WO2023031963A1

WO2023031963A1 - A system for self-checkout at retail chains and a method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023031963A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050775
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mangalapuri YASWANTH SAI; Yashas CS BHARADWAJ; Ashish Sharma
Original assignee: Yaswanth Sai Mangalapuri
Priority date: 2021-08-31
Filing date: 2022-08-31
Publication date: 2023-03-09

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for self-checkout at retail chains and a method thereof. The system (100) comprises of a wireless identifier (102); a plurality of weight sensing shelves (104); a plurality of wireless identification readers (106); a plurality of weight sensors (108); an interference blockage module (110) placed in between the wireless identification readers (106); a plurality of camera modules (112); a plurality of motion sensors (114); processing module/unit (116); store server (116); control center (124); an operating device (126); a storage module (128); a display unit (130); and a controller (130). The present invention also provides a system of purchasing a product from a store using an automated self-checkout system and method.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR SELF-CHECKOUT AT RETAIL CHAINS AND A METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] T h e present invention relates to purchase at stores. More specifically, the present invention relates to a self-service checkout system and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In today's marketplace, consumer convenience and time savings are highly valued. For example, if two stores offer the same product at the same price, the store that is most convenient and time saving to the customer is the store that will retain the most customers. That is, if one store has long lines with few check-out lanes and the other store provides more check-out lanes and shorter lines (and therefore, faster service) more customers will be drawn to the “no waiting” store. In addition, in a large store, (e.g., a warehouse type establishment) in order to lower customer confusion and frustration, there are many “floor” employees whose role is to remain on the shop floor and be of help to a customer. For example, they may give directions to help a customer find a product. However, even the most helpful of store policies require a plurality of paid workers to be “of assistance on the floor” or work behind the register. Therefore, in order to attract a customer by offering convenience and time savings, an extra amount of money must be spent. This money expenditure is passed on to the customer in higher costs.

[003] In addition, waiting in line at a checkout counter can be a long and. arduous process. Also, while waiting in line, any impulse purchases may be rethought or removed from the shopping basket completely. For example, if a customer walks past a bag of chips (or a hand tool, or television, etc.) and selects the bag of chips on a whim, a reexamination of the bag of chips at the checkout line may provide the customer ample opportunity to rethink the impulse buy, remember the diet, and take the bag of chips out of the basket. Therefore, although an initial impulse sale was initiated, the store lost out on the sale due to the length of idle time the customer spent in line waiting to check out.

[004] One solution to the waiting-in-line-to-checkout process is the introduction of the self- checkout line. In general, a self-checkout line is similar in form and function to a regular checkoutline except the cashier is replaced by the customer. For example, when a customer uses a self- checkout line, the customer pulls an item out of the basket and scans the item bar code for input into the cash register. After all the customer's items have been scanned, the cash register then totals the purchase. The customer then inputs the payment and receives a receipt.

[005] However, the problem is that instead of the self-checkout line being a time saving convenience, it is a money saving issue for the shop that is an inconvenience and timeconsuming affair for the average customer. The customer waits in the checkout line, and still has time to rethink any impulse items in the shopping basket. In addition, when it is time to use the self-checkout apparatus, the average consumer (with little self -checkout experience) is much slower at the checkout process than a professional who spends days and weeks checking products.

[006] Due to the recognized difficulties with current self-checkout systems, most selfcheckout lines are manned by at least one employee who advises customers what to do and helps fix any errors or issues as they arise. Accordingly, a more efficient way of progressing a customer through a shopping experience is desirable.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[007] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a system for self-checkout at retail chains and a method thereof.

[008] Another object of the invention is to provide a method of purchasing a product from a store using an automated self-checkout system.

[009] Another objective of the invention is to provide a system of purchasing a product from a store using an automated self-checkout method.

