GB2461911A

GB2461911A - A method of managing consumer items

Info

Publication number: GB2461911A
Application number: GB0813111A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gurdip Singh Bains
Original assignee: Three G Metal Fabrications Ltd
Current assignee: Three G Metal Fabrications Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-17
Filing date: 2008-07-17
Publication date: 2010-01-20
Also published as: GB0813111D0

Abstract

A method of managing (eg recording the purchase and use of) consumer items such aS household or grocery items. The method uses a handheld portable electronic device 1 that includes a scanner unit 6 (eg barcode RFID tag reader). In a retail environment the electronic device 1 is used to scan a consumer item to obtain data about the consumer item. This data is then added to a database of consumer items that is preferably stored on the electronic device. Outside the retail environment (e.g. at home) the electronic device 1 or a separate scanner unit is used to scan a consumer item so that it can be removed from the database when it is used or disposed of. The consumer's use and purchase of items can be tracked e.g. their purchasing habits may be monitored. The data may include expiry or best before information which can be used to issue an alert to the consumer. The device may be used at a supermarket checkout to enable payment. Information obtained may be used to alert the user to the over-purchasing of items already bought.

Description

TITLE

Methods of managing consumer items

DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to methods of managing consumer items. The method utilises a handheld portable electronic device to manage purchases in an efficient manner to reduce duplication and wastage.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a method of managing consumer items (e.g. household or grocery items including both food and non-food products) using a handheld portable electronic device that includes a scanner unit, the method comprising the steps of: in a retail environment, using the electronic device to scan a consumer item to obtain data about the consumer item and to add the consumer item to a database, and outside the retail environment (e.g. at home), using a scanner unit to scan a consumer item to obtain data about the consumer item and to remove the consumer item from the database.

The scanner unit that is used outside the retail environment can be the one that is * ** incorporated into the electronic device. In other words, the portable handheld S...

*** electronic device can be used to scan the consumer item when its data is to be :. removed from the database. The user may optionally press a "remove" button on the * *S.

* electronic device before or after the consumer item is scanned. However, a separate *.

scanner unit can be used outside of the retail environment and this does not necessary have to be portable. For example, the separate scanner unit can be integrated into a : household appliance, or provided as a stand-alone unit.

The database will preferably be stored on the electronic device, but it may also be stored on any suitable remove device or platform. Duplicate versions of the database may be stored on several devices or platforms. For example, versions of the database may be stored on two electronic devices belonging to members of the same family or on an electronic device and a home computer where the database may perhaps be analysed more easily. Data may be transferred using agreed protocols so that all the versions of the database can be kept consistent and up to date. The electronic device.

can include any suitable communication means for sending and receiving data using wireless or wired technology via agreed protocols. Examples might include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth�, short message service (SMS) protocols etc. The electronic device may have the ability to connect to the Internet or other suitable communication network so that data can be transferred to and from other devices or platforms.

If the database is not stored on the electronic device then data must be transferred from the electronic device to the device or platform on which the database is stored so that the database can be updated when a consumer item is scanned. In this case, the database can preferably be uploaded to the electronic device so that it can be viewed on the electronic device. Similarly, if a separate scanner unit is used outside the retail environment then data must be transferred from the separate scanner unit to the electronic device or the device or platform on which the database is stored so that the database can be updated when a consumer item is scanned. Such data may be transferred using agreed protocols discussed above.

* 20 The aim is that the database will contain as accurate a picture as possible of the consumer items that the user has available at any particular time. *.*. * S **..

The electronic device may be configured to be linked to one or more other devices or * .:. platforms so that a transfer of data takes place between all linked devices. The data transfer for linked devices can take place as soon as a consumer item is added or ::; removed from a database, or at any suitable time.

The database may be viewed using a display screen (optionally a touch screen) provided on the electronic device. This means that if a user is in a retail environment and is unsure if there is a particular consumer item at home then the database may be viewed on the electronic device to avoid making an unnecessary purchase. The display screen can also be used to view any product information, promotions or offers that might be transmitted to the electronic device by a retail store. The promotions or offers may be specifically targeted to an individual customer by analysing the contents of the database that is preferably stored on the electronic device. The electronic device may be configured to block access to the stored database or prevent it from being transmitted to unauthorised devices or platforms.

