Media enabled shopping cart system and associated methods

BIDIRECTIONAL RECHARGE SURROUNDING SYSTEM, LOAD METHOD AND METHOD FOR INCREASING THE ACCURACY OF LOCATING A SHOPPING CART

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is addressed to a media-enabled shopping cart system, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a system and method for providing information such as advertisements to a consumer as a shopping cart browses a store.

Background of the Invention

In the current media market, measuring advertising effectiveness is difficult. Advertisers are spending billions of dollars on television, radio and the press with little return on investment, and have little guarantee that consumers will actually see the ads, and even less will make purchase decisions impacted by them. Thus, advertisers and stores are constantly looking for new and related advertising locations, and in particular those positioned at, or in close proximity to, the point of purchase. Namely, the traditional shopping cart is an underused advertising medium. The shopping cart is a place that moves continuously with the customer as they browse the store. In this way, the shopping cart provides an advertising spot with an opportunity to improve the consumer's shopping experience.

The present disclosure is aimed at addressing the needs of advertisers, retailers and consumers. Advertisers want to: 1) show ads on site, and on

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2/145 hours, more effective, at the consumer's point of purchase; 2) specifically measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns, and 3) improve the return on advertising investment dollars. Retailers want to: 1) increase sales, 2) share advertising revenue, 3) reduce labor costs, 4) create a consumer-friendly environment with less advertising clutter, 5) increase their store image and 6) make improvements that are compatible with existing solutions. Consumers want to: 1) have a pleasant and efficient shopping experience, and 2) save money on items they need or want.

Summary of the Invention

According to one modality, a media-enhanced shopping cart system is provided. The media-augmented shopping cart system comprises a shopping cart comprising a frame, a basket, a handle, a base tray, a plurality of wheels, a reading component to perform a shopping cart proximity scan, a location component to determine a store's shopping cart location based on the scan, and a display component to display at least one ad for a product based on the location of the shopping cart in the store in relation to the shopping cart based on the scan, and where the display component is additionally operable to display an indication of the location of the advertised product in relation to the location of the shopping cart.

In another embodiment, a method is provided. The method comprises performing a proximity scan of a

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3/145 shopping cart, determine a cart location in a store based on the scan; display at least one product ad based on the location of the cart, correlate a location of an advertised product with the location of the cart, and display an indication of the location of the advertised product with respect to the location of the shopping cart.

These and other features and advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in combination with the attached drawings and claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following short description, taken in combination with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, in which similar reference numerals represent similar parts.

Figure 1 is a side view of a media enabled shopping cart, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 shows a view of the nose of a media enabled shopping cart according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3A illustrates a rear view of a media enabled shopping cart, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of a modular device of a media enabled shopping cart, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 shows an exemplary display, according to

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4/145 an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a front view of a media-enabled shopping cart refill in a refill pen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a detailed cropped view of a media-enabled shopping cart engaged in a recharge enclosure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8A shows a side view of a charging rail system for recharging the battery of one or more carts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8B illustrates a side view of two cargo rail segments that form a single refill box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8C illustrates a front view of a media-enabled shopping cart refill in a refill pen according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 8D and 8E show a perspective view of a contact plate cover in a closed and open position, respectively.

Figure 9 is an exemplary view, defining a consumer's field of view using a media-enabled shopping cart according to a modality of the present disclosure.

Figure 10 shows a detailed view of a video display of a media enabled shopping cart, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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Figure 11 illustrates the nose of the media-enabled shopping cart with a folding video display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 is an exemplary view of a plurality of carts fitted together for storage, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 13 shows a detailed view of the video display, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

<td>The figure</td><td> 14</td><td>illustrates a</td><td>View</td><td>detailed</td><td>From</td>

<td>components of</td><td colspan="2">video display,</td><td>in</td><td>a deal with</td><td>an</td>

<td colspan="2">present modality</td><td>revelation.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>The figure</td><td>15 is</td><td colspan="2">an overhead view</td><td>the cart</td><td>in</td>

media-enabled purchases when reading one or more RFID tags affixed to objects to locate the cart in the store, according to one modality of the present disclosure.

Figure 16 shows an exemplary view of an advertising display on the video display, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 17 illustrates the general media-enabled shopping cart system in a chain store system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 18 is an illustrative view of the media enabled shopping cart in a chain store system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 19 shows a user interface including a voice-activated interface, a five-way navigation device, and a barcode scanner grouped in a capsule according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 20A is a front view of an opening in the

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6/145 bow tie format for an RFID antenna.

Figure 20B is a front view of a slot-shaped opening for an RFID antenna.

<td>THE</td><td>figure 20C</td><td>is</td><td>top view of a pattern</td><td>in</td>

<td>radiation</td><td>emanated from</td><td>leave</td><td>opening figures 20A</td><td>or</td>

<td>20B.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>THE</td><td>figure 20D</td><td>is</td><td>side view of a pattern</td><td>in</td>

<td>radiation</td><td>emanated from</td><td>leave</td><td>opening figures 20A</td><td>or</td>

<td>20B.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>At</td><td>figures</td><td>21A-F</td><td>illustrate various interfaces</td><td>in</td>

graphic user (GUIs) to be presented through a video display to a consumer user of the media enabled shopping cart.

Figure 22 illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) to be presented through a video display for a media enabled shopping cart user.

Figure 23 illustrates an exemplary scroll menu, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 24 illustrates an exemplary display including the content associated with the function of checking prices according to a modality of the present disclosure.

Figure 25 illustrates an exemplary display including the content that results from the price checking function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 26 illustrates an exemplary display that includes the content associated with the store's specials function according to one modality of the present disclosure.

Figures 27A-C illustrate exemplary displays that include content associated with the item finder function

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7/145 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 28 illustrates an exemplary display that includes the content resulting from the item search function according to a modality of the present disclosure.

Figure 29 illustrates an exemplary method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 30 illustrates a block diagram of a cart enabled for remote queuing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 31 illustrates yet another block diagram of a cart enabled for remote queuing.

Figure 32 illustrates yet another block diagram of a cart enabled for remote queuing.

Figure 33 illustrates yet another block diagram of a cart enabled for remote queuing.

Figure 34 again illustrates another block diagram of a cart enabled for remote queuing.

Figures 35-38 illustrate a series of block diagrams that reflect various modes of information presentation based on the carts of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description of Preferred Modalities

It should be understood at the outset that although certain exemplary implementations of the modalities of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present system can be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to exemplary implementations, drawings and techniques illustrated below, including exemplary drawings and implementations

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8/145 illustrated and described here.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 is a side view, Figure 2 is a front view and Figure 3A is a rear view of a shopping cart 10 having a basket 20 attached to a frame 30. The frame 30 further comprises a base 35 that has side elements base 32, 33 and front base element 34 extending between the base side elements 32, 33 at the front or nose 45 of the cart. The frame 30 further comprises side elements 16, 17 extending upwards from the base 35 on each side of the shopping cart 10. At the rear 25 of the cart, a handle 22 extends between the side elements 16, 17 at the end upper 18 of the side elements. The basket 20 may, however, not necessarily require, to have channels or notches 57, 58 configured to receive the side elements 16, 17. The side elements 16, 17 are shown as separate elements having an opening 19 between them, however in alternative embodiments a solid or single element can be used in place of separate elements 16, 17. In one embodiment, the frame, including base, side elements 16, 17, and handle 22, are formed as a unified element, unique, for example, by molding the entire plastic frame.

In one embodiment, substantially the entire cart 10 is made of plastic, also referred to here as a plastic cart, and in particular the basket 20 consists essentially of plastic, together with the frame 30 and base tray 50. Various carts in the related art have a plastic basket supported by

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9/145 a metal frame, meanwhile, a plastic cart 10 of the present disclosure comprises substantially plastic in which basket 20, frame 30 and base tray 50 are all made of plastic, and smaller components, with screws or other connectors, wheels 37 and 38 and the like can be made of plastic or a metal. In one embodiment, the plastic used in the cart 10 comprises a high density polyethylene (HDPE). The plastic is flame retardant and, in one embodiment, includes MICROBAN ™, a product to inhibit bacterial growth, which helps to keep the cart 10 cleaner. Substantially the entire plastic composition of cart 10 reduces or eliminates, additionally, RFID interference, as will be discussed in more detail here.

In one embodiment, substantially the entire cart 10 is made of metal or a combination of plastic and metal, and in particular basket 20 essentially consists of metal or a combination of plastic and metal together with frame 30 and base tray 50. In in one embodiment, the cart 10 may have a plastic basket supported by a metal frame, and smaller components, such as screws or other connectors, the wheels, 37 and 38, and the like may be made of plastic or a metal. Such a cart is in use, however, it can be retrofitted with media improvements, as will be discussed in more detail below.

A base or bottom tray 50 is attached to the base 35 and can be supported by a front cross member 56 and a rear cross member 53 extending between the base side elements 32, 33.

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Front wheels 37 are fixed in front of the base 35, for example, at or near the intersection of the base side elements 32, 33, and the front base element 34. Rear wheels 38 are fixed to the rear of the base 35, for example , at or near the rear end of the base side elements 32, 33. The front wheels, the rear wheels, or both may be pulleys comprised of metal and / or plastic.

The basket 20 further comprises a lower part 21; side walls 23, 24; upper lateral edges 26, 27; a front wall 28; a front edge 29; and a rear wall 31. The bottom 21 and walls 23 and 24, the front side wall 28, and the rear side wall 31 define an interior 54 of the basket 20, and the edges 26 and 27 and front edge 29 define an upper boundary into the interior 54 of the basket 20. The outside of the basket 20 refers to areas beyond the inside of the basket as previously defined. In one embodiment, a plane containing the upper edges 26 and 27 and the front edge29 defines the upper limit for the interior 54 of the basket 20. The rear side wall 31 can be hinged through hinges 51, 52 in such a way that the lower edge 55 of the rear side wall 31 can swing upwards into the basket 54 to receive the front side wall 28 from another cart, thereby allowing the carts to be attached to be stored, as shown in figure 12.

The basket 20 may further comprise a child seat 60 having a seat back 61 and a lower part of the seat 62. The rear side wall 31 may have openings 63, 64 to accommodate a child's legs

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11/145 when seated on seat 60. The bottom of seat 62 may include a hinged panel 65 which can be moved upward to close openings 63, 64 when seat 60 is not occupied. The seat backrest 61 can be hinged at or near the inner bottom of the rear side wall 31 such that when not needed the seat 60 can fold up flush with the rear side wall 31 to increase the interior storage area 54 basket 20.

In one embodiment, the cart 10 further comprises a bumper cable 100. The bumper cable 100 may comprise a plastic coated with neoprene, rubber or a similar coating product, or may comprise an uncoated plastic similar to that of which basket 20 and / or frame 30 is comprised. The bumper cable 100 can comprise an integrated portion of the basket 20, or alternatively, it can be coupled to the basket 20 or frame 30. In one embodiment, bumper cable 100 is coupled to an upper edge 26 or 27, or front edge 29 of basket 20. Various means for securing bumper cable 100 can be used in the present disclosure and include, however, include are not limited to, fixing, stapling, screwing, gluing, buckle fixing, welding, adhesion and the like. Various fastening devices can be used in the present disclosure and include, but are not limited to, clamps, fasteners, screws, bolts, glues, buckles, adhesives, and the like. In another embodiment, the bumper cable 100 may comprise an integrated portion of the front side wall 28 of the basket 20 or it may comprise an integrated portion of the front edge 29 of the side wall

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12/145 front 28 of basket 20.

In one embodiment, bumper cable 100 can provide consumer 85 with a portion of pulling cart 10 from a docked position with one or more other carts, without pulling cart 10 from a docked position by pulling the video display 75 The bumper cable 100 can also be used by the consumer 85 to pull the cart 10 several times while shopping. In one embodiment, bumper cable 100 can cushion cart 10 and video display 75 when a consumer 85 or other individual places cart 10 in a position fitted with one or more other carts. The bumper cable 100 can also act as a bumper to cushion the impact of the cart 10 with other objects such as walls, shelves, product windows, vehicles, etc.

Cart 10 can be improved with a number of additional features, although there is a market for the cart that is substantially all plastic with no media enabling capabilities. Cart 10 may comprise a traditional backfitted cart with the improvements described below. A cart 10 having a video display 75 is described by the provisional US copending order filed on July 27, 2005, entitled Basket mounted display for shopping cart, ”incorporated as a reference in its entirety. Added media enhancement capabilities may include displaying visual images as consumer ads 85 based on the location of cart 10 in the store, navigating the menu option on the video display 75 using the voice-activated interface 120 or a position device. 123 five position navigation,

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13/145 scan products for purchase, according to bar codes or RFID tags, improved outlet at a point of sale, media-enhanced shopping cart shopping lists, a product find function, and data extraction of information pertinent to advertisements displayed to the consumer 85 and which products were actually purchased, and similar, as will be discussed in more detail here.

In various embodiments, the shopping cart system may further comprise an embedded computer module (ECM) 200, also referred to as a modular on-board device (MOD), comprising a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a local memory 202 , a non-volatile memory 203, and a network transceiver 204, as shown in the block diagram of figure 4. In one embodiment, the ECM 2 00 may comprise a chip set which further comprises, for example, a microprocessor and a graphics accelerator. In one embodiment, the chip set may comprise an Intel pxa270 / 2700g xScale chip set or equipment or enhancement thereof. In one embodiment, the non-volatile memory 203 comprises flash memory, as known in the art. In one embodiment, the network transceiver 204 comprises an operable wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver to enable the ECN 200 to communicate with various network components as will be described in more detail here. In one embodiment, the network transceiver or a component of the same as the antenna can be located on ECN 2 00, for example, near a front wall of the ECM facing the cart's nose. When

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14/145 refer to various wireless communications in the present invention, including, but not limited to, network transceiver 204, any appropriate wireless communication protocol may be used including, but not limited to, IEEE 802.11 wifi standards such as 802.11a / b / g, IEEE 802.15 Bluetooth, IEEE 802.16 WiMAX, HomeRF, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the network transceiver 204 can be located on the video display 75, for example, in the screen housing 92, 93 and can be operatively coupled to the ECM 200. The ECM 200 can further comprise a housing 199 comprising a plastic hermetically sealed, protective or other appropriate protective computer packaging. The ECM 200 can be attached to the frame 30 (for example, via connectors 14, as shown in figure 12), bottom of basket 20, base tray 50, or combinations thereof by various means and fixing devices as described on here. In one embodiment, the housing 199 can be integrally molded as part of a plastic cart 10, for example, integrally molded to the bottom of the basket 20, as part of the frame 30, as part of the base tray 50 or combinations thereof. In alternative modes, the ECM 200 or components thereof can be attached to or integrated with the video display 75, for example, as part of screen 77 or base 76.

