SHOPPING AND PURCHASING SYSTEM

Abstract

Device for use as shopping and payment system for any kind of goods.

Claims

1. Device for use as shopping and payment system for goods of any kind comprising first means for registering and scanning of barcode-symbols second means (13) for determining and registering the weight of a purchased article third means (15) for decoding the registered barcodes to register the price of the purchased articles in a digital product basket, and fourth means (16) for storing price and, if applicable, number or weight of the individual purchased articles.

2. Device in accordance with claim 1 designed as carrying handle comprising a handle piece (1), a connecting piece (2) oriented in a parallel manner to the handle piece (1) and one, preferably two hook-shaped hang-in elements (3) comprising a shorter terminal piece (4) and a longer terminal piece (5) with the hook-shaped hang-in elements (3) oriented, in particular nearly, parallel to each other and connected to the connecting piece (2) through the shorter terminal piece (4) and connected to the handle piece (1) through the longer terminal piece (5).

3. Device in accordance with claim 1 or 2 wherein the first means comprises at least one first camera and/or a first barcode-scanner, preferably a first and second camera and/or barcode-scanner with the first camera or the first barcode scanner being mounted at the connecting piece (2) preferably on the side opposite to the handle piece (1) and the second camera or the second barcode scanner being mounted at one of the hang-in elements on the side opposite to the second hang-in element.

4. Device in accordance with claim 3 with first means comprising in a preferred embodiment in particular two LED lighting elements which, through the overlap point of their light cones mark the recordation point of the first camera and/or the second camera and/or the first and second barcode scanners (7,9).

5. Device in accordance with claim 3 or claim 4 comprising, in a preferred embodiment, a distance sensor (11) and /or a movement sensor (12) designed to control switch on or off the first means.

6. Device in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein the second means (13) for determination of the weight is attached at the handle piece (1) or at the position where the shopping bag or shopping container is positioned.

7. Device in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein the second means for registration of the weight is preferably a 3D-force sensor, in particular two 3D force sensors are present preferably one at each supporting point, or in the vicinity thereof, of the attached shopping bag or shopping container of the two hook-shaped hang-in elements (3).

8. Device in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein the device, in particular the handle piece (1) comprises at least one 9G sensor (14) comprising in particular a gyroscope and/or at least one movement sensor which is in active connection with the second means (13) for registration and determination of the weight.

9. Device in accordance with any of the preceding claims comprising third means (15) for decoding of the registered barcodes and fourth means (16) for storing which are preferably designed as microcontrollers.

10. Device in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein the handle piece (1) comprises a handle section (26) movably supported relative to the handle piece (1).

11. Device in accordance with the preceding claims comprising one or more lighting elements (17) shining in n different colors with n being 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more and/or wherein the handle piece (1) comprises a vibration element (18) wherein lighting elements (17) and vibration element (18) are designed to represent activities during shopping and their status and are in active connection with first means for registration and scanning of barcodes and second means (13) for registration and determination of the weight.

12. Device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims comprising, in a preferred embodiment, a display (19) positioned in particular on the side of the connecting piece (2) facing the handle piece (1) and being in active connection with a fourth device (16) for storing price and, if applicable, number of purchased goods, preferably designed as touch screen.

13. Device in accordance with one of the preceding claims comprising, in a preferred embodiment, a NFC reading device (20), a WLAN module (21) or a mobile communication module (22).

14. Device in accordance with one of the preceding claims comprising a mobile energy supply device (23), in particular a rechargeable battery.

15. Device in accordance with one of the preceding claims comprising a fingerprint sensor (24) for authentification of a user.

16. Device in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein the hang-in elements (3) are provided with an anti-slip coating (25).

Description

[0028] The device according to the invention, e.g. in the form of a handle may be manufactured in a manner known per se from a suitable polymeric material. The use of a polymeric material on one hand allows manufacture of the device with a weight as low as possible and on the other hand provides practically unlimited freedom in shape which may be adopted to the individual needs. Just by way of example, injection molding may be mentioned here; principally, however, any processing method is possible with which a shapeless starting material (e.g. granules) may be given a desired form.

[0029] In accordance with a preferred embodiment the device in accordance with the invention comprises a handle made from a polymeric material comprising [0030] an integrated weighing function, [0031] two or three cameras, [0032] a display, [0033] two LED light strips emitting red and/or green color, [0034] a NFC chip reading device, [0035] mobile energy supply e.g. through a rechargeable battery means for depositing the device after the shopping in a charging station forming part of a storage terminal, sensors providing a touchscreen functionality further sensors providing fingerprint identification, an anti slip-coating to avoid slip-off of the container or bag for the purchased goods.

