U.S. patent application number 13/783127 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-23 for store mobile cloud application system for inventory management and customer order fulfillment and method for retail establishment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Retail Technologies Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Retail Technologies Corporation. Invention is credited to Bruce J. Hicks, DeVan McArthur, Brian K. McWhirter, Bromley Williams.
Application Number | 20170083968 13/783127 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51167492 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170083968 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Hicks; Bruce J. ; et
al. |
March 23, 2017 |
STORE MOBILE CLOUD APPLICATION SYSTEM FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND
CUSTOMER ORDER FULFILLMENT AND METHOD FOR RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT
Abstract
A store mobile cloud application system executes a retail store
purchasing system having plurality of barcode scanners and scan
guns integrated with a mobile tablet device carried by employees.
The mobile tablet device is rotatably attached to a base housing
directly below it connected by a base mount universal receiver with
rotatable coupling. The Main PCB has an EEPROM controlling
operations of the USB devices including the scanner and an MSR. The
mobile tablet device has mobile applications which allow wireless
communication with a POS store systems server and the corporate ERP
system, and also commands the EEPROM. Scanned data involving a
product to be purchased is received by the mobile tablet device and
sent wirelessly to the POS store systems server to obtain product
data. The allocation of inventory sold, but not available in the
store, are processed real-time through the corporate ERP system and
available for review chain-wide.
Inventors: |
Hicks; Bruce J.;
(Windermere, FL) ; McWhirter; Brian K.; (Winter
Garden, FL) ; McArthur; DeVan; (Gulf Breeze, CA)
; Williams; Bromley; (Orlando, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Retail Technologies Corporation |
Orlando |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Retail Technologies
Corporation
Orlando
FL
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140249947 A1 |
September 4, 2014 |
|
|
Family ID: |
51167492 |
Appl. No.: |
13/783127 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61751911 |
Jan 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G06Q 30/0641 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06 |
Claims
1. A store mobile cloud application system for use with a mobile
tablet device having a display screen and a Wi-Fi or wireless
cellular connectivity back to a central corporate Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) system and point of sale (POS) store
systems server, in communication with a mobile scanner system and
incorporating mobile applications for managing real-time store
level inventory and transacting retail store purchases for
customers, comprising: a) mobile applications associated with said
corporate ERP system and POS store systems server, connected and
operated via encrypted Wi-Fi or wireless cellular connectivity
relating to real-time store level inventory management and mobile
POS sales transactions within the store environment, wherein said
mobile applications are available to either manage real-time daily
store level inventory management directly accessing said corporate
ERP system and visible chain-wide or process POS transactions for
customer purchases including selling merchandise unavailable within
an operating store from any other store or warehouse within a
retail chain, wherein once said POS transaction is completed sold
merchandise is allocated and updated within said corporate ERP
system and systemically visible chain-wide; b) said mobile
applications being connected through said Wi-Fi or wireless
cellular connectivity back to host applications running on the
corporate ERP system and the POS store systems server, providing
the user interface for said host applications and operating on said
mobile scanner system for both real-time daily store level
inventory management and POS customer sales transactions throughout
the store and beyond its walls; c) said mobile applications being
operative to establish a Wi-Fi or wireless cellular connection
between said mobile scanner system and said software; d) said
mobile tablet device being attached to Universal Serial Bus (USB)
input devices, such as a scanner and Magnetic Strip Reader (MSR),
of said mobile scanner system through a specialized universal
serial bus wiring harness; e) said Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
having a previously programmed Electrically Erasable Programmable
Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) that is initiated through execution of
said store mobile cloud application system for controlling all
actions of said USB scanner and a gun trigger for activating a scan
operation of an item of interest to a customer by an employee of a
retail establishment; f) said store mobile cloud application system
activated by initiation through selection of said icon causing said
EEPROM of the Main PCB to communicate with said mobile tablet
device, launching said mobile applications to ready said mobile
tablet device for receiving a scanned barcode; g) said Main PCB
having said previously programmed EEPROM that is initiated through
execution of said store mobile cloud application system for
controlling all actions of said USB MSR input device for activating
an MSR operation through the swipe of a customer payment card,
initiating a Payment Card Industry (PCI) secured payment card
authorization through the bank card processor by an employee of a
retail establishment; h) said mobile applications communicating
with said ERP system to obtain detailed information for real-time
daily store level inventory management purposes for such tasks as
physical inventory, cycle counting, inventory receiving, store to
store transfers, return to vendor and product re-ticketing; i) said
mobile applications communicating with said store systems server to
obtain specific product information such as, product availability
within the store and chain, price and any promotions available,
available electronic and physical coupons and customer loyalty
information; j) said mobile applications enables mobile POS
application and executes authorization of electronic payment card
transactions; k) said mobile applications communicating said POS to
said POS store systems server and initiating allocation of said
product inventory unavailable in the store and sold from within the
chain, sending a receipt therefor to the e-mail address of the
customer if requested and/or printing a hard copy of the
transaction on a central printer in the store; whereby the customer
purchases a product from any retail store employee having a mobile
scanner system receiving full product details, price, promotions,
electronic and physical coupons, customer loyalty data and rewards
and then charges the purchase in a friendly, efficient, informative
atmosphere without having the need to bring the product to a
central checkout station and waiting in queue to check out.
2. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim 1,
wherein said mobile tablet device is removably connected to one of
four said base housings through a base mount universal receiver
with rotatable coupling.
3. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim 2,
wherein said rotation sets the mobile tablet device in portrait or
landscape viewing format.
4. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim 1,
wherein said wireless communication may be in the form of Wi-Fi
through a plurality of links located within the retail
establishment and beyond its walls or wireless cellular through a
data planned offered by a standard cellular carrier.
5. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim 1,
wherein said mobile applications includes a StoreMobileRF
application wherein input of real-time daily store level inventory
management is inputted and stored for managing inventory from a
mobile scanner system in any store location across the retail
chain.
6. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim 1,
wherein said mobile applications includes a StoreMS Mobile
application for retail store chain-wide POS transactions of said
merchandise for customer check-out of purchased goods.
7. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim 6,
wherein said StoreMS Mobile application provides access to StoreMS
Customer Loyalty Rewards data, StoreMS Gift Card, and end to end
encrypted payment card processing networked to a PCI certified bank
card processor.
8. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim 1,
wherein said mobile tablet device is a mobile phone, Smartphone, or
custom OEM mobile tablet device.
9. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim 1,
wherein said mobile device is a mobile tablet device.
10. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim
1, wherein said mobile tablet device is received within a scan gun
form, wearable forearm form, handheld form or stationary docking
station associated with a POS retail register form.
11. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim
1, wherein said mobile scanner system is comprised of a mobile
scanner gun system and includes a base mount universal receiver
with rotational coupling thereon for removable mounting and
communication with said mobile tablet device.
12. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim
1, wherein said mobile scanner system is comprised of a wearable
mobile scanner system and includes a base mount universal receiver
with rotational coupling thereon for removable mounting and
communication with said mobile tablet device.
13. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim
1, wherein said mobile scanner system is comprised of a docking
station in communication with a POS register station and includes a
base mount universal receiver thereon for removable mounting and
communication with said mobile tablet device.
14. The store mobile cloud application system as recited by claim
1, wherein said mobile scanner system is comprised of a handheld
mobile scanner system and includes USB communication through a
specialized universal serial bus wiring harness between the mobile
tablet device and USB input devices, such as a barcode scanner and
MSR.
15. The store mobile cloud application system providing a
non-transitory computer readable electronic storage medium storing
one or more programs comprising instructions executable by a
portable multifunction mobile tablet device having a touch screen
display and Wi-Fi or wireless cellular capability to cause the
mobile tablet device to: display a real-time store inventory
management application associated with software that provides entry
of daily store level inventory management directly connect to the
central Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system; display point of
sale (POS) sales transaction means that provides ability to carry
out sales transactions throughout said store or beyond its walls
regardless of physical location; enabling the portable
multifunction mobile tablet device to be operative to establish a
connection between the mobile tablet device and one of four base
housings and to be mountable thereon; wherein said programs are
available to either manage real-time daily store level inventory
management directly accessing said corporate ERP system and visible
chain-wide or process POS transactions for customer purchases
including selling merchandise unavailable within an operating store
from any other store or warehouse within a retail chain, wherein
once said POS transaction is completed sold merchandise is
allocated and updated within said corporate ERP system and
systemically visible chain-wide; wherein when triggered the system
provides relevant inventory information and POS transaction
capability.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is Nonprovisional Patent application is related to
Applicant's U.S. Nonprovisional application entitled "Mobile
Scanner Gun System With Mobile Tablet Having A Mobile Pos And
Enterprise Resource Planning Application For Pos Customer Order
Fulfillment And In Store Inventory Management For Retail
Establishment" (Attorney Docket No. 0528-1); U.S. Nonprovisional
application entitled "Mobile Barcode Scanner Gun System With Mobile
Tablet Device Having A Mobile Pos And Enterprise Resource Planning
Application For Customer Checkout/Order Fulfillment And Real Time
In Store Inventory Management For Retail Establishment" (Attorney
Docket No. 0528-2); U.S. Nonprovisional application entitled
"Wearable Mobile Scanner System With Mobile Tablet Having A Mobile
Pos And Enterprise Resource Planning Application For Pos Customer
Order Fulfillment And Method In Store Inventory Management For
Retail Establishment" (Attorney Docket No. 0528-6); and U.S.
