FR3059622A1 - Connected trolley with built-in scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

Evolution of the supermarket cart. Intelligent supermarket cart to scan all items in the store automatically and seamlessly eliminating queues at the checkout. The device preserves the advantages of existing carriages and operates mainly with scanning bars (2) in connection with weight sensors (3). These elements are connected to the Central Unit (4) of the cart which has several features including a Wifi and Bluetooth connection to communicate in real time with the smartphone of the customers and the Central Station of the store. This central unit (4) has a reading screen summarizing all the items loaded in the carriage. The Central Unit can transmit the purchase information to the client smartphone using a downloadable application on all media. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for supermarket customers.

Description

059 622

70738 ® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY © Publication number:

(to be used only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number

COURBEVOIE © Int Cl ⁸ : B 62 B 3/00 (2017.01)

PATENT INVENTION APPLICATION

A1

©) Date of filing: 07.12.16. (© Priority: © Applicant (s): GOURAUD EDDY— FR. @ Inventor (s): GOURAUD EDDY. ©) Date of availability of the request: 08.06.18 Bulletin 18/23. ©) List of documents cited in the preliminary search report: See the end of this booklet (© References to other related national documents: ® Holder (s): GOURAUD EDDY. ©) Extension request (s): © Agent (s): GOURAUD EDDY.

Q4) Connected cart with integrated scanner.

FR 3 059 622 - A1

Evolution of the supermarket cart.

Smart supermarket cart for scanning all items in the store automatically and flawlessly eliminating checkout queues.

The device preserves the advantages of existing carriages and works mainly using scanning bars (2) in conjunction with weight sensors (3). These elements are linked to the Central Unit (4) of the cart which has several functions including a WiFi and Bluetooth connection in order to communicate in real time with the customers' smartphones and the store's Central Station. This central unit (4) has a reading screen summarizing all the articles loaded in the cart.

The Central Unit can transmit purchase information to the client smartphone using an application that can be downloaded to all media.

The device according to the invention is particularly intended for supermarket customers.

The present invention relates to a set of devices making the supermarket cart evolve.

Since the end of the 1950s, the famous supermarket trolley has changed very little and has resulted in longer queues at the checkout, despite the few improvements put in place by major brands such as the multiplication cash registers, automatic cash registers, manual scan, drive, etc., but this did not decrease the queues at the cash register. The major problem with the traditional cart is that you have to unload one by one each item in the box and then reload it.

The set of devices according to the invention makes it possible to preserve the qualities of the current supermarket trolley which are in particular its robustness, its maneuverability, its ease of use but also its principle of storage by nesting, and to correct its drawbacks. related to its use.

The present invention is an intelligent, connected cart which allows all items in the store to be scanned automatically and flawlessly, thus having the advantage of going to the checkout, automatic or not, only to pay for purchases. The latter is characterized in that it includes protection bars (1) protecting the peripheral scanning device (2) connected to weight sensors (3) transmitting the data to the Central Unit (4). Identification plates (5) allow the cart to be identified at the supermarket checkout.

The invention also includes any of the following technical characteristics considered alone or in combination:

- A scanning device (2) [fig. 2] consisting of one or more parts, contiguous or not, located on the periphery of the upper frame of the cart's load basket. It consists of one or more continuous or non-detection lenses. These lenses have different ranges depending on the detection angle (2.1).

Weight sensors (3) positioned between the load basket and the cart frame [fig. 6].

- A central unit (4) retrieving information from the scanning device (2) as well as from the weight sensors (3). It has several features described from line 36 on page 3. Its main interest is to be able to display all the items loaded in the cart with the total amount of the corresponding purchases, to be able to synchronize thanks to a Bluetooth connection with the smartphone of a user and to be able to communicate with the Central Station of the store thanks to a Wifi connection, or other (radio ...).

Identification plates (5) located at the front of the cart allow automatic identification of the cart by the supermarket checkouts [fig. 7], This identification is done by flash code, or barcode, or even chip.

The Central Unit (4) synchronizes with the user's smartphone using an application 35 which links the two. It allows you to manage your purchases in real time, to archive your purchases, to edit shopping lists ... [fig. 14], It can also allow the display of advertising or promotion of the store.

The central unit (4) has a display screen (b) [fig. 10] on the top of its case (a) allowing the display of articles loaded in the cart in the case of use without a smartphone.

-2The central unit (4) has a button (c) [fig. 10] on the upper part of its case (a) allowing the synchronization of the central unit (4) with the user's smartphone as well as the taring of the cart before entering the supermarket.