The database may be analysed over time (e.g. using appropriate application software loaded on the electronic device) to determine the shopping habits of the user. This can be used to enable the electronic device or the separate scanner unit to alert the user if certain consumer items need to be replaced. The electronic device may also be manually configured by the user to provide an alert when certain consumer items are completely removed from the database and hence need to be replaced. Steps can also be taken to improve the user's dietary habits by recommending healthier alternatives or that the user reduce the amount of certain items that are purchased etc. The scanner unit of the electronic device may be a barcode reader such that a customer shopping in a supermarket, for example, may scan the barcode provided on each consumer item as it is removed from the shelf and placed in a basket or trolley.

The electronic device will add the data contained in the barcode (e.g. the type of the consumer item and its retail price) to a suitable database that is preferably stored on *:* ::* the electronic device. Alternatively, the electronic device will send a message so that * S..

the data contained in the barcode is added to a suitable database that is stored r. remotely. If the customer changes his or her mind then a consumer item may be * scanned again to remove the data contained in the barcode from the database, optionally by pressing a "remove" button on the electronic device before or after the consumer item is scanned. More than one of the same type of consumer item may be added to the database by scanning the same consumer item the required number of times. When the shopping is complete, the database will contain data on each of the consumer items that has been purchased. Data relating to the date, time and place of purchase of each consumer item may also be stored in the database. This data may be determined automatically by the electronic device or entered manually by the user.

The electronic device may prompt the user to enter any missing data that is needed to complete the database. If the data for the consumer items purchased in the supermarket is held in the electronic device (e.g. as the stored database or just temporarily in the case where the database is stored remotely) then the data may optionally be transmitted to a remote device at the checkout for payment purposes.

It will be readily appreciated that, in terms of fimctionality, the proposed electronic device is generally similar to existing handheld scanners that customers can use to scan their purchases in a supermarket. These handheld scanners are normally picked up by a customer as they enter the supermarket and then left behind at the checkout.

They hold data about the consumer items purchased in the supermarket to allow the customer to check how much they have spent and view a list of items. The important difference between the electronic devices of the present invention and the existing handheld scanners is that they can be used outside of a retail environment, for example in the home. The electronic device can be provided with additional functionality that a user may find useful such as the ability to find and locate retail stores, or to receive advertising and promotional information about retail stores or consumer items as they walk along the Street.

The basic requirement for the present method is that some form of scanner unit be provided outside of the retail environment (e.g. the scanner unit integrated with the electronic device or a separate scanner unit provided at the user's home) and this *.. enables consumer items to be managed more efficiently. S. *5

* : For example, if the consumer item is a tin of soup then before the tin is opened (or S..

after the contents have been removed) its barcode is scanned using the electronic * . device or the separate scanner unit. The data associated with the tin of soup will then be removed from the database. The user may optionally press a "remove" button on the electronic device before or after the conswner item is scanned. Alternatively, the separate scanner unit will send a message so that the data contained in the barcode is removed from the database that is stored on the electronic device of some other remote device or platform. The same process may be used if a consumer item has to be thrown away or disposed off. In some cases, the database may be able to record the reason why the consumer item has been removed from the database so that a user may track how many consumer items are being thrown away, for example. This may lead to a reduction in the number of consumer items being purchased with associated cost savings for the user.

In the case of consumer items that may be used up gradually (e.g. a loaf of sliced bread that may be used slice by slice) then the database may be able to record how much of the consumer item is remaining. For example, if the barcode on the packaging for a loaf of sliced bread is scanned by the electronic device or the separate scanner unit each time a slice is used then the database may be updated to show how many slices are remaining or to give an approximation of how much of the loaf is remaining (75%, 50% 25%.. .etc.) The data associated with the particular consumer item will remain in the database until it has all been used up, thrown away or disposed off.

The electronic device may be ergonomically designed and include user-operable means to control its operation. The user-operable means may be provided in the form of buttons or a touch screen, for example. In one possible arrangement, a trigger or button may be provided to activate the scanner unit. A touch screen may enable the user to choose if a scanned consumer item is to be added to the database, completely * *S * e* removed from the database, or partly removed from the database (i.e. the touch screen **.