[010] Another objective of the invention is to provide a block interference of wireless signals by placing aluminum foil barrier in between wireless readers. [Oil] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a module to determine ID of the shelf based on the IP address of the WIFI device which is used to transfer the data from the wireless reader.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[012] The present invention provides a system for self-checkout at retail chains and a method thereof. The system comprises of wireless identifier provided to each purchaser; a plurality of weight sensing shelves located inside a store; a plurality of wireless identification readers each placed inside a weight sensing shelf; a plurality of weight sensors, each mounted inside a weight sensing shelf; an interference blockage module placed in between the wireless identification readers; a plurality of camera modules mounted on aisle of the store; a plurality of motion sensors, each mounted in front of a weight sensing shelf; processing module/unit communicably coupled to the weight sensors and the camera modules; a store server wirelessly or wiredly connected to the processing module/unit; a control center communicably couple to the store server over internet or secured private network; an operating device enabling a purchaser to review products selected by the purchaser and to make payment for the purchased products; a storage module wirelessly connected to the weight sensors and the wireless identification reader; a display unit mounted on front portion of surface plate of the weight sensing shelves and wirelessly connected to the processing module/unit, the store server, the control center; and a controller wirelessly connected to the weight sensors. The processing module/unit comprises of a memory unit coupled to the processing module/unit; and a processor operably coupled to the memory unit. The wireless identifier enables detecting identity of each purchaser. The weight sensing shelves displays products for sale. The wireless identification reader is configured to read/scan the wireless identifier and generate information regarding identity of the purchaser. The weight sensor is configured to detect number of products picked by the purchaser based on weight of each product. The interference blockage module is configured to block interference of wireless signals by placing aluminum foil barrier in between the wireless identification readers. The processing module/unit is configured to receive data from the weight sensors and the camera modules and processes the data to identify specific products removed from the weight sensing shelves by each purchaser so as to calculate total price of the products purchased by the purchaser. The motion sensor is configured to detect presence of purchasers in front of the weight sensing shelves along with monitoring traffic within the store. The store server is configured to receive processed data from the processing module/unit. The control center configured to store the data received from the store server and wirelessly transmit the data to the purchasers via the operating device over web links, enabling the purchasers to make payment for the products purchased. The camera module is configured to detect and differentiate product placed on the weight sensing shelves through machine learning. The storage module is configured to store data receive from the weight sensors and the wireless identification readers and provide the data to other component of the system for processing. The display unit is configured to display information regarding the number of products removed from the weight sensing shelves as well as identity of the purchasers. The controller is configured to receive encoded electrical signals from the weight sensors to calculate weight change related to products taken/replaced from the weight sensing shelves and provide location information of the products to the store server.

[013] The method for self -checkout at retail chains comprising providing wireless identifier (102) to each purchaser; waving or placing the wireless identifier (102) near a wireless identification reader (106) by the purchaser; scanning the wireless identifier (102) of the purchaser by the wireless identification reader (106) so as to detect identity of the purchaser; generating weight signals by the weight sensors (108) indicating number of products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) by the purchaser; transmitting the weights signals from the weight sensors (108) and product identity from a camera module (112) to a processing module/unit (116); processing the data received from the weight sensors (108) by the processing module/unit (116), identifying specific products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) by the purchaser, so as to calculate total price of products purchased by the purchaser; transmitting processed data from the processing module/unit (116) to a store server (116); storing data received from the store server (116) in the control center (124) followed by transmitting the data to a purchaser the over web links; and making payment by the purchaser via an operating device (126). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[014] Other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiment will be apparent from the following description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

[015] FIG. 1 illustrates a flowchart depicting method for self-checkout at retail chains

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[016] As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to.

[017] The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

[018] The term “processing module” and “processing unit” used in the present disclosure can be used interchangeably.

[019] Accordingly, the present invention relate to purchase at stores. More specifically, the present invention relate to a system for self-checkout at retail chains and a method thereof.

[020] The system of the present invention comprises of a wireless identifier (102); a plurality of weight sensing shelves (104); a plurality of wireless identification readers (106); a plurality of weight sensors (108), each mounted inside a weight sensing shelf (104); an interference blockage module (110); a plurality of camera modules (112); a plurality of motion sensors (114); a processing module/unit (116); a store server (116); a control center (124); an operating device (126); a storage module (128); a display unit (130); and a controller (130) wirelessly connected to the weight sensors (108). The components of the system (100) are described herein detail:

(a) Wireless identifier (102): The wireless identifier (102) is provided to each purchaser. The wireless identifier (102) is configure to detect identity of each purchaser.

(b) Weight sensing shelves (104): The system (100) comprises of a plurality of weight sensing shelves (104) located inside a store. The weight sensing shelves (104) displays products for sale.

(c) Wireless identification readers (106): The system (100) comprises of a plurality of wireless identification readers (106), each placed inside a weight sensing shelf (104). The wireless identification readers (106) is configured to read/scan the wireless identifier (102) and generate information regarding identity of the purchaser.