The central unit (4) recharges its batteries located inside its case (a) when the 5 cart is locked with the other carts under the cart shelters in the supermarket parking lot.

This recharging of batteries in the central unit (4) is permitted thanks to the power cable (e) [fig. 10] as well as the micro plug (f1) [fig 11],

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:

Figure 1 shows the trolley connected as a whole

Figure 2 shows the protection bars (1) protecting the peripheral scanning device (2). FIG. 3 represents the different detection angles (2.1) of the articles by the peripheral scanning device.

FIG. 4 represents the coverage area for detection of the articles by the peripheral scanning device (2).

FIG. 5 represents the coverage area of detection of the articles by the peripheral scanning device (2) from a different angle.

Figure 6 shows a bottom view of the cart with the positioning of the weight sensors (3) between the chassis and the load basket.

FIG. 7 represents the positioning of the identification plates of the trolley.

FIG. 8 represents the central unit (4) in its tactile version.

Figure 9 shows the central unit (4) in its non-touch version.

Figure 10 shows the central unit (4) in detail.

Figure 11 shows the locking plug of the cart connected with its microfiche (f1).

Figure 12 shows the central unit (4) from a different angle.

Figure 13 shows the central unit (4) connected with a user's smartphone.

Figure 14 shows the screen of a user's smartphone when connected to the central unit (4).

Figure 15 shows two carts connected when they are locked together and in standby.

Figure 16 represents the central unit (4) with some dimensions which can vary according to the destination of use.

Each item chosen and stored in the cart is infallibly scanned using a peripheral scanning device (2)

This scanning device works in conjunction with weight sensors (3) located between the load basket and the chassis of the cart.

The peripheral scanning device (2) as well as the weight sensors (3) transmit their information to the Central Unit (4) of the cart.

The relationship between the peripheral scanning device (2), the weight sensors (3) allows the central unit (4) to operate in both directions automatically. Thus items can be added but also automatically removed from the cart without user manipulation.

-3The central unit (4) of the cart located on the guide bar records and displays the list of items with the balance to be paid.

Each cart has its own unique identification (5) which, upon arrival at the checkout, is detected and displayed on the screen of the hostess (or automatic checkout) with details of purchases and its corresponding balance.

No need to unload and reload the items, the user can pay at the hostess or at the cash machine. 90% of the usual time spent at the checkout is thus saved. All the elements that make up the device meet IP65 or higher standards.

The trolley is of conventional size or can be adapted according to the destinations of use.

It can be compartmentalized or not.

The cart is provided with protective bars (1) at the upper periphery of the loading basket in order to protect the scanning device (2) which is used for the detection and identification of each item. The protective bars (1) also make it easier to nest the carts together like the current carts under the storage shelters.

The peripheral scanning device (2) is a centerpiece of the cart allowing the detection and identification of items loaded in the cart. It has several detection distances at certain angles (2.1) [fig. 3] (to be determined according to the size of the carts) allowing the detection and identification of all barcodes whatever their positions on the article, including water packs loaded on the removable support [fig. 4 and 5],

The scanning device (2), in conjunction with the weight sensors (3) allow the central unit (4) to scan both the addition and removal of items in the cart without any manipulation of the user.

The weight sensors (3) are located between the load basket [fig. 6] and the chassis of the cart. These weight sensors (3) are linked to the scanning device (2) and connected to the central unit (4) so as to counter any item scanning fraud.

An identification plate (5) is positioned on each side of the carriage at the very front [fig. 7], thus allowing its detection by the automatic cashier or cashier of the hostess. These plates can be detected by the crates either by barcode, flash code, chip ...

The central unit (4) of the trolley is located on the guide bar in place of the locking modules of the usual trolleys. It allows you to save and display the list of items stored in the cart.

It can be of tactile version [fig. 8] or not [fig. 9], and its dimensions may vary depending on its destination of use.

It is made up of robust elements intended for intensive use and meeting IP 65 or higher sealing standards. These elements are as follows [fig. 10]:

Housing (a) of the central unit in ABS plastic or resistant and waterproof derivative (IP65)

Display screen (b), allowing a quick and clear visualization of the listing of items stored in the cart. The latter can be monochrome or color, tactile or not depending on store preferences and budgets. The screen only displays the list of selected items with their corresponding unit price and the total purchases. If multiple identical items are scanned, the screen

-4 will display as many rows as there are articles. For this reason but also to optimize the visual, there is no column "quantity"

The initialization button, connection (c) is used to tare the cart, allowing the customer to hang their handbag, put down their shopping bags or even place their small child. Once done, the customer can initialize the cart before passing through the entrance gates. It is thanks to this button that the customer can also synchronize their smartphone to the central unit to display their shopping list as well as their purchases through the dedicated application.