** may define "add", "remove all" or "remove part" areas that can be pressed by a user either before or after the scanner unit has been activated and the barcode has been * * * scanned). In the case where a consumer item is to be only partly removed then a further touch screen may allow the user to select how much of the consumer item is *: . remaining. For example, a variety of options may be presented to the user (75%, 50% 25%...etc.) or a user-defined amount may be entered using the touch screen. A further touch screen may also allow a user to select the reason why a consumer item has been removed from the database (i.e. the touch screen may define "used" or "disposed off' areas that can be pressed by a consumer). If the electronic device does not have a touch screen then one or more user-operable buttons can be provided instead. These may be aligned with regions of a display screen to enable the user to make a selection corresponding to a visual indication (e.g. text) in the respective region.

The method may further comprise the steps of adding the expiry date (or a "best before" date) of a consumer item to the database and using the expiry date to provide an alert. The expiry date may be part of the data about the consumer item that is obtained when the consumer item is scanned. Alternatively, the expiry date may be entered manually by a user or determined automatically once the type of the consumer item and its date of purchase are known. If the expiry date for a particular consumer item has been reached or is approaching and it has not been removed from the database (i.e. the consumer product has not yet been used or disposed of) then the electronic device or separate scanner unit may alert the user that the consumer item should be used in the immediate future or disposed of. If the user removes a particular consumer item from the database when the expiry date has already passed then electronic device or the separate scanner unit may provide an alert that the consumer item is not to be used. Information about the expiry date for the consumer item can also be obtained directly when it is scanned outside the retail environment prior to being used (e.g. the expiry date information may be encoded in the item's barcode). If the consumer item is being disposed of then the alert may be suppressed or ignored. a * * .

If the data about the consumer item that is obtained when the consumer item is scanned includes the type of the consumer item then the electronic device may provide an alert if the database already includes more than a predetermined number of consumer items of the same type. For example, if the database already includes a loaf of sliced bread and the consumer scans the packaging for a loaf of sliced bread then the electronic device may provide an alert. This will be particularly useful if the user has forgotten that he or she already has a particular consumer item at home, or if the same consumer item has recently been purchased by another family member without the user's knowledge. This may help to prevent unnecessary purchases being made and reduces costs. The predetermined number may depend on the type of product.

For example, it is not unreasonable for a user to have more than one piece of the same fruit.

Although the above description has concentrated on the scanning of barcodes, it will be readily appreciated that the scanner unit of the electronic device or the separate scanner unit does not have to be limited to a barcode reader. For example, the scanner unit may be used to read a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag provided on the consumer item or may employ visual recognition to obtain data about the consumer item.

If the scanner unit is a barcode reader then it will preferably have the ability to read and decode one or more of the standard barcode types (e.g. Code 39, Code 128, PDF4I7, Datamatrix and UPC).

Data that is removed from the database may be added to a historic database that is preferably stored on the electronic device as well as optionally on other devices and platforms. A complete database may be compiled by combining the database of current consumer items with the historic database. This enables the user to conveniently track all of the consumer items that have been scanned over a selected * 20 period of time and not just those that have not yet been used or disposed of. The amount of consumer items that are wasted can be determined and detailed retail price 1*1.

.4' comparisons can be made. * . * *S*

* Drawings I'.

* ** 25 Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic scanner device for use with the present * . invention. S 5. * *.

An electronic scanner device I is a portable handheld device that can be conveniently carried by a user. It incorporates a rechargeable battery (not shown) that can be recharged in a conventional manner, for example using an adapter that is plugged into the mains electricity supply.

A memory unit (not shown) is used to store a database of consumer items as discussed in more detail below. A computer processor unit (not shown) runs suitable application software that controls the operation of the electronic scanner device I and the memory unit.

A liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 2 and a series of user-operated push buttons 4.

are provided on a front face of the electronic scanner device 1. The electronic scanner device 1 also includes a barcode reader 6 for scanning barcodes and a decoder (not shown) that decodes the scanned barcode. The decoder may be incorporated into the general application software.

A suitable communication module (not shown) is provided to enable the electronic scanner device 1 to accept and receive remote data transmissions.