Nonprovisional application entitled "Wearable Mobile Scanner System
With Mobile Tablet Having A Mobile Pos And Enterprise Resource
Planning Application For Pos Customer Order Fulfillment And In
Store Inventory Management For Retail Establishment" (Attorney
Docket No. 0528-7); which Nonprovisional applications are
co-pending and filed on the same date herewith, and the disclosures
of which co-pending Nonprovisional applications are hereby
specifically incorporated herein by reference thereto.
[0002] This Nonprovisional patent application claims the benefit of
the filing date for U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/751,911,
filed Jan. 13, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby specifically
incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto.
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to Internet messaging systems
and methods concerning sales transactions; and, more particularly
to retail store mobile cloud application system shown on a display
on a Smartphone, tablet or mobile device, or stationary device,
having Internet connectivity for use in retail establishments.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0004] Current retail systems utilize various types of barcode
readers, tablets, register stations and Point-of-Sale (POS)
devices. For example, one particularly common type of barcode
reading device is that used at the checkout register or register
station of a store, displaying the price of an item to the checkout
clerk, who can then process the sale. Other frequently utilized
barcode reading devices can be found at various kiosks in a store
wherein a customer can scan an item for a price-check, however
these kiosk barcode reading devices do not process the sale, and
only provide the ability to view the price of the item scanned.
Generally, the check-out counter or register station is in a
central location and customers typically must line up at the
checkout register bringing with them all the products to be
purchased. As the register stations are the only means for the POS
transaction, customers are required to wait, often in a line, to
checkout via either self-checkout at a register station or at a
traditional check-out register operated by an employee of the
retail establishment. However, these bar code scanning devices and
software implemented therein, fail to provide a combination of
mobile technology with POS technology, and further fail to provide
the ability to manage inventory throughout the retailer's
franchise.
[0005] Another type of barcode reading device is a mobile handheld
scanner, which is used by store and warehouse associates to manage
inventory tasks such as physical inventory, cycle counting,
inventory receiving, store to store transfers, return to vendor and
product ticketing. However, these devices are only used for
inventory management and have no ability to process sales.
[0006] Various systems and devices heretofore disclosed and
utilized are set forth hereinafter.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,293 to Swartz et al. discloses a
wearable communication system. A portable data input or computer
system includes an input/output device such as a keyboard and a
display, as well as another data input device such as an optical
barcode scanner, and a data processor module. To scan barcode type
indicia, the operator points the scanner at the barcode and
triggers the scanner to read the indicia. Each of the system
components is distributed on an operator's body and collectively
forms a personal area system (PAS). Components may include a
scanner or imager, a wrist unit, a headpiece including an eyepiece
display, speaker and a microphone. Components within a particular
PAS communicate with each other over a personal area network (PAN).
Individual PASs may be combined into a network of PASs called a PAS
cluster. PASs in a particular PAS cluster can communicate with each
other over another wireless communication channel. Individual PAS
can gain access to a Local Area Network (LAN) and/or a Wide Area
Network (WAN) via an access point. Individual PASs can use devices,
such as servers and PCs situated either on the LAN or the WAN to
retrieve and exchange information. Individual PAS components can
provide automatic speech and image recognition. PAS components may
also act a telephone, a pager, or any other communication device
having access to a LAN or a WAN. Transmission of digitized voice
and/or video data can be achieved over an Internet link. The
wearable communication system has a CPU and communicates by
wireless communication with a trigger worn elsewhere. No tablet is
provided, and the system does not communicate barcode information
or payment card information wirelessly to a main computer in a
retail environment.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,501 to Roslak et al. discloses a
personal shopping system. The personal shopping system is designed
for combined use in both the home of a user and a shopping
establishment. The system includes a host computer which is coupled
to a host modem and, optionally, to at least one wireless
multi-access point. The portable terminal can be used in both the
shopping establishment and the home of the user. It is configured
to read barcodes associated with items related to shopping, and
includes a memory, a barcode reader, a wireless transceiver, and a
data interface. The data interface of the terminal communicates
with a data interface of the shopping establishment kiosk cradle or
directly with the shopping establishment's communications network.
This portable terminal communicates with a kiosk and has a very
limited range of communication. The portable terminal has a barcode
scanner but does not transmit scanned barcode data to a central
corporate ERP system in the retail shopping establishment.
Moreover, the portable terminal does not have a tablet or an input
device, and does not accept swiping of a magnetic payment card.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,913,912 to Do et al. discloses on-demand
point-of-sale scanner access. The access system associates or
disassociates a mobile point-of-sale scanner device with a
particular shopper. Shoppers may be identified, for example, using
biometrics or by scanning a loyalty card. As an example of using
biometrics, the shopper's fingerprint may be scanned at the same
time as a trigger of the scanner is activated to scan an item's
barcode. The fingerprint is preferably transmitted, along with the
scanned barcode, to a server or other device for comparison to
previously-stored information. The scanner is then automatically
associated with the shopper to whom the fingerprint corresponds. In
another embodiment, scanned loyalty card information is preferably
transmitted (optionally, along with a scanned barcode), such that
the scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to
whom the loyalty card corresponds. Disassociating the scanner from
a shopper is preferably triggered using a sensor (such as a light)
that forms part of the scanner device, whereby the sensor is
activated when the shopper releases the scanner device. A timer may
be used to filter out accidental activation of the sensor. The
on-demand point-of-sale scanner access employs a procedure that
merely associates the biometric data of the user with a scan gun
that is used for scanning an item to be purchased. Since the
biometric data of the user is previously stored in the main
computer, the purchase of the scanned item is added to the list of
purchased items. The scanning operation is not carried out by the
employee of a retail establishment, and the details of the product
are not presented to the customer. Merely scanning an object adds
the scanned object to the purchased list, and the customer has no
means to delete the item from the purchased list. The scanner does
not have a tablet attached thereto.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,294 to Miller et al. discloses an
accuracy-enhanced scanner. This accuracy-enhanced scanner provides,
in response to a first user input, illumination of potential scan
targets and, in response to a second user input, scans a selected
scan target. The user employs the illumination to aim the scanner
at the selected scan target in between providing the first and the
second user inputs. The scanner has switches to communicate the
user inputs, to specify an operating mode for the scanner, and/or
to communicate information codes to a computing device. The scanner
has one or more scan engines (such as a barcode reader or an RFID
tag reader), and optionally communicates wirelessly with the
computing device. A scanning system including the scanner
optionally provides feedback to the user based on feedback from a
host processor. The scanner is any of a Multi-Mode Ring Scanner
(MMRS), a cordless hand scanner, or a Personal Digital Assistant
(PDA) with an add-on scanner Scanners of various types are mounted
on a ring powered by a wrist worn device. The device does not have
a tablet attached to an input device. Even though the ring is said
to have a magnetic card reader, there is no indication where this
operation can be carried out.
[0011] U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,250,187, 8,255,499 and U.S. Pat. No.
8,255,500 to Cacheria III, et al. disclose a distributed
transaction system. This system is operative to interface
predetermined services to a user at a fixed location, and includes
a processing platform running an operating system. Also included
are pluralities of physical system resource interfaces for
interfacing with available physical system resources. The physical
system resources allow a user to gain access to the predetermined
desired services. The system further includes a data store for
storing configuration information that enables the operating system
to interface with the available physical system resources through
the physical system resource interface associated therewith. A
communication resource for interfacing with the operating system
allows communication of the operating system with a central office
for downloading configuration information to selectively enable
ones of the available physical system resources to interface with
the operating system through associated ones of the physical system
resource interfaces in accordance with the configuration
information and the predetermined service selected by a user. A
plurality of configurations is stored in the data store, and each
is associated with a predetermined service and one or more of the
available physical system resources. Each physical system resource
interface is uniquely associated with a defined one of the physical
system resources. This method has a number of terminals or service
providers interacting with a central processor, which can
communicate with banks and other financial institutions authorizing
credit purchases. While verification of customer at terminal 110 is
indicated, `110` is not an employee present on the retail store
environment. Also, the terminals are not associated with a barcode
scanner and/or mobile device having barcode scanning and magnetic
payment card swiping features. There is no employee in the retail
location that has a barcode scanner scanning a particular object of
interest to a customer, to provide full details of the product, its
price and available promotions.
[0012] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120209749 to
Hammad et al. discloses a snap mobile payment apparatus, methods
and systems. This snap mobile payment (SNAP) system transforms
real-time-generated merchant-product Quick Response (QR) codes via
SNAP components into virtual wallet card-based transaction purchase
notifications. In one embodiment, the SNAP obtains a snapshot of a
QR code presented on a display screen of a point-of-sale device
from a mobile device. The SNAP decodes the QR code to obtain
product information included in a checkout request of the user, and
merchant information for processing a user purchase transaction
with a merchant providing the QR code. The SNAP accesses a user
virtual wallet to obtain user account information to process the
user purchase transaction with the merchant. Using the product
information, merchant information and user account information, the
SNAP generates a card authorization request, and which the SNAP
provides to a payment network for transaction processing. Also, the
SNAP obtains a purchase receipt confirming processing of the user
purchase transaction. The snap mobile payment apparatus, methods
and systems require the user to present the QR code and the virtual
wallet to make a purchase. This requires the customer to take a
picture of the QR code and show it at the sales kiosk register or
bring the product to the sales kiosk, a cumbersome operation. There
is no employee in the retail location that has a barcode scanner
with a tablet adapted for scanning a particular object of interest
to a customer, to provide full details of the product, its price
and available promotions.