In one embodiment, in local memory 202, or non-volatile memory 203, the ECM 200 stores various programs and data, such as an operating system, speech recognition software, database software and populated database files, relevant files The

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15/145 ads and an operating system. In one embodiment, the operating system software can be equal to, equivalent to, or an improvement over Microsoft's WinCE.net Operating System (5.0) using the built-in edition of .NET Compact Framework and SQL Server for WinCE together with objects, Win networking triggers and tool sets with standard. In an alternative mode, the operating system can be Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded or an equivalent. It should be understood that specific computing equipment and software are revealed here as non-limiting examples, and that improved or equivalent components can be replaced as they become available. In one embodiment, the ECM 200 can incorporate the following types of programming: an embedded database engine, a business object layer, a graphical user interface (GUI) presentation layer, one or more media display engines , automatic speech recognition engine, a barcode device driver, and an RFID reader driver.

The Cart Coordinator is an application that runs on the ECM 200 of the cart 10 that is responsible for keeping the electronic features of the cart 10 up to date, including all content (such as advertising) as well as software (that is, applications and operating system). One of the many functions of the Cart Coordinator is to allow cart 10 to communicate with a server in the store's store (ISS) 330. In several modalities, the Cart Coordinator performs some or all of the functionality while

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16/145 cart 10 is in the 110 carts enclosure.

Cart coordinator also maintains communication with the ISS 330 while cart 10 is in the cart enclosure 110. The Cart coordinator also maintains communication with the ISS 330 while cart 10 is outside the cart enclosure 110, for example, during a session shopping. The Cart Coordinator checks the status and version of content and software, and after finding an item (that is, content or a piece of software) that needs to be updated, the Cart Coordinator starts downloading over the wireless connection.

The Development Manager is another application that runs on the ECM 200 of cart 10 which is responsible for installing the software downloaded by the Cart Coordinator on cart 10. The Development Manager includes the ability to determine whether a change is a minor change in such a way that a simple update can be installed, or a more significant change that requires installation and restart, or a major change that requires installation of the software followed by cart 10 rebooting.

In several modalities, the Cart Coordinator and the Development Manager are functional to synchronize and update only when cart 10 is present in pen 110, while in other modalities, the Cart Coordinator and the Development Manager are functional to synchronize and update while cart 10 is not in use, but not necessarily present in pen 110.

In several ways, the

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Development works when cart 10 is located in the cart enclosure 110, because it is desirable to make major changes to the cart when cart 10 is located in the best network coverage, which in some modalities can be in the cart enclosure 110. Additionally, it is undesirable overloading the goods from cart 10 by downloading while the cart is in use for purchases. In addition, cart 10 has unlimited power when located in enclosure 110, making enclosure 110 the preferred location for synchronization because synchronization uses a significant amount of energy.

In several ways, the Cart Coordinator is additionally responsible for uploading cart 10 to the ISS 330. For example, purchase events such as time spent with a certain ad displayed, cart 10 route, items purchased, and the like, can be programmed to upload cart 10 to ISS 330 by the Cart Coordinator.

In various modalities, the Cart Coordinator can additionally provide periodic real-time updates for items such as new product prices, store specials, and the like that are displayed and / or used by the cart 10.

In one embodiment, the ECM 200 can enter hibernation or standby when cart 10 is docked with one or more other carts 10, when cart 10 is stored, or when cart 10 is not in motion for a period of time. predetermined time. In one mode, hibernate or standby mode may involve turning off the ECM

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200 totally or partially. In one embodiment, the cart 100 may further comprise one or more motion sensors 36 operable to detect when the cart 10 is in motion. The motion sensor (s) 36 can be located anywhere on the cart 10. The motion sensor (s) 36 can be located on or on the handle 22 ( for example, in the cap 150) as shown in figure 3A, base 35, or the base tray 50. Alternatively, the motion sensor (s) 36 can be coupled to wheels 37, 38 and detect movement of the cart from the rotation of one or more wheels. Alternatively, motion sensor (s) 36 can be integrated with a scanner 315, where the motion sensor can serve as a proximity sensor 216 for the scanner and / or a proximity sensor 216 for the scanner can serve as a motion sensor to activate cart components. Alternatively, the motion sensor (s) can be located on the ECM 200, for example, a mercury switch or equivalent that detects movement of the cart. The motion sensor (s) activates the ECM 200, taking it out of hibernation, when cart 10 is selected by a consumer 85 from a position fitted with one or more other carts, from a cart enclosure 110, or when a consumer 85 begins to move an abandoned cart 10 that has not been moved for a predetermined period of time. Each component operatively coupled to or comprising components of the ECM 200, as described below, can also be reactivated or hibernated together with the ECM 200 when motion sensor (s) 36 detects that the cart 10 is in

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19/145 movement.

In one embodiment, the motion sensor (s) 36 may comprise mercury switches placed on the cart 10, as in a location on a wheel 38 or pulley, or in basket 20 of the cart 10, in such a way that when cart 10 is in motion, the mercury in the switch tilts with the movement of cart 10 to connect and disconnect the ECM 200 control or the various other components.

In yet another embodiment, the motion sensor (s) 36 may comprise one or more magnetic reed switches in addition to or in place of mercury switches. In such an embodiment, as shown in figure 3B, a magnetic reed switch 180 is located on the frame or pulley 182 above each wheel 38, and an associated magnet 184 is located on the hub of the wheel 38, allowing the perception of rotation around the axis 183 for motion detection. As is well understood in the art, by placing a magnet on a rotating wheel, a heartbeat "that reflects the rotational speed of the wheel can be determined, with a beat" each time the magnet rotates beyond the reed switch, opening or closing the same. By placing a pair of these switch and magnet groups, one on each wheel, the ECM 200 can receive a signal from the magnetic reed switch via cable or wire 181 that rotates through frame 30 and determine the rotation speed of each wheel when in motion. By comparing the rotational speed of adjacent wheels (for example, the two rear wheels having a known position, fixed in relation to each other), the ECM 200 can additionally determine when the

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20/145 trolley rotates as well as speed and direction of turns, providing additional data for use in accurately determining the trolley's location in the store. Further discussion of the use of magnetic reed switches in the location of cart 10 in the store is included below.

In one embodiment, the shopping cart system further comprises a correlation component comprising software, hardware or a combination of hardware and operable software to take various data collected by components of the cart, and correlate one or more of the different types of data. The correlation component, in one embodiment, may comprise hardware attached to the cart with software incorporated in it or may, in one embodiment, comprise hardware attached to the cart with software stored in and / or executed from the ECM 200. In one embodiment, the component correlation can be integrated into the ECM 200.

For example, the correlation component is operable to correlate data from the inventory component (discussed in more detail below) with respect to the inventory contained by the shopping cart, with the unique identity of the shopping cart. In such an exemplary modality, the correlation component is operatively coupled to the inventory component and the ECM 200, in such a way that as the inventory of the cart 10 is updated, the correlation component correlates the current inventory with the unique identity of the cart 10 and stores the correlation (preferably on the ECM 200), such that, at the Point of Sale 300, the ECM 200 can wirelessly communicate the inventory correlation and identity

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21/145 exclusive of the cart 10. The correlation component can be additionally operatively coupled to the location component, in such a way that the correlation component can correlate the inventory, the unique identity, and the location of the cart, during the course of a go shopping, store the correlation, and wirelessly communicate the correlation to the Point of Sale 300.

For example, the correlation component is operable to correlate data from the inventory component (discussed in more detail below) with the inventory contained by the shopping cart, with data relating to the shopping list component (discussed below). In such an exemplary modality, the correlation component is operatively coupled to the inventory component, the shopping list component, the ECM 200, and the video display 75, such that as the cart 10 inventory is updated, the customer's shopping list can be updated, as well as the shopping list shown on the video display 75. The correlation can be stored on the ECM 200, or stored elsewhere on the network, associated with a specific customer, and used to generate shopping lists in the future.

For example, the correlation component is operable to correlate data from the inventory component (discussed in more detail below) with the inventory contained by the shopping cart, with data for which ads are displayed to a consumer by the cart. In such an exemplary modality, the correlation component is operatively coupled to the localization component, the video display 75 and the ECM 200, in such a way

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22/145 that the correlation component receives the inventory from the inventory component, correlates it with ads that are stored or streaming to the ECM 200, and stores the correlation. The correlation can then be used to select which ad chosen from a plurality of ads is displayed based on the location of the cart. For example, if the inventory is known to include items for a party, the correlation of the inventory with the ads, and the location of the cart, can be used to display one or more ads for additional items used to host a party.

The shopping cart system may further comprise a shopping list component for listing one or more products from a customer's shopping list for purchase by the consumer. The shopping list component is operatively coupled to the video display 75 of cart 10, in such a way that the shopping list can be displayed, either prominently, or as a less prominent display, with, for example, a menu. options or announcements. In one embodiment, the shopping list component may comprise hardware, software or a combination of operable hardware and software to perform the function of maintaining, updating and / or displaying a customer shopping list. In one embodiment, the hardware and software are housed together and attached to the cart 10, while in another embodiment, the hardware may comprise a unit attached to the cart 10 (as will be discussed below) and the software can be stored and / or executed. from a separate unit, such as the ECM 200, ISS 33 0, computer POS 32 6 at Point of Sale 3 00 or

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23/145 another component of the networked system, in combination with the hardware attached to the cart.

In one embodiment, the shopping list component comprises the ECM 200 in combination with software that operates on it, populated with a customer shopping list. In one embodiment, the customer shopping list comprises historical data associated with the consumer 85 through the consumer's loyalty card, pin code, telephone number or other customer identifier associated with the consumer 85. Historical data refers to products that the customer has purchased in the past or products that the consumer has listed on a customer's shopping list previously. Consumer identifiers comprise a data reference that is unique to the consumer or his home. For example, a customer loyalty card can be associated with an identification number that is unique to the customer or his home. Stores often offer customer loyalty cards to consumers, which consumers use to enjoy coupons, discounts and other benefits provided by the store to their loyal consumers. The loyalty card can additionally be linked to in-store services, such as a pharmacy, in-store deli, automotive service station, and the like, to track and record consumer needs for that service. A consumer can additionally identify himself to the store using a pin code assigned by the store or his phone number to receive discounts, coupons and track usage of the store's services. The store can use the identifiers to track consumer purchases for

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24/145 inventory purposes as well as targeting ads and discounts to consumers based on what they actually buy.

In one embodiment, the customer's shopping list for future shopping trips is generated by the inventory in cart 10 during a current shopping trip. In such an exemplary modality, the shopping list component is operatively coupled to the inventory component and the ECM 200 (or another networked component) to store the cart 10's inventory during a shopping trip, and store purchases made based on in inventory at Point of Sale 300. In such a modality, the stored inventory can be associated with a specific consumer through its customer loyalty card, pin code, telephone number or other consumer identifier. The stored inventory can then be used by the shopping list component to generate a customer shopping list.

In one embodiment, the customer's shopping list can be downloaded from a store network website and associated with the customer's identification, such that when the loyalty card is scanned or another identifier is inserted, the customer's shopping list becomes available in cart 10 for consumer 85. In such a modality, when the consumer identifier is inserted or scanned, the list downloaded from the store's Network website can be streamed or wirelessly communicated from the ISS 330 through the access points to the ECM 200 and displayed. Alternatively, in a modality a shopping list stored on a PDA, laptop, cell phone

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25/145 or other electronic device can be downloaded to the ECM 200 via wireless, infrared, Bluetooth and similar known techniques, details of which are not important here, and the shopping list component will display the downloaded list and enable the functions described here.

Alternatively, in one mode, a shopping list can be sent by e-mail to the store's system for transfer to a card 10.

In yet another modality, the customer shopping list is generated based on one or more products selected by the consumer; where one or more products are selected by the consumer by scanning a bar code on a product; placing a product with RFID tag in shopping cart 10, and downloaded by the consumer in a list. In such a modality, the ECM 200 is operatively coupled to the inventory component to store the identity of products purchased by the consumer before generating a list. In such a modality, the ECM 200 is operable to store the identity of products previously placed in the cart 10 by the consumer to generate a list.

In one embodiment, the shopping list component is operatively coupled to the correlation component in combination with the ECM 200 (as discussed above) to correlate the inventory contained by the shopping cart 10 with the shopping list to determine which products on the list are present in the shopping cart 10.

In one embodiment, the shopping list component is operatively coupled to the ECM 200, the location component and the video display 75 to display an ad

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26/145 on the video display 75 for a product in the shopping list when cart 10 is located next to the product. In such an exemplary modality, the location component determines where the cart is located in the store, the shopping list component determines which products on the customer's shopping list are located next to the cart based on their location, and the ECM 200 displays on the video display 75 at least one ad based on cart 10 being located next to products on the shopping list.

In use, in one embodiment, the customer's shopping list can be displayed on the video display 75 as a less prominent display with advertisements, or as a prominent display when selected by a consumer. By prominence, it is said that the shopping list can be displayed as a larger primary display on the video display 75 while advertisements are displayed on smaller display (s), secondary on the video display 75 adjacent to the shopping list. As will be further described below, and as shown in figure 16, in one embodiment, screen 77 of video display 75 can be divided into a plurality of screen segments 308, such that one of the plurality of stored advertisements 307 can be displayed on multiple 308 screen segments while a shopping list can be displayed on a 308 screen segment. In one embodiment, one of the plurality of screen segments 308 can be designated to display specific consumer information, such as the consumer's shopping list.

The shopping list component can organize the products on the customer's shopping list with locations on the

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27/145 store for each product on the list, and display the customer's shopping list according to location. For example, the shopping list component can organize all products on the customer's shopping list according to a department in the store, or according to which aisle the products are located, to facilitate purchases by the consumer.

In use, in one embodiment, the shopping list component, coupled with the correlation component, correlates the customer's shopping list with the cart 10 inventory, such that when a product with an RFID tag from the customer's shopping list is scanned by the basket RFID reader 227 or scanned by the 215 scanner, the product is marked on the customer's shopping list. In one mode, the consumer can mark a product from the customer's shopping list. On the video display, the product can appear as checked or can be removed from the shopping list after being added to the cart's inventory.

