(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0181454 A1
`Manno
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Sep. 16, 2004
`
`US 2004O181454A1
`
`(54) WEB-BASED POINT-OF SALE SYSTEM
`(76) Inventor: Michael Manno, Frankfort, NY (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Bernhard P. Moldrem, Jr.
`333 East Onondaga Street
`Syracuse, NY 13202 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(22) Filed:
`
`10/386.283
`Mar. 12, 2003
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ............................. G06G 1/12; G06F 17/60
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 705/21
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A network or web-based point of sale (WPOS) system
`employs a Store Server and point-of-Sale client computers
`that are connected over a store LAN or over the Internet to
`the Server. The Server provides all necessary operating
`drivers for cash drawer, Scanners, and other point-of-Sale
`peripherals via the web browser of the client computers. An
`instant kiosk retail Solution can involve a remote computer
`terminal installed via the Internet, and will Support periph
`eral POS devices. The web-based system permits manage
`ment to obtain Store performance reports remotely, and
`permits customers to Schedule and reschedule appointments
`and delivery times. Servers at two or more Store sites can
`communicate with one another and with a headquarters
`mainframe. The WPOS can be implemented as an integrated
`Suite for collaboration between Store locations.
`
`40
`
`MAN
`OFFICE
`
`
`
`EACH STORE
`MUST REGISTER
`
`WITH His 2
`
`EACH STORE
`MUST REGISTER
`PS WITH HEADQUATERS.
`
`
`
`
`
`N
`
`ONCE EACH STORE IS
`REGISTERED, MANAGEMENT
`CAN QUERY EACH STORE.
`
`
`
`
`
`60N
`
`
`
`a MANAGEMENT
`SAVE/VIEW DALY REPORTS,
`XEMAIL STAFF OR CUSTOMERS
`CHANGE WEB PAGES
`C CHANGE STORE DATABASE
`DATA MNING
`E VIEW REAL-TIME DATA
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 16, 2004 Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 2004/0181454 A1
`
`-/ 52
`E.
`
`L
`
`-50
`14
`
`6-1
`
`(EEF,
`
`24
`
`O e
`25
`
`22
`
`2.
`O. 27 9\26
`
`31 O Y-12
`
`25-
`
`2. ' 2.
`25
`-24
`to -O-ty,
`14
`‘EE
`- I - N
`16
`STORE1 L- 2
`2. K
`
`10
`
`wara
`
`44
`
`42
`
`-, *
`Ee
`w
`
`Y18
`STORE 2
`16
`
`14
`12
`a M
`
`O
`
`31
`
`D-30
`
`-46
`
`28
`
`(EEF
`
`20
`24
`, -2, -O-a
`?ell?
`25
`O-5 e \26
`2. A
`28
`
`.
`
`.
`
`am -
`
`50-st
`I, E
`
`arres are
`-- are - H ?:48
`52
`
`4.
`
`O
`
`54.
`
`N/
`
`/E)
`56-/
`
`58
`
`4-1 (-60
`e?
`(EE5.
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 16, 2004 Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 2004/0181454 A1
`
`ONE
`
`
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 16, 2004 Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 2004/0181454 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`W HIM ETWS SELBTdW00 HHVIS
`
`SWE || HO Id|3038 03000878
`
`
`SINIHA XyldS10 BHOIS-NI
`
`
`SETWS (GES WHOH^d 38 01
`
`NWOS ETONIS
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 16, 2004 Sheet 4 of 7
`40
`
`
`
`MAN
`OFFICE
`
`US 2004/0181454A1
`
`EACH STORE
`MUST REGISTER
`WITH HEADQUATERS. 2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EACH STORE
`MUST REGISTER
`PS WITH HEADQUATERS.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ONCE EACH STORE IS
`REGISTERED, MANAGEMENT
`CAN QUERY EACH STORE.
`
`
`
`/12
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`STORE
`2
`
`60-N-
`
`... "
`
`a MANAGEMENT:
`SAVE/VIEW DAY REPORTS,
`XEMAIL STAFF OR CUSTOMERS
`d CHANGE WEB PAGES
`L CHANGE STORE DATABASE
`DATA MINING
`E VIEW REAL-TIME DATA
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 16, 2004 Sheets of 7
`
`US 2004/0181454A1
`
`STORE WILL AUTOMATICALLY
`TEXT-MESSAGE, CALL, EMAIL
`CUSTOMER WHEN JOB S
`DONE.