[0013] Non-Patent Literature "Infinite Peripherals
IPC_Infinea_Tab_Spec.pdf" at
http://ipclineapro.com/infinea-tab-ipad/ discloses a tablet that is
attached to a swivel head and has an application for barcode
scanning, magnetic card reading. The `IPC_Infinea_Tab is clearly a
stand for attaching a tablet. The previous page states that the
Infinea tab has active scanning, active barcode reader, and active
search magnetic card reader. It has two buttons for starting the
scan operation. It is not indicated to receive a command from a
barcode scanner to scan a barcode or read a magnetic card. Further,
the Application in the tablet does not communicate with a central
corporate ERP system within the retail location to determine
detailed description of a scanned product; determine its inventory,
price and promotions. Furthermore, it does not also allow the POS
store systems server to process a payment card transaction for the
purchase of a product.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,289 and U.S. Patent App. Pub. No.
20120298740 to Hsu et al. disclose point of sale terminals
generally including a housing including at least first and second
housing portions which are arranged for relative axial movement
from a closed position to an open position, the first housing
portion including at least a communications interface adapted for
operative communications engagement with a mobile communicator and
a first housing portion socket adapted for partially surrounding
the mobile communicator, the second housing portion including a
second housing portion socket adapted for partially surrounding the
mobile communicator and the first and second housing portions being
configured such that when they are arranged in the closed position
the first housing portion socket and the second housing portion
socket together hug the mobile communicator and prevent unwanted
disengagement of the mobile communicator therefrom. The point of
sale terminals do not provide inventory management in conjunction
with point of sale transaction capability throughout a retailer
establishment. Furthermore, the terminals are specifically
constructed to receive and house a phone device such as that
commonly sold under the trade name iPhone. Consequently, the
terminals are limited in structure and function to use with
narrowly tailored constructs. What is more, the terminals provide
for a magnetic card swiping device integrated within the terminal
body itself, and as a result the phone device must be mounted
within the particular terminal to carry out the point of sale
transaction.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,922 to Roberts discloses an apparatus
for managing a transaction using a transaction terminal having a
manual code reading device, such as a barcode reader, for reading a
data code printed on a visual medium. A transaction program forming
part of the system includes at least one page of a visual medium
having a first and second sets of data codes printed thereon. The
first set of data codes in printed in a prearranged sequence and
comprises a predetermined sequence of program commands for carrying
out all of the steps of a prearranged transaction, including a
subset of program commands associated with a corresponding subset
of data entry steps. The second set of data codes is printed on the
same or another page of said visual medium. Each of the data codes
in the second set comprises a prearranged item of transaction data
for use in said data entry steps. The transaction terminal includes
a computer means interfaced to the manual code reading means. This
computer means includes a program storage device and a data storage
device. The apparatus relates to managing transactions of the type
involving home shopping, bill paying and the like, and does not
relate in structure or function to mobile point of sale systems for
use in retail establishments. As such, the point of sale terminal
does not provide a mobile tablet device capable of being mounted on
a scanner device for integration and communication for sales
transactions and inventory management.
[0016] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20130030933 to
Talach et al. discloses a payment facilitating system for use with
a mobile communicator and a point of sale (POS) terminal, the
system including a Near Field Communication (NFC) financial
transaction communication link between the mobile communicator and
the POS terminal, the NFC financial transaction communication link
being operative to communicate NFC data for use in a financial
transaction, a non-NFC financial transaction communication link
between the mobile communicator and the POS terminal, the non-NFC
financial transaction communication link being operative to
communicate non-NFC data for use in the financial transaction, and
a transaction effector operative to complete the financial
transaction using both the NFC data communicated directly between
the mobile communicator and the POS terminal over the NFC financial
transaction communication link and the non-NFC data communicated
directly between the mobile communicator and the POS terminal over
the non-NFC financial transaction communication link. The payment
facilitating system relates to NCF data transmission for payment at
a POS terminal via NCF data programmed with a user's cell phone or
smart phone device to provide payment at the checkout via the cell
phone. The system does not relate in structure or function to
mobile point of sale systems for use in retail establishments.
[0017] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120296741 to Dykes
discloses a payment system including a transaction server, a
virtual wallet server (VWS), at least one point of sale device
including a secure element and being operative to provide secure
data communication of a purchaser wallet personal identification
number (WPIN), but not purchaser payment particulars, to at least
the VWS and at least one mobile communicator communicating a mobile
communicator presence indicator (MCPI) but neither the purchaser
WPIN nor the purchaser payment particulars to the at least one
point of sale device. The payment system relates utilizing a mobile
device at the register counter of a retail establishment for data
transmission of payment with the mobile device. The system does not
relate in structure or function to mobile point of sale systems for
use in retail establishments.
[0018] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120284131 to
Soffer et al. discloses a mobile commerce system including a
multiplicity of Mobile Device-Point of Sale Communication
(MPC)-equipped mobile devices, a plurality of MPC-enabled
Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, at least one POS configuration server
for configuring the plurality of MPC-enabled POS devices, at least
one MPC-equipped mobile device configuration server for configuring
the plurality of MPC-equipped mobile devices and at least one
mobile marketing platform server operative to introduce Transaction
Value Certificate (TVC)-related functions and to communicate both
with the at least one POS configuration server and the at least one
MPC-equipped mobile device configuration server to coordinate
operation thereof so that the MPC-enabled POS devices will be
"tap-ready" for carrying out the TVC-related functions. The mobile
commerce system is structured having a multiplicity of Mobile
Device-Point of Sale Communication (MPC) wallet-equipped mobile
devices, typically smart phones such as mobile communicators
operating on an ANDROID.RTM. (Google), iOS.RTM. (Apple),
BLACKBERRY.RTM. or WINDOWS MOBILE.RTM. (Microsoft) operating
system, and a plurality of MPC-enabled point of sale (POS) devices,
for example, an electronic cash register (ECR), connected to a Near
Field Communication (NFC)-enabled payment terminal. The mobile
commerce system does not provide a system having a barscanner
device integrated and in communication with a mobile tablet with
payment card receiving capability. The system does not relate in
structure or function to mobile point of sale systems for use in
retail establishments.
[0019] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120072350 to
Goldthwaite et al. discloses a system processes a request by a
customer to pay a transaction amount, using the customer's account,
for a transaction between the customer and a merchant, to provide a
payment to an account of the merchant. The transaction incorporates
use of a mobile wireless device operated by the customer to provide
identification information of the customer's account to an
authentication server. A payment server coupled to the
authentication server and the merchant passes merchant
communications to the authentication server. The authentication
server receives the transaction amount from the merchant and
receives customer account information from the customer's wireless
mobile device, and processes the transaction and account
information and, if authenticated, routes the payment transaction
to the payment server for payment to the merchant's account. The
system relates utilizing a mobile device at the register counter of
a retail establishment for data transmission of payment with the
mobile device. The system does not relate in structure or function
to mobile point of sale systems for use in retail
establishments.
[0020] Non-patent literature entitled "PAYware Mobile Enterprise"
found at
http://www.verifone.com/products/hardware/mobile/payware-mobile-enterpris-
e discloses a mobile payment solution that transforms smartphones
and tablets into secure transaction portals. The literature teaches
swiping, inserting or tapping a card, to execute payments. In
addition, advanced features such as a 2D barcode imager, integrated
PIN pad and customizable app integration are provided for merchants
who want their store associates to get up from behind the cash
register and interact with consumers anywhere in the store. The
mobile payment solution does not provide use outside of the store;
the devices disclosed fail to provide the ability for use
throughout a retailer's establishment, including other locations
and warehouses of the retailer.
[0021] Despite heretofore disclosed and utilized systems and
methods, managing inventory throughout retailer establishments,
nationally and internationally, has proven unreliable and
difficult. POS capabilities remain separate from inventory
management throughout retailer establishments and as a result both
retailers and customers are tied to the physical location of the
checkout work station, resulting in frustration and loss of
sales.
[0022] Based on the foregoing, there exists a need for a mobile
scanner system with an integrated mobile tablet device utilizing a
system and method that communicates real-time daily inventory
management such as physical inventory, cycle counting, inventory
receiving, store to store transfers, return to vendor, and product
re-ticketing, while at the same time providing the ability for POS
customer sales transactions throughout the store and beyond its
walls. Further, there is a need in the art for a system and method
that is appointed to be utilized with several USB devices such as a
mobile portable barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reader (MSR)
input devices that can be carried by retail employees in a retail
location to provide daily inventory management applications for a
full combination of tasks, including physical inventory, cycle
counting, inventory receiving, store to store transfers, return to
vendor, product re-ticketing, as well as POS customer sales
applications throughout the store and beyond its walls.