In use, in one embodiment, the selection of advertisements displayed to the consumer can be correlated to the customer's shopping list by the shopping list component, the correlation component (as discussed here) and the ECM 200 or another networked component .

In one embodiment, the shopping list component is additionally operable, in combination with the ECM 200 or another networked component, for a consumer to select a recipe, and generate a customer shopping list based on the ingredients used to prepare the recipe. . In this mode, the consumer can select a recipe (stored in the ECM 200, or in a continuous stream

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28/145 for cart 10), and the ingredients needed to prepare the recipe (also stored in the ECM 200, or in

<td>continuous flow</td><td>for</td><td>the cart</td><td> 10)</td><td colspan="2">are added by</td>

<td>component of</td><td>list</td><td>shopping</td><td>The</td><td>list of</td><td>purchases from</td>

<td>client.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td colspan="2">In the modality,</td><td>the system</td><td>in</td><td>cart</td><td>shopping</td>

further comprises a voice activated interface 120. In one embodiment, a voice activated interface 120 comprising a set of microphones 121 and a voice activation button 122 can be embedded in the handle 22 of the cart 10 and / or in the capsule 150. In In one embodiment, the microphone array 120 may comprise any number of microphones, including as little as a single microphone, for example, integrated into the capsule 150. In one embodiment, the microphone array 121 comprises 2 to 4 microphones embedded at intervals along the length of the handle 22. In one embodiment, a voice activation button 122 can activate the microphone array 120. In one embodiment, the voice activation button 122 may comprise a button on a five-mode navigation device 123 or other navigation device and the microphone (s) can be housed in the capsule 150. By pressing the voice activation button 122, consumer 85 can activate a voice command option, enabling consumer 85 to request that cart 10 display the location of a specific product or other detailed information from a list of options on the display video 75. In one embodiment, microphone set 120 has built-in noise cancellation capabilities.

In one embodiment, the voice-activated interface 120,

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29/145 the microphone set 121 and the voice activation button 122 are operatively coupled to the ECM 200. In one embodiment, the ECM 200 can store operable speech recognition software to process a spoken input from the consumer 85 through the set of microphones 121 after activating the voice command option. The ECM 200 can determine an answer to the spoken question (which may involve reference to a product information database) and display the answer on the video display 75. The answer can be provided graphically or in the form of a written description, and can include a location (for example, map) or an options menu 124. For example, with reference to figure 5, an exemplary response to a false entry is shown. After a request by a consumer 85 is picked up by the microphone set 121, the video display 75 can identify the requested product (ie cottage cheese ACME ”), and display a written description 125 of the location of the requested product, as well as a graphical display 126 of a store map indicating the location 127 of the requested product with indication of the current location 128 of the cart. Video display 75 can simultaneously display a list of other options 124, for example, a list of available voice commands, as well as one or more advertisements 306 in the plurality of screen segments 308, where advertisements 306 are selected from a plurality of stored ads, as will be described in more detail here.

In one embodiment, the speech recognition software may comprise VoCon 3200 ™ software, commercially available from SCANSOFT ™ or equivalent software having

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30/145 similar speech recognition capabilities. In one embodiment, the voice-activated interface 120, operatively coupled to the ECM 200, can be reactivated from hibernation together with the ECM 200 when motion sensor (s) 36 detects that cart 10 is in motion .

In the modality, the shopping cart system also comprises a loudspeaker or other audio output device such as wired or wireless headsets, operatively coupled to the ECM 200. In one modality, a loudspeaker or loudspeaker set speakers can be embedded in the handle 22 of the cart 10 and / or in the capsule 150. In one embodiment, the speaker set can comprise any number and / or size of speakers, including as little as a single speaker, for example, integrated into the 150 capsule. In one embodiment, the speaker is a 2.54 cm audio speaker.

In one embodiment, the speaker may be operable to play portions of advertising audio corresponding to advertisements displayed on the video display 75. In one embodiment, the speaker may be operable to make advertisements, such as a store advertisement, or announce a successful scan, by audibly alerting the consumer when a product is scanned by the 215 scanner or when a product with an RFID tag is added to the cart 10. In one embodiment, the speaker enables a customer service representative to speak to a consumer using the cart, resulting in a consumer's time savings from having to queue at a customer service desk. In one mode, the speaker

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31/145 enables a store employee to speak to a customer using the cart to alert the consumer about the status of their order at a store service such as a deli, pharmacy or automotive center.

In one embodiment, the shopping cart system may further comprise an inventory component to determine an inventory contained by cart 10. The inventory component is operable to make an inventory of products placed in basket 20 or products placed in base tray 50 The inventory component can, in one mode, be operable to determine the inventory automatically without any action on the part of the consumer other than placing a product in the cart 10. Alternatively, the inventory component can, in one modality, be based on some action by the consumer to determine the inventory of the cart 10, such as determining the inventory of the cart 10 when the consumer scans a product and places the product in the cart 10.

In one embodiment, the inventory component comprises hardware and software operable to perform the function of taking inventory. In one embodiment, the hardware and software are housed together and attached to the cart 10, while in another embodiment, the hardware may comprise a unit attached to the cart 10 (as will be discussed below) and the software can be stored and / or executed at from a separate unit, such as the ECM 200, the POS 32 6 computer at Point of Sale 3 00 or another networked system component, in combination with the hardware attached to the cart. Various communication and computing components can use any protocol

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32/145 appropriate wired or wireless communication as described here.

In use, in one embodiment, the inventory component, in combination with the ECM 200 and the correlation component, is operable (as discussed above) to determine the inventory contained by a shopping cart, correlate the inventory to the cart's unique identity shopping cart, transfer the unique identity of the shopping cart to a Point of Sale 300 (or other retail system), and transfer the cart's inventory

<td>shopping</td><td>for a 300 point of sale</td><td>(or</td><td>other</td><td>system</td><td>in</td>

<td>retail).</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>In</td><td>use, in one mode,</td><td>O</td><td colspan="2">component</td><td>in</td>

<td>inventory</td><td>is operatively coupled</td><td>to</td><td>ECM</td><td>200 and</td><td>to</td>

identification component (discussed in more detail here). The identification component associates a unique identity with a shopping cart and the inventory component determines a shopping cart inventory. The correlation component (discussed in more detail here) correlates the inventory to the unique identity of the shopping cart, and the ECM 200 transfers the inventory from the shopping cart, or the inventory correlation to the unique identity to a retail system, or the identification component transfers the unique identity of the shopping cart, or any combination thereof.

In use, in one modality, the inventory component determines an inventory contained by cart 10. The inventory component is operatively coupled to the shopping list component, the correlation component

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33/145 (both discussed in more detail here), the ECM 200 and the video display 75. The inventory component determines the inventory contained by a shopping cart, the shopping list component displays on the video display 75 a list customer shopping list, the shopping list comprising one or more products for purchase. The correlation component correlates the inventory contained by the shopping cart with the shopping list to determine which products in the list are present in the shopping cart; and transfers the inventory and shopping list to a Point of Sale 300 at the time of purchase. Preferably, the transfer of the inventory and shopping list to the point of sale 300 is done wirelessly by the ECM 200, for example, via any appropriate wireless protocol such as those described here.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inventory component can comprise at least one basket RFID reader 227 with one or more RFID antennas 228 in combination with the ECM 200 and software operating on it. The number and position of the 228 antennas can be selected as functionally necessary, as would be evident to a person skilled in the art. In one embodiment, basket RFID reader 227 with RFID antennas 228 can be located anywhere in basket 20 and / or base tray 20 such products having RFID tags (passive or active RFID tags) can be scanned as they are placed in the basket and / or base tray 20. Each RFID tag in a product is associated with an industry-standard electronic product code (EPC), giving the individual product a unique identity. In one modality, the

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34/145 basket RFID reader 227 can be integrated with the ECM, for example, located in housing 199. Alternatively, basket RFID reader 227 can be located in other positions on the cart, for example, located on the bottom side of the cart 10, fixed by means of fixing, for example, to the bottom 21 of the basket 20, or to the base tray 50. In one embodiment, the basket RFID reader 227 and / or antennas 228 can be integrated with video display 75, for example, as part of base 76, as shown in figure 13. Alternatively, RFID antennas 228 can be located along edges 26, 27 or 29, as shown in figure 13; the side walls 23, 24; front side wall 28; rear side wall 31, or combinations thereof in basket 20 and / or base tray 50.

As products are placed in basket 20 and / or base tray 50, and identification information (including, in one embodiment, the product EPC described above) is provided to the ECM 200, which can be further correlated with additional information such as price, product information, advertising, etc. In one embodiment, information can additionally be displayed on the video display 75, for example, information pertinent to the product placed in the basket, added to a determined total of the products in cart 10, etc. The basket RFID reader 227 with RFID antennas 228 can automatically detect when a product has been removed from cart 10 and placed back on a shelf, and will transfer to the ECM 200 that the product has been removed, thereby discounting the removed product from the determined total shown on video display 75. The transceiver

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35/145 network 204 can additionally transfer information about a product placed on or removed from cart 10 to various network components as will be described in more detail here. In one embodiment, cart 10 is a plastic cart, as described here, that reduces or eliminates interference associated with basket RFID reader 227 and RFID antennas 228. In one embodiment, cart 10 is a cart that comprises metal, plastic or a combination of plastic and metal that is retro-fitted with the media enhancements described here.

In another exemplary embodiment, the inventory component alternatively or additionally comprises a scanner 215, for example, a barcode scanner. In one embodiment, scanner 215 is embedded in handle 22 and / or capsule 150 of cart 10. In one embodiment, scanner 215 can be attached to or incorporated with any portion of the basket 20, such as side wall 23 or 24, front side wall 28 or rear side wall 31, in a mode that is accessible to the consumer 85 using cart 10. Various fixing devices and means for fixing, as described here, can be used with the 215 scanner. The 215 scanner enables optional automatic scanning of products for purchase, coupons, loyalty cards, and any other object having a barcode or universal Product Code (UPC) by the consumer 85. In one embodiment, the 215 scanner can be activated by consumer 85 for placing any product with a claw code symbol within a defined proximity of the scanner 215. In one embodiment, the scanner 215 can be activated by a proximity sensor 216, which can

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36/145 comprise a portion of scanner 215 or can be operatively coupled to scanner 215. Like scanner 215, proximity sensor 216 can be similarly integrated with capsule 150. Scanner 215 can be any suitable scanner as a laser scanner, CCD scanner, 2D imager, and the like. In one embodiment, the 215 scanner may comprise a commercially available linear imager scanner from HAND HELD PRODUCTS ™ or an equivalent or enhancement thereof. The 215 scanner can, in one mode, scan symbols, such as a UPC or codes from the European Article Numbering System (EAN), in an omnidirectional mode.

In one embodiment, the inventory component may comprise scanner 215, in combination with the ECM 200 and software operating on it. In one embodiment, the inventory component is operable to determine the contents of the shopping cart based on which products the consumer has scanned and placed in the shopping cart. In one embodiment, the scanner 215 is operatively coupled to the ECM 200, such that as the products are scanned and placed in cart 10, the ECM 200 stores in local memory 202 a determined total of the products in cart 10 for purchase. After checking at the checkout counter, known as Point of Sale 3 00, ECM 2 00 can communicate information regarding products that have been scanned by the consumer 85 to a POPS 326 computer at Point of sale 300 or another networked system component , to be discussed in more detail here.

In one embodiment, scanner 215, operatively coupled to the ECM 200, can be hibernated or reactivated

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37/145 from hibernation together with the ECM 200 when motion sensor (s) 36 detects that cart 10 is moving or stopped. Specifically, in one embodiment, scanner 215 can be hibernated, or turned off, for energy conservation purposes, when cart 10 is in motion. When consumer 85 stops pushing cart 10 and cart 10 stands still while consumer 85 is selecting products to buy, scanner 215 is reactivated so that consumer 85 can scan products for purchase and place them in cart 10 . The motion sensor (s) 36 alone or in combination with other positioning data / systems or locators (for example, RFID scans and / or other positioning / locating means) enable this reactivation / hibernation function from scanner 215. In alternative modes, other cart systems can be activated or deactivated based on motion detection or stopping the cart to conserve energy and maximize battery life. For example, the bar code reader can be turned off when the cart is in motion, the antennas / RFID reader can be turned off when the cart is stopped, the video display can be turned off when the cart is docked or is immobile for an extended period or combinations thereof. Again, the movement of the cart can be detected, for example, through a motion sensor such as a reed switch and / or mercury switch alone or in combination with other means of perception such as interpreting reading data from the RFID tags.

In one embodiment, the shopping cart system

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38/145 may further comprise a navigation device, for example, a five-mode navigation device 123. In alternative embodiments, other navigation devices may be used in addition to or instead of the five-mode navigation device 123, for example , hardware or software buttons, a joystick, touch screen / panel, or combinations thereof. As an additional user interface for the ECM 200 and other features of the cart 10, in one embodiment, a five-mode navigation device 123 can be embedded in the handle 22 or in the capsule 150. The five-mode navigation device 123 allows, typically, entry (for example, menu navigation) through up, down, left, right and insert functions. In one embodiment, the five-mode navigation device 123 can be used to activate microphone array 121 for speech recognition features, or it can be used to navigate through an options menu 124 shown on video display 75. In an embodiment, the options menu 124 can comprise such selections as: 1) a Help option, enabling the consumer 85 to request the location of a specific product, 2) an interface with a pharmacy in the store for the consumer 85 to request the state prescription or receive notification of prescription availability. 3) an interface with a delicatessen in the store for the consumer 85 to place an order for the delicatessen or receive notification of the availability of the order, 3) an interface for notification to the consumer 85 of the completion of the auto service in the store, 4) an interface for interaction between consumer 85 and staff

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39/145 customer service for services such as notes for future use, and other functions for in-store services.

In one embodiment, the shopping cart system may further comprise design features to prevent tampering and theft. The shopping cart, due to the nature of the electronic components used as well as the computer programming, can be directed to theft and tampering. For this purpose, the various electronic assemblies for the components discussed here are designed in such a way that if a given cart is disassembled without customized tools and / or in an inappropriate disassembly sequence, the electronic assemblies are rendered non-functional due to damage incurred. due to improper disassembly.

For example, the main logic panel of the ECM 200 can be designed by having the printed circuit panel traces arranged with critical circuit traces residing in close proximity to mounting holes, as in a few thousand of an inch of the mounting hole. The logic panel would then be mounted on the ECM 200 case and frame using a custom head screw, thereby requiring a custom tool to insert or remove the screw. If the panel were subsequently forced from the case by someone who does not have the customized tool, the critical strokes would be damaged, and the panel would be non-functional to a degree beyond repair without design schematics for the printed circuit board.