(d) Weight sensors (108): The system (100) comprises of a plurality of weight sensors (108), each mounted inside a weight sensing shelf (104). The weight sensors (108) are configured to detect number of products picked by the purchaser based on weight of each product.

(e) Interference blockage module (110): The interference blockage module (110) is placed in between the wireless identification readers (106). The interference blockage module (110) is configured to block interference of wireless signals by placing aluminum foil barrier in between the wireless identification readers (106).

(f) Camera modules (112) : The system (100) comprises of a plurality of camera modules (112) mounted on aisle of the store The camera modules (112) configured to detect and differentiate product placed on the weight sensing shelves (104) through machine learning. (g) Motion sensors (114):The system (100) comprises of a plurality of motion sensors (114), each mounted infront of a weight sensing shelf (104). The motion sensors (114) is configured to detect presence of purchasers in front of the weight sensing shelves (104) along with monitoring traffic within the store.

(h) Processing module/unit (116): The processing module/unit (116) is communicably coupled to the weight sensors (108) and the camera modules (112). The processing module/unit (116) comprises of a memory unit (118) coupled to the processing module/unit (116); and a processor (120) operably coupled to the memory unit (118). The processing module/unit (116) is configured to receive data from the weight sensors (108) and the camera modules (112) and processes the data to identify specific products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) by each purchaser so as to calculate total price of the products purchased by the purchaser.

(i) Store server (116): The store server (116) is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the processing module/unit (122). The store server (122) configured to receive processed data from the processing module/unit (116).

(j) Control center (124): The control center (124) is communicably couple to the store server (116) over internet or secured private network. The control center (124) configured to store the data received from the store server (122) and wirelessly transmit the data to the purchasers via the operating device (126) over web links, enabling the purchasers to make payment for the products purchased.

(k) Operating device (126): The operating device (126) enables a purchaser to review products selected by the purchaser and to make payment for the purchased products.

(l) Storage module (128): The storage module (128) is wirelessly connected to the weight sensors (108) and the wireless identification reader (106). The storage module (128) configured to store data receive from the weight sensors (108) and the wireless identification readers (106) and provide the data to other component of the system for processing.

(m) Display unit (130): The display unit (130) is mounted on front portion of surface plate of the weight sensing shelves (104) and wirelessly connected to the processing module/unit (116), the store server (116), the control center (124). The display unit (130) configured to display information regarding the number of products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) as well as identity of the purchasers;

(n) Controller (130): The controller (130) is wirelessly connected to the weight sensors (108). The controller (130) configured to receive encoded electrical signals from the weight sensors (108) to calculate weight change related to products taken/replaced from the weight sensing shelves (108) and provide location information of the products to the store server (116).

[021] In an embodiment, the store server (116) directly receives the data from the weight sensors (108) and the wireless identification readers (106) over a plurality of wireless network and evaluates the number of products removed from or placed on the weight sensing shelves (108) by each purchaser or transmits the received data to the control center (124) which then evaluates number of products removed from or placed on the weight sensing shelves (108) by each purchaser

[022] In an embodiment, each product comprises of aruco markers that enables locating and differentiating products by the camera module (112).

[023] In an embodiment, the wireless identifier (102) is preferably a passive RFID tag in a form of a wrist band. Each RFID tag comprises of a QR code enabling the purchaser to scan and make payment of the products purchased via an operating device (126).

[024] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 , the present invention also relates to a method for self checkout at retail chains. The method comprises of following steps:

(a) providing a wireless identifier (102) to each purchaser; (b) waving or placing the wireless identifier (102) near a wireless identification reader (106) by the purchaser;

(c) scanning the wireless identifier (102) of the purchaser by the wireless identification reader (106) so as to detect identity of the purchaser;

(d) generating weight signals by the weight sensors (108) indicating number of products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) by the purchaser;

(e) transmitting the weights signals from the weight sensors (108) and product identity from a camera module (112) to a processing module/unit (116);

(f) processing the data received from the weight sensors (108) by the processing module/unit (116), identifying specific products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) by the purchaser, so as to calculate total price of products purchased by the purchaser;

(g) transmitting processed data from the processing module/unit (116) to a store server (116);

(h) storing data received from the store server (116) in the control center (124) followed by transmitting the data to a purchaser the over web links; and

(i) making payment by the purchaser via an operating device (126).

