KR20100007816A - A system for shopping in a store - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A system for shopping in a store is provided to perform communications between a shopper and the store by using multi networks, thereby reducing operating cost. CONSTITUTION: A wireless terminal device(40) is used by a shopper. The wireless terminal device communicates information by wireless within multi networks(14,15). A shopping cart receives articles which are arranged within the shopping cart, and records the weight information of each article. The shopping cart transmits the recorded weight information to a store through the multi networks. Each router(12) communicates with the wireless terminal device related to a mesh network, all other routers, a mesh network organizer(13), and a center computer(23).

Description

A system for shopping in a store {A SYSTEM FOR SHOPPING IN A STORE}

This application claims priority to US Ser. No. 12 / 172,326, filed July 14, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to a system for shopping by shoppers in a store and to a multi-network for shopping in a store. In particular, a communication multi-network is provided that enables shoppers to communicate over the multi-network to send information to and receive information from a store.

The prior art is full of attempts to improve shopping information between shoppers and stores. These attempts are directed at moving shoppers quickly through the store, helping shoppers find items on store shelves, following shoppers moving through stores, and helping shoppers check out quickly. . Unfortunately, many of these attempts are very complex, labor intensive, and quite expensive to implement, maintain and / or replace. Often, these attempts negatively impact store profits, incur high store costs that are passed on to shoppers, and in the daily operations of stores with high speed environments, these attempts are considered unreliable and unreliable.

Enhancing the shopper's experience at the store and establishing a faster check-out method are good goals. However, the high cost of these systems and their impact on the store's net profit have been overlooked in the past. In particular, in the grocery industry, profit margins are low (eg, not more than 2% of total store sales), and rising oil prices, commodity prices, labor costs, and fluctuations in many other costs associated with daily operations. It is quite sensitive. Such fluctuations can increase incremental store costs in predicted and unexpected ways.

As a result of low profit margins, the grocery industry, in general, seeks to curb its operating costs (eg, the daily cost of opening and maintaining a store). It is important to control the operating costs for the grocery store, which is related to the size of the profit margin, the increased costs to consumers, or both. Previously, this issue was not addressed at all.

For example, Coveley (US Pat. No. 6,725,206) describes a combination of a shopping cart that weighs items located therein, and a handheld device in which the shopping cart carries such weight information. Coveley does not provide in-store wireless networks. Instead, Coveley conducts financial transactions wirelessly from the small device beyond the physical limits of the store. As with most implementations of this type, in order to perform complex technical functions, Coveley's cashier-less shopping shops require quite complex, expensive and fairly sophisticated small devices. Coveley's small devices are a fairly expensive solution, with the costs potentially passed on to shoppers due to the store itself. While potentially convenient for shoppers, an implementation like Coveley adds significant capital costs, replacement costs, maintenance costs, increased insurance costs, and other costs related to the daily operating costs of the store.

Schkolnick et al. (US Pat. No. 6,032,127) use " intelligent " to identify items located in a shopping cart by RF tags of the provided items, using radio frequency (RF) fields generated within the shopping cart. ) "Provides a shopping cart. Similar to Coveley, Schkolnick also provides a very sophisticated, complex and expensive way to identify catalog items located in a shopping cart. The shopping cart has a cart computer, computer programs and cart memory. Compared to shopping carts that are equipped with nothing, these additions to the shopping cart can significantly increase the cost per cart. As a result, replacement costs and maintenance costs can skyrocket, directly and negatively affecting the profit margin of the store.

Yoshihisa (Japanese Patent Application No. 01130949) allows a consumer to register items by a scanner secured to a cart, to register the registered contents to the host computer via electromagnetic waves, and to send information about the contents of the shopping cart to the cash register. Provide a process. The shopping cart includes a scale for weighing items placed therein. When the weight information is compared to the estimated weight based on the items scanned with the cart, the shopping cart records and retains the weight information until check-out.

As mentioned above, many attempts have been made to provide a shopper friendly, enjoyable and fast shopping experience. However, a superficial review of someone's favorite grocery store easily asserts that these attempts do not accommodate large-scale use or application in the United States or around the world. There are several obstacles to the implementation of these attempts. First, the cost per unit of each conventional small device is very high (named in the hundreds to thousands of dollars or more). These costs directly affect the profitability of the store, the prices to consumers, or both. As mentioned, this cost problem arises from the fairly precise components, software, and programming expertise used to construct such small devices. In addition, these expensive devices are subject to theft and therefore involve high insurance and replacement costs.

Additionally, at deployments per store of small devices ranging from dozens to hundreds and hundreds of dollars per unit or more, initial registration costs for the use of small devices can be surprising. These initial costs reduce the profit margins of the store and directly increase the store costs to the shopper (eg, via pass-through cost loss) or both.

Another obstacle to implementation is the cost of replacing small devices due to theft and damage. Unlike the initial costs, replacement costs for the use of the small devices described herein can be hundreds, thousands, or even tens of times more than their initial introduction in retail chains and especially in grocery store chains. Thus, given the complexity of the small devices described above, technical support and technically complex shopping carts for handheld devices will be required, which can significantly increase the overall operating cost of the store. .

Similarly, the shopping carts described in the background and the aforementioned shopping carts can also be expensive. They are largely complex, include expensive components, have high replacement costs, and can be expensive to use and maintain, as shown here as related to small devices. If a certain percentage of shopping carts from almost all stores disappear each year without being repaired, the higher replacement cost of each store for these shopping carts would infringe the store's interests or the customer's customers' interests. This is because higher prices of miscellaneous goods are passed on to consumers.

Thus, little to no cost loss compensation due to high store prices due to expensive end-user components, very little if any, and very little if any, little to no negative impact on the profit margin of the shopper. There is a need for a shopping system for low cost, high efficiency and reliable shoppers serving to improve, simplify and promote. This is accomplished through one or more embodiments appended hereto, and will now be described in more detail and clearly.

Provided here is a system for shopping in a store. The system includes a multi-network located around a store and a wireless end device used by a user to communicate over the multi-network. The wireless end device can communicate wirelessly with its multi-network. The system preferably includes a shopping cart configured to receive and weigh items placed in the cart. The shopping cart can record and then wirelessly transmit evaluation information about the items immediately or later from the shopping cart to the multi-network. The estimated location of the shopper in the store may be estimated continuously or substantially continuously by tracking the location of the shopping cart used by the shopper's wireless end device and / or shopper in the store.

In one embodiment herein, the multi-network includes at least one mesh communication network and at least one star communication network. By working together (but not necessarily dependent), the mesh communication network and the star communication network provide information about the user's estimated location in the store to allow shoppers to send and receive information over the multi-network. Communicate with the store to send and receive. In another embodiment herein, the multi-network may include two or more star communication networks located by the store near themselves or in addition, one or more mesh communication networks of the store.

