use of the term "barcode" as used herein, shall also mean photos or other images of the codes or of the product that a code represents.

[00015] Scanner: As used herein, we refer to any barcode scanning device such as the common USB barcode scanner, or a optical scanner which does not actually scan, but rather produces an image of a bar code which may be digitized for transmission as a signal. The scanner may therefore be any barcode reader and the "barcode" in fact may be merely an image of the package or of the item for sale.

[00016] Shopping Cart: As used herein, we refer to this phrase as any carrier that might be used within the shopping venue for accumulating items that are purchased by the shopper. This includes hand carried baskets, supermarket style shopping carts, wheeled platforms as one might use at a lumber yard, and so on.

[00017] Promotion: As used herein, this term means a discount coupon, a two-for- one offer, or any special offer that may sweeten the purchase to the shopper for a particular item or items. The promotion may be acquired by the shopper from an Internet site, from print media, from the shopping venue, or otherwise, but in any case, the promotional item is downloaded or scanned into the portable device. The promotion may also be an automatic add-on when a certain item is purchased so as not to require any action on the part of the shopper.

[00018] Charge Card: as used herein, this term means any credit card, debit card, redeemable value card and also payment services such as Pay-Pal.

[00019] Specials or Promotions: As used herein, these terms relate to special offers made by shopping venues and offered by manufacturers, and distributors. They include temporary offers at lower prices, discounts, coupons, two-for-one or similar bargain offers, points in a system offering benefits for accumulated point totals such as airline miles and similar offers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 020] The present invention has, as its main objective, changes to contemporary shopping methods to improve shopping efficiency and product choice selection. A shopper carrying a portable device, as defined above, is able to connect with the Internet through a hot-spot or through the cellular network, and is able to read product barcode on packaged goods, and on signs and price cards that are typically provided for non- packaged goods such as produce. Upon entering the shopping venue a shopper logs-on to the shopping venue's Wi-Fi using his/her portable device. The shopper immediately receives information about specials and other promotional offers. The shopper obviously select any item for sale that is desired. When selecting an item, the shopper is able to scan the barcode of that item with the portable device and immediately receive pertinent information such as price per unit weight or volume and other facts. The shopper may also receive similar information about other brands of the same item which then allows the shopper to compare brands in order to make an informed decision about what to buy.

The information is displayed on the screen of the portable device. The portable device uses specialty software for useful applications that make the shopping experience more fluid. Preferably, the portable device has an application that allows automatic log-on when the shopper enters the shopping venue, and this application may automatically present charge card information that would allow the shopping venue to check the shopper out when the shopper indicates. The portable device may also have an application that automatically signals the shopping venue with the identification of an item for sale when it is scanned. Therefore, the shopper need only scan a barcode to immediately receive the information about the scanned item and alternatives provided by the shopping venue. The shopping application also sets up a "buy" icon on the screen so that when the shopper makes a choice and places the item in the shopping cart, by indicating the buy icon while the item is on the screen, a purchase signal is sent to an accounting center of the shopping venue and the price of the item is added to the total purchase accounting being maintained for the shopper by the accounting center of the shopping venue. This accounting may be retrieved by the shopper at any time by pressing an "accounting" icon on screen. When more than one item is displayed on screen simultaneously, each will present its own price and "buy" icon and the shopper has the choice. For any purchased item, the shopper has the ability to activate a promotion or select an item that has a promotional price, a discounted price for a purchase of a selected quantity or any other special deal. The shopper indicates a quantity of purchase at the time each purchase is made by entering the quantity from the key pad. When the shopper is finished shopping, a "check-out" icon on screen is indicated. The purchase accounting is closed out by the accounting center and a list of purchased items, quantities, item prices and a grand total are provided to the shopper on screen. The shopper will typically review this information and request any changes desired; but when satisfied, the shopper indicates acceptance of the summary, sending a signal to the accounting center. When the acceptance signal is received by the accounting center, the shopper's charge card is immediately debited and a receipt is sent to the shopper's screen. The shopper may print the summary and the receipt when convenient to a printer. At this time, the shopper is free to leave the shopping venue and will pass through an exit door where venue personnel will inspect the shopping cart. Venue personnel will use a list of purchases downloaded from the accounting center as a basis for the inspection. 021] The present inventive method is highly beneficial when shopping in a supermarket. However, this scenario holds for shopping in a department store, at a shopping mall, at Disneyland, or, really, any physical or virtual shopping venue. While shopping, the consumer scans the bar code of an item of interest, whereupon, and where appropriate, the item's price appears on a display of the portable device. Also, a per unit weight or unit volume is displayed as well. The same statistic appears for other brands offered by the venue so that the shopper is able to make an informed choice immediately. There is no need for the consumer to enter any product information into the portable device such as brand, package size, and so on. Such information is made available immediately through the local wireless connection, or via the Internet. Should the shopper wish to have further information about a product, such as country or state of origin, date of packaging, recommendations from recognized certifiers and so on, this information is made available as well. Should the shopper want to know if a promotional item is available for the selected item, that is automatically provided too.