Slot for inserting a token or coin (d) for unlocking and starting a cart.

Power cable (e) for charging the batteries of the central unit (4) when the cart is stored and locked with the others under the parking shelters. The central unit (4) is recharged each time you return to the shelters. During the night, the carts are loaded and can be used non-stop during the day without any return to the shelters.

The locking plug (f) and charging of the cart is symmetrical to facilitate its connection and acts as a charging socket for the batteries of the central unit of the cart. It has a microfiche (f 1) [fig 11] allowing recharging on each return to the cart shelters.

Cart identification number (g). Each number is unique and makes it possible to visually identify the cart. This number corresponds to the identification plate located at the front of the cart.

The indicator (h) validates the correct initialization and / or synchronization with a smartphone. This indicator is green when everything is in order and turns red at the slightest anomaly (bad detection of an article, break in the connection between the cart and the client smartphone ....)

The case (a) has a rim (i) from 10 to 20mm depending on the versions allowing the support of the client's smartphone.

Navigation buttons (j) (for the non-touch version). These arrows are simply used to scroll vertically through the list of items loaded in the cart. The touch version also allows you to scroll through this list.

Slot (k) [fig 12] for locking and charging socket

Universal adjustable support (I) allowing quick attachment of a smartphone to the Central Unit [fig 13].

The central unit also has the possibility of synchronizing with any smartphone (Android, IOS, Window phone) via Bluetooth.

From the front doors crossed with the cart, the latter connects with the central station of the store in wifi [or other type of connection (ex: radio ...)

When using a smartphone, dédiée dedicated cart application that can be downloaded for free is required.

This simple and intuitive application is adopted from the first use.

The screen is split into two parts [fig 14]:

-5The shopping list (A1) is instantly updated according to the items placed or removed from the cart. For visual reasons, it only displays the designation and the corresponding unit price. There will be as many lines as identical items loaded into the cart [fig 14]. The total amount of purchases (to be paid in cash) is displayed in large type at the bottom of this list. No manipulation is possible except the vertical scrolling of this list.

The shopping list (A2) is edited at home or before entering the store. For each item loaded in the cart, the user just has to click on the corresponding item in their shopping list so that it is highlighted (eg in green) in order to visually sort the rest of the purchases. If no list is chosen before starting, this part is used to display the various promotions and advertisements in the store.

The save icon (A3) simply allows you to save the shopping list in the archives

The edit icon (A4) allows you to create your shopping list either in a simplified form in the form of dashes using the smartphone keyboard, or by accessing the store's database of items or even by retrieving a old archived shopping list that can be changed. This shopping list can be organized by category (liquid, bakery, fresh ...) and also by order of movement in the store (depending on the configuration of the store)

The archive icon (A5) offers access to the old shopping lists sorted by date so that they can be edited in the next shopping list. The old shopping lists are also saved and classified by date. It is possible to permanently delete the old shopping lists.

The options icon (A6) allows you to configure your display preferences such as font size and type, background color, highlighting, etc.

USE OF THE DEVICE:

Upon arrival at one of the parking shelters, as soon as the user unlocks a cart using a token or coin, the central unit (4) and its screen turn on.

The user can load his empty shopping bags, handbag, toddler ...

- In the case of use without a smartphone, the LED (h) of the central unit (4) flashes until it remains green when approaching the entrance detection gates. The device is then operational.

When using their smartphone, the user unlocks the cart as usual and synchronizes their smartphone by activating their Bluetooth connection and pressing the initialization / connection button (c) for 2 seconds. He can then quickly fix it using the adaptable support (I) on the central unit (4). The green light (h) indicates to the customer that this cart is then operational.

NB: once the device has been initialized and inside the store, the starting charge (the tare: handbag, children ...) must remain the same until the checkout, otherwise the device can be put in default.

-6Each trolley carries an identification number (5) which enables it to be checked in real time by the Central Station as soon as it is activated.

As soon as the automatic doors have been crossed, the central station can be informed.

Each item loaded in the cart is scanned by the scanning device (2). If an item by mistake, or by default barcode, an item cannot be scanned during loading in the cart, an error message is displayed on the client's smartphone and the green LED (h) on the central unit (4) then turns red.