Preferred mesh communication and star communication networks comprise a ZIGBEE network operating within the IEEE 802.15 communication protocol, more preferably operating within the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol. Preferred ZIGBEE networks here are particularly useful and helpful in providing positioning functionality through the use of multiple networks.

Indeed, shoppers communicate wirelessly over a multi-network with wireless end devices. The wireless end device communicates wirelessly through a mesh communication network and a star communication network or through two or more star communication networks. The multi-network preferably comprises a central computer for routing, managing, and storing information transmitted over the multi-network. In one embodiment herein, substantially all computational functions performed are computational functions that do not include the wireless end device, indicated by the central computer or by the central computer in a multi-network. Performed by another device. In another embodiment herein, at least some of the computing functions may be performed by wireless handheld devices, in particular these functions being required for tracking and positioning.

In a multi-network, real-time location data is collected by one or more mesh communication networks. Real-time communication of data is performed by one or more star communication networks. This multi-network embodiment provides a superior use of resources, where smaller data packets (x and y coordinates for location tracking) are sent to a low power, cost-effective mesh communication network, and larger data packets. (E.g., voice, image and encrypted data) are transmitted over faster, wider-band star communication networks.

Although the detailed description ends with the claims specifically designating and expressly claiming the invention, the embodiments described herein will be better understood from the following descriptions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to Identifies similar elements:

The term "store" is here to purchase goods such as grocery stores, convenience stores, clothing stores, consumer goods stores, specialty stores, manufacturing facilities, warehouses and many other retail store types. For stores, purchases of goods occur and mean all types of retail environments where shoppers are physically present, but are not limited to these.

The term "grocery store" is used herein to refer to a store of food, industrial products, floral goods, pharmaceutical products, traditional foodstuffs and / or all types of services provided within a shopping area. It means type.

The term “multi-network” herein refers to a communication network in a store comprising two or more different types of communication network types, two or more similar types of communication networks, or some combination thereof. .

The term “store-based multi-network” refers to most of the necessary wireless communications between shoppers and the store (although the store itself occurs on the store's premises and / or within the boundaries managed by the store (eg store parking)). Not all).

The term “weight information” is recorded by a system for items located in a shopping cart, whether the information is for an individual item located within a shopping cart of the type described in detail herein or for a total of the items. Means all information related to weight.

The term “computational functions” herein refers to any microprocessor or microcontroller based computational task well known in the art to occur in a computer or computer-like device, including software, memory, and a processor. It means routines.

As used herein, the term “computational work” refers to server types of devices that include switches and complex microcontrollers and / or central computing units (CPUs) and types of general calculations associated with a known computer. it means. Such devices that perform computational tasks generally have the capacity to carry extensive software and to carry out many different types of routines and sub-routines.

As used herein, the term "mesh network organizer" refers to a radio within a mesh communication network of a multi-network. The mesh network organizer routes information, also known as packets or data, to and from information routers and central store computers. In one embodiment, the mesh network organizer routes location data to and from information routers and a central store computer. In one embodiment, the mesh network organizer sends data to a central computer via an Ethernet cable. Functionally, the mesh network organizer here routes location data of the wireless end devices of the store associate and the wireless end devices of the shoppers to one or more store managers.

The term "radio" here means an apparatus for wirelessly communicating over a wireless network, such as a mesh communication network or a star communication network.

The term “data communication radio” here means a radio within a star communication network of a multi-network. Data communication radio as used herein means a hub node (also known as a central node) of a star communication network of a store's multi-network. Data communication radios route data information, also known as packets or data, to and from wireless end devices and a central store computer. The data communication radio routes data information, also known as packets or data, to and from the administrator's devices and the central store computer. In one embodiment, the data communication radio transmits data to a central computer via an Ethernet cable. Functionally, the data communication radio routes data such as barcodes from store end wireless end devices and shoppers' wireless end devices to managers. Since the data communication radio is a radio, it broadcasts or emits radio waves to other members of the star communication network.

The terms “information routers” and “fixed node” and “fixed reference node” refer to wireless end devices, central computers and others, and within a multi-network that receives and transmits information over the multi-network from them. It is used interchangeably throughout all of these application means devices.

The term “dual network router” as used herein refers to at least three MCU radios, at least one such radio serving as an information router for a mesh communication network, and one radio serving as a data communication radio for a star communication network. Means a device that houses a third radio to control the routing of information from and to the other two radios. Two of the at least three radios may be Texas Instruments models 2430 or 2431, but the third radio is preferably a controller with greater power, such as Texas Instruments models of the 243x series and above.

As used herein, the term "gateway server" refers to another store, such as a point of sale server in a store, from a multi-network of stores through a switch routed by a gateway server. The server that receives data to the servers.

As used herein, the term "central computer" refers to an electronic device or switch that includes a switch and a server, a gateway server and a store computer, such as an associated task management server, a computer sub-ordering system computer, By other electronic devices capable of or performing the functions of a POS server, ISP server or other store computer. The central computer can be used as the store's main database. Functionally, the central computer organizes, manages, and stores data received from multiple networks. The central computer also routes data to other elements of the multi-network, such as one or more wireless end devices of a shopper's, one or more wireless end devices of an associate's or to a manager's device.

The term " wireless end device " in the present invention refers to a wireless end device in the store by scanning the items with a wireless end device to recognize the identity of each article intended to be purchased by the shopper on the store shelf. A device used to make shopping for goods convenient for the user. As used in the present invention, each radio end device may be called a blind node in a multi-network for location tracking. Also, a wireless end device is an end node in a multi-network.

The term " blind node " as used herein is a wireless end device and is a term used to describe a wireless end device during the location tracking operation of a multi-network.

As used herein, a "location tracking device" receives signals from stationary nodes (routers in the present invention) having known locations within a multi-network or a multi-network of a store. A device comprising a position detection hardware module that can be used to Preferably, the position tracking devices disclosed herein have means for performing ray trace calculations and blind node position calculations to determine its own position relative to stationary reference nodes. .

The present invention provides a system for shopping in a store, the system comprising a multi-network deployed near the store and a wireless end device used by the shopper to communicate with the store and the staff of the store through the multi-network. . The wireless end device can communicate wirelessly with the multi-network. Preferably, the system further includes a shopping cart configured to receive and weigh the items placed in the store. The shopping cart may sense the weight of the article placed in the shopping cart and then immediately or later wirelessly transmit weight information about the article from the shopping cart to the multi-network. The shopper's location is tracked through the use of the wireless end device and / or the cart is used by the shopper.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-network comprises at least one mesh communication network and at least one star communication network, each of which is disposed near a store to form a multi-network. Although not necessarily relevant, store-to-shoppers and shopper-to-store communications over a multi-network are possible by working the mesh communication network and the star communication network together. In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple mesh and / or star communication networks may be used.