Additionally, there is a need in the art for a system and method
that can scan the barcode of merchandise of interest by the
customer, provide complete details of the product along with its
selling price and taxes, as well as any physical and electronic
coupons, promotions, and customer loyalty data and rewards
available. Through use of such a novel system, a customer may
decide to purchase the merchandise just scanned or look at
additional items, and when a purchase decision is made by the
customer, an employee can readily tender the purchase, providing a
courteous friendly sales environment wherein every employee has
complete access to all the relevant information on any product of
interest and their customer loyalty data and rewards available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention provides a free standing Application
for a mobile scanner system with an integrated mobile tablet
device, that is capable of linking the user to the central
corporate Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), which provides a
system and method, and devices utilizing same, that executes daily
store level inventory management objectives and POS customer sales
transactions. Store level inventory management functions include
such tasks as physical inventory, cycle counting, inventory
receiving, store to store transfers, return to vendor, re-product
ticketing, and to operatively identify a product by its barcode,
establish price, taxes, promotions, electronic and physical coupons
and customer loyalty data and rewards available and tender the sale
of product to a customer through a mobile POS application,
regardless of the location of the inventory. From within the POS
transaction, if the inventory is unavailable in the store, the sold
inventory can be transferred from the warehouse, another store or
special ordered and made available at any store for customer pickup
or shipped to a customer location. In the case the inventory is
unavailable, once the transaction is completed on the mobile tablet
device, the item and quantity of the selected fulfillment location
is allocated within the corporate ERP system and visible
chain-wide.
[0024] The store mobile cloud application system is constructed
having retail mobile applications associated with software that
includes the subject corporate ERP system and POS store systems
server associated with a user of the mobile scanner system and
retailer's data. The retail store mobile cloud application system
is connected and operated through encrypted Wi-Fi or wireless
cellular connectivity back to the POS store systems server and the
central corporate ERP system relating to the retailer's store level
inventory management and mobile point of purchase throughout the
store and beyond its walls. The mobile applications are operative
to establish a Wi-Fi or wireless cellular connection between the
mobile tablet device and the POS store systems server and corporate
ERP system.
[0025] When the user/employee selects an application icon on the
mobile tablet device, several applications are available to either
manage real-time daily store level inventory management directly
accessing the corporate ERP system and visible chain-wide or
process POS sales transactions for customer purchases providing the
selling price and taxes, as well as any physical and electronic
coupons, promotions, customer loyalty data and rewards available
and product support via video conferencing. Within the POS
application, sell merchandise unavailable within the operating
store from any other store or warehouse within the chain, once the
transaction is completed on the mobile scanner system, the sold
merchandise is allocated and updated within the corporate ERP
system and systemically visible chain-wide.
[0026] The application icons are displayed on the mobile tablet
device and include software readable from the corporate ERP system,
as well as the POS store systems server and include the subject
specially programmed mobile applications. The mobile scanner system
has functionality to communicate wirelessly with both the corporate
ERP system and the local store's POS store systems server, which is
primarily connected via Wi-Fi communication and is secured using
standard Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II
(WPA2) wireless encryption methods; alternatively, a secondary
means of communication is available through a wireless cellular
module intergraded into the tablet and accessed via a data plan
through a standard cellular carrier and secured using the same
protocols as Wi-Fi. The mobile applications have functionality to
order an electrically erasable programmable read only memory
(EEPROM) present within the Main PCB to conduct various functions,
and this directive is sent through the specialized universal serial
bus wiring harness. The communication between the USB input devices
and mobile tablet device occurs back and forth depending on a
specific application functional operation.
[0027] The EEPROM of the Main PCB carries a programmed instruction
set and works in conjunction with the mobile applications of the
mobile tablet device. For example if a barcode scanner gun trigger
of the mobile scanner system is pressed by the retail store
employee according to the interest of a customer, this event is
detected by the EEPROM of the Main PCB and is communicated to the
mobile application within the mobile tablet device. The EEPROM
interprets and parses the barcode read and formats it in a manner
that is readily recognized by the mobile application. The mobile
application communicates with the POS store systems server to
obtain the details of the product scanned, its selling price, any
coupons, promotions, customer loyalty data and rewards available
and the available inventory of the product chain-wide, including
the warehouse. The mobile tablet device displays the entire data on
the screen and the retail store employee may discuss these details
to the customer allowing the customer to make a purchase decision.
Optionally, the POS store systems server may suggest other similar
products with enhanced functionality, reduced selling price and the
like. Accordingly, the customer may view similar products and
review product details to come to a purchase decision. Optionally,
if the item is not available in the current store's inventory, the
employee may suggest the item be shipped from the warehouse or
another store within the chain.
[0028] When the customer reaches a purchase decision of a product
displayed on the mobile tablet device screen, the employee of the
store selects an application icon to invoke the mobile POS
application. If shipping is required, the customer provides the
customer name, address, contact telephone number, and email address
if they are not already in the customer loyalty database. The
customer provides a payment card to the retail store employee which
is swiped in the MSR slot of the USB MSR input device. The MSR
track data is encrypted using industry standard Triple DES with
DUKPT by the MSR reader before the data is transferred to the POS
application. The employee allows the customer to sign their name on
the mobile tablet device using an integrated signature capture
feature of the mobile POS application to validate the sale and then
the information received from the customer is securely transferred
by wireless communication to the POS store systems server, which
processes the customer payment card by contacting a bank card
processor via a PCI certified network connection. Upon receiving
credit authorization of the purchase, the mobile tablet device of
the mobile scanner system displays information that the purchase is
complete and the employee bags the sold merchandise and presents it
to the customer. The POS store systems server updates the corporate
ERP system, adjusting the inventory on-hand of the merchandise sold
making it visible chain-wide. The POS store systems server sends an
email of the receipt to the customer's email address, which may be
readily viewed in a smart phone carried by the customer. If
desired, a hard copy of the receipt for the purchase is printed on
a local printer within the retail establishment via the store's
local network.
[0029] With this system, the customer does not have to bring the
merchandise to a central check out location. The purchase operation
is conducted anywhere throughout the store by a retail store
employee carrying a mobile scanner system, and has up to date
information concerning product inventory of any item in their
retail location or chain-wide, along with current details,
electronic and physical coupons, promotions and customer loyalty
data and rewards.
[0030] The following paragraph details the elements, which
collectively enable operation of the system as detailed
hereinabove. The mobile tablet device of the mobile scanner system
preferably comprises a custom-developed, industry hardened mobile
tablet device utilizing a base mount universal receiver with
rotational coupling to connect to one of four base housing concepts
and a specialized universal serial bus wiring harness to connect to
the USB input devices, such as a barcode scanner and MSR. Various
operating systems, such as those associated with the trade name
Android (Google), iOS (Apple), and Windows (Microsoft) are
contemplated. The mobile tablet device has custom programmed mobile
applications on the Android platform. The mobile tablet device
(upper receiver) is connected to each base housing concept through
a base mount universal receiver with rotatable coupling, integrated
into each of the four base housing concepts, including a mobile
scanner gun system, a wearable mobile scanner system, a handheld
scanner system, and a fixed docked POS workstation, each with a USB
scanner input device integrated into the base, except for the
handheld housing, which has the scanner input device integrated
into the mobile tablet device (upper receiver) directly below the
USB MSR input device. The rotational coupling permits changing the
orientation of the mobile tablet device in the portrait mode or in
the landscape mode of the mobile tablet device display screen. The
upper receiver has an industry standard USB MSR input device
integrated along the short edge of the mobile tablet device for
easy access by the user regardless of which base housing is
selected for use.
[0031] A key feature of the invention is an electrically erasable
programmable read only memory (EEPROM) that has a previously
programmed instruction set present within the Main PCB. The EEPROM
of the Main PCB is connected to the mobile tablet device and can
process the command issued by the mobile application to command
either the barcode scanner or the MSR to acquire pertinent data.
The EEPROM of the Main PCB organizes the data in proper format and
delivers it to the mobile tablet device through the specialized
universal serial bus wiring harness. Due to the use of the EEPROM,
which can process barcode and payment card data, the attached
mobile tablet device can perform secure distributed sales within a
retail establishment. Each of the employees of the retail
establishment knows instantaneously the inventory of any particular
item chain-wide, the barcode of an item that is scanned along with
its price as well as discounts, electronic and physical coupons,
promotions, and customer loyalty data and rewards. Thus a customer
may look at several product items and ask the employee of the
retail organization to know the product details and customer
loyalty data and rewards. This provides a pleasant, informative
interaction between the customer and the employee of the retail
organization, establishing one-on-one, face-to-face relationship,
which is appreciated by the customer and results in an improved
sales environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0032] The invention will be more fully understood and further
advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention and the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart schematic of the store
mobile cloud application system of the subject invention;
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a network schematic of the store mobile
cloud application system of the subject invention;
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart schematic of steps carried
out by the subject store mobile cloud application system;
[0036] FIG. 4a illustrates a mobile scanner gun system docked
through a base mount universal receiver with rotational coupling to
a mobile tablet device operating in concert under the store mobile
cloud application's operation system;
[0037] FIG. 4b illustrates a wearable mobile scanner system docked
through a base mount universal receiver with rotational coupling to
a mobile tablet device operating in concert under the store mobile
cloud application's operation system;
[0038] FIG. 4c illustrates a fixed register system with a mobile
tablet device capability in communication with a docking station
communicating through a base mount universal receiver to a mobile
tablet device operating in concert under the store mobile cloud
application's operation system;
[0039] FIG. 4d-4i illustrates a "stand alone" handheld version of
the mobile scanner system without a base housing. The scanner is
attached to the mobile tablet device (upper receiver) through the
base mount universal receiver and electrically connected through
the specialized universal serial bus wiring harness connector. The
mobile tablet device is operating in concert under the store mobile
cloud application's operation system;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the circuit of
the Main PCB;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
the StoreMobile Cloud.TM. environment of the subject system and
method;
[0042] FIG. 7 is an in-depth schematic diagram illustrating an
embodiment of the StoreMobile Cloud.TM. network schematic of the
subject system and method;
[0043] FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating an embodiment of
the back room management picture flow of the subject system and
method;
[0044] FIG. 9a illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the
frame/casing around the wearable mobile scanner device with the
mobile applications downloaded thereon;
[0045] FIG. 9b illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the
frame/casing around a mobile tablet device with the mobile
applications downloaded thereon;
[0046] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
the circuit of the Main PCB in communication with the mobile tablet
device and supporting initiation of the subject executable mobile
applications;
[0047] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
the sub-boards 1 and 2 circuitry of the barcode scanner in
communication with the mobile tablet device and supporting
initiation of the subject store mobile cloud application
system;
[0048] FIG. 12 is an embodiment of a screen shot of the subject
application system illustrating the StoreMobile Cloud.TM.