In another example, the video display 75, which is described in more detail below and which can comprise a

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40/145 liquid crystal display (LCD), includes design features against tampering and preventing theft. The video display 75 can include two primary physical elements, namely, the LCD display screen and the LCD controller panel that interfaces with the LCD display screen via a flex circuit. The connections of the flex circuit with the LCD display screen are fragile and will not resist bending or pulling. A thin, insulating metal retaining bar can be added that extends the length of the flex circuit between the LCD display screen and the LCD controller panel, and secured in place by a screw or screws with a custom head, thereby requiring a custom tool for removal. If the metal retaining bar is not removed using the appropriate custom tool and in a specific sequence that avoids flexing or pulling the flex circuit connections, the LCD assembly would be rendered non-functional to a degree beyond repair.

In one embodiment, the cart also comprises a battery 135, operably coupled to the ECM 200, video display 75, voice-activated interface 120, barcode scanner 215, and any other cart component that requires power. In one embodiment, battery 135 is a standard lithium-ion battery or similar battery. In one embodiment, the battery 135 can be attached to the bottom side of the cart 10, by means of fixing, for example, to the bottom 21 of the basket 20, or to the base tray 50. Various fixing devices and fixing means as described here, they can be used with battery 135. In one embodiment, battery 135 can be integrated with ECM

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41/145

200. For example, a battery compartment or compartment can be entirely molded of plastic with the housing

<td>199 of the ECM</td><td colspan="2">200 in such a way</td><td>that the battery does</td><td>part</td><td colspan="2">of ECM</td>

<td>200. In a</td><td>modality,</td><td colspan="3">the 135 battery is rechargeable</td><td> .</td><td></td>

<td>With</td><td>reference</td><td>at</td><td>figures 6, 7 and</td><td> 8,</td><td>in</td><td>an</td>

<td>modality,</td><td>the cart</td><td> 10</td><td>can understand</td><td>still</td><td>an</td><td>or</td>

more contact plates of battery charger 105. Figure 5 is a front view of a cart 10 recharging in a refill box 111. In one embodiment, the battery charger contact plate 105 can be located on the base side element 32 and / or 33, side element 16 and / or 17, or side wall 23 and / or 24. For example, as shown in figures 1 and 6, a single battery charger contact plate 105 can be arranged on each side of the cart 10, thereby providing a pair of battery charger contact plates for each cart. In one embodiment, the battery charger contact plates can be positioned adjacent to the rear wheels 38, for example, on the base side elements 32, 33 slightly above the actual wheel assembly. Since the rear wheel span is typically approximately the widest part of the cart, as can be seen in figure 6, the positioning of the battery charger contact plates near the rear wheels places them in an external, low position on the cart which is useful for engaging a charging rail system 106 to recharge the battery. In one embodiment, the battery charger contact plate 105 can be spring loaded to assist contacting the contact plate with a charging rail.

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42/145

Figure 8A is a side view of the charge rail system 106 for recharging the battery 135 of one or more trolleys 10. The charge rail system 106 comprises a trolley enclosure 110 having a plurality of recharge boxes or strips 111, with each charging strip having load tracks 107 and 108. In one embodiment, the charging boxes 111 comprise a plurality of load track segments 109. In a store, the various cargo rail segments 109 comprised of cargo rails 107 and 108 can be arranged in a cart enclosure 110. The plurality of cargo rail segments 109 can be arranged in one or more rows of cargo boxes. refill 111.

Figure 8B is a side view of two cargo rail segments 109 that form a single refill box.

111. Each cargo rail segment 109 comprises a floor section 113, a cargo rail wall 114, and optionally a box wall 115, which may be transparent, as shown in the figures, or may be non-transparent. Loading rails 107, 108 are arranged on each side of the loading rail wall 114, as shown more clearly in figure 6. In one embodiment, a plurality of load rail segments 109 can fix joint in an end-to-end mode (as indicated by reference arrows 116) or in a side-by-side mode (as indicated by reference arrows 117) to form the recharge boxes 11 and surrounded by trolleys 110. As shown in figure 8B, the side edge 118 of the floor section 113 can be configured to match or interlock with the side edge 119 of the load rail wall 114 of an adjacent load rail segment 109.

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43/145 similarly, the front and rear edges, 129 and 130, of the floor section 113 can be configured to match or lock with the corresponding front and rear edges of adjacent load rail segments 109.

In one embodiment, the load rail system 106 further comprises a power source 112 that can be mounted on a wall or other permanent fixture to supply power to the trolleys 10. Power source 112 can be plugged into and operatively connected to the rails load 107 and 108. Similarly, the plurality of load rail segments further comprises connections in such a way that power is supplied to the entire cart rail grid through the connection of adjacent load rail segments 109.

In operation, a cart 10 can be fed to a cart enclosure 110 by a consumer 85 or another employee by placing it in a refill box 111. In one embodiment, the refill box 111 can be dimensioned in such a way that the load rail segments 109 are properly separated (for example, approximately equal to the rear wheel span of the cart 10) in such a way that the cart 10 adapts between the charging rail segments 109 securely enough that the battery charger contact plate 105 contacts the charging rails 107 and 108, as shown in figure 7. The contact between battery charger contact plates and charging rails 107 and 108 forms a flow path for electrical current between the power source 112 and the battery 135 such that the battery is charged. Batteries

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44/145 rechargeable batteries are well known in the art, as are methods of charging such rechargeable batteries from a power source. In one embodiment, a first contact plate 105 and a first load rail (for example, 107 or 108) form a positive terminal of the electrical connection and a second contact plate 105, and a second load rail (for example, 107 or 108) form a negative terminal of the electrical connection. Although load rails and dual contact plates are shown, the load rail system can be configured to operate using a single contact plate 105 on the cart and / or a single load rail 107 or 108.

In one embodiment, each load rail 107 or 108 can be spring loaded, each battery charger contact plate 105 can be spring loaded, or both can be spring loaded. In an embodiment shown in figure 7, the loading rail 107 further comprises a spring 140 providing a rail plate 141 outwardly for contact with the battery charger contact plate 105 located on the cart. The rail plate 141 can be surrounded by rail protection 142. Rail guard 142 can be configured to allow contact between contact plate 105 and rail plate 141 while preventing undesirable contact with rail plate 141 which could lead to electric shock. In an embodiment shown in Figure 7, the rail guard 142 has a concave shape with the rail plate 141 extending outwardly through a depth portion of the concave cavity, but not beyond the outer edges 144 of the rail guard 142. Contact plate 105 can be shaped

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45/145 corresponding convex, thereby allowing contact between contact plate 105 and rail plate 141. When a cart 10 is fed into a refill box 111, the cooperative shapes and spring-driven nature of the contact plate battery charger 105 and / or charging rail 107 or 108 make them in contact with each other, creating an electrical conductor between battery 135 and power source 112. Although figure 7 is shown with a single load rail 108 (for example, for use as an end rail assembly for attachment to the end 118 of figure 8B to form a complete box 111), it should be understood that typically two load rails 107 and 108 will be used in a mirror or rear-to-rear configuration, as shown in figure 6. The components of the two loading rails 107 and 108 will be similar to the components shown in figure 7 for loading rail 108.

In one embodiment, the plurality of load rail segments 109 is additionally configured to form a trolley enclosure 110 such that a plurality of trolleys can be fitted and stored therein, and each of the plurality of trolleys can be loaded at the same time. same time by the contact between each battery charge contact plate 105 of each cart with the load rails 107 and 108. For example, some or all of the carts in a store may be placed in the recharge boxes 111 of the carport enclosure 110 during periods of less movement or when the store is closed so that the battery 135 of each cart 10 is recharged to the next day or time period of movement.

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46/145

In alternative modes, the contact plates

105 they can be positioned elsewhere on the cart 10 and the load rail system 106 can be modified accordingly to provide contact with such plates as described previously. In one embodiment, the contact plates 230, 231 are positioned adjacent to and / or integral to the ECM 200, as shown in figures 6 and 12, which can be advantageous to simplify and shorten the flow path between the charge plates and the battery 135, especially when battery 135 is integrated into the ECM 200. Contact plates 230, 231 would typically be used in place of contact plates 105, as shown in figure 12, provided, however, that the double sets of contact plates 105,

230 and 231 could be used if desired, as shown in figure 6. The location of the loading rails, 107 and 108, would be modified, for example, elevated and / or extended, to engage with contact plates 230, 231 positioned adjacent a and / or integrals with ECM 200. Similarly, the contact plates 230, 231 could be mounted in a position extending outward from the ECM 200, as necessary to facilitate engagement with the load rails 107 and 108. For example, contact plates 230, 231 can be mounted on protruding or bulbous side plates 235 of the ECM 200, as shown in figure 12.

An alternative load rail configuration is shown in figures 8C-E. The recharge boxing modality shown in figures 8C-E, similarly, can be of a modular nature as described here. Figure 8C is a partial front view of cart 10 reloading in a refill box 111. A loading module 190 is

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47/145 mounted to the wheel fork 191 of the rear wheels 138, for example, through one or more bolts or other connectors. In an alternative embodiment, the loading module 190 can be mounted on the frame 30 or on the underside of the base tray 50. Preferably, the loading module 190 is mounted inside the rear wheels 38 and outside the front wheels 37, and more preferably on the inner side of the rear wheel fork 191. A battery charger contact plate 105 extends downward from the charging module 190. The battery charger contact plate 105 can be spring-loaded to assist in contacting the contact plate with a charging rail.

Loading rails 107 and 108 extend upward from the floor section 113 of the refill box 111. As shown in figure 8C, when a cart 10 is positioned in a refill box 111, the load rails 107, 108 are positioned inside the rear wheels 38 and outside the front wheels 37 and serve to guide the cart to the proper position for refilling. While positioned in the recharge box 111, the battery charger contact plates 111 enter the slots 192 in the charging rails 107, 108 and make contact with the rail plate 141 in such a way that electricity can pass from the recharge box 111 and charge battery 135. The rail plate 141 can be spring loaded in addition to or in place of the spring loaded battery charger contact plate 105 to assist contact between them. Slots 192 on the loading rails 107, 108 can be covered in whole or in part by a flexible material such as plastic or a nylon brush

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48/145 to prevent debris from entering slits 192. Such flexible material can be pushed aside by the battery charge plate 105 as it enters slits 192.

As shown in figures 8D and 8E, the loading module 190 may further comprise a contact plate cover 195. As shown in figure 8D, when the cart is not in a cargo box 111, the contact plate cover 195 extends down to cover and protect the battery charge plate 105. As shown in figures 8D and 8E, the contact plate cover 195 can comprise a generally U-shaped element having a clearance or protective arm extending therefrom to receive the battery charge plate 105 in a closed position. The contact plate cover 195 can be provided in a closed position, for example, with a spring. When a cart is positioned inside a refill box 111, the contact plate cover 195 is pushed upward through contact with an upper portion 196 of the load rails 107, 108, thereby placing the contact plate cover 195 in an open position as shown in figure 8E.

In still further embodiments, the load rail system 106 is operable to accept a cart 10 in both directions, and fully load the cart 10. That is, the load rail system 106 allows DC load voltages to be accepted at any direction (positive to earth or positive to earth). A Power Management Unit (referred to here as the PMU) of the cargo rail system 106 senses the presence of a cart 10 on the cargo rails 107 and 108. After contact of

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49/145 DC power, the PMU determines battery capacity 135 from previous battery readings before charging. The PMU can then initiate LED status indicators on the charging device (here, a cart 10) to indicate a charge level and how much charging has started.

In one embodiment, the PMU comprises a PIC processor in the load and firmware unit. The PMU PIC processor communicates with the processor on the ECM 220 in cart 10. The PMU monitors the communication control between the host cart 200 ECM and the PMU communication interface. If communication loss occurs, default protocols can be performed. For example, the load rails of the host system (ie cart) are closed and restarted or power to the system (eg cart) can otherwise be cycled, thereby avoiding blocking conditions with the host ECM 200 and other subassemblies.

The PMU calculates the appropriate charging algorithm for charging the battery 135. In various modalities, the calculation of the appropriate charging algorithm can be based on voltage and / or temperature calculations. In several modalities, the PMU uses routines to calculate the average measurement to determine load routines, such as accumulation load, full load or low / excess voltage failure conditions. Calculating the average helps to lessen the effects of contact murmur when the device is being charged (ie, cart 10) traverses load rails 107 and 108 (ie, impedance fluctuations and the like). In one mode, the PMU imposes a delay (for example, 5 or 10 seconds) of the first contact for

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50/145 allow time for the cart to become fully seated and stop moving before loading begins.

Additionally, the PMU perceives error conditions for voltage levels or if the PMU loses communication with the host (that is, the ECM 200 of the cart), then the PMU initiates a self-reset to recover and reestablish communication with the cart 10. Error conditions can include, for example, a voltage that is too low, or a voltage that is too high. Any case could indicate a bad cell in battery 135, which would indicate that battery 135 should not be charged with a full charge. Error conditions are defined in the PMU.

To avoid deep discharge of the battery of the cart 10, the PMU still in additional modes, perceives the voltage level of the cart 10 and calculates the remaining load capacity. If the capacity approaches a predetermined limit (such as 20% of remaining capacity, or in an illustrative 11-volt system), an alert message is issued through the communication port for system action. If the low voltage condition persists after a predetermined period of time, the PMU can automatically close the entire system, thereby preserving the PMU energy required for subsequent operation (ie, reboot) and allowing the device (ie, cart) 10) be charged without replacing battery 135.

For additional power management features, the PMU can be operable to shut down certain device functions to conserve system power during charging. For example, while cart 10 is inside fence 110, the LCD is not needed, RFID

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51/145 is not necessary, and similar, while wireless connection is still required. By closing the cart features that consume significant amount of energy while charging, faster charging is enabled.

As shown in the figures, a video display 75 is attached or assembled (referred to collectively here as attached) to basket 20 of the shopping cart 10. The attachment of video display 75 to basket 20 is in contrast to the attachment of the video display 75 to handle 22. In other words, video display 756 is not attached or mounted to handle 22. As shown in figure 10, video display 75 can comprise a base 76 and a screen 77 having a viewable area 78. In one embodiment, the video display 75 is attached to the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78 is above the interior 54 of the basket as previously defined. Unless otherwise specified, fixing the video display 75 such that the viewable area is above the interior 54 of the cart includes, in various alternative embodiments, having the viewable area 78 entirely above the interior 54; having the viewable area 78 substantially above the interior 54; or have more than 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99 percent of the viewable area 78 above the interior 54.

