Computerized shopping cart with storage and distribution system, for supermarket use

[0002] The present invention relates to a system comprising a computerized cart and an automatic storage/distribution system.

[0003] Currently, in supermarkets, shopping information are provided with a myriad of signs and are generic (they indicate the various departments: detergents, others); the mechanical cart is used for shopping, the prices of products on sale are reported on physical tags, which oftentimes even go missing. At the cash register, all products must be removed from the cart to be counted with the manual optical scanner by the operator. Lastly, there is a form of advertising on signs aboard the cart. There is no possibility of qualifying shopping data with the consumer's characteristics (age, profession, other information) for market research purposes.

[0004] The current information service is scattershot, generic, and it engenders only confusion. Moreover, it is not interactive and hence it fails to meet precise requests by the customer (where is the cheese? or other requests). The result is that a synthetic presentation of the shopping scenario cannot be provided, so much so that, especially in large shopping areas, many departments remain unknown, and it is difficult to reach the desired product, or the shopper gives up on the purchase. While shopping, it is often impossible to understand the price of the product, or whether it is on sale, because there was no time to update its price tag due to the innumerable daily variations. Moreover, in order to calculate 1S the total amount as it increases, calculators are used. At the check-out counter, long queues are formed of shoppers waiting for the receipts to be issued. Lastly, the on-board commercial message is almost ineffective. The data for each shopping cart cannot be qualified with the customer's data (age, profession, other information) and hence they are not useful for the purposes of a specific market research about consumers (identifying the stereotype consumer for that product).

[0005] These objects and others besides are attained by the computerized shopping cart able to be articulated into mechanical cart and computerized unit for entering products, with system for the storage and distribution thereof, with services of check-out counter queue elimination, shopping information, emission of commercial messages, real-time market research, pastimes and related auxiliary services for use in supermarkets (groceries area) characterized in that in general it comprises a closed/openable mechanical cart compartment (1) of new design for food products able to be hitched/unhitched through related electromechanical system (19) to the computerized unit for entering products (5), such as to avoid any contact with the interior environment and it checks shopping operations for correctness moreover the electronic unit (6) housed therein, comprises a computer of new design aimed at shopping problems called SHOPPING-COMPUTER (6), with related data base 6d, operating software (16) and firmware (17) for controlling the process of the related parts, in particular the mechanical cart comprises a department (1c2) for containing the inserted products, closed & openable by a related system (4) so as to be able to latch together; it comprises an automatic system (2) for varying (increasing) its internal capacity, an attenuator distributor (3) of the products as they are inserted; the insertion unit (5) comprises a manual mechanical system (5a) for inserting/ejecting the products toward the interior of the container and a series of electronic systems, i.e. the automatic system for optically scanning (7) the standard bar-codes UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODE (UPC)/EUROPEAN ARTICLE NUMBERING (EAN), one (8) for checking the correctness of the shopping operation, one for the exchange of messages of any nature and form (9, 10, 11), one (12) for 6 emitting multimedia commercial messages, one (13) for market research, one (14) for pastimes, one (15) for power supply; one (25) controlling the removal of the insertion unit; the mechanical cart is parked free outside, whereas insertion units are distributed (at the 5 entrance) and stored (before departure) by the auxiliary automatic distribution/storage system (90); it comprises the central system (22) (data exchange via ether/shopping data concentrator, control over cash register (22f) for receipt issue, control over storage/distribution system) (20); it comprises the automatic payment (self-service) counter (23); moreover within the aboard unit it comprises the computerized map (24) of product distribution on the various shelves, aided by orientation units (position co-ordinate) installed within the commercial area, and related orientation units (position co-ordinates).