environment, StoreMobileRF.TM. and StoreMS Mobile.TM.
applications;
[0049] FIG. 13 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of
the menu screen after selection of the StoreMobileRF application
system's icon 1202 in FIG. 12;
[0050] FIG. 14 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of a
main POS application screen;
[0051] FIG. 15 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of an
inventory lookup screen;
[0052] FIG. 16 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of an
inventory proximity search screen;
[0053] FIG. 17 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of an
electronic email receipt screen; and
[0054] FIG. 18 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of a
web order view screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0055] This invention relates to a store mobile cloud application
system for store level real-time inventory management and a fully
functioning POS system for customer check-out of merchandise in a
retail sales environment. The system comprises a mobile tablet
device (upper receiver) having a display with the store mobile
cloud application system software downloaded, which has an industry
standard USB MSR input device integrated along the short edge of
the mobile tablet device for easy access by the user regardless of
which base housing is selected for use. Within each base housing
concept, there is a USB scanner input device in communication with
the mobile tablet device through the specialized universal serial
bus wiring harness. The upper receiver is connected to the each
base housing concept through the base mount universal receiver with
rotational coupling. The mobile tablet device rotation allows for
viewing in both a portrait mode and landscape mode.
[0056] The store mobile cloud application system is constructed
having a number of mobile applications associated with software
that includes the subject ERP system and the POS store systems
server associated with a user of the mobile tablet device and the
retailer's data. The retail mobile applications are displayed
through the store's Wi-Fi or wireless cellular connectivity
displaying at least one message related to the retailer's
inventory, pricing, product location and available stock. The store
mobile cloud application system is operative to establish a Wi-Fi
or wireless cellular connection between the mobile tablet device
and the ERP system and the POS store systems server.
[0057] When the user/employee selects an application icon on the
store mobile cloud application system, several applications are
available to either manage real-time store level inventory
management directly accessing the corporate ERP system, which is
available chain-wide or process POS sales transactions for customer
purchases, running on the POS store systems server, including
ancillary applications such as StoreMS Gift Card.TM. and StoreMS
Loyalty Rewards.TM. and product support via video teleconferencing;
and, within the POS application, sell inventory unavailable within
the operating store from any other store or warehouse within the
chain and allocate those inventory positions while transacting
within the POS application, which are visible chain-wide through
the ERP system.
[0058] The application icons are displayed on the store mobile
cloud application system and include software readable from the
corporate ERP system, as well as the POS store systems server and
include the subject specially programmed mobile applications. The
store mobile cloud application system has functionality to
communicate wirelessly with both the corporate ERP system and the
local store's POS store systems server, which is primarily
connected via Wi-Fi communication and is secured using standard
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)
wireless encryption methods; alternatively, a secondary means of
communication is available through a wireless cellular module
intergraded into the mobile tablet device and accessed via a data
plan through a standard cellular carrier. The mobile applications
have functionality to order an EEPROM present within the Main PCB
to conduct various functions, and this directive is sent through
the specialized universal serial bus wiring harness. The
communication between the USB input devices, such as the barcode
scanner and MSR, and the mobile tablet device occurs back and forth
depending on the application function in operation.
[0059] The system and method of the present invention provides
technology that empowers sales associates to service their
customers without consideration to the physical location of the
product. Through use of the subject system and methods, goods can
be purchased anywhere, anytime and delivered wherever and whenever
the consumer wants it. Under current systems and methods, the
consumer must travel to the location of the good (or order the good
on-line through their personal device and wait for delivery or in
store pick-up). This adds an inconvenient step--that is rather than
allowing the sales associate to simply handle the purchase via a
mobile POS device and have the item delivered where the customer
wants, the customer must drive to the other location or place
his/her own order through his/her own means. Not only is this
inconvenient, but such inconvenience often results in the loss of
the sale altogether, as the customer may decide to forego the
purchase, or simply move on to the competitor's store if it is
nearby and convenient to do so.
[0060] None of the heretofore systems and methods provide the
ability for a retailer to utilize software and hardware that runs
the entire store, ranging from real-time store level inventory
management, to POS customer sales transactions. The system, method
and devices herein provide this unique advantageous feature. The
subject system and method, and devices implementing same, provide
the following advantages: 1) increased store productivity, 2)
reduced technology cost and footprint, and 3) improved customer
satisfaction, all of which in turn lead to ensured return on
investment (ROI).
[0061] ERP systems integrate internal and external management
information throughout an organization, embracing
finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service, customer
relationship management, etc. ERP systems automate this activity
with an integrated software application. The purpose of ERP is to
facilitate the flow of information between all business functions
inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the
connections to outside stakeholders. ERP systems can run on a
variety of computer hardware and network configurations, typically
employing a database as a repository for information. Examples of
vendors who build industry leading ERP systems include: JDA
Software Group, Oracle, SAP, Epicore, etc. However, present systems
do not provide the ability for a store employee at a physical store
location to have direct mobile access to real-time inventory
management and POS capability.
[0062] The subject system and methods provides real-time daily
store level inventory management and POS customer check-out to
retail establishments that complement current merchandising systems
generally utilized by chain retailers. Real-time mobile
functionality is provided by the subject system and methods,
preferably built for Merchandise Management System (MMS) users from
store level POS store operations to central corporate office MMS in
their current MMS iSeries environment. Through use of the subject
system MMS iSeries environment, businesses can build their own
cloud to provide mobile customer check-out/order fulfillment and
real-time inventory management in the store through the store
mobile cloud application system.
[0063] Uniquely, the subject system and method uniquely provides
the ability to use a mobile scanner system in a store to yield the
following benefits: 1) it allows sales associates to service
customers in new ways that deepen customer loyalty and increase
wallet share; 2) it provides inventory management for increased
accuracy, efficiency, and accountability while providing real-time
access to corporate inventory data; 3) it eliminates workflow in
the back office and keeps the retailer's sales associates on the
sales floor; and 4) it results in higher customer satisfaction.
Implementation of the subject system and methods, and devices
thereon implemented provides strong store level inventory
management, and leveraging current technology infrastructure
ensures ROI.
[0064] Advantageously, the subject system, method and devices of
the present invention allow a sales associate using a mobile
scanner system anywhere in the store and beyond its walls to carry
out inventory management tasks such as: a) Daily Cycle Counting
& Physical Inventory, b) Receiving & Returns, c) Store
Transfers, d) Item Checking, e) Re-Ticketing, etc. Such tasks are
performed real time within the ERP system and are all visible
chain-wide. Further, the sales associate can run POS on the sales
floor or physically away from the store, with all the capability
previously contained at the POS terminal. Through use of the
subject system and method, a sales associate can perform the
following from a mobile POS device: i) sell "out of stock" product
available in the warehouse, another store or from a vendor; ii)
create a purchase order (PO) or transfer within MMS and track that
item transfer on the web; iii) sell products from their e-commerce
site; iv) combat "Showrooming" by providing customers real-time
competitive product and pricing information, allowing staff to
match prices and satisfy their customer's demands by exceeding
expectations at the point of purchase.
[0065] Mobile POS represents the technology future of retail
stores. For decades retail stores have been designed around fixed
cash-wrap POS stations/register stations. New studies indicate that
cash-wrap POS stations/register stations are becoming less relevant
in future retail markets. Approximately one fifth (21.4%) of
retailers are planning on removing or decreasing use of traditional
fixed-station POS/register stations per store. In many retail
verticals, mobile POS will eventually replace these systems. As
mobile tablet devices mature and harden the need for POS register
stations, terminals and smart RF scan guns with cryptic processes
will continue to dwindle.
[0066] However, RF data terminals fall short; although many are
durable and retail hardened, and work well for inventory, they are
ineffective on sales floor for POS customer check-out due to lack
of functionality and usability. Moreover, conventional RF data
terminals are very expensive and typically locked into outdated
technology. Although consumer tablet and smartphone devices appear
to have some potential to fill this gap, these devices lack
durability, hardware integration, and retail specific software and
functionality.
[0067] The system and method of the present invention provides
implementation within a mobile scanner gun system that performs all
the necessary real-time store level inventory management functions
and utilize the Internet to provide competitive analysis, thus
determining product pricing for the customer and transacting the
sale accordingly. The mobile scanner gun system is totally mobile
throughout the store and beyond its walls and does not compromise
work-flow or require extensive training to use. The system, method,
and devices of the present invention 1) match the exceptional "work
flow" performance of legacy radio frequency (RF) data terminal for
inventory management, 2) match the transaction speed of the POS
terminal found in a high volume retail store, 3) are Payment Card
Industry (PCI) compliant, since security is a necessary
prerequisite in today's retail environment, and 4) are durable,
since the store environment will challenge practically any piece of
hardware.
