Systems and methods for indicating the existence of accessible information pertaining to articles of commerce

摘要

A system and method are provided for indicating an existence of a link to information pertaining to an article of commerce. The present disclosure provides for downloading a look-up table from a server database to a mobile device via a communication network. The look-up table is configured to store a plurality of UPC numbers associated with a plurality of articles of commerce and a plurality of information link indicators. Each information link indicator is associated with a respective UPC number and article of commerce and indicates the existence of a link via the communication network to information pertaining to the respective article of commerce. The mobile device allows a consumer to immediately determine if product information is available for a particular article of commerce, via a visual or audible indication on the mobile device, without access to the communication network.

主权项

1. A system for indicating an existence of a link to information pertaining to an article of commerce, the system comprising:
a mobile device comprising a portable handheld housing and a communication interface configured to enable the mobile device to communicate with a communication network, the mobile device further comprising a signal processing device and a visual input device, the visual input device affixed within the portable handheld housing; a local database associated with the mobile device, the local database configured to store data for use by the mobile device; a server in communication with the communication network, the server comprising a server database configured to store a look-up table that includes at least a plurality of identification codes associated with a plurality of articles of commerce, the look-up table also storing a plurality of information link indicators, each information link indicator associated with a respective identification code and article of commerce, and each information link indicator being configured as a status signal indicating the existence or absence of a link to information pertaining to a respective article of commerce, the link being made to the information via the communication network; wherein the visual input device is configured to capture an image of an article of commerce and decode the image to obtain an identification code; wherein, in response to receiving the identification code, the signal processing device is configured to look up the identification code in the look-up table stored in the local database to determine from a respective information link indicator whether or not a link exists for accessing information pertaining to an article of commerce associated with the identification code via the communication network, wherein the signal processing device determines whether or not the link exists without accessing the communication network.