The user will take the electronic scanner device I when going shopping to a supermarket. On entry to the supermarket, offers or promotional information may be transmitted to the electronic scanner device 1 and viewed on the screen 2. As the user removes items from the supermarket shelves their barcodes are scanned using the barcode reader 6. The relevant information stored in the barcodes is decoded and entered into a database of consumer items that is stored in the memory unit of the electronic scanner device 1. For example, if the scanned item is a tin of soup then the **�S barcode may store information such as the brand and variety of the soup and its retail price. The barcodes on perishable items may also include a "use by" date or a "best * before" date. If any required information is not stored in the barcode then the user *** may be prompted by the electronic scanner device I to enter it manually so that it can * be entered into the database. S. S * I. * 5-

If more than one item of the same type is required then its barcode can be scanned the required number of times. If the user changes his or her mind about an item then its barcode can be scanned and the electronic scanner device 1 can be made to remove the corresponding item from the database. If same type of scanned item is already stored in the database then the electronic scanner unit 1 may emit a visual or audible alarm to alert the user. This may prevent the user from making unnecessary -purchases.

When the user has finished shopping, the database will contain information about all of the items scanned in the supermarket. This information may be used at the supermarket checkout to enable the user to pay for the items. This avoids the need for the user to also scan the same items using the supermarket's own proprietary handheld scanner.

When an item is used in the home, its barcode is scanned by the electronic scanner device 1 to remove it from the database. For example, when the contents of a tin of soup purchased on a previous shopping trip have been removed, the empty tin can be scanned so that the item is removed from the database. If a scanned item is only partly used then the database may be updated to reflect the amount of the item that is still remaining. For example, if when a slice of bread is taken there is half a loaf left then the database may be updated accordingly, optionally by scanning the barcode on the packaging for the loaf of bread and then manually inputting the amount remaining into the electronic scanner unit I when prompted to do so.

The database stored in the memory unit (not shown) therefore represents an up to date list of the consumer items that the user has available. The database may be viewed on the screen 2 of the electronic scanner device 1. This is useful if the user is away from :,:: the home and is unsure if a particular item is still available. The database may also be transferred to other remote devices or platforms if required.

* If the database contains information about the "use by" date or "best before" date then * ,, this can be used to alert the user if the item is no longer safe to use. For example, when the barcode for the item is scanned, the electronic scanner device I may emit a * visual or audible alarm to warn the user if the "use by" date or "best before" date for the scanned item has already passed. If this information is stored in the barcode then it can be used by the electronic scanner device 1 for the same purpose. The computer processing unit (not shown) will preferably include date and time information to enable the electronic scanner device 1 to make comparisons against the "use by" date* -or "best before" date information stored in the database or obtained from the scanned barcode.

Information about previous items purchased and used (i.e. items removed from the database) can be stored in a historic database to allow the user to track past purchasing and usage. The historic database may also be viewed on the screen 2 or transferred to a remote device or platform. The user may tell the electronic scanner device 1 if the removed item has been used (i.e. consumed) or thrown away. This information may be stored in the historic database.

The application software may enable the electronic scanner device I to track and monitor the shopping habits of the user and make appropriate recommendations. For example, if the application software recognises that there is normally a loaf of bread on the database then it may prompt the user when the last loaf on the database is removed. * S. * S I * S. * * * I** ** * S * S..

S *55

S * *. * S * * I* *. I * S *

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Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of managing consumer items using a handheld portable electronic device that includes a scanner unit, the method comprising the steps of: in a retail environment, using the electronic device to scan a consumer item to obtain data about the consumer item and to add the consumer item to a database; and outside the retail environment, scanning a consumer item to obtain data about the consumer item and to remove the consumer item from the database.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of scanning a consumer item outside the retail environment is carried out using the electronic device.
3. A method according to claim I, wherein the step of scanning a consumer item outside the retail environment is carried out using a separate scanner unit.
4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the database is stored on the electronic device.
5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the database is stored on a remote device or platform.
6. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising the steps of adding the expiry date of a consumer item to the database and using the expiry date to provide an alert. I...

S.. 25
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the data obtained by * scanning the consumer item in the retail environment includes the type of the * ** consumer item and the electronic device provides an alert if the database already includes more than a predetermined number of consumer items of the same type.
8. A method according any preceding claim, further comprising the step of transferring data to or from the electronic device.