[0068] An advantageous feature of the mobile scanner system and
mobile tablet device of the invention is the simplicity of their
design, which ensures that the final product is both richly
functional and cost effective. The mobile tablet device (upper
receiver) is removable from the mobile scanner system, is readily
docked in other types of base housing platforms, and is
additionally capable of being docked in a fixed POS workstation. By
using standard industry components such as industry standard MSR
heads and barcode scanner components in conjunction with a
preferably customized mobile tablet device, the mobile scanner
system with mobile tablet device integration capability therein
will provide all the standard features of a typical consumer grade
tablet, coupled with retail industry hardened components integrated
into an industry hardened frame--built for industrial use--with an
"easy to use" scan gun model, wearable model, hand held model and
fixed POS workstation model and with the subject system and method
readable therein. The functional specification of the mobile tablet
device is a mini tablet that preferably measures about 2 inches to
10.5 inches diagonally, preferably 4 inches to 7 inches, and most
preferably 5 inches to about 5.5 inches diagonally. The handle of
the mobile scanner system is preferably coated with rubber for
comfort and/or is received within a comfort grip rubber covering,
and trigger is ergonomically designed to be more like a pistol.
Rotation from landscape mode to portrait mode of the mobile tablet
device is achieved with compression tubes--as compression springs
roll in and out via a dial--rotates smoothly but stays in place
when it gets there. The mobile tablet device slides on and off from
the mobile scanner system through communication of a button on one
side of the mobile tablet device, sliding on and off via a groove
slide. The Main PCB of the mobile scanner system is powered by a
rechargeable lithium ion battery, as well as a battery backup that
extends battery life for a period of time that is necessary to
assure uninterrupted operation on the sales floor.
[0069] An external DC jack is used for charging the lithium ion
battery and the mobile tablet device itself. Portability of the
mobile tablet device upper receiver for the system and method
mobile tablet device implementation provides four different types
of deployment. The mobile tablet device upper receiver is
consistent for the mobile scanner system with integration mobile
tablet device capability to a scan gun model, wearable model, hand
held model and fixed POS workstation docked model. Portability
makes the system's mobile tablet device upper receiver even more
valuable.
[0070] Generally stated, the present invention comprises a system
and method for use with a mobile scanner system associated with an
integration capable mobile tablet device. This system, method,
mobile scanner system and integration capable mobile tablet device
is used by an employee on a sales floor of a retail establishment
for both real-time daily store level inventory management purposes
for such tasks as physical inventory, cycle counting, inventory
receiving, store to store transfers, return to vendor, product
re-ticketing and to operatively identify a product by its barcode,
establish price, promotions, electronic and physical coupons and
customer loyalty data and rewards available and process sale of
merchandise to a customer regardless of the location of the
inventory. The sold inventory can be transferred to any store for
customer pickup or shipped to a customer location from the mobile
scanner system. Once the transaction is completed on the mobile
scanner system, the sold item is allocated and systemically visible
within the ERP system chain-wide. With this system, the customer
does not have to bring the merchandise to a central check out
location. In conventional systems, the checkout procedure is
typically carried out without the customer having adequate
knowledge of the product, or comparing its features, price or the
like with other competing products. Through use of the system and
method implemented for use with a mobile scanner system and
integration capable mobile tablet device, an employee of a retailer
can sell merchandise from any store--not only from within the
particular store's inventory, but within any store or any warehouse
chain wide. The mobile scanner system reads the barcode of a
particular item that is available for purchase, and retrieves from
the POS store systems server, using wireless communication, details
concerning the product. Such details may include current pricing,
together with discounts available, so that the retail salesperson
on the floor can communicate the pricing structure to a potential
customer at the point-of-sale. If the customer decides to purchase
the item, the name of the customer as well as the customer's e-mail
address is recorded if they are not already in the customer loyalty
database, and the payment card of the customer is swiped through
the MSR. The appropriate encrypted payment card information is
wirelessly transmitted via an encrypted communication to the POS
store systems server within the store and onto a certified bank
card authorization processor, whereby the encrypted authorization
is returned to POS store systems server. Unless credit is denied,
the purchase is authorized and the customer is given the purchased
product. The receipt for this purchase can be printed on the store
network or sent by e-mail to the customer. The POS store systems
server transmits the transaction details of the sale to the
corporate ERP system of the merchandise sold, updating those
inventory positions, which are systemically visible chain-wide.
[0071] The mobile tablet device of the mobile scanner system
preferably comprises a custom-developed, industry hardened mobile
tablet device utilizing a specialized universal serial bus wiring
harness to communicate with USB input devices such as a barcode
scanner and MSR. Various operating systems, such as those
associated with the trade name Android, iOS, and Windows are
contemplated.
[0072] The mobile tablet device is connected through a base mount
universal receiver with rotational coupling integrated into the
unique base housings, which is placed directly below the mobile
tablet device in the scan gun model, integrated into the upper
receiver in the hand held model, integrated into the back of the
forehand in the wearable model, and fixed within the stand frame of
the POS workstation model. The rotational coupling permits changing
the orientation of the mobile tablet device in the portrait mode or
landscape mode of the mobile tablet device display screen. There
are a minimum of two standard input devices with others
contemplated: A barcode scanner and an MSR. The MSR is positioned
on the short edge of the mobile tablet device directly above the
scanner in the scan gun model, which is forward facing on the base
of the gun in front of the trigger. Both the scanner and the MSR
are connected to the mobile tablet device using a specialized
universal serial bus wiring harness through the USB port. The
mobile tablet device has custom programmed applications in the
Android, IOS and Windows platforms.
[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart schematic of the store
mobile cloud application system of the subject invention, shown
generally at 10. Upon initiation/start of the mobile tablet device
and selection of an application icon on the mobile tablet device's
display, the appropriate USB connected input device (scanner or
MSR) is triggered when prompted by the user/employee for whom the
mobile scanner system is configured for at 10'. Upon activation,
the appropriate USB input device executes communication at its
given location with the appropriate mobile application through its
respective device driver, indicated generally at 11 and 12,
respectively. The mobile application then initiates communication
with either the POS store system server or the corporate ERP system
using an encrypted message format (WPA or WPA2), shown at 13 and
14, respectively.
[0074] When the user/employee selects an application icon on the
store mobile cloud application system, several applications are
available to either manage store inventory real time by directly
accessing the ERP system, which is available chain-wide or process
POS transactions for customer purchases, running on the POS store
systems server, including ancillary applications such as StoreMS
Gift Card and StoreMS Loyalty Rewards, and product support via
video teleconferencing; and, within the POS application, sell
inventory unavailable within the store from any other store or
warehouse within the chain and allocate those inventory positions
within the POS transaction, which are visible chain-wide through
the ERP system.
[0075] The application icons are displayed on the store mobile
cloud application system and include software readable from the
corporate ERP system, as well as the POS store systems server and
include the subject specially programmed mobile applications. The
store mobile cloud application system has functionality to
communicate wirelessly with both the corporate ERP system and the
local store's POS store systems server, which is primarily
connected via Wi-Fi communication and is secured using standard
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)
wireless encryption methods; alternatively, a secondary means of
communication is available through a wireless cellular module
intergraded into the mobile tablet device and accessed via a data
plan through a standard cellular carrier. The mobile tablet device
initiates an EEPROM present within the Main PCB to conduct various
functions at 15. The mobile applications have functionality to
order an EEPROM present within the Main PCB to conduct various
functions, and this directive is sent through the specialized
universal serial bus wiring harness. The communication between the
USB input devices, such as the barcode scanner and MSR, and the
mobile tablet device occurs back and forth depending on the
application function in use. At 16 the executed mobile applications
and server software thereof provides for the ability to carry out
real-time daily store level inventory management tasks or POS
customer transactions, with instantaneous communication to the POS
store systems server and ERP system to adjust inventory allocation
visible across the retail chain, create purchase orders (PO) and
transfer documents, sell product to customers, enter customer
information, transact payment, entry of shipping information, and
execution of shipping operation throughout any retail location of
the retailer.
[0076] FIG. 2 illustrates a network schematic of the store mobile
cloud application system of the subject invention, shown generally
at 20. A plurality of user mobile tablet devices 21 are supported
by the system, each including the subject mobile applications.
Preferably the mobile tablet device is a custom built industry
hardened mobile tablet device and users include employees or agents
of the retail establishment. The mobile tablet device includes
Wi-Fi and wireless cellular connectivity means, software readable
medium, and location based means for determining location of a
given retail store with other local stores, regional stores,
national stores, and international store locations for providing
distance information to a customer for pick-up and/or shipping
information purposes for executing a POS transaction. Upon
execution, the appropriate application communicates with either the
POS store systems server 25 or the ERP system 26 of the retailer's
enterprise including substantially all local, regional, national,
and international locations.