`48- 50-
`
`
`
`
`
`USER:
`RECEIVE UPDATES REAL TIME
`VIEW/SAVE MANUALS
`e
`RECEIVES TALORED EMAIL
`A HC
`CUSTOM STORE WEB PORTAL
`VIEW SALES/REPRINT RECEIPTS
`E
`SCHEDULE/RESCHEDULE SALE
`
`CUSTOMER
`
`52
`
`FIG.5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IN-STORE
`WEB PAGES
`FOR
`MANAGEMENT
`USE
`
`WEB PAGES
`FOR
`CUSTOMER
`USE
`<N STORE OR
`VIA INTERNET
`
`
`
`90
`
`92
`
`SERVER
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 16, 2004 Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 2004/0181454A1
`
`SSS
`12/22/2002
`05:05:10: PM 72
`YOUR
`S
`SSTORE LOGO
`S(3)
`WPOS SYSTEMS
`ADD STORE SAYINGERE
`234 BUSINESS BLVD.
`NEW YORK (123) 123-1234
`SOLD TO:
`JOHN SMITH PHONE: (123) 123-1234
`123 STREET, 12345
`1997 FORD RANGER
`
`74
`
`76
`
`TEM
`123
`123
`
`DESC WY
`TEST PRODUCT
`TEST PRODUCT
`
`QTY PRICE
`29.98
`29.98
`
`1
`
`SUB TOTAL
`TAX: 0.08O
`OAL:
`CASH:
`CHANGE:
`
`59.98
`480 -78
`64.78
`$70.00
`$5.22
`
`FIG.6A
`
`PAYMENT: 2002-12-22
`THANK YOU..
`
`DATE: 12/22/2002 ST: 100 TE:192.168.1.100
`INNOCEID: 12225743 SAES ASSOCATE MANNO
`
`RETURN POC:
`IF FOR ANY REASON YOU ARE NOT SAISFED WITH YOUR
`PURCHASE WE OFFER 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ON
`ALL PRODUCTS AND SERMCES PURCHASED, EXCEPT SPECIAL
`ORDER TEMS. SPECA ORDER TEMS WILL BE CHARCED
`20, RESTOCKING FEE, ASK CASHIER FOR MORE
`INFORMAON.
`
`80
`
`YARRANTY CODES:
`(1) REPLACEMENT WITHIN 30 DAYS
`(2) REPLACEMENT WITHIN 90 DAYS
`(3) PARTS/LABOR REPLACEMENT UFETIME
`http://www.yourstoreurthere.com Yo
`IIHHHHHH
`CUSTOMER COPY
`
`STORE COPY
`
`
`
`82
`A?
`12/22/2002
`05:05:10: PM
`
`SOLD TO:
`JOHN SMITH PHONE: (123) 125-1234
`123 STREET, 12345
`1997 FORD RANGER
`
`-84
`
`FIG.6B 12S
`
`sa-a-a-manne
`
`86
`Ea?
`59.98
`4.80
`64.78
`$7000
`$5.22
`
`TEST PRODUCT
`SUB TOTAL
`TAX: 0.080%
`TOTA:
`CASH:
`PAYMENT: 2002-12-22
`CHANGE:
`THANK YOU..
`DATE: 12/22/2002 ST: 100 TE: 192.168.1.100
`INNOICE ID: 112225743 SALES ASSOCATE: MANNO
`http://www.yourstoreurthere.com
`IIII
`STORE COPY
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.7
`
`

`

`Patent Applicat
`ion Publication Sep.
`2004 Sheet 7 of 7
`16,
`
`o
`
`US 2004/0181454A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`9
`
`|
`
`
`
`: |
`
`Z E}{01S
`
`Œ?????L-OE-ESI
`
`
`
`5.EFUJI-FI-FI, FILM?S
`
`AN WO|][^Z?#380|S
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.8
`
`

`

`US 2004/O181454 A1
`
`Sep. 16, 2004
`
`WEB-BASED POINT OF SALE SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0001. This invention is directed to a retail transaction
`control and processing System, and is more particularly
`related to a network-based point-of-Sale System that permits
`a computer (or other device) that is browser enabled to be
`used as a point-of-Sale Station, and which also allows the
`retail business to manage its Store or Stores using a local
`network, a wide area network, or the Internet.