In another embodiment, the video display 75 is attached to the basket 20 in such a way that the viewable area 78 is in a field of view 84 of a consumer 85 pushing the cart 10 through the handle 22. Referring to figure 9, the field of vision 84 refers to the area having a lower limit 80, defined by an unobstructed line of sight from the consumer's eyes 85 to an upper wedding

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52/145 of the basket (e.g., front edge 29) and an upper limit 81 defined by a line of sight from the consumer's eyes 85 to an upper periphery of the consumer's view. Unless otherwise specified, fixing the video display in such a way that the viewable area is in the consumer's field of view 84 includes, in various alternative embodiments, having the viewable area 78 fully in the field of view 84; having the viewable area 78 substantially in the field of view 84; or have more than 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99 percent of the viewable area 78 in the field of view 84. The field of view 84 can vary based on the height of the consumer 85, and in one embodiment the shopping cart 10 is configured and the video display 75 is attached to the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78 is in a field of view. view 84 of a consumer 85 having a height equal to or greater than 1 meter and 52 cm. The field of view 84 can also vary based on the position of the child seat 60 or the presence of a child sitting on it, and in one embodiment the shopping cart 10 is configured, and the video display 75 is attached to the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78 is in a field of view 84 of a consumer 85 having a height equal to or greater than 1 meter and 52 cm when the child seat 60 is empty and folded in a closed position. The field of view 84 can also vary based on the position of products in the basket, and in one embodiment the shopping cart 10 is configured and the video display 75 is attached to the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78 is in one field of vision 84 of a consumer 85 having placed products in the basket, where the

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53/145 products do not extend outside or above the inside 54 of the basket, as previously defined.

In another embodiment, video display 75 is attached to an upper edge 26 or 27, or front edge 29 of basket 20. For example, base 76 of video display 75 can be attached to an upper edge 26 or 27, or front edge 29 of basket 20. Various fixing devices and fixing means, as described here, can be used with the video display. In one embodiment, the base 76 of the video display can be attached to an upper edge 26 or 27, or front edge 29 of the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78 is above the inside 54 of the basket, as discussed earlier. In one embodiment, the base 76 of the video display can be attached to an upper edge 26 or

27, or front basket 29 of the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78 is in a field of view 84 of a consumer 85 who pushes the cart 10 through the handle 22, as discussed above.

In another embodiment, the base 76 of the video display can be fixed to walls 23 or 24, front side wall

28, and rear side wall 31 inside or outside the basket 20. In one embodiment, the base 76 of the video display can be attached to a wall 23 or 24, front side wall 28, and rear side wall 31 inside or outside of the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78 is above the interior 54 of the basket, as discussed above. In one embodiment, the base 76 of the video display can be attached to a wall 23 or 24, front side wall 28 and rear side wall 31 inside or outside the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78

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54/145 is in a field of view 84 of a consumer 85 pushing cart 10 through handle 22, as discussed earlier.

In another embodiment, the video display 75 is attached to the nose 45 of the cart 10. The nose of the cart 45 is a well-known area for those skilled in the art. In various embodiments, the nose of the cart 45 refers to the front end of 1/3 of the basket 20, alternatively the front part of the basket 1/4, alternatively the front part of the basket 1/5, alternatively the front part 1/10 of the basket, alternatively the front wall 28, alternatively the front edge 29. In one embodiment, the cart's nose is shown in figure 11 or figure 11. In various embodiments, the video display can be attached to the cart's nose through a wall or an upper edge, as previously described, and the viewable area 78 can be above the interior 54 of the basket and / or in a field of view 84 of a consumer 85, as previously described. In one embodiment, the base 77 of the video display 75 is shaped to conform to or match the contour or shape of the nose 45 of the cart 10, as shown in figures 10 and 11.

The video display 75 can be any electronic display suitable for receiving and displaying visual images to the consumer 85. Visual images can be transmitted to the video display 75 by any appropriate means known in the art such as via wireless transmission. In one embodiment, the video display 75 is of a type commonly referred to as a flat panel display, for example, an LCD. The video display 75 can

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55/145 be powered by a rechargeable battery 135 attached to cart 10 and operably coupled to the video display 75.

In another embodiment, video display 75 is attached to basket 20 and is foldable or retractable for storage. For example, video display 75 may fold or retract into basket 54 for storage when cart 10 is not in use. In one embodiment, the video display 75 is configured to fold or retract in such a way that a plurality of carts 10 can be fitted for storage as shown in figure 12 without damaging the video display 75. For clarity, the external cart in figure 12 is shown without a rear side wall 31, with the understanding that the rear side wall 31 would typically be present in carts used by a consumer 85.

In one embodiment, the base 76 of the video display 75 forms a housing in which the screen 77 can retract. Such a housing receives the screen 77 in a stowed position and protects the screen 77 from damage. The screen 77 can be retracted into a base housing (comprising a front base housing 96 and a rear base housing 97) by means known as rails, slides, rollers, locking elements, and the like, which can be additionally provided, for example, by springs as needed. The screen 77 can be retracted to a closed position by pushing the top 71 of the screen 77 where the screen 77 is propped upwards, or by releasing a lock or lock where the screen 77 is propelled in a retracted position. In one mode, screen 77 is folded down

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56/145 by contact with another cart when fitted with the same as shown in figure 12 and is propped upwards so that the screen moves upwards after the carriages are disengaged.

In another embodiment, as shown in figure 13, the video display 75 comprises an articulation 79 between the base 76 and the screen 77, which allows the screen 77 to fold downwards towards the interior 54 of the basket 20 to a folded position, as shown in figures 10 and 11. In one embodiment, the screen 77 folds approximately at a 90 degree angle with respect to the base 76 (or alternatively folds such that the screen 77 is approximately in the plane that defines the upper edges of the cart), which releases the nose 45 and the exterior of the cart to fit with a second cart while also keeping the interior of the cart 10 free in such a way that the rear side wall 31 can swing upwards into the interior 54 of the basket 20 to receive the front side wall 28 from a third cart.

Referring to Figure 14, screen 77 of video display 75 may further comprise a shock absorber 94 that protects an electronic display 95 such as an LCD screen, each of which is disposed between front and rear screen housings 92, 93. The base 76 of the video display 78 may further comprise an articulation 79 arranged between

<td>Accommodation</td><td>in</td><td>base</td><td>front and</td><td>rear</td><td> 96,</td><td> 97 .</td><td>THE</td>

<td>articulation</td><td> 79</td><td>can</td><td>understand</td><td>still one</td><td colspan="2">Assembly</td><td>in</td>

<td>gear</td><td> 91</td><td>what</td><td>comprises</td><td colspan="2">gears,</td><td colspan="2">springs,</td>

shock absorbers, or combinations thereof, to provide the joint in a folded or unfolded position. THE

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57/145 gear assembly 91 can be used to control the force required to fold the screen 77 to a folded position, as shown in figures 10 and 11, in response to a force applied to a rear screen housing 93 of the video display 75. Similarly, gear assembly 91 can be used to control the speed with which the screen 77 is extended to an unfolded position, as shown in figures 1-3. In one embodiment, the screen 77 unfolds in a controlled, slow mode to avoid damaging the screen 77. In one embodiment, the unfolding of the screen is cushioned through dampers in the joint 79 and / or assembly of gears 91.

In another embodiment, the video display 75 is attached to the basket 20 and can be rotated in such a way that the viewable area 78 can be seen from several places in relation to the cart 10. A swivel connection can be positioned between the base 76 and the screen 77 such that screen 77 can rotate or pivot around the base. The swivel connection can be integrated with the joint 79 or alternatively it can be a separate component, for example, positioned between the joint 79 and the screen 77. In embodiments where the video display is mounted on a side edge 26, 27, the video display 75 may further comprise a rotatable connection such that the viewable area 78 can be rotated to face backwards towards the consumer 85 while consumer 85 is pushing the cart using handle 22. Alternatively, in modes where the video display 75 is mounted on the nose 45 of the cart, the video display 75 can rotate in such a way that the consumer 85 can see the viewable area 78 from

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58/145 from different locations than at the rear of the cart. For example, a consumer 85 may wish to rotate a nose-mounted screen, 77, sideways in such a way that the viewable area 78 is readily viewable while standing beside or in front of the cart 10. In one embodiment, the video display 75 can rotate approximately 180 degrees in such a way that the viewable area 78 is facing forward instead of facing backwards towards a consumer 85 by pushing cart 10 through handle 22. From a forward facing position, the video display 75 can additionally fold to a folded position such that the screen 77 is outside the basket 20 in a folded position, where the viewable area 78 is protected by marriage with the base 76.

In another embodiment, video display 75 is attached to basket 20 and can be heated in such a way that screen 77 is readily operable in cold environments. For example, the video display of figure 9 can further comprise a heating element, which can be positioned inside or outside the screen housing 92, 93. Alternatively, the base housing 96 and 97, as described above, can be heated such that the screen 77 is kept warm while in a stowed position. Any suitable heating element that is compatible with the screen and operating components of the same can be used, for example, a resistive electric heating element. The heating element can be activated during storage and / or loading of other components of the cart 10, for example, during loading of the battery 135 to the video display 75.

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59/145

With reference to figure 15, in one embodiment, the cart 10, further comprises a reading component comprising at least one corridor radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, 225, with RFID antennas 226, in combination with the ECM 200 and software operating on it. The reading component performs a proximity scan of the cart 10 which reads the area around the cart 10. The number and position of the 226 antennas can be selected as functionally necessary, as would be evident to a person skilled in the art. The corridor RFID reader, 226, and antennas 226 can be an integrated component or they can be separate components. In one embodiment, the corridor RFID reader 225 can be integrated with the ECM 200, for example, located in housing 199. Alternatively, the corridor RFID reader, 225, can be located in other positions on the cart, for example, integrated in the video display 75 or base / housing 76 or alternatively located on the bottom side of the cart 10, fixed by means of fixing to, for example, bottom 21 of basket 20, or to the base tray 50. In one embodiment, RFID antennas 226 are located anywhere on housing 199 of ECM 200. Alternatively, RFID antennas 226 can be located in other positions on the cart, for example, on side walls 23, 24; at edges 26, 27; on the base side elements 32, 33; on the sides of the video display 75; or any other appropriate position to perform its intended function.

In one embodiment, the RFIED corridor reader, 225 and / or RFID 226 antennas can be integrated into the

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60/145 video, for example, one or both located on the side edges of the video display 75. In such a placement, the corridor RFID reader 225 and / or RFID antennas 226, are in a location to maximize the effectiveness of the distribution pattern reader and cover RFID tags located at various heights and locations along the shelves, when the video display is not retracted and cart 10 is not attached. Placement on the video display is advantageous since the RFID reader / antenna is positioned approximately in the middle of the shelf height, thereby allowing a scan pattern approximately equidistant above and below the RFID antenna / reader position to cover the total height of the shelf.

In one embodiment, RFID 226 antennas are placed on the side edges of the video display 75. In some embodiments, patch antennas can be used for RFID 226 antennas. In alternative modalities, RFID 226 antennas comprise bow tie and / or slits, which narrow the diffusion field for the antenna and have a more focused radiative pattern. As illustrated for a 211 bow tie opening of the antenna

212 in figure 20A and for a slot-like opening

213 antenna 212 in figure 20B having approximate radiative patterns 207 and 208 of figures 20C and 20D, respectively. In one embodiment, a bow tie or slit antenna having a beam approximately 18 (eighteen) inches wide and approximately 6 (six) to 8 (eight) feet high is used for RFID 226 antennas, and is placed on

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61/145 vertical parallel alignment with the LCD video display (and / or other appropriate mounting locations on the cart), such that the radio antenna pattern provides a narrow diffusion slice in the direction perpendicular to each side of the cart to read RFID tags located on shelves or on items on shelves on either side of a corridor. In an alternative modality, a bow tie or slit antenna having a radiative pattern of plus / minus 45 degrees (90 degrees in total) in a vertical plane that covers the height of the shelf and plus / minus 15 to 22.5 degrees (30 to 45 degrees in total) in a horizontal plane that covers the width of the shelf is positioned on each side of the cart, for example, mounted on or integrated into the 75 video display. The use of slit and / or bow tie-type antennas provides a more focused field of view for the RFID reader to acquire specific tags, and thus can help eliminate unwanted interference, echoes, reflections, and the like. In this way, the more focused field of view can also help to determine more precisely the position / location of the cart, and in particular in combination with the other location / positioning techniques described here.

Various fixing means and fixing devices can be used as described here. In one embodiment, the corridor RFID reader 225 with RFID antennas 226 may comprise a standard or custom RFID configuration commercially available, for example, from ThingMacic, Alien Technology ™ or an enhancement or equivalent thereof. The corridor RFID reader, 225 and RFID antennas

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62/145 work to read a plurality of active or passive RFID tags positioned throughout a retail store (for example, along shelves), as will be discussed in more detail. In one embodiment, cart 10 is a plastic cart, as described here, that reduces or eliminates interference associated with the corridor RFID reader, 225 and RFID antennas 226. In one embodiment, cart 10 is a traditional cart comprising metal, plastic or a combination of metal and plastic, retro-fitted with the corridor RFID reader 225 and RFID antennas 226 and other media enhancements.

In or around a store, a consumer 85 can select a cart 10 from the carport 110 after entering the store. Motion sensor (s) 36 detects that cart 10 is moving when consumer 85 starts pushing cart 10, and will activate the ECM 200, video display 75, and RFID reader runner, 225. As previously noted, various components of the cart 10 can be hibernated or reactivated based on movement by the cart to conserve energy. In one embodiment, the video display 75 can initially show the consumer 85 a welcome display that includes information about the store, explains the media improvements in cart 10, and / or announces promotions in the store. As shown in figure 15, as consumer 85 pushes cart 10 through the store, as between two shelves 301 and 302, a plurality of RFID tags 303 and 304 (which can be active or passive RFID tags) located at or near shelves 301 and 302, respectively, will communicate with

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63/145 the reader of corridor 225 through antennas 226.