1 provides a schematic top view of a store 5 with a store-based multi-network for wireless communications. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a store in which a multi-network 10 may be located within and near store 5 and the premises of the store (eg, a store's parking lot and other exterior areas—not shown). 5) shows a top view of the section. In FIG. 1, the multi-network 10 includes at least one mesh communication network 14 and at least one star communication network 16. For better clarity, exemplary connections between routers 12 for both mesh communication network 14 and star communication network 16 are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the present invention, respectively. Multi-network routers 12 or " routers " 12 are shown disposed in the vicinity of the store 5 and are important components of the multi-network 10. The " routers "

In the selected embodiment, the mesh communication network 14 is used to determine the location of the members of the mesh communication network 14 and the star communication network 16 communicates with voice, images and scanned product data. It is used to convey the same non-location data. In this embodiment, the star communication networks 16 are used to send all non-positioning data directly to the gateway server 27 (see FIG. 3B). The central computer 23 sends the non-location data to the store servers 29, 30 or 31 and via the star communication network 15, a suitable shopper 7, employee 8, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, any response can be routed back to the manager 9.

In this embodiment, the star communication network 16 and the mesh communication network 14 are separate with a common network switch 25 for the central computer 23 and the store servers 29, 30, 31 as a whole. Networks. In addition, in this embodiment, the shopper 7 shops using wireless end devices 40. They communicate with a point of sale server 30 via the star communication network 16, while their location is tracked using the mesh communication network 14.

Within the multi-network 14, a data network organizer 13 is provided to assign addresses to all members of the mesh communication network 14 (FIG. 2A). The data network organizer 13 is a single point of entry for the mesh communication network 14 to and from the central computer 23. Also, the reference nodes known as information routers 12 are fixed members of the mesh communication network 14. Each information router 12 receives received signal strength indication (RSSI), x and y coordinates pertaining to the position of the information router 12, and the address of the adjacent star data network to the shopper 7, the employee. (8) or any requesting wireless end device 40 belonging to the manager (9).

All communications from both mesh communication network 14 and star communication network 16 are directed to central computer 23. The central computer 23 may record and store (or may have stored) location information and route the messages to the appropriate store server 29, 30 or 31 based on the message identification. Preferably, only storage servers can communicate with the wireless end devices via the central computer 23.

1 shows a multi-network 10, where the mesh communication network 14 and the star communication network 16 each use a multi-network router 12 located in a store 5. Thus, each multi-network router 12 preferably comprises components for data transmission via the mesh communication network 14 and the star communication network 16.

In selected embodiments, each multi-network router 12 is placed in a location that does not reach those who shop or work in the store 5. The preferred placement area for each multi-network router 12 is the ceiling of the store 5 or near the ceiling. Preferably, but not necessarily, each multi-network router 12 houses at least three radios. One radio serves the mesh communication network 14. The other radio serves the star communication network 16. The third radio (or more) serves to route data through the radios for each of the mesh communication and star communication networks.

In FIG. 1, multi-network communication lines 19 are shown connecting each multi-network router 12 to a central computer 23. Multi-network communication lines 19 may be wireless or wired. Preferably, the multi-network communication lines 19 are wired and are shown as solid lines in FIG. 1 and in the subsequent figures to indicate that they are wired. The Ethernet cable is preferably a wired connection between each multi-network router 12 and the central computer 23.

Also shown in the mesh communication network 14 are multi-network communication lines 6 corresponding to transmission zones between the multi-network routers 12. Indeed, the multi-network communication lines 6, represented by straight lines for illustrative purposes, need not necessarily be straight lines, more precisely as circular transmission zones emanating from each multi-network router 12. It works. Data is transmitted and received through those zones of each multi-network router 12.

As mentioned above, each multi-network router 12 preferably operates for both mesh communication network 14 and star communication network 16. Thus, within the router 12, there are essential components to operate the preferred router 12 for the mesh communication network 14 and the star communication network 16. Router 12 includes at least two microcontroller units (MCUs). One MCU is used for mesh communication network 14 and the other is used for star communication network 16. Preferably each MCU is a system-on-chip type MCU and includes a control unit, one or more registers, an amount of ROM, an amount of RAM, and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU). The Texas Instruments CC2431 MCU is an exemplary preferred MCU for use herein because it can be used to easily transfer data at defined data transfer rates through the mesh communication network 14 and the star communication network 16. Here, the CC2431 MCU can also provide position detection functions in the multi-network 10.

In addition to at least two MCUs used for information flow and management in accordance with the mesh communication network 14 and the star communication network 16, at least one governing MCU is used in the multi-network router 12. . These additional MCUs are control MCUs, other MCUs (e.g., CC2431 microcontrollers) configured to transmit and receive location information according to mesh communication network 14 and data (scanned product information) according to star communication network 16. ), Receive information from the other MCUs, control, evaluate and send messages to the other MCUs.

An exemplary type of MCU used for the control functions described above is Texas Instruments microcontroller model number MSP430. The MSP430 is a microcontroller built into a 16-bit processor designed for low cost and low power consumption embedded applications. This is particularly well suited for wireless radio frequency or battery powered applications. The current shown in idle mode may be less than 1 microamperes. The maximum process speed is 16 MHz. Can be slowed down for low power consumption.

Depending on system requirements, the MSP430 MCU may have an external memory bus (eg, if the wireless end device 40 is a full function device) or may not have an external memory bus (eg, Wireless end device 40 is a reduced functional device). Regardless of implementation, it would be desirable for the MSP430 MCU to include some on-chip memory with up to 128 KB flash memory and 10 KB RAM.

In practice, the data transfer rate in the mesh communication network 14 preferably consists of at least 125 kilobytes per second (KB / s). The data transfer rate in the star communication network 16 is preferably configured at least 250 KB / s. The interface between the shopper 7 and the multi-network 10 is wireless and accessed by the shopper 7 via the wireless end device 40 (FIG. 6).

2 provides a conceptual diagram of an exemplary mesh communication network 14 for use with the present invention. A plurality of multi-network routers 12 are provided that communicate wirelessly with data network organizers and wireless end devices along mesh communication lines 17. The mesh communication lines 17 are not solid lines and other components such as the information routers 12 that make up the mesh communication network 14, and the mesh network organizer 13 and one or more wireless end devices 40. In the meantime, it is intended to show the presence and direction of wireless communication lines. The mesh network organizer 13 is connected to the central computer 23 along the multi-network communication lines 19 (shown in FIG. 1 and the subsequent other figures). The multi-network communication lines 19 are preferably wired lines. Mesh communication network 14 provides a number of advantages including low operating costs, efficient communication within defined spaces, and low maintenance costs.