`0002 Customer transactions in a retail environment are
`typically carried out at a point-of-Sale Station, for example,
`a “Smart' cash register, a Self-service terminal, or a trans
`action kiosk. In a typical retail transaction, a customer picks
`out one or more merchandise items, and a retail clerk enters
`the Sales data for each item into a point-of-sale device (i.e.,
`a cash register), and then accepts customer payment, either
`in the form of cash or check, or in the form of a credit card
`Voucher. In modern retail environments the point-of-Sale
`Station can include a computer or Similar electronic proces
`sor, with various associated point-of-sale (POS) peripheral
`devices, Such as a keyboard, a touch-Screen monitor, a cash
`drawer, a pole display, a receipt printer, a Scanner for reading
`UPC bar codes on the merchandise, or a credit card reader.
`Many other POS devices are possible. The various POS
`devices or processors may be on-line with an in-store
`computer.
`0003 Point-of-sale systems are also used in connection
`with retail Services, Such as automobile repair, heating and
`air conditioning repair, or any of a wide range of Services. In
`the case of Services, it is often necessary to Schedule the
`Service for the customer, e.g., routine maintenance of a
`furnace or installation of a merchandise item (Such as a
`remote starter) in an automobile. In that case, it would be
`useful to provide automatic, real-time notification of Status
`to the customer, as well as Simplifying the actual financial
`aspects of the Sales transaction.
`0004.
`It would be desirable to employ standard, general
`Small computers, i.e. laptop or desktop personal computers,
`as point-of-Sale Stations, but in the current technology that
`would require a special retailing Software System to be
`installed on each computer, and Special device drivers would
`also have to be installed for each POS peripheral device.
`Then whenever a System upgrade is required, each of the
`POS stations would have to be individually upgraded with
`new Software.
`0005 If is often necessary for a retail store to install
`additional POS Stations, for example, during a store-wide
`clearance Sale, or for Special events. In the case of a special
`Sales tent erected outside the main Store, it is often necessary
`for the customer to take merchandise back to a cash register
`inside the Store to pay for the merchandise.
`0006. It would be desirable that any additional POS
`terminal be installed by Store perSonnel without Special
`training, and that the POS terminal operate Seamlessly as a
`Stand-alone POS Station, employing any or all of a wide
`array of POS peripheral equipment. However, that has not
`been possible with the rather complex Systems that have
`been available.
`0007. It would also be desirable to have a single unified
`system that both operates the POS stations for customer
`
`transactions and also allows retailers to manage their Stores
`either locally or at remote Sites over the Internet.
`
`OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE
`INVENTION
`0008 Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to
`provide a web-based, i.e., network based, point-of-Sale SyS
`tem in which a Standard browser-enabled computer can be
`employed as a point-of-Sale Station, and the computer is
`given access over control of local POS peripheral devices
`(Such as bar code Scanners, receipt printers, cash drawer,
`credit card readers, pole displays, etc.) by means of the web
`browser installed in the computer.
`0009. It is another object to provide a means of home
`interaction between customer and Store, allowing customers
`to change appointments, check on repair or maintenance
`progress, obtain back order data, re-print receipts or war
`ranty information for a prior purchase, or other attend to
`Some other post- or pre-retail customer transaction, using a
`personal computer, or an Internet-enabled device Such as a
`text-message cell phone.
`0010. It is a further object to provide a complete archi
`tecture for Securing the network and sharing information
`between Store locations in a multiple-location retail envi
`rOnment.
`0011. It is a still further object to provide a proper
`information flow for industries that require constant com
`munication between Sales Staff, management, installers, and
`CuStOmerS.
`0012. It is a yet further object to provide real-time
`communication between customers and mobile retailers, and
`between management and mobile retailers.
`0013. It is still another object to provide an instant kiosk
`Solution when an additional point-of-Sale terminal is needed,
`which can be installed without delay or difficulty.
`0014) Another object is to provide a partitioned server for
`establishing low-capital point-of-Sale terminals for tempo
`rary or Small Scale retail requirements.
`0015. In accordance with an aspect of this invention, a
`web-based point-of-sale system, or WPOS system, is pro
`Vided in which a computer at the retail Store is programmed
`and connected with a computer network, i.e., a LAN, a
`WAN, and/or the Internet, to create a fully functional WPOS
`that allows general purpose Small computers, i.e., personal
`computers, to connect to the Store interface and to Serve as
`point-of-Sale Stations, and also permits the retail busineSS
`manager to oversee Sales, inventory, and other retail opera
`tions over the Internet.
