A shopping cart deflection measurement system and associated methods are described. The shopping cart deflection measurement system includes a shopping cart, a sensor, and a processing device equipped with a processor. The shopping cart includes a frame, a basket portion pivotably mounted to the frame so as to enable deflection of at least one edge of the basket portion downward in the direction of gravity following a weight being placed in the basket portion, and a lower rack portion mounted to the frame and disposed below the basket portion. The processing device can be configured to execute instructions to measure deflection of the basket portion relative to the lower rack portion of the shopping cart using data acquired by the sensor. The measured deflection can be indicative of a fullness of the basket portion with one or more products.

Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.

A shopping bin which attaches to the top of a cart. The bin is detachable from the cart and can be slid onto the conveyor belt of a conventional check stand. The bin mechanism allows the conveyor belt to vacate the contents of the bin.

A shopping cart deflection measurement system and associated methods are described. The shopping cart deflection measurement system includes a shopping cart, a sensor, and a processing device equipped with a processor. The shopping cart includes a frame, a basket portion pivotably mounted to the frame so as to enable deflection of at least one edge of the basket portion downward in the direction of gravity following a weight being placed in the basket portion, and a lower rack portion mounted to the frame and disposed below the basket portion. The processing device can be configured to execute instructions to measure deflection of the basket portion relative to the lower rack portion of the shopping cart using data acquired by the sensor. The measured deflection can be indicative of a fullness of the basket portion with one or more products.

A shopping cart deflection measurement system and associated methods are described. The shopping cart deflection measurement system includes a shopping cart, a sensor, and a processing device equipped with a processor. The shopping cart includes a frame, a basket portion pivotably mounted to the frame so as to enable deflection of at least one edge of the basket portion downward in the direction of gravity following a weight being placed in the basket portion, and a lower rack portion mounted to the frame and disposed below the basket portion. The processing device can be configured to execute instructions to measure deflection of the basket portion relative to the lower rack portion of the shopping cart using data acquired by the sensor. The measured deflection can be indicative of a fullness of the basket portion with one or more products.

A shopping bin which attaches to the top of a cart. The bin is detachable from the cart and can be slid onto the conveyor belt of a conventional check stand. The bin mechanism allows the conveyor belt to vacate the contents of the bin.

A shopping cart deflection measurement system and associated methods are described. The shopping cart deflection measurement system includes a shopping cart, a sensor, and a processing device equipped with a processor. The shopping cart includes a frame, a basket portion pivotably mounted to the frame so as to enable deflection of at least one edge of the basket portion downward in the direction of gravity following a weight being placed in the basket portion, and a lower rack portion mounted to the frame and disposed below the basket portion. The processing device can be configured to execute instructions to measure deflection of the basket portion relative to the lower rack portion of the shopping cart using data acquired by the sensor. The measured deflection can be indicative of a fullness of the basket portion with one or more products.

A shopping bin which attaches to the top of a cart. The bin is detachable from the cart and can be slid onto the conveyor belt of a conventional check stand. The bin mechanism allows the conveyor belt to vacate the contents of the bin.

The combination of a shopping cart and a checkout location. The shopping cart has a wheeled frame defining: a) a primary article storage receptacle; and b) a lower storage shelf. The checkout location has: a) an aisle through which the shopping cart can be directed and with laterally spaced sides; b) a processing assembly at one side of the aisle; c) a station at which a person can be situated to operate the processing assembly; and d) a mirror on the other side of the aisle situated so that a person situated at the station can observe a reflection of articles placed on the storage shelf. The mirror has a reflective surface configured and located to reflect an image of the shopping cart only below the top of the shopping cart from a vantage point of a person situated at the station.