[0006] Additional characteristics and advantages of the inventions shall be made more evident by the discussions of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the computerized cart (SHOPPING-COMPUTER) able to be articulated into mechanical cart and electronic unit for entering products with information service, emission of commercial messages, real time market research, pastimes and related auxiliary systems for use in supermarkets (groceries area), by way of non limiting indication in the sole drawing whereof in

[0007] TABLE 1—FIGS. 1a, 1bis shown the complete view of the invention from the mechanical cart and insertion unit (drive side) side,

[0008] TABLE 2—FIGS. 2a, 2bis shown the overall view (distributor-attenuator, product collector, closure system, internal capacity increase system), the side view (detail of distributor/attenuator) of the mechanical cart; in

[0009] TABLE 3—FIGS. 3a-3d, its top view, the side view, the opening system (product extraction), the parking mode (telescoping fit), in

[0010] TABLE 4—4a-4bshows the complete view of the product insertion unit, the bar code optical scanning system (UPC/EAN standard) in

[0011] TABLE 5—FIGS. 5a-5bsystem for product insertion/ejection and weighing system in detail

[0012] TABLE 6—FIGS. 6a, 6bthe latching/unlatching system to the metal cart top view side view (details); in

[0013] TABLE 7—FIGS. 7a, 7bthe unit for data input output to the user; in

[0014] TABLE 8—FIG. 8 the complete diagram of the electronic parts of the insertion unit; in

[0015] TABLE 9FIGS. 9a-9cthe programmable logic (software/firmware of the unit; moreover in

[0016] TABLE 10—FIGS. 10a-10cthe automatic system for the distribution (latching)/storage (unlatching) of the product insertion units is shown with details (distribution, driving, storage techniques); in

[0017] TABLE 11—FIGS. 11a-11cthe complete diagram of its electronic parts, the battery recharge system, the system for connection to the EDP centre; in

[0018] TABLE 12—FIGS. 12a-12bthe programmable logic (software) developed in the centralized system (or ground); in

[0019] TABLE 13—FIGS. 13a-13cthe complete view is provided both of the cart—ordinary check-out counters (with operator) and related logics developed by the on-board units; and the automatic counter (self-service 5 payment with magnetic card or other means); lastly in

[0020] TABLE 14—FIGS. 14a-14bis reported the mechanical system for controlling the removal of insertion units, the computerized guide, the commercial topographic map, and orientation posts.