[0036] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment the device in accordance with the invention may comprise a display on which the purchased goods with price and weight are indicated to the customer and which also optionally informs the customer immediately on the overall price for the entirety of his purchased goods. Alternatively, a respective data signal can be transmitted to a mobile receiving device through a wireless transmission method, which mobile device converts the signal with a respective app and respective software into an information concerning the purchase shown on the display of the mobile device.

[0037] For this purpose the customer may use e.g. a tablet or a mobile phone carried along. In this embodiment a display in the device according to the invention itself is not necessary. This embodiment furthermore provides the advantage that the use of mobile payment systems which have found increasing use in the recent past, becomes possible.

[0038] With the use of an app (without this being mandatory) a significant additional benefit for the customer can be achieved.

[0039] The consumer may write down or import his shopping list in the app and share same with other users. The app reminds on scheduled purchases. As an example the consumer may be reminded that a consumption product regularly needed has to be purchased anew after expiration of a certain period of time. The app may inform on product recalls which may be communicated in personalized form. Furthermore digital cashier receipts may be provided by the app and stored in same. This allows transparency on the costs of all purchases and provides the opportunity to the consumer to analyze his living costs. Furthermore, legal requirements may be fulfilled which require the mandatory compilation of a receipt without a paper printout being necessary for this purpose.

[0040] The user can define individual settings in the app related to nutritional practices and nutritional targets as well as to food allergies or food incompatibilities. Stored recipes are proposed depending on such settings and may be directly imported into the digital shopping list.

[0041] Information on the nutritional value of the recipes and its ingredients are also available. Users have the possibility to rate products or recipes. The ratings may be helpful for other customers for their decision making.

[0042] The app allows the consumer access to the history of his purchases as well as the compilation of an electronic payment receipt after a purchase.

[0043] The app may be linked to other applications—e.g. smart home applications.

[0044] Finally, the consumer may make use of individualized special offers.

[0045] These special offers may be provided to the consumer in the app individually tailored dependent on the personal settings and the use history.

[0046] Interfaces to customer cards of the individual shops allow the participation in their reward programs.

[0047] Gift certificates or meal vouchers may be scanned and registered with the device in accordance with the invention.

[0048] Through geolocalisation in the app it becomes possible to indicate to the customer suitable stores in the vicinity of his position which carry the desired products contained in his shopping list combined with information on the prices so that the consumer can make a reasoned decision where he may obtain which of his desired products at which price in which store. Thereby the customer may plan his purchases under time and cost considerations in an optimal manner.

[0049] The user may furthermore deposit his EC-cash or credit card information in the app. By doing so he may make the payment without the need to have the card itself directly available. The login in the app may be made through an account with a respective provider of payment services. Alternatively, the user may register himself manually with an e-mail address and a password. The app connects to the device according to the invention prior to each purchase through a wireless connection.

[0050] Finally, it is also possible to integrate a small display in the device according to the invention which shows a barcode or QR code which contains information to price and weight of the individual purchased goods as well as to the overall price of the entire shopping basket in encoded form. The barcode or QR code may then be registered with a camera of a mobile device such as a tablet or a mobile phone and thereafter be decoded with a suitable software to show the desired information directly to the customer.

[0051] In accordance with a preferred embodiment the device in accordance with the present invention may be combined with a so-called storage terminal to form an integrated overall system.

[0052] The terminal serves the purpose of storing and charging the devices in accordance with the invention. The terminal may be positioned in each entrance and leaving area of a store. When entering the store, the customer picks up a device in accordance with the invention (e.g. a handle) from the terminal and when leaving he puts back the device into the terminal. Furthermore the terminal may be equipped with a display and a cash receipt printer. The customer can print invoice receipts or may obtain information relating to the system with the device in accordance with the invention. The system is preferably designed in such a manner that the successful completion of his shopping requires re-attachment of the device to the terminal. If the device is not re-attached, a warning signal is produced at the handle. Thereby thefts of articles as well as thefts of the handles can be prevented.

[0053] In addition the terminal may comprise a device for shopping bags or containers which are tailored to the device in accordance with the invention. The customer may purchase such bags or containers against a one-time payment and may re-use same in subsequent shoppings which is also desirable under ecological aspects. As he can take the shopping bag or shopping container with him once he has purchased same any effort for re-packing of purchased goods can be avoided. The shopping bag or shopping container may comprise several compartments or dividing elements which allows a sorting of the purchased goods already at the time of purchase which facilitates dispelling and storing the purchased goods at home. The shopping bag or container may comprise thermally isolated compartments in which temperature sensitive products may be safely transported home while protected against deterioriation. The device in accordance with the invention may be connected to the terminal through a secure connection and may thus serve as interface to payment providers and the app.

