GB2472067A

GB2472067A - A domestic shopping list generator with an integral barcode scanner, a display, and an internet ordering function

Info

Publication number: GB2472067A
Application number: GB0912827A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gavin Mackay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-23
Filing date: 2009-07-23
Publication date: 2011-01-26
Also published as: GB0912827D0

Abstract

A consumer uses the scanner 18,20 of a dedicated shopping list generator device 10 to read the barcode on the packaging of an item before disposal in a rubbish bin. This enables the shopping list generator to compile an editable shopping list for internet purchase. The shopping list generator 10 may automatically place an order when the number of items or the total cost reaches a threshold. The shopping list generator may communicate wirelessly with an internet hub, router or mobile phone transceiver. Cost data, allergy information, or recipes may be downloaded to the shopping list generator. RFID tags may be read instead of UPC barcodes. A removable memory (42, figures 1 and 3) may be used in conjunction with a host computer (38, figure 3) to download cost data or upload the shopping list for ordering.

Description

Improvements in or relating to monitoring of consumable items The present invention relates to a method of monitoring consumable items, and to a scanning device for use in such a method.

With modem life becoming increasingly hectic, people are devoting less time to food shopping. Internet food shopping and delivery services are now available from larger retailers, but these still require a user to build their shopping list before placing an order, and this takes time.

Furthermore, internet based services rely on server based software which may not always display correctly on a user's remote computer, and requires a user to physically login using their computer so as to place an order.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of monitoring consumable items, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a tag reading device having an electronic data reader and display screen; and b) reading data tags on packaging of consumable items, once the contents are used, by the data reader to generate a shopping list of required items displayable on the display screen.

Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in clams 2 to 6, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a tag reading device for use with a method in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the tag reading device comprising a handholdable rigid portable housing having an electronic controller, a user interface for interfacing with the controller, an electronic data tag reader controllable by the controller, a display screen for displaying data read by the data reader, a transceiver for internet data transfer, and a removable memory storage device port.

Preferable and/or optional features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 8 to 13, inclusive.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a scanning device, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows the scanning device connected to a computer; Figure 3 shows a removable memory storage device of the scanning device connected to the computer; Figure 4 shows the scanning device in use and placed above a dustbin; Figures 5a and 5b show an item of disposable packing being scanned; Figure 6 shows part of a generated shopping list; Figure 7 shows a shopping order being placed; Figure 8 shows a view of a screen display of a second embodiment of a scanning device, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and Figures 9a to 9f show screen displays of a third embodiment of a scanning device, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings, there is shown a first embodiment of a home scanning device 10 which comprises a portable handholdable rigid housing 12 having a user interface 14 along one side, a display screen 16 adjacent to the user interface 14, and an electronic data reader 18 below the display screen 16. In this embodiment, the data reader 18 is an optical bar code scanner 20 for scanning bar code tags, but it may be any suitable data reader, for example, an RFID reader.

The display screen 16 is preferably an LCD device, but again may be any suitable display.

The user interface 14 comprises four user buttons, including up and down scrolling buttons 22, 24 for scrolling data on the display screen 16, a delete or cancel button 26, and an accept or enter button 28. Further buttons may be provided. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface may be provided on the display screen 16 by way of a touch screen interface.

A speaker 30 may be included in or on the housing 12 to audibly verify a scanning activity of the bar code scanner 20. Optionally, a microphone 32 may also be included to enable partially sighted or blind users to verbally input commands to the device 10.

In this latter case, voice-recognition software is preferably included.

The housing 12 preferably includes an internet connection port 34, typically in the form of a LAN Ethernet port, and at least one removable data storage device port 36, for example, a USB 2.0 port. These ports 34, 36 are provided in a side of the housing 12, in this embodiment, but may be provide on a front surface.

An electronic controller is provided within the housing 12 and typically includes a microprocessor and an internet transceiver for data transfer between the device 10 and the internet. The user interface 14, data reader 18, removable data storage device port 36, and the internet connection port 34 interface with the controller, and the controller outputs to the internet connection port 34, removable data storage device port 36, and the display screen 16 as necessity dictates.