[0021] The invention shown in the drawings, as per TABLE 1, FIGS. 1a, 1b, comprises in general the movable closed 1a1 grocery container 1 (mechanical cart), connected through an electromechanical 15 latching unlatching system 19 to the unit for their insertion 5; the container comprises a system 2 for the variation (increase) of its internal capacity constituted by the base 2aconveniently movable downward; it comprises a closing/opening system 4 constituted by a pair of panels 4aconveniently connected to the structure and openable, and it comprises 20 a distribution/attenuation system 3 (product collector), constituted by the fixed plane which can conveniently be eliminated and by the movable platform 3bconveniently: the insertion unit comprises a product inlet compartment Sa1 accessible through the double doors 5a2, Sa8 which stands on the weighing plate 8aof the related system 8, whilst 25 on the upper part and along the vertical to the wall extends the automatic system 7 for reading bar codes (UPC/EAN) culminating in the related device 7a; under the base, within the closed compartment 5c, it comprises the computerized unit 6 (shopping-computer), with related operating software 16, process control firmware 17, communication software 18 and the other electronic parts: system for the exchange of 5 commands/messages in general via ether directionally 9, omnidirectionally 10, via cable 11, commercial message emission system 12, market research 13, pastimes 14, autonomous power supply 15; extremely visible are the command input unit 6f(keyboard) and the output unit (display) 6n, which together with software 16,17718 and data base 6dcharacterize the SHOPPING-COMPUTER of new design to manage shopping problems, in the context of the cart; lastly it comprises, to the front the grip 5d, to maneuver the cart; in particular the mechanical cart 1, as per TABLE 2FIG. 2acomprises a base structure 1aand movable structure 1a1 bearing the closed compartment 1c2 of the internal products, surmounted by a top external one 1c1; it comprises an expansion system constituted by appropriate closures and the various sides (2a1) towards the inner walls of the main platform (3b) appropriately connected 2a3 to the vertical guides by elastic devices 2a3 such as to extend themselves automatically (internal capacity expansion) under the load of the products inserted; lastly it comprises the outer wall 2a2, which integrates the wall missing from the basket, during expansion; the system conveniently connected 3b3 to the secondary one fastened with elastic devices 3b4 to the vertical guides 3b:, and actuated by appropriate electrical devices 3b5 or other means; it comprises a longitudinal surface (product dispenser) able to be wound around the pairs of rollers 3a2 (under tension) fixed to the load bearing structure and through gears, belts, levers 3a1 to the manual control 3a2: from its side view in FIG. 2bthe platform comprises the main module 3b1; moreover from the top view in TABLE 3—FIG. 3ait is seen to comprise a diverging recess on the upper part such as perfectly to fit the product insertion unit 5, at the moment of latching with the cart plus computerized unit set becoming a single compact body; it comprises the upper basket (external products) 1c1; from the drive side view of FIG. 3b, at the base one notes the motion devices 1a1, it comprises a pair of panels 4c2 to integrate the front one 4a, hinged to the load 10 bearing structure and revolving inward and upward and appropriately connected thereto and able to slide; it comprises a window which will correspond, to the outlet of the product insertion unit (when applied); a pair of appropriate devices 19afor latching and 19efor electrical contact towards the on-board system, in line with those of the grip to the product 15 insertion unit; the system for opening (product removal) as shown in FIG. 3ccomprises a single structure constituted by a pair of panels 4ainterconnected, able to slide, to fit within each other and hinged 4c1 to the cart itself, revolving upwards in a rest position, such as to free the entire mouth of the cart, for removal of the products (after removing the products from the upper external compartment 1c1); conversely, in the closed position when the insertion unit is applied, a series of devices assures both the unfolding 4bof the panels (cascade fitting), and a latching 19aat an angle such as to ensure the closure of the internal space (otherwise there is no hitching to the insertion unit); as shown in 25FIG. 3d, it comprises the closure structure 4ain rest position, the platform 3bresting on the cart base, as well as the sliding base basket 2a, in line with the cart, whilst the front panel 4crotate upward, thanks to the thrust of the front cart, as well as the supplementary panels 4c2 in recessed position as an effect of the elastic devices: in particular the computerized product insertion unit 5, as shown in TABLE 4—FIG. 54acomprises the product inlet compartment Sa1 whereto access is gained through the upper door 5a2 sliding on appropriate guides Sa4, upon manual command 2a2 and exit one 5a8 connected through appropriate gears, belts, levers 5a14 to the manual control 5a15eat the same time (sole control) connected to the ejection system 5b; the 10 alternative opening of the doors 5a2, Sa8 occurs with the aid of the contact sensors 5a5, Sa11 and of the block 5a6, Sa12; it comprises the automatic system 7 for optically scanning bar codes constituted