As shown in FIG. 2, each multiple network router 12 has the ability to communicate with at least some of the other routers 12 in the mesh communication network 14. Preferably, each router 12 may communicate with a wireless end device 40, all other routers 12, mesh network organizer 113, or central computer 23 associated with mesh communication network 14. The term “associated” means that the end device (eg, wireless end device 40) is generally attached to the multiple network 10 for wired and / or wireless communication on and over the multiple networks. Means that.

Mesh communication network 14 is a local area network (LAN) that may utilize one of two connection arrangements. One arrangement is a full mesh topology. Another arrangement is a partial mesh topology. In the case of a full mesh topology, all the multiple network routers 12 are wirelessly connected to each other, and may receive information and transmit the information to all other routers 12 in the mesh. In the case of a partial mesh topology, each router 12 is wirelessly connected to some routers rather than all routers 12 available in the mesh. Here, the preferred topology of the mesh communication network 14 is of full mesh topology type.

Preferably, the data passed through the mesh communication network 14 is a small packet of data, such as x and y location coordinates between one or more shoppers 7, store employees 8, or managers 9. Limited to these. Preferably, the location tracking function of the multiple network 10 is handled via the mesh communication network 14. In this embodiment, the routers 12 do not necessarily need to communicate with each other, but instead provide x and y coordinates to each wireless end device 40. In one preferred embodiment, wireless end device 40 may calculate its own x and y coordinates via triangulation software loaded onto wireless end device 40. Alternatively, the central computer may calculate the x and y coordinates of the blind node (ie, wireless end device 40) in this embodiment, and then convert the x and y coordinates into one or more multiple network routers 12 and And / or the location may be transmitted to the associated wireless end device 40 calculated.

The preferred mesh communication network 14 used in this embodiment is a ZIGBEE network 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the ZIGBEE network 15 is formed in part by the mesh of routers 12, whereby each router 12 includes a ZIGBEE network 15; Ie transmit to and receive transmissions from one or more routers 12 within either a full mesh topology or a partial mesh topology.

ZIGBEE is the name of the specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small, low power digital radios based on IEEE 802.15.4 for personal wireless networks (WPANs). ZIGBEE is aimed at radio frequency (RF) applications that require low data rates, long battery life and secure networking.

There are several advantages to using the ZIGBEE network 15 as the basic mesh communication network 14 of the present embodiment. ZIGBEE mesh communication networks have low power consumption, low implementation cost, high density of component availability (eg, for one mesh communication network, dozens, if not hundreds, of dozens of multiple network routers 12 and / or The use of wireless end devices 40), and a simple communication protocol. ZIGBEE protocols are intended for use in wireless communication networks that require low data rates and low power consumption.

The ZIGBEE network 15 provides an inexpensive communication network that can be used in many cases, including industrial control, embedded sensing, medical data collection, smoke and intruder alerts, building automation, home automation, and the like. The final network uses a very small amount of power that can allow individual devices to last more than a year using the first batteries installed.

ZIGBEE protocols include industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands; It operates at 868 MHz in Europe, 915 MHz in the United States, and 2.4 GHz in most countries. ZIGBEE technology is intended for simplicity, low cost, and easy management. In one embodiment, other wireless Internet nodes via Bluetooth implementations may also be expected in this embodiment, but most capable information routers 12 in the ZIGBEE network 15 may use conventional Bluetooth software or other wireless Internet. Only about 10% of the nodes may require software. In other implementations, the information router 12 may include only about 2% of the software of a typical Bluetooth or other wireless Internet node for use within the ZIGBEE network 15, resulting in significant technical complexity and potential maintenance costs. Decrease.

In its simplest form, the ZIGBEE network 15 of the present embodiment may include one or more information routers 12, at least one data network organizer 13, and one or more wireless end devices 40 of the type shown in FIG. Include. The data network organizer 13 is a device for routing data through one or more information routers 12 in the ZIGBEE network 15. The data network organizer 13 is connected to the central computer 23 via multiple network communication lines 19. In a non-beacon type ZIGBEE network 15, when requested by the wireless end devices 40, the data network organizer 13 is connected to the wireless end device via one or more multiple network routers 12. Signal to field 40 again. The central computer 23 manages the routers 12, causes the association of the wireless end devices 40 to the ZIGBEE network 15, stores router 12 information, and stores routers ( Route messages between 12) and wireless end devices 40;

In the central computer 23 or alternative embodiment, the wireless end device 40 provides some important functions, especially within the mesh communication network 14 and the ZIGBEE network 15. Important functions provided by the central computer 23 are computation, information storage, organization, response, network notification, data prioritization, event prioritization, data transfer to other storage and / or computing devices, and the like. Important functions provided by the wireless end device 40 are computation, information storage, organization, response, network notification, data prioritization, event prioritization, and the like. A server or server grade computer is particularly useful here in the multi-network 10 as a function as the central computer 23 due to its general large computational and storage capacities. It is taken into account here that two or more server class computers can be used to form the complex functions of the central computer 23, and that two or more server class computers need not be classified into one or more types of computing devices.

The ZIGBEE network 15 may have a non-beacon type or a beacon type. In a non-beacon capable network (ie, networks with a beacon order of 15), the multi-network routers 12 have data receivers that are desired to be constantly active. A non-beacon enabled type ZIGBEE network 15 allows for heterogeneous networks of multiple device types, where some devices are constantly receiving, while others transmit only when an external stimulus is detected. do.

A known example of an element in a heterogeneous network is a lamp with a wireless optical switch. The ZIGBEE node, since the ZIGBEE node in the lamp is connected to the lamp's power supply, while the optical switch remains "sleep" or inactive until a battery-powered light switch is connected. Receives constantly. The optical switch is then activated, sends a command to the lamp, receives an acknowledgment, and returns to an inactive state. In a beacon capable network, the information routers 12 in the ZIGBEE network 15 send periodic beacons to other network nodes to confirm their presence. Such nodes may sleep between beacons, thereby reducing the duty cycle of the nodes and extending the battery life of the nodes.

In general, the ZIGBEE network 15 minimizes the time that a given multi-network router 12 is on, thereby minimizing the power usage of the router 12. In beaconing networks, router 12 only needs to be active while the beacon is being transmitted. In non-beacon capable networks, some other routers in the multi-network 10 may be inactive, while at least some of the routers 12 in the multi-network 10 are always active, resulting in higher power consumption. Can be high. However, it is possible to have all or virtually all routers 12 in the multi-network 10 that are constantly active. As described herein, to conserve power, a beaconing type ZIGBEE communication network for the store 5 or grocery store is preferred.

