A monitoring device according to an embodiment determines whether an information terminal, which moves together with a purchaser and receives data input regarding commodities for purchase by the purchaser, is present in a second place different from a set first place. The monitoring device detects that the information terminal is left unattended in the second place. The monitoring device activates an alarm in response to the information terminal being left unattended in the second place for a threshold period of time.

Nowadays shopping in supermarkets, malls, marts and other commercial places becomes a very important part of human life. Apart from just shopping, these places offer so many entertainment platforms for every age group of people under one roof. Therefore, to attract the customers, the shop owners are always trying to introduce unique flavour in their shopping platforms, such as: Digital Payment methods, Automatic controlling systems, location indicator of the particular store, Smart Trolley and etc. Shopping Trolley is always hidden but a very crucial part of your shopping. Here, we are putting this hidden component into the central attraction for the shopping. In our proposed invention idea (Smart Trolley), we are planning to put so many customer friendly features into the trolley, which takes the customer's shopping experience into another level. In our proposed Smart Trolley system, we are planning to incorporate smart lock, smart pooling, product scanners, location indicator, weighing machine, e-payment system and product reminder/assistant. In the Covid-19 pandemic, technology has played a very important role in the smooth run of human life and it has also convinced the young as well as old people to make their life align with the recent advancements. With this emphasis, our invention, “Smart Trolley” will give the smart, safe and secure shopping experience to the customers as well as store owners too. Business retail's owners can also adapt the proposed system in their business platforms because the implementing cost will also be adjusted in the long run as the proposed system will help to reduce the supporting staff size.

A method for operating an electronically controlled return system for loaned or borrowed objects, in particular for transport carriages which can be moved by hand. The borrowed object is rigidly connected to a communication module which receives a wirelessly transmitted first signal A of a transmission device at a collection point. The communication module evaluates a position and/or location of the borrowed object and uses the first signal A in order to determine the position and/or location of the borrowed object relative to the transmission device. There is also described an electronically controlled return system, in particular for operating the method.

According to an embodiment, a mobile body acquires product information given to a product to be purchased and transports the product to be purchased. The mobile body includes a cart body, an acquisition device, and a holder. The cart body is moved to transport the product. The acquisition device acquires the product information. The holder detachably holds the acquisition device.

A monitoring device according to an embodiment determines whether an information terminal, which moves together with a purchaser and receives data input regarding commodities for purchase by the purchaser, is present in a second place different from a set first place. The monitoring device detects that the information terminal is left unattended in the second place. The monitoring device activates an alarm in response to the information terminal being left unattended in the second place for a threshold period of time.

An image of a code on a shopping cart is captured with a mobile computing device having a camera and GPS functionality. The mobile device extracts an identifier associated with the cart from the code and transmits this information to a server, which associates the mobile device with the cart. A user returns the cart to a designated return area while carrying or wearing the mobile computing device. The mobile device sends GPS data to the server, which can determine the starting position, the distance travelled, and whether the designated return area has been reached. The cart code can then be rescanned at the designated return area to confirm that the user has actually moved the cart to the return area, without any special hardware on the cart or in the return area. A computer system may provide a credit, code, coupon, or other incentive to a user account.

A smart shopping cart includes a frame defining a receptacle. A plurality of motorized wheels and a steering mechanism are coupled to the frame. The shopping cart may further include a plurality of sensors, scanners, and an onboard computing system. The onboard computing system receives data from the sensors and scanners. The onboard computing system further controls the motorized wheels and the steering mechanism. The onboard computing system includes a processor, a memory, a geolocator, a display, at least one communication interface for communicating over a network; and a plurality of program instructions stored in the memory that cause the processor to perform steps.

An image of a code on a shopping cart is captured with a mobile computing device having a camera and GPS functionality. The mobile device extracts an identifier associated with the cart from the code and transmits this information to a server, which associates the mobile device with the cart. A user returns the cart to a designated return area while carrying or wearing the mobile computing device. The mobile device sends GPS data to the server, which can determine the starting position, the distance travelled, and whether the designated return area has been reached. The cart code can then be rescanned at the designated return area to confirm that the user has actually moved the cart to the return area, without any special hardware on the cart or in the return area. A computer system may provide a credit, code, coupon, or other incentive to a user account.

An electronic trolley lock system and a method for providing trolley service based on a request of a registered user intending to use a trolley enabled with an electronic trolley lock device. The method and system can enable tracking of trolley use and locating abandoned trolleys. The system can also enable performing a transaction when a trolley is unlocked and performing a reverse transaction on return of the trolley by a registered user.

An image of a code on a shopping cart is captured with a mobile computing device having a camera and GPS functionality. The mobile device extracts an identifier associated with the cart from the code and transmits this information to a server, which associates the mobile device with the cart. A user returns the cart to a designated return area while carrying or wearing the mobile computing device. The mobile device sends GPS data to the server, which can determine the starting position, the distance traveled, and whether the designated return area has been reached. The cart code can then be rescanned at the designated return area to confirm that the user has actually moved the cart to the return area, without any special hardware on the cart or in the return area. A computer system may provide a credit, code, coupon, or other incentive to a user account.