PORTABLE DEVICE-BASED SHOPPING CHECKOUT

The present invention provides portable-device based store checkout. Specifically, a portable device is configured for store checkout. When the shopper obtains an item, he/she scans its barcode and captures its image using the portable device. The identity of the item as determined based on the barcode is compared with its appearance as determined based on the image. If the two are consistent with one another, the item is added to an inventory of items. The shopper can checkout by linking (e.g., porting) the portable device to a checkout station. The linking will cause the inventory of items to be made known to the checkout station, which will arrange payment using the portable device. Optionally, as an additional validation, the shopping receptacle can be weighed at the checkout station to make sure it reasonably meets an expected weight determined based on the inventory.