[00022] Digital coupons are provided by companies like cellfire.com or coupons, com as well as many others. Consumers at present must either clip a printed coupon from a printed media or download and print it from a website, and then physically take it to a store for use in shopping. More recently, they now can download it from a web site directly into their cell phone where it is added to their loyalty shopping membership account and is available to be used automatically when they check out. It can be displayed as a barcode on their phone's screen and then scanned much like a traditional coupon, at a cash register.

[00023] However, it is presently not possible to have a coupon delivered to a portable device when scanning a barcode, the benefit to the consumer is that there is no waste of time in looking for coupons and conducting direct comparisons of available related coupons or products. In other words the present process allows the seller or information aggregators to influence the purchase decision in the aisle.

[00024] A primary objective inherent in the above described apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by the prior art.

[00025] Another objective is to enable a shopper to make selections based on improved knowledge of products;

[00026] Another objective is to enable a shopper to make selections based on a history of prior choices. [00027] Another objective is to enable a shopper to compare available discounts and coupons as well as brands.

[00028] Another objective is to enable a shopper to avoid checkout lines and item-by- item scanning of purchases at a checkout counter.

[00029] Another objective is to enable a shopper to compare the benefits and value of loyalty programs offered by competing shopping venues.

[00030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the presently described apparatus and method of its use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[00031] The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings which include;

[00032] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the system of the present invention;

[00033] Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a first embodiment of the process of the present invention; and [00034] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a second embodiment of the process of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00035] The above drawing figures illustrate the described invention in at least one of its preferred embodiments, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it should be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[00036] The present invention is an automated shopping system (Fig. 1) and method of its operation (Figs. 2 and 3). Referring to Fig. 1, the invention provides a means by which shopping venues (venue 20) such as independent retailers, chain retailers, shopping center operators, and mall operators, are able to make their operations more economically viable and also provide a shopping experience to consumers (shoppers 10) that is more pleasant, efficient, and satisfying, as well as enabling shoppers 10 to make more highly informed product choices and to optimize their ability to take advantage of promotions. In Fig. 1 we see that shopper 10 are shopping in physical shopping venue 20 and, at the same time, they may be wirelessly communicating with a local server 22 via a local area network within the shopping venue 2O₅ and/or via the cloud 30, with a remote server 24, and/or third party information web sites 60. Shoppers 10 also have access to signals from the GPS 40, and to printed media 30. How these several wireless links play a part in improving and streamlining the shopping experience will be clear in the following description of the processes of the present invention.

[00037] The processes of the present invention are carried out using a shopping software protocol. A server portion of the shopping software protocol operates on servers 22 and 24, while a client portion of the shopping software protocol operates on a portable device carried by shopper 10. Once these two portions of the shopping software protocol are set up and set into operation, they are able to enable the processes described below. In this description, the terms "portable device" and "shopper" are treated as synonymous.

[00038] M a first embodiment of the process, as shown in Fig. 2, shopper 10 enters venue 20, and if his/her portable device has the client portion of the software protocol turned on and active, the portable device automatically picks up a Wi-Fi signal that is continuously transmitted by server 22. The portable device responds by automatically logging-in to the server 22 through a series of data exchanges similar to a common logon familiar to visitors to most Internet web sites. The server 22 then checks to see if charge card information for the identified shopper 10 is resident in its database, and if so, an automatic check for the card's status: active or not active, is conducted. If no card information is resident, the server 22 requests card information by signaling the portable device. The client portion of the shopping protocol allows for card information to be stored and set ready for automatic transfer to a requesting server upon request. Passwords are used for the protection of the shopper 10. Once acquired by server 22, the new card information is checked for active status. If no card information is resident and no card information is found in the portable device ready to be uploaded, or if no card information is found to be active or in good standing server 22 signals shopper 10 and requests manually uploading a charge card information. This entire shopper affirmation is conducted automatically. Normally, shopper 10, entering venue 20, is logged-in and charge card set up, fully automatically without any action on the part of shopper 10. Shopper 10 is able to set a chime to be activated when server 22 achieves a "shopper- ready" status.