`0016. In any of several embodiments, a network based
`point-of-Sale System employs at least one point-of-Sale ter
`minal based on a Small computer. The computer including
`the usual means for entering and processing data, means for
`connecting to Said network, one or more ports to which a
`POS device (i.e., point-of-sale peripheral device) may be
`connected, and basic Software including an operating System
`and a web browser. The POS devices are operated by the
`computer in connection with customer Sales transactions of
`merchandise or Service. The Store Server includes a Suitably
`programmed computer including means for connecting with
`Said network, i.e., the in-store LAN or the Internet, and
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.9
`
`

`

`US 2004/O181454 A1
`
`Sep. 16, 2004
`
`Software for accepting POS Sales transaction data from each
`POS terminal. The server Supplies whatever data modules
`and Software objects that are necessary over the network to
`each of Said terminals, So that all data entered at each said
`into Said terminal concerning any Sales transaction are
`controlled through the terminal computer web browser.
`Also, the POS device or devices connected at the terminal
`are operated through the terminal computer web browser. In
`many possible embodiments, the Server Stores Sales receipt
`and warranty information for each customer transaction, and
`the Server Software permits customer access to the custom
`er's own receipt and warranty information by the customer
`connecting to the network, either at one of the in-store
`WPOS stations, or remotely via the Internet. Preferably, the
`Server Software has a capability for automatically notifying
`a customer of a Scheduled delivery or installation of mer
`chandise or Service purchased by the customer, by automatic
`e-mail communication with the customer, or by automated
`telephone Service. The Server can also permit the customer
`to change the Scheduled delivery or installation over the
`Internet. In the case of a cancellation or rescheduling, the
`availability of time slots is known instantly, making it easier
`for a customer to select a time that best fits his or her own
`personal Schedule.
`0.017. In a multiple-store retail environment, a point-of
`Sale System can involve a main central computer, i.e., a
`“Mainframe', a network permitting communication
`between devices on the network, and also at each Store
`location (i.e., a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet), and at least
`one point-of-Sale terminal at each Store location, where the
`POS terminal employs a computer as described earlier, with
`a web browser; and one or more associated POS devices to
`be operated by the computer in connection with a Sales
`transaction of merchandise or Service. At each retail Store
`location there is a Server computer connecting with the
`network, and with software for accepting POS sales trans
`action data from each POS terminal. The server also supplies
`the required data modules and program objects over the
`network to each of the associated point-of-Sale terminals
`Such that all data entered into each WPOS terminal con
`cerning any Sales transaction are controlled through the
`terminal computer web browser. Also, each of the POS
`devices connected at each WPOS terminal is operated
`through the terminal's computer web browser. In this sys
`tem, the Servers at the respective Store locations and the
`main central computer all communicate over the network for
`collecting Sales and inventory data from each of the Store
`locations and sharing Said data between Store locations.
`Favorably, the main computer includes manager acceSS
`Software giving an authorized management user access to
`retail Sales and inventory data over the Internet. The main
`computer can also include customer acceSS Software permit
`ting customer access over the network, i.e., over the Internet,
`and ability to Schedule and re-Schedule information con
`cerning a Scheduled Sale or installation of merchandise or
`Service purchased by the customer. Preferably, the customer
`access Software permits the customer to change the time and
`date of a scheduled delivery or installation of the merchan
`dise or Service.
`0.018. In at least one of the multiple store locations, a
`customer access computer can be coupled to the network to
`permit a customer at that Store location to access inventory
`and price data in real time. Here, a barcode Scanner provided
`at the customer access computer lets the customer Scan
`
`in-Store merchandise items. In that case, the Server provides
`the customer acceSS computer with information concerning
`the merchandise item So Scanned, and the customer access
`computer displays the product information for the customer.
`The customer access computer is favorably touch-Screen
`actuated, and can display combinations of options and
`features for the products that the customer is interested in.
`This information can be printed, downloaded, or emailed.
`This helps achieve increased customer Satisfaction and also
`boosts Sales for the merchant.
`0019. When inventory is received at a given store loca
`tion, the inventory is logged in at the Server as Soon as the
`receiving clerk Scans in the barcoded information, So that
`merchandise levels are instantly available for customer
`requirements. The inventory data for each Store is shared
`with the other store locations, So the customer (or a store
`clerk) can check on availability at other locations with
`immediate results.
`0020. The WPOS provides a single, centralized manage
`ment point for Store web pages, and for in-house operations.