by the optical device 7aof the UPC/EAN laser type, working capability 360 degrees with respect to label position and desired distance) which slides 15 appropriately fastened along a transverse guide 7cappropriately shaped and positioned such as to explore the entire top and side face of the food product as it enters; it comprises as its base 8athe weighing plate 8; which stands on the loading system, of the electronic weighing system; it comprises under the base a closed basket 5cwherein is housed the SHOPPlNG-CONfPUTER 6 along with all the other electronic parts; it comprises externally the data input/output unit 6f, 6n(keyboard/display) from user, to the SHOPPING-COMPUTER; it comprises on the front a grip 5d, whose ends are latched to that of the cart, putting in contact electrical device 5eof the on-board lighting system; it comprises under 25 the base the electromechanical latching devices 19; in particular, as shown in FIG. 4b, the automatic system for optically scanning bar codes (UPC/EAN) standard comprises the scanning device 7afastened onto a carriage 7blatched and able to slide along a guide 7cand actuated through appropriate gears and belts 7bby motor unit 7I; or other means; moreover for the connection to the electrical power supply 15, it comprises an electrically conducting strip positioned along the guide 7cwhereon the carriage stands through appropriate sliding contacts (or flying wire contained in a housing, as in the printer); in particular as in TABLE 5—FIG. 5a, in the system for inserting/ejecting an inserted product, the control device 5a12 is connected through levers gears and belts 5a14 both to the outlet door 5a8, able to slide along 5b2, and to the ejection device 5b, able to slide along the guides 5b2 so that during the travel the control Sa12 in the first section commands the opening of the outlet door 5a8 and subsequently the movement of the thrust device 5b1; the side view of FIG. 5bshows the reversible direction of opening of the electronic rack 5cwhereas the weighing system comprises the platform 8afor supporting incoming products, which stands on the electronic load detecting device 8c, appropriately fastened to the structure, driven by its intelligent unit 8d(microprocessor) interfaced toward the SHOPPING-COMPUTER; the latching system 19, as shown in TABLE 6—FIG. 6a, comprises a pair of guides 19ain line with the cart and insertion unit which has slightly converging shape in order to ease the fit; moreover, as shown in the side view in FIG. 6b, it comprises an electromechanical locking latching device 19b, fastened onto the lower part of the insertion unit 5, driven by the SHOPPING-COMPUTER, as well as a control for the safety opening; the unit for the input of users' commands towards the SHOPPING-COMPUTER, as per TABLE 7—FIG. 7acomprises various groups of function keys, i.e. one 6f1 for controlling shopping operations (cancel, consult, and others) one 6g1 to manage the menu lists of the products to be displayed (such as products for sale, consultation, purchases made, products to be 5 purchased, index of available list, and others), one 6g2 for the market research menus (such as customer survey, list of available items, and others) one 6g3 for the pastimes menus (quizzes, list of available items, and others) one 6hfor displaying the desired page (move forward, move back index, and others) within the chosen list, another one 6ito select 10 the desired line within the index (up, down, right, left arrows, run, and others); the unit for data output to the users from the SHOPPING COMPUTER, as shown in FIG. 7b, comprises a dedicated area 6n1 to provide shopping information on the incoming product (purchase) (price, type, offer, provisional total amount, final total amount to be paid, and others), one 6n2 for menu info, one 6n3 for messages: the electronic parts of the insertion unit, as in TABLE 8FIG. 8 in general comprise the processing units (SHOPPING-COMPUTER) 6, and the various control system, i.e. the product input unit 6fand output unit 6n, devices for light/sound signals 6p, 6p′: it comprises the multimedia commercial message system 1Q with its unit for the electronic synthesis of the human voice (Digital Signal Processing) and graphic processing; it comprises the system 7 for electronically scanning standard (UPC/EAN) bar codes with the related laser optical scanning device 7 with omnidirectional reading characteristics (360 degrees with respect 25 to the desired label position and distance), and appropriate activation; it comprises the weight measurement system 8 with its weighing device; it comprises the contact detection system 5a3, 19 with the parts Sa3, 19′ to be fastened; it comprises a fastening system 5a6, 19btoward the pivots 5a6′ and 19b′; it comprises the system for the exchange of messages/commands (analogue/digital) all possible forms unidirectionally via ether 9 (infrared) and omnidirectional 10, via cable 11 (local/remote users) towards similar external devices; lastly it comprises an autonomous power supply system 15, appropriate movable electric contact devices toward ground battery charger 20f, connected to the national power grid; the logic developed by the programs shown in TABLE 9 in general comprises software procedures 16 of operating nature (data base, others) both process control firmware 17 (opening lock, activating motor or other actions) and software 18 for communication towards external units; in particular the former, as in