3A provides a representation of a star communication network 16. Although housed in the devices of the data communication radios 20 or together with the multi-network routers 12, the data communication radios 20 do not communicate directly with each other, but instead multi-network communication lines 19. Direct communication with the central computer 23. Preferably, the multi-network communication lines 19 are wired lines connecting the routers 12 to the central computer 23. Also, here, the star communication lines 18 are not wired lines, but rather represent wireless communication lines between the routers 12 and the wireless end devices 40. Preferred multi-network communication lines 19 for use herein are lines of a type suitable for use in an Ethernet physical layer operating within the scope of the IEEE 802.3 communication standard. More specifically, such an Ethernet cable is preferably a "twisted pair" of RJ45 and CAT-x copper types. These cables are designed to facilitate the digital transmission of voice and data through high quality copper wiring and at high speeds.

Here, the star communication network 16 is particularly useful and important for the multi-network 10. Preferably, the star communication network 16 having a data communication rate of 250 KB / s or more is part of the multi-network 10 carrying data streams that require higher data transmission rates for speed and efficiency. Some of these data types that are most appropriately transmitted over or in addition to the mesh communication network 14 via the star communication network 16 include voice data, pictures, video, financial transaction data, and mesh. Instead of the 125 KB / s transfer rate provided by the communication network 14 or in addition to the 125 KB / s transfer rate provided by the mesh communication network 14, other data types are more suitable for the 250 KB / s transfer rate. However, if, for example, the star communication network 16 is disabled, transmitting information or data requiring higher data transfer rates provided by the star communication network 16 via the mesh communication network 14 may be necessary. It is possible.

Here, the preferred star communication network 16 operates within an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802 communication protocol. IEEE 802 refers to a family of IEEE standards that deal with local area networks and metropolitan networks. More specifically, the IEEE 802 standards are limited to networks that carry variable-size data packets. In contrast, in cell-based networks, data is transmitted in short, uniformly sized units called, for example, cells for use within cell phones. However, including but not limited to BLUETOOTH (IEEE 802.15.1 and 802.15.2), WiMedia (IEEE 802.15.3), Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b), Wi-Fi5 (IEEE 802.11a / HL2) and other wireless protocols It is desirable to acknowledge that the star communication network 16 can operate within multiple communication protocols that are not.

Within IEEE 802, the star communication network 16 preferably transmits data within the IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol. The IEEE 802.15.4 protocol controls the transmissions sent over wireless personal area networks (WPANs). WPANs may include the use of BLUETOOTH technology. The IEEE 802.15.4 communication protocol has a low data rate (eg, about 125 KB / s), and also the long battery life of the multi-network routers 12 (eg, months or even years of battery life). Lifespan) and is known for its very low technical complexity and low power requirements.

3B provides an exemplary representation of a star communication network 16. 3B clearly shows that the multi-network routers 12 of the mesh communication network 14 provide a signal to the wireless end devices 40. In the preferred embodiment, the routers 12 provide the x and y coordinates of the information routers 12 to the wireless end devices 40. The wireless end devices 40 store through the star communication network 16 to perform the calculations needed to provide their location in x and y coordinates, or to have calculations made at the level of the multi-network 10. The store server sends a signal to one of the servers 27, 29, 30 or 31. In either scenario, the location of the respective wireless end devices 40 may be located at the central computer 23 and / or at least one of the store servers 27, 29, 30 and 31, the wireless end devices 40 and the mesh. (mesh) Known through the data exchanged between the information routers 12 of the communication network 14.

4 provides an exemplary representation of a multi-network 10. It is clearly shown that the multi-network routers 12 of the mesh communication network 14 provide a signal to the wireless end devices 40. In the preferred embodiment, the routers 12 provide the wireless end devices 40 with x and y coordinates of the routers 12. Wireless end devices 40 may perform the necessary calculations to provide their location in x and y coordinates, or store servers 27, 29, 30, capable of performing ray tracing and location tracking calculations. Or 31) transmit a signal via a star communication network 16. In any scenario, the location of each end device 40 may be stored in the store servers 27, 29, 30, through the data exchanged between the router 12 and the end devices 40 of the mesh communication network 14. And 31). In a scenario where the wireless end device 40 is a reduced function device and one of the store servers 27, 29, 30, or 31 performs location tracking operations, the nearest information router ( 12 provides its x and y coordinates to the wireless end device 40. U.S. Patent Nos. 61 / 011,125 (filed Jan. 15, 2008) and 61 / 065,166 (filed Feb. 8, 2008) discuss and disclose preferred methods of location tracking herein, and all of these The contents are incorporated herein by reference.

Indeed, the multi-network router 12 closest to the wireless end device 40 receives the x and y coordinates of the wireless end device 40 from the mesh network organizer 13 (FIG. 2) and the mesh network organizer ( 13) receives x and y coordinates from one of the following store servers 27, 29, 30 or 31. In any event, the location of the wireless end device 40 on the map of the store, via the mesh communication network 14 of the multi-network 10, of subsequent store servers 27, 29, 30 or 31. It is known to both at least one and the wireless end device 40.

FIG. 5 provides an alternative embodiment in an exemplary top schematic view of a store 5 with multiple star communication networks 16. Also shown in FIG. 5 is a mesh communication network 14 coupled with a number of star networks 16. Those skilled in the art will recognize that although FIG. 5 shows multiple star communication networks 16 and mesh network 14, a multi-network comprising only multiple star networks 16 without the presence of mesh communication network 14. It will be readily appreciated that it is possible to have 10. Some star communication networks 16 or some star communication networks 16 and mesh communication network 14 are taken together to form a multi-network 10 as defined above.

In FIG. 5, as in FIG. 1, mesh communication lines 17 are shown connecting each multi-network router 12 to mesh network organizer 13 within mesh communication network 14. Mesh communication lines 17 may be wireless or wired. Preferably, mesh communication lines 17 are wireless instead of wired. In addition, mesh communication lines 17 exist between routers 12 within mesh communication network 14. Indeed, communication lines 17 appear as straight lines for illustrative purposes, but are not necessarily straight lines. Rather, each router 12 operable within the mesh communication network 14 creates a restricted communication zone, through which transmissions from the router 12 to the router 12 occur.

The star communication lines 18 are connected between any one of the shoppers 7, the employees 8, and the managers 9 and the data communication radio 20, which can act as a hub of the star communication network 16. Exists in. The data communication radio 20 acts as a repository for the data sent from the routers 12. Star communication lines 18 may be wireless or wired. Preferably, star communication line 18 is wireless.

Multi-network communication lines 19 are shown as connecting the data communication radio 20 and the central computer 23. Multi-network communication lines 19 are shown connecting the data network organizer 13 and the central computer 23. Multi-network communication lines 19 may be wireless or wired. Preferably the multi-network communication lines 19 are wired. Multi-network communication lines 19 are shown in solid lines to indicate that they are wired. An Ethernet cable is a preferred wired connection device useful between the data communication radio 20 and the central computer 23.