In one embodiment, RFID tags 303 and 304 can be distributed and affixed to objects in all store premises. For example, RFID tags 303 and 304 can be attached (i) to a mounting or shelf level, which refers to the placement of tags at approximately regularly spaced intervals along a shelf or other product display areas such as kiosks, pillars , freezers, refrigeration units, walls, boxes, and counters; (ii) at a SKU level, which refers to the placement and / or incorporation of labels with or near the standard SKU label, with a given product typically having a corresponding SKU label positioned on the shelf adjacent to the product; (iii) at a product level, which refers to having a label on each individual product or product package, or (iv) combinations of them. The corridor reader 225, operatively connected to the ECM 200, will transfer a signal comprising information data to the ECM 200, causing the video display 75 to present location-based content to screen 77. The cart's RFID enabling allows advertisers and retail stores interact with consumer 87 as they browse the store.

Location-based content is determined as follows. In one embodiment, the corridor reader 225 with antennas 226 reads any RFID tag 303 or 304 that is in a cone-shaped pattern defining an electromagnetic zone 305 (from the corridor 225 RFID reader) on either side of the cart 10. As noted previously, the shape of the electromagnetic zone or radioactive pattern can

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64/145 be adjusted based on the type and placement of the RFID components in the cart, for example, use of bow tie and / or slit antennas. The shape of the electromagnetic zone 305 read by the corridor RFID reader 225 can be another format, different from a cone, according to the specific corridor RFID reader, 225, used, and the range (that is, proximity in which tags can be used). read by the reader) is similarly determined by the specific corridor RFID reader 225, and antenna array 226 employed.

When an RFID tag 303 or 304 passes through the electromagnetic zone 305, the tag is activated and communicates with the corridor RFID reader 225, according to known RFID techniques. A location component (which in one embodiment comprises the corridor RFID reader 225, in combination with the ECM 200 and software operating on it) determines the location of the cart 10 in the store by processing signals from any number of RFID tags 303 or 305 that are comprised in the range of the corridor RFID reader 225. The location of the cart 10 in relation to specific RFID tags 303 or 304 is determined according to known RFID positioning techniques. In one embodiment, the location can be determined based on the strength of the signals coming from RFID tags 303 and 304 (that is, higher number of scans

<td>read by</td><td>RFID reader</td><td>in</td><td>Hall</td><td> 225</td><td>indicates which</td>

<td>tag or</td><td>labels 303 and</td><td> 304</td><td>are more</td><td colspan="2">next).</td>

<td colspan="2">In one mode,</td><td>O</td><td>process</td><td>in</td><td>locate the</td>

cart 10 begins by creating an electronic representation of the store configuration including fixtures,

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65/145 corridors and other relevant data using the location of a number of anchor or reference RFID tags (for example, assembly or shelf level tags) placed around the store in known locations. This electronic representation provides a base map of the store. The base store map can be constructed using cart 10 by placing the RFID anchor tags at known locations around the store, taking cart 10 through various routes throughout the store to read each of the anchor RFID tags, and correlating the read data with the known data. The base store map is materialized as database entries or an xml document generated from the correlated data. The base store map provides reference data to determine the location of other items or items in the store. As fasteners, items and / or anchor tags are moved within the store, the base store map can be updated by taking cart 10 through the store again to obtain new data and correlate it with the locations of Anchor RFID, updated acquaintances.

Against the background curtain of anchor RFID tags, a series of virtual locations is created and positioned within the defined store structure, that is, the base store map. Each location, such as a shelf, freezer assembly, aisle or product box, can then be defined as associated with one or more anchor RFID tags, which can be either active or passive tags, as previously noted. Such known locations can be used to determine the location of the cart,

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66/145 for example, using the RFID locator service software routine described below. In addition, known locations can be correlated with specific products, for example, through the use of additional SKU level and / or product-level RFID tags. For example, a given product such as milk can be correlated with a specific refrigerator having a known location on the base store map. Through this correlation, the location of specific products can be provided in relation to the known location of the cart in the store, and the consumer can receive guidance regarding such products.

In several modalities, subcategories can be used for positioning products instead of positioning each individual product in a location in the store. The use of subcategories simplifies the development of the store. Each product is linked to a subcategory, and each subcategory, in turn, is associated with a location in the store. In this way, milk can be assigned to dairy or milk can be a subcategory that includes all brands and varieties (eg whole, skim, etc.).

As discussed here, the aisle RFID reader 225 is located on the cart with the oriented RFID antennas 226 facing out of the cart. Since the cart and associated RFID reader are mobile within the store whereas RFID tags are typically stationary in the store, various RFID data along with other positioning information (for example, motion sensor data) can be collected and analyzed using software algorithms, for example, operating on

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67/145

ECM 2 00 or a remote location such as a store server and delivered to the cart. The antenna configuration (position, orientation, type) is made known by entries in the software processes involved in locating the cart in the store, as well as performing useful tasks such as shelf management for tasks including inventory, price changes, and the like. RFID is assessed using known antenna orientation and configuration to determine cart orientation.

For example, at a recurring interval, aisle RFID reader 225 can perform an inventory by recording RFID information for products located on the shelves and correlating the recorded information with the store system. The results of the inventory can then be analyzed and used in decisions regarding orders for additional products and product placement in the store.

When locating the cart (which can then be used to determine the placement of advertisements on the video display 75, store purposes, or data extraction for external or internal uses), for each antenna, the RFID tags in view ”, or located in the radiative pattern of the 226 antenna, are evaluated. The evaluation process uses several pieces of information to determine the cart's location in the store, and specifically on the electronic base store map defined above.

The RFID locator service software routine that covers these functions performs store location and mapping inventory that is used to

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68/145 determine what any given cart is doing in the store, and provides an added level of accuracy beyond determining RFID location. The intelligence involved in the RFID locator service intelligently links what is read by the corridor RFID reader 225 with known information about the store based on the base store map and the known locations of anchor RFID tags. In one embodiment, anchor RFID tags can be located at regular intervals, such as every 60.96 cm along the shelves, or on each side of fasteners such as product boxes and the like. The RFID locator service additionally incorporates knowledge about RFID dead zones, such as foyers; or the locations surrounding the large metal fasteners that can interfere with RFID signals, so that the location of the cart 10 is smooth and continuous regardless of where the cart is located in the store. For example, metal refrigerators tend to generate many reflections in such a way that RFID readings in the vicinity of a refrigerator are full of noise. The RFID locator service can take into account known reflexes in such an area, and adjust what the RFID reader 225 reads in that area.

In one embodiment, the location is determined by scanning to determine which products and items are in proximity to the cart (that is, an inventory of labels read by the scanner) and correlate them to the determined position of the cart to verify the accuracy of the cart. determine and correct it as needed. The ECM 200 issues a read command

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69/145 for corridor RFID reader 225. The locator software process then evaluates read RFID tags (for example, SKU and / or product level tags) to eliminate tags that generate spurious readings, that is, those included in the reading that are not RFID tags associated with a location as established through the anchor RFID tags (for example, shelf level tags). The remaining labels are then converted to locations indicated on the map. All locations (for example, all RFID tag data) can then be evaluated to determine the cart's location and orientation in relation to the locations defined on the base store map. Such RFID data can be further correlated with another means of location and data such as motion sensors such as the reed switch described here. In this process, the software assumes and takes into account the predicted reading zone of the two antennas. If evaluated individually, each label indicates the orientation of the cart. The general orientation is determined by assessing the orientation differential of each label location from the orientation indicated by the complete location inventory. Outlying locations that provide guidance that is substantially out of correlation compared to others in the inventory are removed, as they represent spurious locations derived from spurious tag readings.

In some cases, RFID readings during inventory will be non-deterministic. Inconsistencies in the RF environment (for example, reflections, nulls, false readings, signal collisions, etc.), physical obstructions, technology failure and

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70/145 other factors can cause unpredictable inventory responses. Spurious readings are defined as those that are incompatible with the expected results for the cart in a given position and orientation. For example, a spurious reading would occur for a tag that appears in the inventory that is outside the maximum reading range expected from the corridor 225 RFID reader. In addition, transient readings are defined as those that are compatible with the expected results for a given position and cart orientation, but that do not appear in a set of inventory reports collected during an arbitrary period of time.

With the inventory of locations in the system, locations can then be evaluated to determine the position of the cart as a relative x, y coordinate on the store map. The system employs a location buffer to smooth errors introduced by transient tag readings. The remaining locations are evaluated, and an average x, y position is calculated. The closest location (between inventory locations) for the calculated location is determined and the cart position is adjusted according to which location is closest. This adjusted position is then compared with the map and further adjusted as necessary to position the cart precisely on the map. Such positions and data can be additionally compared with mapped / known routes or routes within the store to further assist in determining the cart's location. For example, it can be known that a consumer is likely to travel a certain route based on

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71/145 position in the store and it can be used to help track and position the car as it crosses the planned route.

Several rules can be applied when assessing inventory location to improve the accuracy of locating the cart and therefore also the effectiveness of the cart 10 as a shelf management tool. For example, a time rule can be applied in such a way that recent label readings are prioritized over older readings to determine the cart's position. In addition, recent location reports can be used to determine whether a specific tag represents a spurious reading.

Similarly, a volume rule can be applied, such that a large volume of label readings that occurs during a given time frame are priorities over smaller volumes of label readings to determine the position of the cart. For example, an RFID tag seen by the corridor RFID reader 225 twenty times during the last second, is prioritized over an RFID tag seen only once during the last second. Similarly, a proximity rule can be applied, where RFID tags in the inventory that are close together are prioritized above RFID tags in the inventory that are not close. In such a case, proximity is based on the base store map and business rules.

In several modalities, the accuracy of determining the cart's location is improved by adding the

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72/145 magnetic reed switch, previously discussed as a mode for motion sensor (s) 36. The rotational speed of each wheel can be determined based on the heart beat signal ”generated each time the magnet opens or closes the magnetic reed switch, preferably without physical contact when the wheel turns. By placing a reed and magnet switch assembly on two wheels, such as on the two rear wheels, the ECM 200 can determine when cart 10 is rotating as an added factor to precisely determine the location and orientation of the cart 10. Specifically, when cart 10 is spinning, such as around a corner or entering a next aisle in the store, the wheel for the inside of the lap will not rotate as much as the wheel for the outside of the lap, and for comparing the knowledge that cart 10 is turning a corner or turning around to supplement the location performed by corridor RFID reader 225 and antenna 226.

In several ways, the location component also includes an integrated compass for further optimization of the positioning for the cart. In some embodiments, the integrated compass is a digital compass. The compass provides a number of functions, including enabling the provision of an improved route layout for reporting accurate shopping event data. Another function of the compass is to provide directionality or direction for cart 10 on a store map. For example, the directionality provided by the compass enables the display of a direction icon on a store map for identifiable areas of the store. For example, the

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73/145 sale (ie exit) from the store, restrooms, exits from the store and department stores. Such directionality is relative to the present location of the cart based on the proximity scan as described here.

In several modalities, the accuracy of determining the cart's location is improved by the addition of an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) module. The use of an AGC module to control the transmission power and / or attenuation of the corridor corridor RFID reader 225 provides yet another means of improving the accurate determination of cart location and therefore product perception. In operation, the AGC module, which can be implemented in a software routine and run from the ECM 200, automatically controls each antenna 226. Specifically, the AGC can be used, as understood by a person with common knowledge in the technique, to increase transmission power or adjust attenuation. In doing so, tag sensitivity can be controlled so that tags that are unexpectedly "read, where they are not located in the expected radiation pattern of antenna 226 and corridor RFID reader 225 are still read, can be read avoided. For example, cart 10 can be located in corridor 4, but unexpectedly it is reading labels from adjacent corridors 3 and 5. The labels from the adjacent aisle are unexpected ”based on the currently determined cart location. To correct unexpected tags, the AGC adjusts the attenuation or strength of the read signal, such that tags from adjacent aisles are no longer read. In another example, the cart

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74/145 can be located in corridor 4, but it is not reading all the expected labels for corridor 4. To correct the missing but expected labels, the AGC adjusts the transmitted power until the expected labels, based on the currently determined location the cart, to be read by the corridor RFID reader 225. The AGC module can be particularly useful for improving the trolley location accuracy in areas with the highest interference or when many trolleys are in close proximity. By adjusting transmission power and / or attenuation (that is, providing automated, real-time, dynamic power control from the RFID reader / antenna), the AGC module provides the additional advantage of conserving energy by adjusting the energy accordingly. so that an appropriate and efficient amount of energy is used to read the RFID tags.

When testing, it becomes clear that as RFID tags are more widespread, it becomes increasingly complex to discern whether there is good transmission and reception of a specific RFID tag between the group. The present system presents a special challenge in which other applications do not use so many readers so close together. The present system has an exclusively high number of RFID readers in close proximity to each other, and the number of readers in close proximity to each other is constantly changing as the carts move.

Two things happen when the number of RFID readers in close proximity to each other is large and constantly changing. First, RFID tags

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75/145 passives become saturated by all RF energy. Second, each reader becomes saturated by too much interference, resulting in a phenomenon referred to as a dense reader mode. Dense reader mode is when multiple RFID readers are transmitting and receiving RFID information, and the resulting RFID reading performance is fluctuating and / or decreasing from the available number of RFID tag readings in the usable read range of the tags RFID. Specifically, the dense reader mode is a mode of operation that prevents readers from interfering with each other when many are used in close proximity to each other.

As discussed earlier, it is possible to partially optimize the performance of the RFID reader by increasing or decreasing the gain until an optimal number of tags is detected. However, after further testing, it becomes evident that additional optimization can be achieved by increasing or decreasing characteristics other than power. For example, in addition to adjusting the power up or down, the performance of the RFID reader is optimized by increasing or decreasing the load cycle (that is, the time to switch transmission on and off as broadcast for 2 seconds, and off for 8 seconds for a 20% charge cycle). In addition, the RFID reader performance can be further optimized by adjusting the antennas themselves. As there is an antenna directed at both sides of the cart (or alternatively, a single bidirectional antenna), each can be individually adjusted in such a way that the antennas (or directions for a single

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76/145 antenna) are not matched until an optimal number of tags is detected. For example, it is possible to change the waiting time (that is, the charge cycle for one antenna or antenna direction as in relation to another antenna or antenna direction respectively).

Such optimization allows a larger number of readers to operate with a limited RF domain. Such optimization also allows a larger number of readers to coexist in a small fixed area, such as in the point of sale (ie outlet) area of ​​a store.

In one embodiment, the location component is similarly operable to determine the location of a given product in relation to the shopping cart 10 based on signals from the reading component. The location component then displays on the video display 75 the location of the product given in relation to cart 10. In one embodiment, the tracking component can comprise software, hardware or a combination of hardware and operable software to determine the location of the shopping cart or a product in the store. The location component may, in one embodiment, comprise hardware attached to the cart with software incorporated in it, in one embodiment, or may comprise hardware attached to the cart operatively coupled to software stored in and / or executed from ECN 2090 or another component networked. In one embodiment, the location component can be integrated into the ECM 200.