FIG. 9a, comprise: general reset at start-up 16a, shopping operations management 16b, management of the product list menu 16c, market search menu 16d, pastimes menu 16e, multimedia commercial message management menu 16f; for process control, as shown in FIG. 9b, it comprises the one 17afor latching/unlatching to the metal cart, the one 17bfor managing the shopping process (locking/unlocking product, insertion doors, and others) the one 17cfor the optical scanning system and weighing system 17d, for communication, as shown in FIG. 9c, with the outside world, it comprises the operations 18 for the exchange of messages and commands of any nature (digital/analogue) in all possible forms: via ether omnidirectional (infrared), via cable via ether (infrared) 18a, the distribution station 20aof the insertion unit, as shown in TABLE 10—FIG. 1acomprises three positions 20a1, 20a1′, 20a1″ wherein stations a product insertion unit 5 oriented with the latching system 19 outward and positioned above a conveyor system 20c; each station comprises an electronic holding device 19a: driven by the unit 21 and a device 19a3 for reception and transmission via ether, driven by 5 the supermarket computer; the latching plane in FIG. 10bis shaped/inclined 20a1′ to favour aerial detachment therefrom and the insertion unit comprises elastic devices for the connection towards motion device to soften the aerial detachment; the central warehouse comprises an organization in modules, each of which comprises three closed 10 compartments 20b1, 20b2, 20b3 wherein three product insertion units station in series, positioned on a conveyor system 20c1; within the individual compartments it comprises unidirectional transceiver devices 20a3 (infrared) connected to the management centre of the supermarket; moreover it is controlled by the computerized management centre 22 and 15 related software procedures 21hfor driving all electronic parts; the automatic system 20cfor replenishing the station by the central warehouse comprises a basic conveyor 20c1 actuated by motion units 20c2, sequential to the warehouse conveyor 20c1 actuated by other motion unit 20c2; moreover on the surface of the plane, as in FIG. 2010c, is traced a guide to force the motion of the insertion units; the storage station 20d, the automatic unloading system 20e, the arrival base plane as in FIG. 10c, are configured similarly to those for distribution, but with inverse functions (unlatching-depositing); its electronic parts, as in TABLE 11FIG. 11a, comprise the central management unit 22, but with the interfaces 22gto the various devices: motion, position detection (sensors), data exchange via ether (infrared), (light, sound) message/signal transmission; the battery charging system 20fof FIG. 11b, comprises a mains power supply, which through appropriate contact devices (conducting strips and conducting motion devices) connects with the autonomous on-board power supply 15: it 5 also comprises the system 20gfor connection toward the remote processing centre of the supermarket as per FIG. 11c, to/from the unidirectional devices for data exchange via ether 20a3, 20b4, 20d3 (infrared) (in communication with the on-board devices) positioned in the various compartments, and an interface toward the system unit: the processing logic of the unit as per TABLE 12FIG. 12acomprises the following procedures: management of the insertion unit—mechanical cart latching 21g1, 21g2, self-loading of the distribution station 21g2, from the central warehouse similarly, as per FIG. 12b, for the storage station comprises the unlatching procedures 21g3 and 21g4 for 15 unloading towards the central warehouse: the cart—ordinary (with operator) check-out counter system, as in TABLE 1, —FIG. 13a, comprises infrared transceiver devices 22apositioned near the outlet base in communication with the transiting cart, and connected to the management unit 12 which in turn connects to the local cash register 22f(receipt issue); the cart-automatic payment counter (self-service) 23 as in FIG. 13b, comprises a physical barrier device 23a, actuated by a motion unit 23b, devices for the unidirectional exchange of data via ether (infrared) 23c, driven by the unit 22; the logic of the ground units, as in FIG. 13c, comprises the following procedures: one 18gto 25 manage the exchange of data between cart and ground unit, then to drive the cash register for the issue of the receipt (ordinary cash register); and one 23dto process payment as well by means of scanning unit, magnetic card or other means in order to remove the physical barrier, lastly the insertion unit removal control system, as per TABLE 14—FIG. 14a, comprises a physical barrier 25aaccessible up to a certain height and 5 one 25a′ accessible by the customers, comprises mechanical devices 95 appropriately fastened to the insertion unit such that if the unit is not removed, its passage through the barrier, calibrated in this sense, is prevented; moreover the system for guiding within the sales area, as per FIG. 14bcomprises the map 24aof the product distribution on the various shelves within the sales area and appropriate pointers; it comprises appropriate intelligent units for orientation 24b(position indicator) located in the various points of the sales area with unidirectional transceiver devices 94b3 (infrared), towards the transiting cart, with such logic as automatically to send it the specific co-ordinate 15 of that point within the sales area.