`Store management can change prices, look up Stock quan
`tities, check customer databases, in real time from any
`web-connected computer or PDA. Customers or store clerks
`can print invoices over the Internet, and customers can check
`appointments and can even be notified via text messaging to
`PDA or cell phone when a scheduled job is completed.
`0021. Because the WPOS system is web-based, manage
`ment can set up terminals anywhere in the world and have
`real-time access to the Store's database, and can provide the
`Same look and feel as actually being at the Store. Akiosk can
`be set up at a local mall without the need to install any
`Software, and when there is an equipment failure at the
`point-of-Sale, another computer can be Substituted to act as
`the POS terminal, without loss of any sales data. The
`constant communication over the Internet (or other network)
`makes the System ideal for any mobile retailer.
`0022. The WPOS employs web-based architecture, that
`is, the WPOS employs an in-store web server, and a database
`connected with the server that allows each client (i.e., each
`remote POS station) to connect with the server(s). Each
`in-Store Server is then registered with the organizational
`mainframe System. This allows any Store location in the
`System to query any other Store's Server that is registered
`with the main frame. When any machine or server fails,
`management can Simply point their Store to another Server
`(at another Store or at the headquarters) until repairs are
`made. The computer will automatically update the down
`System upon restoration. This creates a SeamleSS network of
`information and minimal down time.
`0023 The WPOS thin-client architecture allows any
`computer with access to the Internet via web browser to use
`the WPOS. This means there is no Software to install at the
`point-of-Sale, making Set up or replacement of a register
`possible within minutes, even remotely, and makes it pos
`Sible to install an additional point-of-sale (e.g., a kiosk) at or
`outside the main Store.
`0024. The web-based WPOS allows for easy portal inte
`gration. The WPOS will run on any convenient operating
`System, e.g., Unix, Linux, etc., or on a Windows platform.
`The WPOS client can employ any operating system that runs
`a web browser. The WPOS can be secured, using secure
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.10
`
`

`

`US 2004/O181454 A1
`
`Sep. 16, 2004
`
`Socket layers (SSL) and Session keys, to maintain user State
`and Security. The POS or cash-register mode can operate on
`a portal within a browser web page, So that a clerk or
`customer can process a transaction within that portal, while
`the computer continues to display the remaining portions of
`the web page.
`0.025
`Store management can also perform their duties
`remotely accessing the WPOS from home or from a remote
`site. The remote access devices log into the actual WPOS
`application, not simply into the database. This allows man
`agement at home or at another remote location to See the
`Same look and feel as at the retail environment.
`0026. Other advantages are that the WPOS provides
`in-Store local e-mail that can be accessed via Internet for
`each employee, for management, and for customers. Users
`can be notified automatically of job Status, updates, or other
`information via Internet, e-mail, text-message cell phone
`messages, or Synthetic speech phone messages. Customers
`can also reschedule an appointment, or cancel an appoint
`ment over the Internet. Customers can buy, Schedule, and
`make changes without involving a "man in the loop'-that
`is, when the customer interacts with the WPOS, he or she is
`actually Scheduling, rescheduling, or ordering, and not
`requesting that a Scheduled appointment or order later be
`changed by Store Staff.
`0027. The WPOS allows customers also to look up
`locations of products within the Store, and e-mail themselves
`Store quotes and other product information, using the in
`Store computer provided for customer use. Customers can
`also interact with Store computers using the Store data base
`and displaying the merchandise of interest, e.g., to find the
`best combination of options to Satisfy the customer's needs.
`The user can then print a receipt or order form (with
`barcoded product symbols) from the display, and bring that
`to the Store Sales Staff to complete a transaction.
`0028. A customer can also use the WPOS for “tab bill
`ing,” that is, a customer may use a customer ID card to leave
`the Store with merchandise, and then pay the bill later online
`using a credit card. One useful application for this feature
`may be a video rental business.
`0029 WPOS can provide staff online training, as deter
`mined from data mining results of management back end.
`Buying patterns of customers, either in-store Sales or Inter
`net Sales, can be provided easily. Also Staff can view
`real-time store performance via Internet or wireless PDA or
`cell phone. Mobile retailers (e.g., installers and technicians)
`can keep instant track of job Status and requests. An inte
`grated online Scheduler allows for customers to change
`times and dates of Scheduled job orders. Store database and
`web database can be shared, allowing for management to
`make changes in Store quantities, prices, etc., with Such
`changes being updated instantly at the Stores and at the
`Store's web site. Also, management can Select which prod
`ucts are Sold via Internet, at the Store, or both, at the time the
`product is entered into Stock.