[025] In an embodiment, database of the system (100) stores data regarding products displayed in the store and the wireless identifier (102) as passive RFID tags full stop the database also stores data captured by waves sensors regarding the products pick the by the purchasers from the weight sensing shelf (104). [026] In an embodiment the payment received by the system will be shared to retail chain owner over internet or other secure network

[027] In an embodiment the system (100) of RFID reader bars placed on entrance of the store which detects / read passive RFID tax provided to the purchaser in case the payment is not made by the purchaser and an alarm will be notified in the store in such a condition

[028] In an automated purchasing system, the (100) may include a retail store that sells products to purchasers, such as the plurality of purchasers. The products for sale may be placed on a plurality ofwireless purchaser identifier weight sensing shelves (104), such as the plurality of shelves (104). Each of the weight sensing shelves (104) may communicate wirelessly with the store server (116). The shelves (104) can also be wired to store server (116). The products that are for sale in the store may be placed on the wireless purchaser identifier weight sensing shelves (104).

[029] When a purchaser desires to remove a product from one of the weight sensing shelves (104), the purchaser places or waves a wireless identifier (102) in front of one of the shelves (104). The wireless identifier (102) may provide information to shelves (104) that allows the automated purchasing system to identify the purchaser. The identification of the purchaser may occur at one of the shelves (104), the store server (116), or at the control center (124).

[030] The control center (134) may be operated as a private computing system, or on processing systems that operate on the computing assets on the Internet cloud. The control center (134) may be a web-enabled or web-hosted system that can be accessed by an Internet browser. Also, the control center (134) may constitute a private computing system that may be either browser-based or accessible using other means.

[031] In order to remove product from the shelves (104), each of the purchasers has a wireless identifier (102), which may comprise a near field communication (NFC) device, a radio frequency identifier (RFID), or an optically coded object, which is recognized using optical recognition techniques, all of which are collectively referred to herein as wireless identifiers. [032] In yet another aspect, the system (100) also comprise a block interference of wireless signals by placing aluminum foil barrier in between wireless identification readers (106). Also, the (100) may comprise a module to determine ID of the shelf (104) based on the IP address of the WIFI device which is used to transfer the data from the wireless identification reader (106).

[033] In yet another aspect, a purchaser that wishes to remove a product from a shelf

(104), and purchase that item, simply places the wireless identifier (102) next to the weight sensing shelf (104). The camera on the eight sensing shelf (104) indicate that the purchaser has been identified. The purchaser can then remove one or more products from the shelf (104). The shelf (104) may sense the weight of the productson the shelf (104) can calculate the number of products removed by purchaser, since shelf (104) is Iso programmed with the weight of each individual product.

[034] Accordingly, since the shelf (104) is capable of sensing the weight of the products, and knows the weight of each of the products, the shelf (104) can determine how many products the purchaser has removed from the shelf (104). Similarly, if purchaser has decided to return a product, purchaser can waive the wireless identifier (102) front of a (104), and replace a product on the shelf (104). Again, since the shelf (104) knows the weight of each of the products, shelf (104) c determine how many products have been returned to the shelf (104).

[035] Alternatively, the shelves (104) may simply provide the weight measurements to store server (116). The store server (116) then calculate the amount or number of products that have been placed on, or removed from, the shelves (104). These amounts may also be stored in the control center (124), that can also calculate the amount of product removed or replaced on the shelves (104). [036] In yet another aspect, all of the information gathered by the shelf (104) such as the identification of the purchaser, as well as the number of products removed or replaced on shelf (104) might be transmitted to a store server (116) via a wireless communication or a wired link. The store server (116) then tabulates the products removed by each of the purchasers based upon the data received over the plurality of wireless network. This process may also be performed in control center (124).

[037] Each of the plurality of purchasers may receive a free wireless identifier, such as a free RFID card or tag, or may have to pay or provide a deposit for an RFID card or tag, when enteringthe store. The RFID cards can be associated with a credit card, or may comprise prepaid RFID cards that are loaded with a certain amount of money that is paid in cash, or transferred from credit or debit card, or an account, by the purchaser to a clerk or kiosk when entering the store. Similar procedures may be used with NFC devices.