For a multi-network 10 that includes two or more star communication networks 16, each data communication radio 20 shown for each star communication network 16 is a respective star communication network 16. Is connected via star communication lines 19 to a central computer 23 that aligns and manages all elements of the multi-network 10 including, but not limited to.

6 provides a front view of the front end of wireless end device 40 with multiple interface keys 42. The wireless end device 40 is powered by a battery and is preferably rechargeable. The wireless end device 40 has the ability to search for it here and associate it (ie, add it wirelessly) to an existing multi-network 10. The wireless end device 40 may be a reduced function device or a full function device. The wireless end device 40 preferably comprises a type of scanner common to those skilled in the art, useful for scanning articles by the shopper 7 when shopping in a store.

If the wireless end device 40 is a reduced function device, the wireless end device 40 serves as a device for substantially receiving and transmitting information from the multi-network 10. In this state, the wireless end device 40 will substantially perform the minimum number of computational functions within the wireless end device 40 itself-in this configuration, RSSI calculations will still be performed within the wireless end device 40. Can be. Thus, the keys shown in FIG. 6 are not meant to include activation of functionality within the wireless end device 40 but not the reception or transmission of information from the multi-network 10. Instead, these computational functions are intended to be substantially performed within the multi-network 10, preferably by the central computer 23 or by the multi-network 10 that does not include the wireless end device 40. Performed by a similar device attached.

Each multi-interface key 42 dictates one function that takes place, but in a reduced functional device, most of the multi-interface keys 42 are actually requested transmission to the multi-network 10 or the multi-network 10. Provide the requested transmission from In this example, the wireless end device 40 itself does not actually calculate or maintain on its own a temporary sum of the costs of the items previously scanned and contained in the shopping cart 50. Instead, when the cart key 44 is pressed, the cart key 44 is ready for the wireless end device 40 to scan the article to be placed in the shopping cart 50 after the article has been scanned. Signal to the multi-network 10 that it is. Information about the scanned item is transmitted wirelessly to the multi-network 10 and ultimately routed to the central computer 23 for storage and / or further processing.

In a preferred embodiment, the central computer 23 is a running list of all items scanned by the shopper 7, the cost of each item, the weight of each item in the shopping cart 50, and the shopper 7. It keeps a total of all the items scanned by and transferred to the shopping cart 50. Whatever key types are used in the reduced functional apparatus, substantially no computation is performed or very few computations are performed.

Here, FIG. 6 is meant to be an example, and the types and configurations or orientations of the illustrated buttons do not form part of the invention, and those skilled in the art will number numerous key types, sizes, shapes, configurations, symbols It should be appreciated that it will be readily appreciated that graphics may be generated in conformity with the scope and purpose of the wireless end device 40 herein. It is important that the multiple interface keys 42 of the wireless end device 40 transmit information to the multi-network 10 instead of providing some type of computing function. By using these interface keys 42, the hardware necessary for calculation functions, such as the amount of stored item price data, is reduced.

When the wireless end device 40 is a reduced functional device as described above, several advantages are achieved. First, the wireless end device 40 is extremely economical to assemble and use compared to other devices known in the art. Second, because lower cost devices are used (i.e., high speed processors and memory), wireless end device 40 is less susceptible to theft. Third, however, even if theft of the wireless end device 40 occurs, the replacement cost is much less than the cost of other more complex devices known in the art. Fourth, in the preferred embodiment herein, the high power high speed processor and the memoryless wireless end device 40 also lack important software of one or more high speed processors and some other devices that depend on large sophisticated memory types. Fifth, because of the unit cost of wireless end device 40, for a store such as a grocery store that can have hundreds of shoppers every day, so many units can be used for more consumers. Finally, wireless end device 40 may be used in multiple grocery stores, as long as each store owns a compatible multi-network 10 that may be used by wireless end device 40.

If the wireless end device 40 is a full function device, the wireless end device 40 is at least partially capable of performing certain complex computational functions within its circuit, ie within its microcontrollers. Has For example, one function that a full-function wireless end device 40 may perform is to store in its memory information about store articles scanned by the wireless end device 40. Indeed, the wireless end device 40 catalogs each scanned store item, maintains a temporary sum of all the scanned store items, and then once the shopper 7 is ready to exit himself from the store 5. Indicate that the financial transaction function can be provided.

In a full functional device, the wireless end device 40 has sufficient processor speed and power to perform certain computational functions, and also has enough memory to store information. In the case of this type of wireless end device 40, the multiple interface keys 42 located on the wireless end device 40 are at least partially dependent on one or more computing functions performed within the wireless end device 40 itself. Corresponds. Once one or more calculations are performed, the calculation results are preferably transmitted over the multi-network 10 for storage and / or further processing by the central computer 23. In this implementation, although not essential, it is not necessary for the central computer 23 to act as a back-up for the full-function wireless end device 40 in the event of a calculation or other type of stop of the wireless end device 40. desirable.

The preferred wireless end device 40 here comprises at least one microcontroller unit (MCU). The MCU here is preferably a system-on-chip type MCU. The MCU here includes a control unit, one or more registers, a significant amount of ROM, a significant amount of RAM, and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU). In the reduced functional type wireless end device 40, the ALU will have little access to at least any calculations made within the wireless end device 40. In the full functional type of wireless end device 40, the ALU will be accessed and thus used for calculations.

Most preferably, wireless end device 40 includes at least two MCUs. One MCU is used to send and receive information from the wireless end device 40 to the mesh communication network (eg, ZIGBEE network 15). The other of the MCUs is used to send and receive information from the wireless end device 40 to the star communication network 16. An example and preferred MCU for use here is the Texas Instruments CC2431 MCU.

Although not the only MCU type, the Texas Instruments Inc.'s CC2431 MCU is preferred for use here because of its ability to be used to transmit data for both mesh communication network 14 and star communication network 16. The CC2431 MCU also provides position detection functions within the multi-network 10. This location detection is an important desirable function, because the function is either wireless end devices 40, shopping carts 50 or multi-network routers 12 so that any device so equipped is capable of multiple networks. This is because it can be found anywhere within (10).

Technical specifications for the CC2431 MCU are as follows: 32 MHz single-cycle low power 8051 MUC; 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 compliant radio frequency transceiver, 128 KB in-system programmable flash; Ultra low power requirements, an operable ZIGBEE protocol stack (Z-STACK), and 8 Kbyte SRAM; And 4 Kbytes with data retention in all power modes. The CC2431 is a true system-on-chip (SOC) for wireless sensor networking ZIGBEE / IEEE 802.15.4 solutions. The CC2431 includes a location detection hardware module (ie, "location engine") that can be used to locate either the wireless end device 40 or the shopping cart 50 within the multi-network 10. Based on this, the positioning engine calculates an estimate of the location of the unknown wireless end device or the location of the shopping cart within the multi-network 10. Such position detection has been described above fully herein.