[0077] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart schematic of steps carried
out by the subject store mobile cloud application system, shown
generally at 50. In the first step of execution of the software
through initiation of the icon and execution of the appropriate
application, a mobile scanner system trigger of the mobile tablet
device is pressed by the retail store employee according to the
interest of a customer at 51, via 51b. Alternatively, the employee
can select the icon on the touch screen of the mobile tablet device
for execution, shown at 51a. Upon pressing the button or trigger of
the mobile scanner system, the appropriate application initiates
communication with the EEPROM of the Main PCB, which carries a
programmed instruction set and works in conjunction with the mobile
application of the mobile tablet device at 52. EEPROM communicates
to the mobile tablet device to initiate the appropriate application
and mobile tablet device becomes ready to receive the barcode read
by the scanner at 53 and the barcode is read by the scanner at 54.
EEPROM interprets and parses the barcode read and formats it in a
manner that is readily recognized by the appropriate application at
55. The appropriate application communicates with either the POS
store system server or the ERP system to obtain the details of the
product scanned at 56. The mobile tablet device displays the entire
data on the screen and the retail store employee may be processing
daily store inventory management tasks or working with a customer
toward making a purchase decision and transacting that sale at 57.
The employee can thus provide information to the client regarding
the transaction and initiate a POS transaction for a direct sale
with the ability to fulfill the sale by; transferring product from
another store or warehouse; special order the product from a vendor
or shipping product directly to a customer location. The POS store
systems server software may suggest/convey to the employee other
similar complimentary products; provide promotion pricing,
electronic or physical coupons, customer loyalty rewards and the
like at 58 and provide available inventory of product chain-wide,
including the warehouse at 59. If a POS transaction is carried out,
the POS store systems server sends a request to the ERP system to
update the allocation of system inventory for real-time accuracy of
inventory allocation. The appropriate application communicates with
the POS store systems server to obtain the details of the product
scanned, its selling price, any electronic or physical coupons,
promotions, and customer loyalty rewards data available and the
available inventory of the product chain-wide, including the
warehouse. The mobile tablet device displays the entire data on the
screen and the retail store employee may discuss these details with
the customer allowing the customer to make a purchase decision.
Optionally, the POS store systems server may suggest other similar
products with enhanced functionality, reduced selling price and the
like. Accordingly, the customer may view similar products and
review product details to come to a purchase decision. Optionally,
if the merchandise is not available in the current store's
inventory, the employee may suggest the merchandise be shipped from
the warehouse or another store within the chain for store pickup or
delivery to a customer location.
[0078] FIG. 4a-4c illustrate view of the mobile scanner system
assembly contemplated for use with the subject store mobile cloud
application system thereof.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 4a, illustrates a side view of an
embodiment of a mobile scanner gun system for processing a retail
store purchase through implementation of the subject mobile
application, shown generally at 1000. The mobile scanner gun system
1000 comprises a main body portion 1002 extending toward a handle
portion 1003. Main body portion 1002 includes handle portion 1003,
a base 1004, side walls 1005, a front wall 1006 and a back wall
1007 constructed to form an interior cavity 1008. Front wall 1006
includes an aperture 1009 with a lens 1010 recessed therein. The
front wall 1006 has a trigger member 1020 located near the base
1004 of the main body. A barcode scanner 1030 is mounted above and
in front of the trigger 1020. The scanner includes a scanner engine
and has two drivers, including 1) a native device driver and 2) a
keyboard input driver, the scanner being in communication with the
trigger for initiating a scan of a barcode. An MSR 1050 is
integrated within the upper receiver for carrying out and
processing payment card tendering of a sales transaction. The MSR
1050 is located on the short edge of the mobile tablet device 1004
and above the scanner lens 1010. The MSR is end-to-end encrypted
through to the bank card authorization processor for PCI compliance
requirements. The MSR 1050 allows for direct POS action anywhere on
the retail sale floor for inventory on the floor, locale warehouse,
or globally throughout the retailer's enterprise, including remote
locations away from the retail enterprise using wireless cellular
connectivity back to a centralized POS store systems server.
[0080] Top wall 1004' of base 1004 of the main body portion
includes a base mount universal receiver (female) means 1060.
Attachment means 1060 comprises a base mount universal receiver
with rotational coupling (male) 1061 and connector for the
specialized universal serial bus wiring harness 1062 adapted to
interchangeably mount and communicate with a mobile tablet device
2000 having a system integrated therein that enables real-time
store level inventory management and a fully functioning mobile POS
application capable of selling merchandise in a retail sales
environment without restriction to physical location and the
ability to sell inventory located throughout the chain. The base
mount universal receiver 1061 (shown as a sliding track) includes a
rotational coupler 1065 for conversion of the mobile device from
portrait mode to landscape mode without operational delay of the
system.
[0081] FIG. 4b illustrates an embodiment wherein the mobile scanner
system is a wearable mobile scanner system docked through a base
mount universal receiver with rotational coupling to a mobile
tablet device operating in concert under the store mobile cloud
application's StoreMobile Cloud.TM. (a registered trademark of
Retail Technologies Corporation) environment, shown generally at
300. The wearable mobile scanner system 300 includes a forearm
portion 350 and a hand portion 360. The forearm portion 350
comprises a main body member 385 and at least one strap member 303
and is adapted to secure the forearm portion upon a user's forearm.
The hand portion 360 comprises a central forehand member 361, a
palm member 362 (not visible from this top view, indicated by
phantom line), and at least one finger aperture 363, wherein the
hand portion is aligned with the forearm portion and wherein the
hand portion is adapted to receive a hand of the user. A button
member/button 304 is located on the inside edge of the finger
aperture 363 and is operated by the thumb and is in communication
with a scanner 305 mounted on the central forehand member 361 of
the hand portion. An MSR 351 is provided for carrying out and
processing POS. The main body member 385 of the forearm portion 350
includes an attachment means comprising a base mount universal
receiver with rotational coupling means (not visible in this image)
adapted to interchangeably mount and communicate with the mobile
tablet device having a system integrated therein that enables
real-time store level inventory management and a fully functioning
mobile POS application capable of selling merchandise in a retail
sales environment without restriction to physical location and the
ability to sell inventory located throughout the chain.
[0082] FIG. 4c illustrates an embodiment wherein a fixed register
workstation with an integrated upper receiver of the mobile scanner
system in communication with a docking station communicating
through a base mount universal receiver to the mobile tablet device
upper receiver operating in concert under the store mobile cloud
application's StoreMobile Cloud.TM. environment, shown generally at
390. In the embodiment shown, the mobile tablet device 301 can
readily be docked on the mobile scanner gun system, or Tablet
Gun.TM., a trademark of Retail Technologies Corporation, as
discussed in FIG. 4a, on the wearable mobile scanner system or
Spider Gun.TM., a trademark of Retail Technologies Corporation,
mobile tablet device (upper receiver) discussed in FIG. 4b, or
alternatively is capable of being docked at a fixed POS
workstation/cash drawer or printer system 393 through the base
mount universal receiver 392 within the pedestal at a docking
station 391. The base mount universal receiver allows for the
interchangeability between the different docking stations and
provides for functionally and operation at the selected docking
stations.
[0083] FIGS. 4d-4f illustrate views of an embodiment of a "stand
alone" handheld version of the mobile scanner system without a base
housing, shown generally at 2000, wherein a barcode trigger 2030'
is located underneath the upper receiver. FIG. 4d illustrates a top
view, FIG. 4e illustrates a side view, and FIG. 4f illustrates a
bottom view. Referring to FIGS. 4d-4f, a barcode scanner 2030 with
barcode trigger 2030' is mounted on a main body member 2389 having
a hand strap 2360 (see FIG. 4e). In turn, the barcode scanner 2030
is mounted to a mobile tablet device 2001 (upper receiver) through
a base mount universal receiver and electrically connected through
the specialized universal serial bus wiring harness connector. The
mobile tablet device 2001 operates in concert under the store
mobile cloud application's operation system. An MSR 2051 is
provided on the short side of the mobile tablet device 2001.
[0084] FIGS. 4g-4i illustrate views of an embodiment of a "stand
alone" handheld version of the mobile scanner system without a base
housing, shown generally at 3000, wherein a barcode trigger is
located on a side of the upper receiver. FIG. 4g illustrates a top
view, FIG. 4h illustrates a side view, and FIG. 4i illustrates a
bottom view. Referring to FIGS. 4g-4i, a barcode scanner 3030 with
barcode trigger 3030' is mounted on a main body member 3389 having
a hand strap 3360 (see FIG. 4h). In turn, the barcode scanner 3030
is mounted to a mobile tablet device 3001 (upper receiver) through
a base mount universal receiver and electrically connected through
the specialized universal serial bus wiring harness connector. The
mobile tablet device 3001 operates in concert under the store
mobile cloud application's operation system. An MSR 3051 is
provided on the short side of the mobile tablet device 3001.