[038] In yet another aspect, the store server (116) may gather all of the information tabulated for each of the purchasers for the products removed from the plurality of shelves (104) and transmits this information over the Internet or secured private network to a web based purchasing control system (100). The web based purchasing control system collects the information and, in accordance with one embodiment, may wirelessly transmit this information to the plurality of purchasers over web links. Finks may constitute wireless data links that are used by smart phones or other devices, suchas tablet computers. The purchaser may also download an application for the purchaser's smart communicator, which may be a smart phone, tablet computer or similar device, that registers the purchaser with the purchasing control system. Also, the purchaser may register a smart phone, tablet computer, or other interactive device, with the purchasing control system and receive downloads indicating products that have been selected using any type of identification system.

[039] The purchaser's account may be associated with a credit card, debit card, bank account, or other systems for paying. [040] In yet another aspect, the purchaser can review these products to see if these products match the products in the purchaser's cart. A store security clerk may also be present, if desired by the store owner, to compare the displayed items with the items in the purchaser's cart. If they correspond, the purchaser may then exit the entrance/exit. In this manner, the numerous store cashiers and checkout procedures in grocery stores and other types of stores can be eliminated. Further, the space required for checkout counters, conveyors and the other equipment associated with checkout counters, as well as the employees required to operate the checkout counters, can be eliminated. This greatly reduces labor costs and capital equipment costs.

[041] A purchaser may also wish to prepare a food item list, or other product list, which is referred to herein as a shopping list, prior to going to the store. In that case, the user may logon to the purchasing control system using an application and generate the shopping list. The shopping list can be compared automatically with the retrieved items by the web based purchasing control system to ensure that all of the items on the list are selected.

[042] In yet another aspect, the wireless purchaser identifier weight sensing shelf (104) include many panels. Additionally, various electronics and various receivers are packaged in the structure of the wireless purchaser identifier weight sensing shelf (104).

[043] A store can contain a plurality of shelves that have a plurality of products. The shelves can be made of different widths to carry a different number of products. Store server (116) may be coupled to a wide band receiver that is capable of receiving tens of thousands of wireless links from thousands of shelves. Each of the links may be encoded for each of the shelves, so that the store server can identify the particular shelf that is associated with a particular product.

[044] In yet another aspect, the wireless purchaser identifier weight sensing shelf (104) can also take a picture of the user, using a camera. Other adjacent shelves may also take pictures. Security may be alerted by the store server (116) indicating the location of the shelf, so that security can travel to thatlocation and assist the purchaser, if necessary, or catch a thief. [045] In yet another aspect, a shelf may include a wireless identifier reader (106). The wireless identifier reader ( 106) can read RFID cards, NFC communications and/or other protocols which can identify the user and provide information, such as coding for wireless card/tag of purchaser, creditand debit cards, or other information to associate an account with the user.

[046] Also, motion sensor (114) may be provided to detect the presence of individuals in front of the shelf. Motion data from motion data sensor (114) can be used to monitor traffic within the store. The system (100) of the present invention also comprises of CCTV camera that can provide still shots or video of purchasers or thieves. This recorded information can then be used by security, if needed. In addition, purchasers may be issued a bar code or other code, ratherthan using an RFID card to identify the buyer. For example, codes, such as QR codes, can be issuedto individuals, or other different types of codes, which can be read either by the bar code reader, or the camera, to identify the purchaser.

[047] In yet another aspect, the controller ( 130) may receive the encoded electrical signals from the weight sensors (108) calculate the weight changes detected by the wireless purchaser identifier weight sensing shelf (104), which can be related to the items taken from, or replaced on, weight sensing shelf. The controller (130) can provide information to store server (116) indicating the location of the products so that products can be moved to different locations on the shelf, such as toward the front of the shelf.

[048] In yet another aspect, a display unit (130) may be mounted on the front portion of the shelf surface plate and displays various information. The display unit (130) be similar to the liquid crystal display and a camera. The display unit (130) may also include other items, such as a bar code reader, a motionsensor, a wireless transceiver, an NFC reader, an RFID reader and other devices. A processor (120) may also be included in the display unit (130) to process the various data collected and to assist in the display of data on LCD. [049] Hence, the automated purchasing system disclosed herein allows users to simply enter a store, be identified using an RFID card, an NFC device, or by optical recognition techniques, remove products, and exit the store. The checkout process is eliminated, which eliminates large costs associated with all of the equipment and labor required for checkout. Information on selected items can be immediately transmitted to the purchasers for display on a smart communicator, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, or similar device. In addition, problems with an account can also be identified early in the shopping process to eliminate these problems early in the process, and eliminate wasted time. The automated purchasing system identifies the user, identifies the products that were taken by the user, and automatically charges the user, so that the user can exit the store without the delayed process of checking out.