In one embodiment, the location of the product given in relation to the location of the cart 10 can be graphically displayed on the video display 75 on a store floor plan,

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77/145 using an indicator to show the location of cart 10 on the store floor plan and another indicator to show the location of the product given on the store floor plan. In one embodiment, the indicators may comprise 309 directional arrows, as will be further discussed below. In one embodiment, the location of the product given in relation to the location of the cart 10 can be described using words relating to a store floor plan. For example, such written direction can be provided on video display 75 indicating you are in aisle 2, the product you are looking for is in aisle 9 on your left. ”

In one embodiment, the location component is operable in order to locate a given product being shown in an advertisement on the video display 75 for the shopping cart 10. In one embodiment, the location component then displays the location on the video display75 of the product being advertised in relation to cart 10. In one embodiment, the location of the product being advertised in relation to the location of the cart 10 can be graphically displayed on the video display, using an indicator, such as an arrow, displayed adjacent to or as part of the ad to point towards the product location being announced. In one embodiment, the location of the product being advertised in relation to the location of the cart 10 can be described using words to indicate to the consumer where to find the product being advertised. For example, on or adjacent to an ad for laundry detergent, an indicator reading Washing detergent in front of the right ”may be displayed based on

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78/145 cart location.

Referring now to figures 16, 17 and 18, after determining the cart 10's proximity to any specific tag or tags 303 or 304, the ECM 200 causes at least one 306 ad to be displayed to the consumer 85 on the video display 75 The displayed ad 306 can be selected from a plurality of stored ads 307, and ad 306 can be selected based on the proximity of cart 10 to a specific tag or tags 303 or 304. In one embodiment, the plurality of stored advertisements 307 can be stored on the ISS 330, streaming to the ECM 200 over a wireless LAN (for example, store-mounted transceivers 205 communicating with network transceiver 204 on the ECM 200 ), and shown on the video display 75 according to the location of the cart 10. In one mode, the plurality of stored ads 307 can be stored in local memory 202 in the MOD, accessed and displayed on the video display 75. When cart 10 enters a different area of ​​the store and aisle RFID reader 225 detects different RFID tags 303 or 304, the location of cart 10 is updated, and ad 306 is changed to reflect an ad other than the plurality of stored ads 307 based on the updated cart 10 location.

As shown in figure 16, in one embodiment, screen 77 of video display 75 can be divided into a plurality of screen segments 308, such that one of the plurality of stored advertisements 307 can be displayed on each screen segment 308 In one embodiment, one of the plurality of screen segments 308 can be designated

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79/145 for displaying specific consumer information, such as the total determined products in cart 10, loyalty card or other consumer identification information, product information relevant to a specific product recently placed in cart 10, and the like.

Referring again to figure 16, an exemplary advertising display is shown. In one embodiment, a number selected from the plurality of stored ads 3 07 (equal to the number of screen segments 3 08) is displayed on screen segments 308. Directional arrows 309 can be provided as an indication of the point in the general direction of the product advertised in adjacent shelves. In one embodiment, a screen segment 308a can be more prominently sized than the other screen segments 308b, such that one of the plurality of stored advertisements 307 is displayed on the most prominently sized screen segment 308a, while others of the plurality of stored ads 307 are displayed on the least prominently sized screen segments 308b. This division of screen 77 into screen segments 308 can be made an analogy to advertisements in a newspaper, in which several of the advertisements may use half, quarter, third of a page, etc. to fill a page with ads, and the cost of placing an ad on each portion of a page can refer to the size of the ad relative to the rest of the page, the prominence of the ad on the page, the length of time the ad is on the page, or a combination of them. In one embodiment, the selected plurality of stored ads 307 can rotate being

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80/145 displayed on each screen segment 308, such that the most prominent screen segment 308 displays each of the selected ads from the plurality of stored ads 307, one after the other, based on the time each of the plurality of stored ads 307 was displayed, or based on the location of cart 10 between shelves 301 and 302 in proximity to tags 303 and 304, which can be further correlated to the proximity of the cart to the product advertised on the shelf.

Instead of showing multiple ads on multiple screen segments, a single ad at a time can appear on a screen segment that is generally reserved for advertising. A multi-level approach can be used to price ads when a single screen segment is dedicated to advertising, since the newspaper analogy may not apply. For example, advertising can instead be sold to store zones, either based on what types of products will be placed on the shelf in that place, or based on customer traffic patterns in the store. For example, the price may be different and the types of ads that will be effective will vary based on whether the ad segment is purchased for ads to be displayed along high traffic routes such as the front aisle of the store, or areas of less traffic, such as the pharmacy or deli. Selling advertising based on when and where it will be shown can allow advertising companies to make decisions to effectively market products even though only one ad is shown at a time on the video display 75.

In an alternative modality, no segment of

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81/145 screen is scaled more prominently than the other, however instead, a unique, simplified, split-screen graphical User Interface (GUI) is shown, as illustrated in figure 21A. The GUI's unique attributes are associated with the cart's operation and LCD display position. The GUI provides the consumer with easy user-friendly access to cart functionality while maintaining readability and utility as seen from the nose-mounted position at the opposite end of the cart from the consumer.

The GUI may be adjusting to one of a plurality of user levels, providing basic, intermediate or advanced functionality of the improved cart 10, based on how the consumer prefers to use the cart 10. The GUI shown in figure 21A allows the consumer to access the level of basic functionality and does not require the use of any identifying information associated with the consumer to perform the functions. In one embodiment, the video display defaults to the basic level of functionality when cart 10 is turned on. The level of basic functionality displayed in the menu includes Find item, store specials and View help, each of which can be displayed in the form of a button, textual link or similar for selection by the consumer. In the segment below the menu, the space is reserved for displaying an advertisement that is placed in that place when so indicated by the ECM 200, as discussed here. After selecting a menu item, the GUI changes to each functional menu item.

After selecting store specials, the GUI reflects the

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82/145 seen from figure 21B. In figure 21B, Store Specials are shown, along with a button or link to show a full screen view of store specials (which eliminates the space below reserved for displaying ads), or return to the main menu. If Full Screen ”is not selected, the space for displaying ads remains displayed.

After selecting View help ”the GUI reflects the view in figure 21C. In figure 21C, a menu appears that presents the consumer with the choices to find item ", store specials", check price "and more, according to the wishes of the store for which the cart is configured. A tutorial link on using cart 10 can be provided, along with a button or link to return to the main menu.

From the GUI's View help view, when finding item ”is selected, the GUI provides the view in figure 21D, where the user can scroll and select number or letter characters using the 123 five-way navigation device. Additional links to return to the main menu or view a map of the store can also be provided. The store map provided by the link, as shown in figure 21E, can graphically indicate where in the store the cart is located as well as the location of an item for which the consumer is looking for using the Find item feature ”.

From the View Help view ”of the GUI, when Check price” is selected, the GUI provides the view in figure 21F, which displays a price (or prices, if a sales price is additionally available, or if a discount price

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83/145 is available to loyal consumers 85s). In the price check view ”, the consumer can scan a product using the 215 scanner, and the price is displayed. Also, as seen in figure 21F, an ad can be displayed in the space reserved for ads. The price check feature can be activated via a price check button, as described here.

Referring now to Figure 23, an exemplary scroll menu for a user interface is shown according to the modalities of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the content shown on the video display 75 navigated and controlled via a scroll menu 1100. The scroll menu 1100 includes a plurality of functions that can be selected, each function represented by a graphic icon 1102a-d. The 1100 scroll menu rotates the functions, represented by icons 1102a-d, as directed by a user, for example, when the user indicates an upward scrolling motion, a downward scrolling motion, or sideways scrolling motion with the five-mode navigation device 123. The 1100 scroll menu can present the functions in a horizontal or vertical display (as shown in figure 23), which can be navigated using the relevant directional controls on the 123 five-way navigation device. The 1100 scroll menu can additionally include direction indicators 1104 to help users determine how to use direction control to scroll through the scroll menu functions. In various modalities, each function can alternatively or additionally be represented by text that easily identifies the function for a

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84/145 user. The text indicating a function can probably be scrolled in the scroll menu.

The scroll menu includes a selection position 1106, such that when a specific function icon (1102b as shown) is scrolled to selection position 1106, content associated with the function icon is displayed in some or all of the remaining space visible on the video display 75. The video display 75 dynamically enlarges the content associated with any function icon is currently in the selection position 1106, so that the user can see and use the associated content to obtain an objective that the function offers.

In various modalities, the selection position 1106 is indicated by an icon 1108 that differentiates the selection position 1106 from the other positions in the scroll menu 1100. As shown in figure 23, the selection position 1106 is indicated by an arrow facing the right (that is, the 1108 icon), indicating that the associated content for the function in the selection position 1106 is increased in the video display area 75 to the right of the selection position 1106. In alternative modalities, any icon can be used to indicate the selection position 1106, such as a magnifying glass or other graphic icons for attention or text such as box 1106 shown in figure 23.

In the video display 75, the available display space can be divided into at least two areas, although in several modalities, the available display space can be divided into more than two areas. As shown in figure 24, in a first area 1200 of the available display space, the scroll menu 1100 can be

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85/145 displayed, while in a second area 1201 of the available display space, content 1110 is displayed, where content 1110 is associated with the specific function currently displayed in selection position 1106 of the scroll menu 1100. As the scroll menu 1100 scrolls, the content 1110 displayed in the second area 1201 of the display space changes dynamically, preferably as quickly as the user is scrolling the scroll menu. As such, when each function icon is comprised in the selection position 1106, the content 1110 associated with that function is displayed, and the instant that the function changes in the selection position 1106, it also changes the content 1110 displayed in the second area 1201.

In this way, the user is presented with a graphic display in real time that changes according to his desires and comfort level with the use of the user interface. For example, an elderly consumer who is not used to using a computer or a first-time user of the media-enabled shopping cart can scroll the scroll menu slowly, and the associated content is displayed at the same rate as the person scrolls the menu, giving her the time she needs to look and become familiar with the content. By comparison, a buyer who is more familiar with the use of the media enabled shopping cart can scroll through the menu quickly to use functions with which he is already familiar, and the selected feature will be displayed dynamically, in real time.

In modalities having the available display space divided into more than two areas, additional space can be

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86/145 used to display, for example, advertisements, a help junction in addition to the function in the selection position, a store map, instructional photographs (for example, a photograph that shows the user how to scan a product to check price) , and retail sales, promotions, or logos. As you can see in figure 25, the first area 1200 is used to display the scroll menu 1100, the second area 1201 is used to display the content 1110 associated with the function in the selection position 1106, and a third area 1202 of the Available display is used to display an ad, which can be selected based on the location of the cart inside the store, or based on known historical information about the consumer's buying habits.

The 1100 scroll menu can include any number of different functions, including, for example, a Check price function, "which allows the consumer 85 to scan an item to see the price of the item, a Special store function", allowing to the consumer 85 to examine (and optionally find on a store map) items with reduced or special price, an item Finder function ”, allowing the consumer 85 to request the location of a specific product, and a Help option”, allowing the consumer 85 to receive useful tips for using the media enabled shopping cart. Additional optional functions can include various service functions, such as an interface with a pharmacy in the store for the consumer 85 to request the status of their prescription or receive notification of prescription availability, an interface with a deli in the store for the consumer 85 to place an order

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87/145 of delicatessen or receive notification of order availability, an interface for notification to consumer 85 of completion of auto service in the store, an interface for interaction between consumer 85 and customer service personnel for services such as notes for future use , and other functions for in-store services.

Some or all of these functions can be included at the basic level of functionality. In addition to these functions, additional cart 10 functionality is available for users who want to further enhance their shopping experience at an intermediate functionality level and an advanced functionality level. At the intermediate functionality level, the consumer can scan products in cart 10 using the 215 scanner, view the contents of the scanned cart and a determined total, and remove an item from the cart by scanning an item that has already been placed in the cart 10 The level of intermediate functionality can be accessed by a consumer by simply starting to use the 215 scanner. In order to use the intermediate functionality level, it is not necessary for the consumer to identify himself, but he can do so using a loyalty card associated with his identity, or simply using a PIN. The consumer has the option of using a Personal Identification Number (PIN) created by the consumer that is unique to the consumer, but may or may not be associated with any consumer information such as name, address and the like, just like a card identifier of loyalty. Using a PIN, the consumer can retrieve saved electronic shopping lists, favorite recipes and

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88/145 nutritional information in some advanced features, however you do not have to identify yourself with name and address. In one embodiment, the PIN comprises a telephone number, optionally with a security code.

In one embodiment, the level of functionality selected and the resulting display screens and features made available to a consumer 85 is based on existing data entered by the user or collected from the previous use of the cart 10 by the consumer 85. For example, after scanning a loyalty card or entering a PIN, a database can be consulted to determine which level of functionality the consumer has previously selected or used, and then the appropriate functionality and display screens are presented to the user. . Such data can be tracked through time and functionality adjusted to match consumer preferences and use 85. For example, as the consumer 85 becomes experienced in using the system, more detailed information and functionality can be provided to the consumer 85. Alternatively, tutorials or other help functions can be provided for inexperienced users.

At the advanced functionality level, the consumer can additionally execute an express cart level output, when products for purchase have already been scanned, view nutritional information and recipes, and view lists according to store departments. Consumers can also create, save, and retrieve electronic shopping lists and obtain promotions and prices for loyalty cards.

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89/145

In various ways, when the consumer identifies himself to cart 10 via a loyalty card, a consumer privacy notice can be displayed. The privacy notification can be displayed after the first use of cart 10 by a specific user who has identified himself via a loyalty card, and later when the consumer identifies himself via a loyalty card, the privacy notification will not be displayed since it was previously displayed and accepted by the consumer.

The GUI's unique attributes are associated with the cart's operation and LCD display position. The GUI provides the consumer with easy user-friendly access to the cart's functionality, while maintaining readability and utility as seen from the nose-mounted position at the opposite end of the cart from the consumer.

With reference now to figure 24, when the function icon for Check price ”is scrolled in the scroll menu 1100 to the selection position 1106, the content 1110 associated with the function of check price is displayed in the second area 1201. Specifically, the content 1110 can include instructions for a user, either verbatim or graphically, on how to perform a price check. In various modalities, the instructions indicate that to check a price for an item, the consumer 85 presses a specific button on the buttons of the five-mode navigation device 123, and scans the UPC code of the item using the 215 scanner.