`0030) The WPOS permits management to track inventory
`remotely, make remote Sales, print receipts, look up cus
`tomers, View database information, View performance and
`Staff hours, all remotely from any location, Via Internet. The
`WPOS automatically receives upgrades and updates without
`requiring any software installation. That is, the WPOS can
`
`be patched remotely from a vendor, without requiring action
`within the store. The WPOS provides instantaneous com
`munication between Sales Staff and installerS/technicians.
`0031) Importantly, the WPOS is less costly than other
`Systems, resulting in operating cost Savings. Since the
`WPOS is web-based, there are lower credit card processing
`costs, there is no machine to purchase, and the POS termi
`nals, being Standard computers, are leSS costly than cash
`register terminals, and WPOS offers full peripheral support
`for any available point-of-Sale peripheral equipment through
`the web browser of the POS terminal computer. WPOS
`integrates email, chat and calendars as interoffice collabo
`ration tools. Thus the WPOS is more than a POS terminal,
`but constitutes an integrated retail office Suite, for commu
`nication and collaboration.
`0032. The above and many other objects, features, and
`advantages of this invention will become apparent from the
`ensuing detailed description of a preferred embodiment,
`which is illustrated in the Accompanying Drawing.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`0033 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a multiple retail
`Store point-of-Sale arrangement according to one preferred
`embodiment of the present invention.
`0034 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a POS station of
`this embodiment.
`0035 FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining customer pro
`ceSS flow in accordance with an embodiment of this inven
`tion.
`0036 FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining multiple store
`and remote Store proceSS flow, including management inter
`action, in accordance with an embodiment of this invention.
`0037 FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining pre-purchase
`and post-purchase customer proceSS flow in accordance with
`an embodiment of this invention.
`0038 FIGS. 6A and 6B show examples of a customer
`receipt and a Store receipt, printed at a POS Station of this
`invention.
`0039 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a
`feature of this invention.
`0040 FIG. 8 is another diagram for explaining a feature
`of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`0041). Now with reference to the Drawing, FIG. 1 rep
`resents the overall equipment and connectivity of a web
`based point of sale system (WPOS) of the present invention.
`Here is shown a multiple-store WPOS sales and manage
`ment system 10, in which there is a server 12 located in each
`Store location. At each location, identified here as Store 1
`and Store 2, there is an in-store network, i.e., LAN 14
`connected with the associated Server 12, and the Server is
`also connected via an Internet connection 16 to the Internet
`18, here shown graphically as a cloud. Within each store
`location there is one or more than one point-of-Sale Station
`or POS station 20, which comprises a web-enabled com
`puter terminal 22. That is, each computer 22 can be a
`Standard Small computer, i.e., laptop or desktop, pro
`
`Lightspeed Ex. 1007.11
`
`

`

`US 2004/O181454 A1
`
`Sep. 16, 2004
`
`grammed with a Standard Software package, including a
`Standard operating System and web browser, Such as MS
`Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Each computer has asso
`ciated with it a number of POS devices or appliances. Here,
`these POS devices are shown to include a customer display,
`i.e., pole display 24, for which a pole display Software object
`25 is provided through the web browser, and a receipt printer
`26, which can be thermal, inkjet, or other printer, and for
`which a printer software object 27 is provided through the
`web browser. A bar-code scanner 28 can be provided for
`checkout of barcoded (i.e. UPN) items. In this case, the
`Software to operate the scanner 28 is also provided from the
`server 12 through the web browser of the computer 22.
`0.042 A local database 30 resident at the store location is
`associated with each of the store servers 12. The server
`contains a merchant account object 31 for managing credit
`card purchases, etc., and an associated reports printer 32 can
`be connected with the Server 12 for printing periodic reports
`and Service messages.
`0043. At a headquarters site, which can be remote from
`the Store locations, a main computer, i.e., mainframe 40 is
`connected through the Internet 18 (or other network) to the
`Servers 12 at the Store locations. This can include a main
`frame processor 42 and a data base 44 containing both
`current and legacy data for the Stores.