[050] In these instances, the checkout process is also greatly simplified. Because of the short field for the wireless communication between an RFID and the wireless purchaser identifier weight sensing shelves, as well as the short distance required for near field communication devices, there can be little trouble with the shelf mistakenly identifying an incorrect purchaser.

[051] Also, optical recognition techniques can be implemented so that the purchaser is recognized at the shelf. Additionally, items can be returned to the shelf by simply placing the RFIDcard or NFC device near the shelf to identify the user, or optically identifying the user, and simplyreplacing the item on the shelf.

[052] The automated purchasing system is simple and easy to use, utilizes currently existing technologies, such as NFC technology, RFID cards, or optical recognition techniques, and greatly reduces costs associated with the retail sales of goods.

[053] In yet another aspect, a camera can be used for various purposes. For example, the camera can be used to keep a record of the use of the shelves. In addition, camera can be used for recognition and identification purposes. Alternatively, a user may wear an optically coded device, such as an optically coded sticker, a pin, card, or other optically coded device, that provides identification of the user to the recognition system. Camera can optically identify a sticker, pin, card, or other optically coded device, within a certain range of the camera, to provide access to the products. Upon obtaining identification data, either by camera or by reader, the purchaser can be identified by processing techniques that can be performed in either the shelf control unit, the server (116) or the control center (124).

[054] In yet another aspect, the present invention may provide an automatic door opening system. The door may include an electronic lock that generates a magnetic field to operate the electronic lock.

[055] Additionally, the storage module (128) may be a local storage or a cloud-based storage. In any manner, the data repository is envisaged to be capable of providing the data to the processing module (116), when the data is queried appropriately using applicable security and other data transfer protocols. The storage module (128) is configured to store the data of the multiple products and purchasers.

[056] Further, the processing module (116) be coupled with each of the one or more weight sensors (108), one or more cameras and the storage module (128). The processing module (116) is envisaged to include computing capabilities such as a memory unit (118) to store machine readable instructions. The machine -readable instructions may be loaded into the memory unit (118) from a non-transitory machine-readable medium, such as, but not limited to, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs and Flash Drives.Alternately, the machine -readable instructions may be loaded in a form of a computer software program into the memory unit (118). The memory unit (118) in that manner may be selected from a group comprising EPROM, EEPROM and Flash memory. Furthermore, the processing module (116) inc ludesa processor operable connected with the memory unit (118).. In various embodiments, the microprocessoris one of, but not limited to a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a general -purpose processor and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[057] Moreover, the processing module (116) may implement artificial intelligence and deep learning- based technologies for, but not limited to ,data analysis, collating data and presentation of data inreal-time.

[058] In yet another aspect, a communication network may also be used in the system forconnecting a remote analytic system. The communication network can be a short-range communication network and/or a long-range communication network, wire or wireless communication network. The communication interface includes, but not limited to, a serial communication interface, a parallel communication interface or a combination thereof. The communication network may be implemented using a number of protocols, such as but not limited to, TCP/IP, 3GPP, 3GPP2, LTE, IEEE 802.x etc. The communication network may be wireless communication network selected from one of, but not limited to, Bluetooth, radio frequency, internet or satellite communication network providing maximum coverage.

[059] In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, written in a programming language, such as, for example, Java, C, or assembly. One or more software instructions in the modules may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will be appreciated that modules may comprised connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and may comprise programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. The modules described herein may be implemented aseither software and/or hardware modules and may be stored in any type of computer-readable medium or other computer storage device.

[060] Further, while one or more operations have been described as being performed by or otherwise related to certain modules, devices or entities, the operations may be performed by or otherwise related to any module, device or entity. As such, any function or operation that has beendescribed as being performed by a module could alternatively be performed by a different server, by the cloud computing platform, or a combination thereof. It should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure might be implemented using a variety of technologies. For example, the methods described herein may be implemented by a series of computer executable instructions residing on a suitable computer readable medium. Suitable computer readable mediamay include volatile (e.g. RAM) and/or non-volatile (e.g. ROM, disk) memory, carrier waves and transmission media. Exemplary carrier waves may take the form of electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals conveying digital data steams along a local network or a publicly accessible network such as the Internet.