The central unit (4) of this cart flashes in real time in red (error code) on the screen of the store's central station. As long as the indicator (h) is flashing red, this cart is no longer operational, no more items can be added.

The scanning bars (2), in relation to the weight sensors (3) operate in both directions; that is, when an item is removed from the cart, it is instantly removed from purchase. If an item is not scanned, the additional weight detected by the weight sensor (3) then locks the device with the red light (h) on and an error message on the screen of the user's smartphone or the 'central unit (4), if used without smartphone. Then just remove the last item for the cart to regain its weight / scan balance.

NB: It is possible for the store to enter the weight corresponding to the item barcodes to optimize the fight against fraud.

The items purchased as well as the total purchases are displayed in real time both on the client's smartphone and also at the store's Central Station.

The user can move several meters from his cart with his smartphone in hand while staying up to date. If the user moves too far from his cart, when he returns, the central unit (4) of his cart and his smartphone will automatically synchronize and the indicator light (h) will be red when it returns and will turn green once again. times synchronized.

Arrived at the cash desk (automatic or not), immediately in the queue, the identification number (5) of the cart is then recognized by the cash register which displays the item list on the screen, a green icon to indicate that this cart is well updated without error, and the total amount of purchases.

The user does not waste time to deposit and take back all his articles

The cashier no longer has the risk of having an item identification fault since she knows when the cart arrives if the cart is up to date and has no scan defects.

The carts go to the cash desk only for payment.

Once out of the store, the user can then load their purchases in their vehicle and store their cart with the others.

By locking his cart with the others, the latter goes to standby and recovers the load thanks to the locking socket (f) [fig 15],

-7 BENEFITS IN SUMMARY:

Minimize the time to fill the cart without forgetting

Put an end to waiting at the checkout due to the unloading and reloading of items, misidentified items, checkout errors ...

The user does not waste time dropping off and picking up all of his items. Unclogging the checkout queues, therefore the car parks, which allows additional customer reception and / or staff savings.

Strengthening the fight against theft

- Propose a possibility of behavioral study thanks to the follow-up of the consumption mode of the customers during their purchases (purchases according to displacements according to configuration of the departments)

Claims (10)

1) Intelligent supermarket cart to scan all items in the store automatically and flawlessly. The latter is characterized in that it includes protective bars (1) protecting the scanning device (2) connected to weight sensors (3) and transmitting 5 data to the Central Unit (4). Identification plates (5) allow the cart to be identified at the supermarket checkout. 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the scanning device (2) consists of one or more parts, contiguous or not, located on the periphery of the upper frame of the cart load basket. It consists of one or more continuous or non-detection lenses. These 10 lenses have different ranges depending on the detection angle (2.1). 3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the weight sensors (3) are positioned between the load basket and the chassis of the trolley [fig. 6], 4) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the Central Unit (4) collects the information from the scanning device (2) as well as from the weight sensors (3). She has several 15 functionalities described in the description. Its main interest is to be able to display all the items loaded in the cart with the total amount of the corresponding purchases, to be able to synchronize thanks to a Bluetooth connection with the smartphone of a user and to be able to communicate with the Central Station of the store thanks to a Wi-Fi or other connection (radio ...). 5) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the automatic identification of the 20 cart is allowed thanks to the identification plates (5) located at the front of the cart [fig. 7], This identification by the supermarket checkouts is done by flash code, or barcode, or even chip. 6) Device according to claim 4 characterized in that the Central Unit (4) is synchronized with the user's smartphone through an application making the link between the two. It allows you to manage your purchases in real time, to archive your purchases, to edit shopping lists ... 25 [fig.14], It also allows the display of advertising or promotion of the store. 7) Device according to claim 4 characterized in that the central unit (4) has a display screen (b) on top of its housing (a) allowing the display of articles loaded in the cart [fig. 10], 8) Device according to claim 4 characterized in that the central unit (4) has a button (c) [fig. 10] on the upper part of its case (a) allowing the synchronization of the central unit (4) with the user's smartphone as well as the taring of the cart before entering the supermarket. 9) Device according to claim 4 characterized in that the central unit (4) recharges its batteries located inside its case (a) when the cart is locked with the other carts 35 under the cart shelters in the supermarket parking lot. This recharging of the central unit's batteries (4) is permitted thanks to the power cable (e) [fig. 10] as well as the micro plug (f1) [fig.11]. 1/9