The internet transceiver within the housing 12 may also provide for wireless communication with a wireless internet hub, router or mobile phone transceiver. The internet connection port 34 and/or the removable data storage device port 36 enable wired connection of the housing 12 to a computer 38 and/or internet hub or router.

The device 10 may be battery operated and/or mains powered. In the case of battery operation, a battery compartment is preferably provided in a rear of the housing 12, closed by a removable battery compartment cover.

The housing 12 is mountable to a wall 40 or other surface, for example, via suction cups, hook and loop fasteners, or more permanent means, includes screws. The housing 12 is detachable from the wall 40 for portability.

The device 10 also includes a removable data storage device 42, for example, in the form of a portable USB flash drive, thumb drive or dongle.

In use, and referring to Figures 2 to 7, the wireless connection of the device 10 is configured by connecting the housing 12 directly to the user's computer 38 via the Ethernet port 34 or via the wireless transceiver. Once connected to the remote server of a, typically food and domestic consumables, shopping site, cost data corresponding to bar codes on consumable household items is downloaded to an onboard internal memory storage device within the housing 12.

If it is not feasible or it is not desirable to connect the housing 12 to the remote server for direct data transfer, then the removable data storage device 42 can be connected to the remote server via the host computer 38 for download of cost data. The removable data storage device 42 is then connected to the housing 12 via the corresponding port 36 and the cost data is uploaded to the internal memory storage device.

With the latest cost data resident, the housing 12 is mounted to a convenient surface, in this case being above a dustbin. When an item is used, as the packaging is to be disposed of in the dustbin, the device 10 is powered on and the bar code tag is scanned using the data reader 18, thereby entering the product into a table on the internal memory storage device. The controller accesses the corresponding cost data, and the item along with its present cost is displayed as part of a real time shopping list 44 on the display screen 16.

Over time, the shopping list 44 is populated as further packaging of consumable items is scanned before disposal.

Once a certain number of items or cost, settable by the user, is reached, the device 10 can either prompt a user to place their order or may automatically place the order. The order is preferably wirelessly communicated to the remote server of the shopping site.

The user interface 14 can be utilised to modify the shopping list 44 in order to add or remove items and to check cost.

The populated shopping list 44 can alternatively be transferred to the removable data storage device 42, which in turn can be connected to a user's computer 38 for uploading to the remote server of the shopping site.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a second embodiment of a home scanning device 10. This embodiment corresponds closely to that of the first embodiment, and thus like references refer to similar parts and further detailed description will be omitted.

The device 10 of this embodiment still includes the housing 12, user interface 14, adjacent display screen 16, and electronic data reader 18. However, once connected either wirelessly or by wired connection to a remote server, not only cost data is downloaded to the onboard internal memory storage, but also other data relevant to the product is downloaded. This other data can be allergy advice information and/or ingredient information.

As shown in Figure 8, allergy data of a prior scanned product is displayed in preferably large and tonally contrasting font on the screen, benefiting a partially sighted user. A user can then decide whether to keep or remove this item from the electronic shopping list.

Referring now to Figures 9a to 9f, a third embodiment of a home scanning device 10 is shown in use. This embodiment again corresponds closely to that of the first embodiment, and thus again like references refer to similar parts and further detailed

description is omitted.

The device 10 of this embodiment includes the housing 12, user interface 14, adjacent display screen 16, and electronic data reader 18. However, once connected either wirelessly or by wired connection to a remote server, not only cost data is downloaded to the onboard internal memory storage, but also recipe data is downloadable. Recipe data may also be included pre-loaded onto the onboard and/or removable memory storage device of the device 10.