[061] It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from thefollowing discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "controlling" or "obtaining" or "computing" or "storing" or "receiving" or "determining” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device that processes and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display device.

[062] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A system for self -checkout at retail chains, comprising:

• a wireless identifier (102) provided to each purchaser entering a store;

• a plurality of weight sensing shelves (104) located inside the store;

• a plurality of wireless identification readers (106), each placed inside a weight sensing shelf (104);

• a plurality of weight sensors (108), each mounted inside a weight sensing shelf (104);

• an interference blockage module (110) placed in between the wireless identification readers (106);

• a plurality of camera modules (112) mounted on aisle of the store;

• a plurality of motion sensors (114), each mounted in front of a weight sensing shelf (104);

• a processing module/unit (116) communicably coupled to the weight sensors (108) and the camera modules (112), comprising;

■ a memory unit (118) coupled to the processing module/unit (116); and

■ a processor (120) operably coupled to the memory unit (118);

• a store server (116) wirelessly or wiredly connected to the processing module/unit (122);

• a control center (124) communicably coupled to the store server (116) over internet or secured private wireless network;

• an operating device (126) enabling a purchaser to review products selected by the purchaser and to make payment for the purchased products;

• a storage module (128) wirelessly connected to the weight sensors (108) and the wireless identification reader (106);

• a display unit (130) mounted on front portion of surface plate of the weight sensing shelves (104) and wirelessly connected to: the processing module/unit (116), the store server (116) and the control center (124); and

• a controller (130) wirelessly connected to the weight sensors (108) wherein, (I) the wireless identifier (102) detects identity of each purchaser;

(II) the weight sensing shelves (104) displays products for sale;

(III) the wireless identification readers (106) configured to read/scan the wireless identifier (102) and generate information regarding identity of the purchaser;

(IV) the weight sensors (108) configured to detect number of products picked by the purchaser based on weight of each product;

(V) the interference blockage module (110) configured to block interference of wireless signals by placing aluminum foil barrier in between the wireless identification readers (106);

(VI) the processing module/unit (116) configured to receive data from the weight sensors (108) and the camera modules (112), and processes the data to identify specific products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) by each purchaser so as to calculate total price of the products purchased by the purchaser;

(VII) the motion sensors (114) configured to detect presence of purchasers in front of the weight sensing shelves (104) along with monitoring traffic within the store;

(VIII) the store server (122) configured to receive processed data from the processing module/unit (116);

(IX) the control center (124) configured to store the data received from the store server (122) and wirelessly transmit the data to the purchasers via the operating device (126) over wireless network, enabling the purchasers to make payment for the products purchased;

(X) the camera modules (112) configured to detect and differentiate product placed on the weight sensing shelves (104) through machine learning;

(XI) the storage module (128) configured to store data received from the weight sensors (108) and the wireless identification readers (106), and provide the data to other component of the system for processing;

(XII) the display unit (130) configured to display information regarding the number of products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) as well as identity of the purchasers;

(XIII) the controller (130) configured to receive encoded electrical signals from the weight sensors (108) to calculate weight change related to products taken/replaced from the weight sensing shelves (108) and provide location information of the products to the store server (116). The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the store server (116) directly receives the data from the weight sensors (108) and the wireless identification readers (106) over a plurality of wireless network and perform any of one the functions:

(a) evaluates the number of products removed from or placed on the weight sensing shelves (108) by each purchaser;

(b) transmits the received data to the control center (124) which then evaluates number of products removed from or placed on the weight sensing shelves (108) by each purchaser. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control center (124) is a web enabled or web hosted system accessed by internet browser and operated as private computing system or on processing systems that further operates on computing assets on internet cloud. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the wireless identifier (102) is a passive RFID tag configured in a form of a wrist band. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein each RFID tag comprises of a QR code enabling the purchaser to scan and make payment of the products purchased via an operating device (126). A method for self checkout at retail chains, as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a wireless identifier (102) to each purchaser;

(b) waving or placing the wireless identifier (102) near a wireless identification reader (106) by the purchaser;

(d) generating weight signals by the weight sensors (108) indicating 22 number of products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) by the purchaser;

(f) processing the data received from the weight sensors (108) by the processing module/unit (116) and identifying specific products removed from the weight sensing shelves (104) by the purchaser, so as to calculate total price of products purchased by the purchaser;

(i) making payment by the purchaser via an operating device (126).