`0044) Whenever and wherever an additional point of sale
`is needed, a remote/mobile client computer 46 can be set up
`as a POS computer. This can simply be a laptop computer,
`connected directly onto the store LAN 14 or connected
`through a convenient node to the Internet 18. Then, the
`computer 46 accesses the Store Server 12, and operates any
`associated POS devices (not shown here) via its web
`browser. The remote/mobile computer 46 can also serve as
`a customer information Station, permitting customers in the
`Store to obtain data concerning availability, Scheduling (of
`maintenance or installation), warranties, prices, etc., and in
`Some cases availability on line for other Store locations.
`0.045 Customer access 48 may be achieved over the
`Internet 18 from the customer location, i.e., home or office,
`using a customer computer 50 or other web-enabled device
`52, which may be a web-enabled cell phone or personal
`digital assistant (PDA). This arrangement permits the cus
`tomer to query the System, i.e., the Store Server 12 or
`mainframe 40, as to prices, availability, to Schedule or
`re-Schedule maintenance or installation, obtain warranty
`information, Stored purchase receipts, etc. This arrangement
`also permits the Store Server 12 to Send the customer
`reminders about Scheduled appointments, Special Sales
`events, etc., via e-mail or automated phone (voice or data)
`communications.
`0046) An off-site management facility 54 permits store
`management perSonnel to monitor Store activity and obtain
`management reports from the store server(s) 12 and/or from
`the mainframe 40. Here, a management laptop computer 56
`is coupled through the Internet 18 to the system 10, or
`alternatively, the management functions can be carried out
`from the remote site via a web-enabled cellular phone or
`PDA 58, or from another computer 60, each being coupled
`over the Internet to the system 10. The facility 54 can be at
`any location, and the computer devices 56, 58, 60 can be
`wired or wireless. This allows management to check inven
`tory levels, Sales activity, and other Store activity, as well as
`
`historical Sales data, customer demographics, or other valu
`able trade information, from any remote location. AcceSS is
`provided through the web browser of the computer 56 or
`other device, without requiring any additional or Special
`Software to be installed at the remote location. All necessary
`Software is provided from the server through the web
`browser. A Security functionality requires Special acceSS
`codes and PIN numbers for management level access.
`0047. As shown in FIG. 2, a POS station 20 of this
`invention can comprise a computer 22 (or 46) that is
`connected to the in-store LAN 14 (or to the Internet 18), and
`thence to the store server 12. Here are shown the customer
`display or pole display 24, receipt printer 26, and barcode
`Scanner 28. In this configuration, there is also an electroni
`cally operated cash drawer 62 and a magnetic Stripe credit
`card reader 64, both connected with standard cables and
`connectors to the computer 22 (or 46). The computer 22 is
`a Standard model, and does not require installation of any
`special software to control any of the POS devices. The
`Server 12 provides all the required Software for controlling
`the peripheral POS devices, so that these are operated
`through the WPOS computer web browser.
`0048. Additional POS devices, not shown here, can
`include a cash-register keyboard, RF reader, or a bill accep
`tor and coin acceptor (for customer Self-service operation).
`0049 FIG. 3 illustrates an in-store customer process flow
`in accordance with this invention. Here the customer is
`permitted access to one of the in-store POS computers 22,
`which is connected over the in-store LAN 14 to the store
`Server 12. The customer can access information about
`prices, product locations, features of different product mod
`els, and can check the customer's own Scheduled mainte
`nance or installation appointments in respect to purchases at
`that Store. For a product that may require pick up, i.e., an
`appliance, or for installation or other Service, the customer
`may make a Selection and purchase decision at the POS
`computer 22, and the associated printer 26 will print out a
`receipt or Similar order form, which the customer can bring
`to an attendant at a check-out POS station (i.e., a cash
`register). The receipt can be printed with a barcode to
`facilitate delivery of the correct merchandise. The in-store
`computer 22 and printer 26 print out a barcoded receipt for
`items to be purchased, and a Sales attendant can then
`complete the purchase with a Single Scan. Here, a Scanner 28
`is shown for use by the Staff or attendant for this purpose.
`The Stock or inventory data for this in-store display com
`puter 22 shares the Same database as the other units in the
`Store, and with a website which the consumer can view at
`home using the Internet. In this case, the consumer is
`provided with access at a minimum Security level, and can
`access the Store database, using the web browser on the
`computer 22, only for limited purposes. However, the Sys
`tem can be configured to permit the customer or other user
`to e-mail quotes or other information to his or her own home
`or office.
`0050. The scanner 28 is also used for scanning in bar
`codes when inventory is brought into the Store. This puts t