In addition to the at least two MCUs used for positioning and data information flow and management along the mesh communication network 14 and the star communication network 16 respectively, at least one controlling MCU is used within the wireless end device 40. do. These additional MCUs control and evaluate other MCUs, send messages to those other MCUs, receive information from those other MCUs, and also follow information along mesh communication network 14 and star communication network 16. It is a controlling MCU in that it manages those other MCUs configured to send and receive signals.

A preferred type of MCU for controlling all other MCUs in router 12 is the MSP430, manufactured by Texas Instruments. The MSP430 is a microcontroller installed around a 16-bit processor designed for low cost and low power consumption embedded applications. It is particularly well suited for wireless radio frequency (RF) or battery powered applications. Current draw in idle mode can be less than 1 microamperes. Its maximum processor speed is 16 MHz. Its speed can be suppressed for low power consumption. The MSP430 does not have an external memory bus. Thus, the MSP430 is limited to on-chip memory and preferably includes up to 128 KB flash memory and 10 KB RAM.

In a situation where the multi-network 10 includes multiple star communication networks 16, the preferred configuration of the internal hardware of the wireless end device 40 is two MCUs responsible for communicating with the multi-network 10. , And the MCU controlling all other necessary functions within the wireless end device 40. In this configuration, one of the two MCUs is always associated with the multi-network 10 and thus wirelessly connected with the multi-network 10. The other MCU searches for the strongest radio signal transmitted by the multi-network 10 when it is not wirelessly connected to the multi-network 10. If the signal sensed by the non-associated MCU becomes stronger than the signal transmitted by the currently associated star communication network 16, the non-associated MCU will transition to the associated state, and the previously associated MCU will be deactivated. After switching to the associated state, it will start looking for the strongest radio signal available from the multi-network 10. This association and non-association process between the MCUs moves from one star communication network 16 to another star communication network 16 located within the store 5 because the shopper 7 runs around the store 5. Along the way.

In another embodiment where the multi-network 10 includes multiple star communication networks 16 but no mesh communication network 14 as described in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the wireless end device 40 Both MCUs (preferably CC2431 from Texas Instruments), which are responsible for the receipt and transmission of information from the same, may be simultaneously associated with the multi-network 10. This dual association enables the transmission of larger data packets from or to the wireless end device 40. These larger data packets are voiced so that wireless transmission (i.e. wireless transmission between wireless end device 40 and multi-network 10) is best facilitated by a 256 KB / s transmission rate or higher. Data, video, and other data types.

An ideal shopping cart 50 of the type described herein is shown in FIG. 7. The shopping cart 50 has a handle 52, a basket 54 attached to the handle 52, and a lower carriage 56 located below the basket 54. In the basket 54, one or more weighing devices 58 are located around its inner surface 55. Preferably, at least two weighing devices 58 are located in the inner surface 55 of the shopping cart 50. Also preferably, at least one of the weighing devices 58 is in the form of a hook 60 as shown in FIG. 8. Each weighing device 58 or hook 60 is preferably attached to strain gauge 62 (FIG. 8) or other strain calculation devices known in the art. In particular, the strain gauge 62 used herein is a device used to measure the deformation or strain of an object when it is placed. Strain gauge 62 may be disposed on hook 60 by any coupling means, such as adhesive, and may also cause measurable deformation when hook 60 is used, i.e., by placing the article on the hook. When placed, it is placed above the hook 60 to measure the deformation of the object.

This measurable deformation is a measure of at least a portion of the weight of the article applied to the hook 60. In practice, at least two hooks 60 will be located within the inner surface 55 of the basket 54. The hooks 60 will be positioned to allow a bag 65 or other holding structure to be connected to each hook 60 and to extend the distance therebetween. As used herein, the term “bag” includes (but is not limited to, one or more bags, boxes, plastic containers, or other suitable container that can be suspended from one or more of the hooks 60). Not limited), any suitable container for storing articles placed therein for weighing in the shopping cart 50. As bag 65 has items therein suspended between two hooks 60, each hook 60 is deformed by a relative deformation of strain gauge 62 attached to hook 60. Some or all of the weight in 65) will preferably be sensed and then measured. However, here each hook 60 is at least partially suspended from at least one bag 65 and also one or more, depending on the structure or direction of the bag 65 suspended from the hook 60. It may sense less than 50% or more than 50% of the weight of the articles on the hooks 60 and also in the hanging bag 65.

As described above, the weight sensed per hook 60 is 50 depending on the position of the article in the bag 65, relative movement of the bag 65, and other factors relative to all other articles in the bag 65. It may be less than% or greater than 50%. The total weight of the article in the bag 65 can be taken from the sum of all of the weights sensed by the applicable hooks 60. The term "applicable hooks" herein refers to hooks 60 which are actually used to weigh the article sensed by such hooks 60; For example, the hooks 60 are hanging hooks.

Here, if the weighing device 58 senses at least some of the weight of the item located within it (eg, in a bag or box attached thereto), the weighing device 58 operates in two ways. At least one of these may be performed. In one embodiment, the weighing device 58 transfers the sensed weight of the article (ie in the form of strain gauge deformation data) onto the shopping cart 50. 7, the transmitting device 66 may transmit information about the sensed weight to the multi-network 10. In fact, each of the weighing devices 58 attached to the shopping cart 50 is preferably connected with the transmission device 66. This connection of the one or more weighing devices 58 to the transmitting device 66 is preferably wired or wireless; One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that this connection of one or more weighing devices 58 to the transmission device 66 can be made in a variety of ways and is a substantial part of the invention presented herein. It will be understood that it does not form.

The preferred transmission device 66 is one or more transmission devices (eg, one or more MCUs described herein) capable of transmitting weight information obtained from one or more strain gauges 62 to the multi-network 10. Or radios). In one embodiment, although not necessarily required, the transmitting device 66 may not store its own weight information sensed by and then transmitted by the one or more weighing devices 56. Instead, this transmitted weight information is immediately transmitted to the central computer 23 via the multi-network 10 or some other storage and / or computing device connected to the multi-network 10 as described above ( For example, it is sent to servers 29, 30, and 31 of FIG. 3B, and this connection is made by wire or wireless.

Preferably, the transmission device 66 is configured from at least one radio, star communication network 16 configured for transmission from the mesh communication network 14 and to the mesh communication network 14. At least one radio configured for transmission to the transmission and star communication network 16 and at least one MCU that controls and manages transmissions from and to the radios. In operation, the shopping cart 50 may be tracked through the store and around the store premises by using the radio's location tracking function configured for the mesh communication network 14. Weight data is preferably transmitted using a radio configured for use via the star communication network 16. In this embodiment, the central computer 23 acts as an administrator, organizer and repository of the data received from the shopping cart 50 and the data sent to the shopping cart 50.