In Figure 9a, the user selects the recipe' option presented on the screen 16, and then searches for a particular recipe in Figure 9b. A recipe is selected in Figure 9c, and two options are presented, one being the ingredients and one being instructions for preparation, shown in Figure 9d. If the ingredients' option is selected by the user, the ingredients for the recipe are listed, a total cost based on the downloaded cost data is displayed, and an order' option is given for the user to automatically order all the required ingredients. See Figure 9e. If the order' option is selected, onboard population means in the form of software automatically populates the existing electronic shopping list or a new dedicated electronic shopping list, and from there the user can place the order as described above.

Figure 9f also shows a save to favourites' option allowing a user to store a selected recipe to a data recording device, such as onboard memory, thereby allowing quick recall once the ingredients have been delivered.

Although it is preferable to download up to date cost data prior to populating the electronic shopping list of the home scanning device, the cost data may, additionally or alternatively, be downloaded during any connection of the housing to the remote server of the shopping site. For example, as an order is being remotely placed, the latest cost data may be checked and the user prompted to accept any changes in price. Similarly, allergy advice data and/or recipe data ca nbe remotely downloaded at a convenient time.

Although not shown, a dedicated advertising screen may be provided, either as a separate secondary display or on the screen display. Targeted advertising can then be downloaded to the home scanning device by the remote server.

A broadband internet connection is preferable. However, a dialup connection could be utilised for data transfer between the device and the remote server.

It is thus possible to monitor usage of consumable items, typically in a domestic environment, and to generate an electronic shopping list by electronically reading data tags on packaging prior to disposal and with very little extra effort on the part of the user. It is also possible to place a remote order automatically via the device when a predetermined time period has elapsed and/or when a predetermined cost is reached.

Cost data is automatically downloaded from a remote server, allowing a user to see an up to date product cost during the population of the shopping list. Time and effort can be saved by the user, and the shopping site can reduce staffing levels. Tt is also possible to provide allergy data and recipe data. The recipe data enables automatic ordering of the ingredients and/or automatic population of the electronic shopping list with the required products.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of monitoring use of consumable items, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a tag reading device having an electronic data reader and display screen; and b) reading data tags on packaging of consumable items, once the contents are used, by the data reader to generate an electronic shopping list of required items displayable on the display screen.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step c) of connecting the tag reading device to the internet to supply cost data relating to each data tag to the tag reading device, the display screen in step b) displaying a corresponding cost of each consumable item on the shopping list.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a step d) of connecting the tag reading device to the internet to upload the shopping list to a remote server.
4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step e) subsequent to step b) of connecting a removable memory storage device to the tag reading device to transfer the shopping list.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a step f') subsequent to step e) of connecting the removable memory storage device to the internet to upload the shopping list to a remote server.
6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step g) of connecting a removable memory storage device to the tag reading device to upload cost data relating to each data tag to the scanning device.
7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step h) subsequent to step b) of displaying allergy data corresponding to the consumable item based on the data tag.
8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step i) of providing recipe data with ingredient data which can be selected to automatically populate the electronic shopping list.
9. A tag reading device for use with a method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the tag reading device comprising a handholdable rigid portable housing having an electronic controller, a user interface for interfacing with the controller, an electronic data tag reader controllable by the controller, a display screen for displaying in the form of a shopping list data read by the data reader, a transceiver for internet data transfer, and a removable memory storage device port.
10. A tag reading device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the data tag reader is an optical data reader.
11. A tag reading device as darned in claim 10, wherein the optical data reader is a bar code scanner.
12. A tag reading device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the transceiver is wireless.
13. A scanning device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a removable memory storage device which is removably connectable to the port of theportable housing.
14. A scanning device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the memory storage device comprises flash-based memory.
15. A scanning device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the tag reading device includes a secondary electronic display for displaying advertising.
16. A scanning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an onboard memory storage device which includes allergy data relating to at least one consumable item.
17. A scanning device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an onboard memory storage device which includes recipe data having ingredient data.
18. A scanning device as claimed in claim 17, further comprising population means for automatically populating the shopping list displayed on the display screen with the ingredient data.
19. A scanning device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.