[00039] Upon achieving shopper-ready status, server 22 automatically transmits information about current specials, discounts and other promotions offered by venue 20. Shopper 10 is alerted by a chime and may take advantage of these specials immediately or at any time during shopping. WMIe shopping at venue 20, shopper 10 may scan the barcode of any item for sale. When each scan is made, the portable device automatically signals server 22 and the identification of the item is thereby made known to the server 22 which immediately and automatically responds by transmitting information about the scanned item, any comparables, such as alternate brands that are available at the venue, and any promotions that are available for the scanned item and its comparables. Of course this information has been previously stored in the server's database and tied to the barcode of the item scanned. Scanning and evaluating of items continues until the shopper either leaves the venue 20 or makes a purchase. It should be realized that this information enables the shopper 10 to make a more informed decision by, for instance, comparing price per unit weight or volume for the several available brands, recommended "use-by" dates, manufacturer recommendations, price after promotion, and other useful information. Shopper 10 has access to third party information sites 60 and may supplement their knowledge of products, prices, promotions, etc. in that manner.

[00040] A purchase signal is transmitted from the portable device to the server 22.

This may be an automatic function or by manual selection of a relevant button or icon on the shopper's device. ha reply, the server 22 automatically transmits a purchase confirmation signal to shopper 10 and updates its database.

[00041] A check-out signal is transmitted from the portable device to the server 22 by manual selection of a relevant button or icon on the shopper's device, or by voice commend. In reply, the server 22 automatically transmits a check-out confirmation and delivers an itemized list of purchases, debits the shopper's charge card, and delivers a corresponding charge card debit information. The shopper 10 upon leaving venue 20 may signal a log-off or merely leave the Wi-Fi range of server 22 in which case an automatic log-off occurs. [00042] It is clear that in the above shopping process, that the only actions that need be taken by shopper 10 is to be present at the shopping venue, scan items of interest, consider presented alternatives, indicate a purchase, and of course take possession of the purchase items, and finally, signal check-out. All other activities can be set-up to take place automatically the interaction between the portable device and server 22. Notably, no waiting in line or waiting while items are scanned at a checkout counter are necessary. No errors by checkout personnel are possible either since all commercial steps are computer automated.

[00043] In a second embodiment of the present invention, shown in Fig. 3, shopper 10 does not use server 22, but rather is in communication with server 24 via the Internet. Server 24 represents a shopper service web site that operates similarly to server 22 and uses the same, albeit modified, server portion of the shopping software protocol. The provider of this service may act alone or in cooperation with the shopping venue 20. Both cases are defined below.

[00044] As before, the client portion of the shopping application is established on the portable device. At the initiation of shopping, shopper 10 logs-in to server 24 using the portable device. The shopper 10 is able to do this either by using the shopping venue's hot-spot, or through the cellular network, assuming adequate signal strength is available at the shopping venue 20. Server 24 may function, as merely a source of information, responding to scanned bar codes with information on comparables, promotions, related prior shopping choices and other information, as described above.

[00045] Alternatively, server 24 may take a more active role in providing automated shopping. After log-in and charge card validation as previously described, information on specials and promotions is transmitted to the portable device. If server 24 functions in cooperation with information on comparables available at venue 20 will be presented. If acting alone, server 22 provides information on comparables that are generally available in the marketplace. Comparables of venue 20 may still be available from server 24 and shopper 10 may be in communication with both servers.

[00046] Item scans are automatically transmitted from the shopper 10 to server 24 and immediately the shopper 10 receives information compiled and aggregated on server 24.