In another embodiment, the shopping cart 50 may include an appropriate type and amount of memory to store the sensed weight of the items placed in the shopping cart 50. Although not required, this memory, if present, may preferably be present in the transmitting device 66 and one or more located in the transmitting device 66 responsible for transmitting weight information to the multi-network 10. You will be connected to communicate with the radios.

9 is a diagram of a preferred interaction of a shopper with the system for shopping described above. The diagram of FIG. 9 is preferred because it illustrates the ideal operations of the shopper and the system when working together properly. For example, to begin one aspect of the interaction, the shopper 7 selects an item from a store shelf or a display. The shopper 7 then scans the barcode of the article using the wireless end device 40. The shopper 7 then places the article in the shopping cart 50 (ie, along the base of the shopping cart) or with one or more weight measuring members 58 disposed around the shopping cart 50. Place the item in the connected bag. When the article is weighed by one or more weighing members 58 disposed around the shopping cart 50, it is preferred that the weight information be temporarily stored for later transmission, preferably immediately in a multi-network ( 10).

In one preferred embodiment, once the weight information is measured, note that either the weighing members 58 or the shopping cart 50 itself disposed around the shopping cart 50 does not hold or store this information. . Instead, once the weight information is obtained, the weight information is preferably stored, configured and managed in the central computer 23 and / or some other suitable storage device discussed so far and connected with the multi-network 10. From the shopping cart 50 to the multi-network 10.

In practice, the central computer 23 continues to track the total of all current items scanned and added to the shopping cart 50. This current total can be retrieved by the shopper 7 or point of sale server as required and sent from the central computer 23 to the wireless end device 40 via the multi-network 10.

Ideally, the shopper 7 would follow a defined path as shown in FIG. Unfortunately, shoppers in stores often exhibit non-ideal behavior. 10 provides a diagram of a shopper's non-ideal behavior in a store 5. Even if intentional or not, the shopper 7 may not scan the item or may mis-scan the item before putting it into the shopping cart 50. If this happens, an increase in the overall weight is detected by the shopping cart 50. This weight gain is preferably transmitted via the multi-network 10 to the central computer 23 or some other suitable storage device connected with the multi-network 10.

The weight mismatch between the actual weight (i.e. all the weight measured and then recorded) and the weight of all the scanned items is calculated. This weight discrepancy is stored and when the weight discrepancy is increased or decreased by additional activity by the shopper 7 the total weight is constantly updated as needed.

Once the weight mismatch is calculated, the weight mismatch is transmitted to the wireless end device 40 via the multi-network 10. Messages or alerts from the wireless end device 40 are forwarded to the shopper to indicate that an unscanned or unexpected weight increase has occurred. The purpose of this communication is to provide shoppers 7 with the opportunity to scan previously unscanned items that have been put into the shopping cart 50 or to remove the items from the shopping cart 50 and return them to the store shelves. will be. Preferably, the communication to the shopper 7 that the unscanned item has been put in the shopping cart 50 should be immediate or near instantaneous. The time between two events, i.e. putting an unscanned item in the shopping cart 50 and notifying the shopper about it, is preferably an opportunity for the shopper 7 to return the item back to the point at which the item was taken out. It should be short enough that the shopper 7 does not move far enough from the point where the unscanned item was taken out.

If the shopper 7 does not return the unscanned item to the store shelf or does not scan the item, the store clerk receives an alert so that the central computer 23 knows about the item via the multi-network 10. can do. Upon receiving such an alert, any store policy or anti-theft mechanisms, if present, can therefore properly intervene to prevent unintentional mistakes or open theft attempts.

The written description describes the invention, including the best mode, and also describes examples for enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to practice and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements not different from those set forth in the claims or equivalent structural elements having insubstantial differences from those set forth in the claims.

1 is a conceptual schematic diagram of a store having a preferred store-based multi-network for communication.

2 provides a conceptual diagram of an example mesh communication network useful in a store.

3A and 3B provide a conceptual diagram of an exemplary star communication network useful in a store.

4 provides an example description of a multi-network.

5 provides a conceptual schematic diagram of a store providing an alternative embodiment of a multi-network.

6 is a face view of a wireless end device used by a shopper.

7 is an isometric view of a shopping cart of the preferred type here.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged isometric view of the weighing devices of the preferred article shown in FIG. 7.

Figure 9 provides a flow chart of the ideal behavior of the shopper here in the store.

10 provides a flow chart of a shopper's non-ideal behavior here within a store.

Claims (20)

As a system for shopping in stores, a) a multi-network for communication to the store; And b) wireless end devices used by shoppers; Including; And the wireless end device is operative to wirelessly communicate information within the multi-network. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a shopping cart, wherein the shopping cart is configured to receive items disposed within the shopping cart, the shopping cart operative to record weight information of each item disposed within the shopping cart. Shopping system. The method of claim 2, And the shopping cart is operative to wirelessly transmit the recorded weight information to the multi-network. The method of claim 1, The wireless-network includes at least one mesh communication network and at least one star communication network. The method of claim 4, wherein And the at least one mesh communication network of the multi-network comprises a ZIGBEE communication network. The method of claim 1, The multi-network includes two or more star networks. The method of claim 1, And the wireless end device is a reduced functional device. The method of claim 1, And the wireless end device is a full function device. The method of claim 1, The system includes a network coordinator coupled to the multi-network, wherein the network coordinator manages, organizes, and routes the information sent over the multi-network. As a system for shopping in stores, a) a multi-network for communication to the store; And b) a shopping cart configured to weigh the items received therein; And wherein the shopping cart is operative to record the weight of each item placed within the shopping cart. The method of claim 10, And the shopping cart is operative to wirelessly transmit the recorded weight information of each item via the multi-network. The method of claim 10, Further comprising a wireless end device used by the shopper, And the wireless end device is operative to wirelessly communicate information over a shopping mall multi-network. The method of claim 12, And the wireless end device is a reduced functional device. The method of claim 12, The wireless end device is a full-function device. The method of claim 10, And the multi-network comprises at least one mesh communication network and at least one star communication network. The method of claim 15, And the at least one mesh communication network of the multi-network comprises a ZIGBEE communication network. The method of claim 10, The multi-network includes two or more star networks. The method of claim 12, The system includes a network coordinator coupled to the multi-network, wherein the network coordinator manages, organizes, and routes the information sent over the multi-network. As a multi-network for communication to stores, a) at least one mesh communication network; And b) at least one star communication network; Including; Wherein the multiple network is operative to receive and transmit information about the shopper during the shopper's shopping experience at the store. The method of claim 19, Further comprising a wireless end device used by the shopper, And the wireless end device is operative to wirelessly communicate information over the multi-network.

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