[0054] Finally, the terminal may also serve the puropose to monitor the status of charge of the device in accordance with the invention. If a customer picks up a device with a status of charge too low this may be signaled to him to avoid problems because of failure of the energy supply during his shopping.

[0055] The figures show the principal construction of a device in accordance with the invention.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device in the form of a carrying handle.

[0057] The device is designed as a carrying handle comprising a handle piece 1, a connecting piece 2 oriented in a parallel manner to the handle piece 1 and one, preferably two hook-shaped hang-in elements 3 comprising a shorter terminal piece 4 and a longer terminal piece 5 with the hook-shaped hang-in elements 3 oriented, in particular nearly, parallel to each other and connected to the connecting piece 2 through the shorter terminal piece and connected to the handle piece 1 through the longer terminal piece 5.

[0058] The hang-in elements 3 are equipped with an anti-slip coating 25.

[0059] The first means in accordance with a preferred embodiment comprises at least one first camera 6 and/or a first barcode-scanner 7, preferably a first and second camera 8 and/or barcode-scanner 9 with the first camera 6 or the first barcode scanner 7 being mounted at the connecting piece 2 preferably on the side opposite to the handle piece 1 and the second camera 8 or the second barcode scanner 9 being mounted at one of the hang-in elements 3 on the side opposite to the second hang-in element 3. The first means in accordance with a preferred embodiment comprises in particular two LED lights 10 which, through the overlap point of their light cones mark the recordation point of the first camera 6 and/or the second camera 8 and/or the first and second barcode scanners (7,9). Furthermore, a distance sensor 11 and/or a movement sensor 12 are present.

[0060] The second means 13 for registration (determination) of the weight is positioned preferably at the handle piece 1 and/or where the shopping bag or shopping container 27 is attached and is preferably designed as 3D force sensor, with two 3D force sensors being preferred, one respectively at each hang-in element or in the vicinity of the support point of the attached shopping bag or shopping container 27.

[0061] The handle piece, in accordance with a preferred embodiment comprises at least one 9G-sensor 14, in particular a gyroscope and/or at least one acceleration sensor and is in active connection with the second means for registration (determination) of the weight.

[0062] The third means for decoding 15 of the registered barcodes or QR codes and the fourth means for storing 16 are preferably designed as microcontrollers.

[0063] Furthermore, the handle piece 1 preferably comprises a handle section 26 mounted (suspended) movably in relation to the handle piece 1.

[0064] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment the device comprises lighting means 17 which may shine in n different colors, with n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or more and the handle piece 1 preferably comprises a vibration means 18.

[0065] Lighting means 17 and vibration means 18 are designed to indicate activities and their status during shopping and to be in active connection with first means for recognition and scanning of barcodes or QR codes and with second means for weight determination.

[0066] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment a display 19 is positioned in particular on the side of the connecting piece 2 facing the handle piece 1 and is in active connection with fourth means 16 for storage of price and number and is preferably designed as touchscreen.

[0067] Furthermore, the device preferably comprises a NFC chip reading device 20 and/or a WLAN module 21 and/or a mobile communication module 22 to communicate eventually with a payment service and/or a computer network.

[0068] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment the device comprises a mobile energy supply 23, in particular a rechargeable battery.

[0069] The device preferably also comprises a fingerprint sensor 24 for authentification of a user.

[0070] FIG. 2 shows a device in accordance with the invention with a shopping bag or shopping container 27.

[0071] From the foregoing it becomes apparent that the device in accordance with the invention, optionally in combination with an app, provides multiple advantages facilitating shopping and payment for the customer thereby providing time savings and which give the opportunity to the shop to provide a faster and convenient shopping experience to the customer without the need of significant modifications of his existing setup.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0072] 1. Handle piece 1 [0073] 2. Connecting piece 2 [0074] 3. Hook-shaped hang-in element 3 [0075] 4. Shorter terminal element 4 [0076] 5. Longer terminal element 5 [0077] 6. First camera 6 [0078] 7. First barcode scanner 7 [0079] 8. Second camera 8 [0080] 9. Second barcode scanner 9 [0081] 10. LED light strips 10 [0082] 11. Distance sensor 11 [0083] 12. Movement sensor 12 [0084] 13. Means for determining weight 13 [0085] 14. 9G Sensor 14 [0086] 15. Third means for decoding 15 [0087] 16. Fourth means for storingl6 [0088] 17. Lighting element 17 [0089] 18. Vibration element 18 [0090] 19. Display 19 [0091] 20. NFC-Chip reading device 20 [0092] 21. W-LAN module 21 [0093] 22. Mobile communication module 22 [0094] 23. Mobile energy supply 23 [0095] 24. Fingerprint sensor 24 [0096] 25. Anti-slip coating 25 [0097] 26. Movably supported handle section 26 [0098] 27. Shopping bag 27