[0085] There are a number of specifically designed programmed
applications that allow the mobile tablet device to command the USB
input devices, such as the scanner and MSR, through the specialized
universal serial bus wiring harness to perform various functions
typical to a scanner operation and MSR operation. Running of the
specially programmed mobile POS application, or StoreMS Mobile.TM.,
a trademark of Retail Technologies Corporation, is initiated, and a
command is sent to the EEPROM to acquire a barcode scan. The mobile
tablet device in this mode is ready to receive the barcode data
from the scanner and communicates with the POS store systems server
at the retail facility to obtain specific product information such
as, product availability within the store and chain, price and any
promotions available, available electronic and physical coupons and
customer loyalty data and rewards available. The employee of the
retail organization presents the data that is related to the
particular item of interest to the customer. When the customer
decides to purchase the particular item scanned, the employee of
the retail organization uses the StoreMS Mobile.TM. application to
process the sales transaction, if needed for shipping, enrollment
or updating customer records, entry of the customer's pertinent
information is taken if they are not already an updated loyalty
rewards customer. At tender, this POS transaction can open the cash
drawer wirelessly for cash transactions and can also launch a
request for processing the sale using a customer payment card. The
customer's payment card is swiped via the MSR, which is located on
the short edge of the mobile tablet device. All pertinent payment
card data is encrypted by the MSR and the EEPROM communicates the
encrypted data through the specialized universal serial bus wiring
harness to the mobile tablet device. The StoreMS Mobile.TM. present
in the mobile tablet device communicates all pertinent customer
payment card data, using a PCI compliant encrypted wireless
connection, to the POS store systems server. The POS store systems
server contacts the bank card processor for authorization of the
payment card for the purchase. If the purchase is authorized, this
information is sent to the mobile tablet device display screen for
customer signature using an integrated signature capture
application built within the mobile POS application on the mobile
tablet device and the customer is allowed to take possession of the
merchandise purchased. The receipt for this purchase can be printed
on the store network receipt printer and/or sent by e-mail to the
customer by the POS store systems server. The POS store systems
server records this purchase and adjusts the inventory data for the
particular merchandise sold through the corporate ERP system
real-time, systemically becoming visible chain-wide. If the credit
purchase is denied, the mobile tablet device displays this credit
request decline. The employee of the retail organization informs
the customer of this credit purchase rejection and requests another
form of payment. Thus the purchase of a product by a customer is
accomplished by the mobile POS application by an employee having a
mobile scanner system anywhere in the retail establishment, without
the customer having to bring the product to a sales counter and
wait in line at the counter to consummate the purchase; and the
inventory of any item in the retail establishment is always current
and available for purchase transactions carried out by a plurality
of sales personnel working with a plurality of customers at a wide
variety of locations within the retailers chain of stores.
[0086] A key feature of the invention is an EEPROM that has a
previously programmed instruction set present within the Main PCB.
The schematic diagram of the Main PCB is shown in FIG. 5 at 200.
The EEPROM is shown at 201 and is connected to the mobile tablet
device at 202 and can process the command issued by the mobile
applications to command either the barcode scanner or the MSR to
acquire pertinent data. The mobile tablet device has several mobile
applications accessed by icons on the mobile tablet device screen
and has functionality to communicate wirelessly via Wi-Fi or
wireless cellular with a POS store systems server or directly to
the corporate ERP system depending on the particular mobile
application and this communication is secured using standard WPA or
WPA2 wireless encryption methods. When the payment card transaction
is approved by the bank card authorization processor, the
appropriate encrypted payment card information is wirelessly
transmitted via an encrypted communication to the POS store systems
server within the store. Unless credit is denied, the purchase is
authorized and is sent to the mobile tablet device display screen
for customer signature using an integrated signature capture
application built within the mobile POS application on the mobile
tablet device and the customer is given the purchased merchandise.
The receipt for this purchase can be printed on the store network
receipt printer and/or sent by e-mail to the customer. The POS
store systems server sends a request to the ERP system to update
appropriate allocated inventory for merchandise sold and not
available in its store. The ERP system processes that request and
updates the corporate inventory databases, which are accessible
chain-wide.
[0087] Due to the use of the EEPROM, which can process barcode and
payment card data, the attached mobile tablet device can perform
secure distributed sales within a retail establishment. Through the
mobile POS application, all store employees know instantaneously
the available inventory of any particular item across the chain;
any product and its particular details can be reviewed with the
customer and sold regardless of the products availability in the
store ringing the sale. Thus a customer may look at a variety of
products and ask the sales person its price, detailed product
description, as well as any coupons or promotions that are
available. This provides a friendly, efficient and informative
interaction between the customer and the retail salesperson; it
establishes a one-on-one face-to-face relationship, which is
appreciated by the customer and is conducive to an improved sales
environment.
[0088] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
the StoreMobile Cloud.TM. environment of the subject system and
method. FIG. 7 is an in-depth schematic diagram illustrating an
embodiment of the StoreMobile Cloud.TM. environment of the subject
system and method. FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating an
embodiment of the back room management picture flow of the subject
system and method. Referring generally to FIGS. 6-8, generally a
three-phased approach is implemented by the subject system and
method.
[0089] In phase I of building the StoreMobile Cloud.TM.
environment, the central ERP inventory management applications
relating to the store are mobilized through the subject system's
StoreMobileRF.TM., a trademark of Retail Technologies Corporation,
application. As a result of the system's StoreMobileRF.TM.
application, retailers can manage store inventory in real-time
fashion, connected directly to their corporate ERP system from a
USB scanner input device in any store.
[0090] In phase II of building the StoreMobile Cloud.TM.
environment, POS and related store systems are fully operational so
that POS customer check-out is mobilized through its StoreMS
Mobile.TM., at trademark of Retail Technologies Corporation,
application. The system's StoreMS Mobile.TM. application works
alongside the system's StoreMobileRF.TM.. Access to the internet,
StoreMS Loyalty.TM., StoreMS Gift Card.TM., trademarks of Retail
Technologies Corporation, and end to end encrypted payment card
processing are standard features of the mobile scanner gun system's
StoreMS Mobile.TM. application. Advantageously, StoreMS Mobile.TM.
excels at "line busting", reducing overall store register count, or
completely replacing all fixed POS cash wrap stations.
[0091] In Phase III of building the StoreMobile Cloud.TM.
environment, StoreMobileRF.TM. and StoreMS Mobile.TM. applications
are both up and running together, with StoreMS Mobile.TM. directly
accessing the POS store systems server and StoreMobileRF.TM.
directly accesses the corporate ERP system. StoreMS Mobile
additionally can now access the corporate ERP system for pertinent
inventory availability throughout the chain and sell, transfer, and
special order merchandise not available in its own store through
the corporate ERP system. Further, the allocation of inventory for
these special POS transactions is visible chain-wide through the
StoreMobileRF.TM. application.
[0092] FIGS. 9a-9b illustrates views (front and back) of an
embodiment of the frame/casing around a wearable mobile tablet
system with the mobile applications downloaded thereon. The mobile
tablet device 301 is connected to a wearable base housing 302,
which may have a rotatable element that permits the alignment of
the mobile tablet device in the portrait mode or landscape mode. An
MSR 351 is provided for carrying out and processing POS sales
transactions. The wearable base housing (FIG. 9a) includes a hand
portion 360' provided with a scanner 305' mounted thereon. The
mobile tablet device 301 is connected to the base mount universal
receiver with rotational coupling via rotatable element of wearable
base housing 302 adapted to interchangeably mount the mobile tablet
device and provides communication between the mobile tablet device
and mobile scanner system implementing the store mobile cloud
application system.
[0093] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
the circuit of the Main PCB in communication with the mobile tablet
device and supporting initiation of the subject store mobile cloud
application system, shown generally at 6000. Main PCB 6001 is
shown. Main PCB 6001 includes a battery 6002, Magtek MSR terminal
6003, USB to mobile tablet device 6004, USB to PC 6005, 5 A DC jack
6006, Battery LED 6007, MSR LED 6008 (preferably via 3 pins) and
connection to sub-board at 6009.
[0094] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of
the sub-boards 1 and 2 circuitry of the mobile scanner system in
communication with the mobile tablet device and supporting
initiation of the subject store mobile cloud application system,
shown generally at 7000. Sub board 1 is shown generally at 7001.
Sub board 1 includes a USB for MSR 7002 and scanner/trigger (16
pin) 7003, and the specialized universal serial bus wiring harness
terminal 7004 (preferably 18 pins) with sub board 3 on SG (switch)
and sub board 4 on PG (switch). Sub board 2 is shown generally at
7020. Sub board 2 includes a main PCB 7021 and Opticon scanner
7022.
[0095] FIG. 12 is an embodiment of a screen shot of the main menu
regarding the subject application system illustrating the
StoreMobile Cloud.TM. mobile application suite shown generally at
1200. The StoreMobile Cloud.TM. icon is displayed on the mobile
device's screen, and is shown at 1201, representing the StoreMobile
suite of applications. Within the StoreMobile Suite, there are two
application icons displayed. The first is StoreMobileRF.TM. 1202
and the second is for StoreMS Mobile.TM. 1203.
[0096] FIG. 13 is a screen shot representing inventory management
applications within StoreMobileRF.TM., shown generally at 1300:
Item and Price Inquiry 1301; Transfers 1302; Purchase Orders 1303;
Stock Management 1304; Store Orders 1305; Return to Vendor
1306.
[0097] FIG. 14 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of
StoreMS Mobile.TM. application screen, shown generally at 1400.
[0098] FIG. 15 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of an
inventory lookup screen within StoreMS Mobile.TM., shown generally
at 1500.
[0099] FIG. 16 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of a
store inventory lookup including inventory availability and
proximity of each store, shown generally at 1600.
[0100] FIG. 17 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of an
electronic email receipt screen, shown generally at 1700.
[0101] FIG. 18 is a screen shot illustrating a representation of a
web order view screen, shown generally at 1800.
[0102] Having thus described the invention in rather full detail,
it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered
to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest
themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope
of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.
* * * * *
References