The shopping service that operates server 24 is highly motivated to provide a wider range of information than does venue 20. Venue 20 will usually limit its purview to its own stock and inventory. Therefore, in preparing for a shopping trip, shopper 10 is advised to apply his/her shopping list to the web based shopping service to find out where the best buys are and especially what promotions are available. Server 24 stores a history of the selections made by shopper 10 which provides a perspective of what might be purchased and where, critical steps in planning the trip.

[00047] When shopper 10 logs-on to an on-line discount site such as coupons.com, in order to obtain a coupon, there may be significant time wasted in locating the coupon of choice in each specific instance, and in then acquiring it. The server 24 overcomes this drawback, through aggregation of information and providing immediate presentation of choices, upon scanning an item for sale. The web-based shopping service (server 24) therefore provides a valuable service.

[00048] The web-based shopping service may function in several alternative capacities. In its simplest role, as stated, it is merely a source of information about products and promotions, but takes no part in the commercial steps of shopping. In this role, the shopper 10 asks for item information by scanning the item, and receives product information about the item scanned plus comparables, as well as promotions related to them. This information may include the low and high price currently offered for the items in the overall marketplace, and where they are sold. [00049] In a larger role server 24 acts in conjunction with shopping venue 20 providing information about the products offered for sale by the venue 20 and not by other venues, and also providing promotional information relating to the items scanned and comparables including promotions offered by the current venue 20 as well as manufacturer promotions and third party promotions that are accepted by the current venue 20, but not otherwise. In this role, the provider 5 functions as a marketing and promotional resource to the venue 20.

[00050] In its largest role, the provider 5 may operate as described in the last paragraph, but also provide accounting and check-out functionality as described previously. This may be beneficial to the venue 20 when it is checkout-bound during busy times (not enough checkout counters) or when it does not have the technical know- how or assets to provide electronic shopping and therefore is eager to outsource this function so as to maintain business parity with its competitors who may also offer this function.

[00051] In Fig. 1 we also see that shoppers 10 may have access to the GPS 40 (Global

Positioning Satellite network) hi order to ascertain their approximate position at any time so as to validate their presence at venue 20 when such is required to take advantage of a promotion that demands this. Shoppers 10 also have access to printed media 50 such as newspapers, magazines, printed coupons, etc., and, as well, to the same information downloadable from the Internet, hi Fig. 1 we show arrows with an arrow head at one end only. Such arrows are shown to indicate a two-way communication link between the entities defined in the respective boxes of the diagram. A notable exception is communication with GPS 40, which is, of course, one way only.

[00052] The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition hi this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element.

[00053] The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim.

[00054] Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas.

[00055] The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that each named inventor believes that the claimed subject matter is what is intended to be patented.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

Claim 1. An automated shopping process using a shopping application software protocol operating partially on a server, and operating partially on a portable device carried by a shopper, the process comprising the steps of: automatically transmitting an item scan from the portable device to the server; automatically transmitting information related to: the item scan, comp arables, and promotions, from the server to the portable device; transmitting a purchase signal from the portable device to the server; automatically transmitting a purchase confirmation signal from the server to the portable device; and transmitting a check-out signal from the portable device to the server.

Claim 2. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically transmitting charge card debit information from the server to the portable device.

Claim 3. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically validating a charge card of the shopper.

Claim 4. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically logging-in the shopper upon entry into a shopping venue.

Claim 5. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of establishing a server-based hot-spot at a shopping venue.

Claim 6. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of transmitting a log-on invitation signal at a shopping venue.

Claim 7. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically transmitting a charge card information from the portable device to the server.

Claim 8. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically transmitting information about promotions from the server to the portable device.

Claim 9. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically logging-off the portable device upon exiting a shopping venue.

Claim 10. The automated shopping process of claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically validating a promotion for the shopper using physical coordinates of the shopper's location determined from GPS signals.

Claim 11. An automated shopping process using a shopping application software protocol operating partially on a server, and operating partially on a portable device carried by a shopper, the process comprising the steps of: automatically transmitting an item scan from the portable device to the server, and, in return, automatically receiving information on the portable device about promotions related to the scanned item from the server.

Claim 12. An automated shopping process using a shopping application software protocol operating partially on a server, and operating partially on a portable device carried by a shopper, the process comprising the steps of: scanning an item for sale at a shopping venue; transmitting information from the scanned item to a server associated with the shopping venue; and making payment for the item.