[0022] The metal cart 1 is parked in the outside area, whilst the product insertion units 5 are inside within the automatic storage distribution system 20. The arriving customer draws the metal cart, enters and immediately after the entrance moves it close (drive side) to a position of the distribution station 20afor the automatic latching of the insertion unit. To facilitate this manocuvre, the cart follows appropriate guides. Once latching is complete, an appropriate message (acoustic, visual, or 25 of other type) is sent to the customer together with a welcome message. Essentially, the ground unit 22 detects the event upon communication via ether (infrared) of the on-board unit 6 which has latched it, unlocks the holding device 20a2. Then the insertion unit performs a full self-starting operation, the main platform 3bautomatically goes into shopping position (top) and an appropriate message (wishing good S shopping) informs that it is ready for shopping. Operating on the keyboard 6f, information can be requested on the products exposed (list menu: general, sales, purchased, others or about those to be purchased) or compose the shopping list thanks to a specific procedure; in general the display keys allow to examine individual pages, within a list/survey/pastimes, whilst when operating in the general list environment (index) the selection keys are used (pointing at the line with blink+run) to point and choose the desired argument (lists/survey/pastimes/desired page); to shop, it is necessary to introduce the product into the inlet compartment through the door 5a2, with its label visible upward, to the optical scanning device 7a, and positioned within a band parallel to the guide (legibility zone), during its travel and wait; the upper door 5aautomatically locks, the optical scanning device advances along the guide driven by the actuator 7auntil passing over the label it reads it, no matter what its angular position is; then it measures 8 its weight, it searches for the theoretical one 8 in the data base, using the label as a key and with the appropriate tolerance, it checks whether they are consistent: if so, it appropriately advises the customer to proceed with stowing the product, if not it requests to repeat the operation (invalid operation) after several attempts it gives an appropriate alarm—on each command this anonymous event is stored. For stowage, the customer presses the manual control 5a15 which causes the door 5a8 to open and the product to be ejected inside 1b. The stowed products, thanks to the internal distributor, are laid down longitudinally (x axis); when a certain quantity of products is deemed to have been stowed; upon electrical horizontal command 3b5 the base retracts, and the products are unloaded onto the platform available below: with the command a sufficient lowering thereof is set, and the distributor is re-set. The process continues cyclically in this manner until the platform, having reached the base, thanks to its load, forces the opening of the cart base. It is also possible, with appropriate incentives (prize) and respecting one's anonymity, to reply to market research questionnaires (research menus) 6g2, or activate pastimes features 6g3 (pastimes menu); while shopping, from time to time the multimedia commercial message 14 is sent (audio, video, images or by other means) at asynchronous and strategic times (after a purchase of a competing or analogous product, or at other times). At the check-out counter, upon command or automatically, the collected shopping data are transmitted to the exchange/concentration system 22 cash register 22f, which immediately issues the receipt; if there are any products on the external compartments, they are counted in the classic manner whereupon the receipt is issued. This entails the elimination of 20 check-out queues. After the cash register, the customer repeats the entry operation at a position of the storage station, to release the insertion unit. He/she then moves away outside, in the car park, with the cart filled with groceries. To remove the goods, it is sufficient to remove the closure and proceed' normally. The movable platform, after removing the products, 25 will automatically return to the base position (normal capacity) and this will allow normal telescoping parking.

[0023] The invention thus conceived can be subject to numerous modifications and variations without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims. Moreover, all components may be replaced with technically