The 1110 content associated with the price check function can additionally include, as shown in figure 24, a

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90/145 helper icon 1205 to offer the consumer 85 an additional way to search for information or a tutorial on using the price check function. Although not shown in figure 24, but discussed above, an advertisement, such as an advertisement for the item for which the price is being checked, another product made by the same company, or a competing product, can be displayed in a third area reserved for ads 1202.

After scanning an item by the consumer 85 while the content associated with the check price function is being displayed, the user interface changes dynamically to display the results of the price check, that is, a price (or prices, if a settlement price is additionally available, a discount price if available to a loyal consumer 85s, or a price per unit) as shown in figure 25. The results of the price check can be displayed on a full screen, consuming all available display space not used to display the scroll menu, or it can be displayed in one area, such as a second area 1201, while a third area 1202 is used to display other content, such as an advertisement for the item for which the price is being checked, another product made by the same company, or a competing product.

In addition, as shown in figure 25, a Price Check History can be displayed including each item for which the consumer 85 performed a price check during the specific shopping trip. The Price Check History can be used by the consumer 85 to perform comparison shopping, or decide which items

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91/145 keep for purchase, and which items to return to a store shelf. An icon can be provided to clear the Price Check History.

Referring now to Figure 26, when the function icon for Store Specials ”is scrolled in the scroll menu 1100 to the selection position 1106, the content 1110 associated with the store specials function is displayed in the second area 1201. Specifically, content 1110 can include an item description 1401 and a characteristic price 1402 for each item priced for Store Specials (such as weekly specials). The item description 1401 can include a product brand (eg Pringles ™) and type (eg Original), as well as a size (eg 6 ounces) purchased for feature price 1402. In various modalities, the 1110 content associated with the store's special items function can include instructions to indicate that to view a location for a specific item from the list displayed for special store items, the consumer can press a specific button on the buttons of the five-button navigation device 123 while highlighting the specific item you’re interested in, and a location of the product in relation to

<td colspan="4">Current location</td><td colspan="4">of the cart can be displayed on a map</td>

<td>gives</td><td>store.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>THE</td><td>list</td><td>in</td><td colspan="2">special items from the store can</td><td>to be</td><td>displayed</td>

<td>in</td><td>an</td><td>screen</td><td colspan="2">total,</td><td>consuming all space</td><td>in</td><td>display</td>

available not used to display the scroll menu 1100, or can be displayed in one area, such as a second area 1201, while a third area 1202 is used to display other content, such as an advertisement, that can be

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92/145 selected based on the location of the cart in the store, or based on known historical information on consumer buying habits 85.

The 1110 content associated with the store's special items function can additionally include, as shown in figure 26, a helper icon 1205 to offer the consumer 85 an additional means of searching for information, or a tutorial, on using the store's specials function .

With reference now to figure 27, when the function icon for Find item ”is scrolled in the scroll menu 1100 to the selection position 1106, the content 1110 associated with the item search function is displayed in the second area 1201. Specifically, the content 1110 can include a keyboard 1500 in the second area 1201 and a list of items in the store inventory 1502 relevant to the search can be displayed in a third area 1202. The graphic keyboard 1500 displayed in the second area 1201 can be navigated by the consumer 85 using the five-mode navigation device 123. Specifically, the consumer 85 can use the arrow buttons of the five-mode navigation device 123 to scroll through the letters on the keyboard 1500, and press the center button or * ”button to select a character. Using the keyboard, the consumer 85 can spell the brand name or the name of the item for a product.

After the consumer 85 enters a first letter of the brand name or item name of a searched product 1508, the list of items in the store inventory 1502 relevant to the search can be narrowed to items in the store inventory that start with the letter that was typed. For example, how

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93/145 shown in figure 27A, when the letter T is entered on the keyboard 1500, the list of items in store inventory 1502 is narrowed only to items with a brand name or item name in the store inventory starting with the letter T. After the consumer 85 enters a second letter of the brand name or name of the procurement product item 1508, a narrowed list 1504 of the items in the store inventory relevant to the search can be displayed. For example, as shown in figure 27B, when the letter A is entered on the keyboard 1500, the list of items in store inventory 1502 is reduced to reduced list 1504 to include and display only items with a brand name or item name in store inventory that starts with the letter T and the next letter is the letter A.

Similarly, after consumer 85 enters a third letter in the brand name or item name of the searched product 1508, an additional narrowed list 1506 of the items in the store inventory relevant to the search may be displayed. For example, as shown in figure 27C, when the letter C is entered on keyboard 1500, the list of items in store inventory 1502 is narrowed back to additional narrowed list 1506 to include and display only items with a brand name or name item in the store's inventory that begins with the letter T, with the second letter as the letter A, and the third letter as the letter C, and so on. The consumer 85 can enter few or as many letters of the brand name or name of the product item that he or she wants to find, such that if all letters of the name are entered, the list 1502 is narrowed to only the item that he or she wants to find. Consumer 85 may enter a smaller number than

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94/145 that all the letters of the name, and after the list is narrowed enough to display the desired item in the list, the consumer 85 can select the item from the list 1502, 1504, 1506, or so on.

After selecting the item from the list 1502, 1504, 1506, or so on, the result of the find item ”is displayed, identifying the product searched for 1508. Specifically, the location of the searched item 1508 is displayed on a map of the store 1600 in relation to the present location of the cart, as shown in figure 28. The current location of the cart can be indicated with an icon that represents cart 1602, and the location of the searched item 1508 can be indicated with an icon that represents item 1604. In several ways, an icon that represents zoom ”1608 can enable the consumer 85 to zoom in on the map for an additional level of detail to find the searched item 1508.

The content 1110 associated with the item searcher function can additionally include, as shown in figures 27A-C and 28, a helper icon 1205 to offer the consumer 85 an additional way to search for information, or a tutorial, on using the search function. item finder.

In some ways, a link to a tutorial on using cart 10 can be provided, along with a button or link to return to the main menu. In some modalities, a user can enter a question via a keyboard like the one described above with respect to the item searcher function, and an answer, if one exists in a database of frequently asked questions, can be displayed. In some

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95/145 modalities, an index of topics pertaining to frequently asked questions can be displayed, enabling the user to select any relevant to their question for examination.

Referring now to figure 29, a method is shown for navigating the scroll menu functions with a user interface according to the modalities of the present disclosure. The user interface displays the scroll menu in the first area of ​​the available display space (block 1700). The user interface also dynamically displays content associated with a menu option in the scroll menu selection position (block 1702) in the second area of ​​the available display space. The term "dynamic display" is intended to indicate that as the scroll menu is scrolled in any direction (for example, up and down for a vertical scroll menu or right and left for a scroll menu horizontal), the content displayed in the second area is changed at the same rate at which the scroll menu is scrolled. When each menu option (that is, a function icon) is included in the scroll menu selection position, the content associated with that specific function is displayed, and the instant when the function in the selection position changes (that is, due to the movement of the scroll menu by the user), the content displayed in the second area is also updated.

If the user is scrolling the menu (in block 17 04), the user interface dynamically updates the content displayed in the second area to show different content (that is, the content associated with the menu option currently shown in the selection position) (block 1706). As described

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96/145 previously, the scroll menu can be scrolled by the user at any rate, based on the user's comfort level with the media enabled shopping system.

If the user is not scrolling the menu in block 1704, then if the user is manipulating the content associated with the menu option in the selection position (in block 1708), the user interface dynamically displays the result of manipulating the content in the second area. (block 1710).

In the method described with reference to figure 29, a menu option of the plurality of menu options may include the check price function. As such, the content associated with the menu option for the check price function dynamically displays a warning for the user to scan an item in the cart to determine a price for the item, and after detecting that an item has been scanned, dynamically displays the result of the manipulation content, that is, it displays a price for the item.

In the method described with reference to figure 29, a menu option of the plurality of menu options may include the function of special store items. As such, the content associated with the menu option for the special store items function dynamically displays at least one settlement item (and preferably a list of the store's regular specials), and a price for the settlement item. After selecting a specific settlement item by the user to view a location for the settlement item (that is, handling the content), the result of handling the content is displayed, that is, the location for the settlement item on a map from the store.

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In the method described with reference to figure 29, a menu option of the plurality of menu options may include the item finder function. As such, the content associated with the menu option for the item searcher function dynamically displays an alphanumeric keyboard display, enabling entry of an item name. After entering letters (which result in the dynamic display of valid combinations of the entered letters), and listing of products of the valid combinations of the entered letters, and selection of an item from the list by the user (that is, content manipulation), the result is dynamically displayed, ie the location for the item entered and selected on a store map. Generating the product list for the valid combination of letters entered may include accessing an item database in the store to display each item containing each letter or number successively entered on the alphanumeric keypad, narrowing the list of items contained with each letter entered.

In the method described with reference to figure 29, a menu option of the plurality of menu options can include the help function. As such, the content associated with the menu option for the help function dynamically displays a step-by-step explanation of using the menu option that the user most recently scrolled through. Alternatively, the content associated with the menu option for the help function can display an index of topics for frequently asked questions, and after selecting a topic from the index (ie manipulating the content), the result is dynamically displayed, ie is the answer to the selected topic.

With the associated content for each menu option, the

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98/145 user interface can additionally display advertising associated with content associated with the menu option. In the sense used here, associated advertising may include advertising for an item in the associated content (such as advertising for an item inserted in the content associated with the item finder function), advertising for a competing item (such as advertising for an item that competes with an entry content associated with the price check function) or simply relevant advertising based on the location of the cart in the store

Optionally, before displaying through the user interface, the user interface can generate a warning for a user to perform an action, such as a warning for the user who instructs the user to scan a loyalty card. After the user has scanned a loyalty card, the plurality of menu options available for that user to choose from the scroll menu can be increased (if an advanced user), or limited (if a basic user).

In various ways, a price check can be performed locally, without accessing the store server to obtain a price for a specific item. In such modalities, as in the modalities described above, the consumer 85 scans a product using the 215 scanner. A price database can be maintained locally on the ECM 2 00 of cart 10, in such a way that a price check accesses the local price database, instead of obtaining the wireless price from the store server. The prices in the price database can be updated regularly, such as every night, or each time a cart is placed in the cart enclosure, so that prices are

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99/145 updated. Prices can alternatively be updated in real time by wirelessly downloading price changes to the price database at any time.

As mentioned above, the 1100 scroll menu can include a number of different functions, including, for example, enabling a consumer 85 to order remotely and securing a place in a department store's service queue. In a mode as shown in figure 30, a consumer 85 can navigate the scroll menu 1100 with the five mode navigation device 123 and scroll the store 310 deli function icon to the selection position 1106. After the delicatessen function icon 310 has been scrolled to the selection position 1106, the content associated with the delicatessen function icon 310, including a request for a number assignment icon in queue 311 is displayed in some of the remaining space visible in the video display 75. The consumer 85 can then use the five mode navigation device 123 to move the selection position 1106 from the delicatessen function icon 310 to the displayed content associated with the delicatessen function icon 310 and scroll the number assignment icon in queue 311 to selection position 1106 and activate the number assignment icon in queue 311 to request a number in the 360 ​​deli queue. That would be equivalent to going to the deli and tearing up a paper tag to get in line at the deli.

In a modality, as shown in figure 30, when consumer 85 activates the number assignment icon in queue 311, this authorizes the ECM 200 to generate a

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100/145 queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 which is communicated to a queue number processor 313 via network transceiver 204. Network transceiver 204 is one of a number of information receivers related to electronic queue numbers employed in this electronic queuing system. Other electronic queue number related information receivers include a queue number request signal receiver 364, a queue number receiver 366, and a queue forming system transceiver 368. Transmission and reception functions can be performed by separate components or a common component (eg, transceiver) as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The network transceiver 204 transfers the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 to the queue number processor 313 over a wireless link between the network transceiver 204 and the queue number processor 313. The 313 queue number processor can generally be taken as an analogy to, or recognized as, a typical queue number dispenser that can be found in various areas of automotive, pharmacy, photo lab and deli service. Such dispensers, like the queue number processor 313 of the present disclosure, can be configured to provide permanent and / or electronic notification of the queue number place assigned to a requesting customer. Additionally, these devices can be networked so that direct requests for positions in the queue, for example, physically pulling a strip from a

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101/145 dispenser, and remote requests for queue positions, for example, the cart-based request described below, can be coordinated and allocated in the most efficient and customer-friendly manner. The queue number processor 313 is configured with a queue number request signal receiver 364 to receive the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312. The queue number processor 313 is also configured to generate successive queue number signals with a specific cart identifier 365 in response to queue number request signals 312. The queue number processor 313 communicates the queue number with a specific cart identifier 365 for ISS 330 through queue number processor transmitter 367 and the store's WLAN. ISS 330 receives the queue number signal with a specific cart identifier 365 through its queue system transceiver 368. ISS 330 determines where in the service queue to place cart 10 associated with the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312. The ISS 330 is configured with a number generator in queue 369 to generate a number in queue 360. The ISS 330 is also configured with a queue number provider 361 that operates to communicate the assigned queue number 360, cart 10 and the queue number processor 313, through the queue system transceiver 368 and the WLAN from the store. Cart 10 receives assigned queue number 360 via network transceiver 204. Queue number processor 313 receives assigned queue number

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360 through the queue number receiver 366. When determining where in the queue to place cart 10 associated with the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312, the ISS 330 can consider: the distance that cart 10 must travel to reach the service queue; the number of requests for numbers in the queue, both non-remote and direct (for example, going to the location), over a period of time; the items contained in the consumer shopping list 85 that were uploaded to cart 10; consumer loyalty or preferred state 85; allowing the availability of sufficient and efficient queue numbers for the shopper 85 to choose to directly obtain a number in the queue from the service queue; and any other factors relating to the placement of cart 10 associated with the number sign in the queue with a specific cart identifier 312 in the service queue, other than mere sequential requests for numbers in the queue. The ISS 330 can also generate and communicate an estimated service signal time

362 to cart 10 via the strand system transceiver 368 and the store's WLAN which is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204. ISS 330 can also generate other information related to number in queue 363, such as the current number in queue being served, and communicate other information related to the number in the queue

363 to cart 10 via the store's WLAN which are received by cart 10 via network transceiver 204.

Although the above details a modality of the functionality of forming the remote service queue of the cart 10, figure 31 represents another modality,

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103/145 consumer 85 activates the queue number assignment icon 311, this authorizes the ECM 200 to generate a queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 which is communicated to the ISS 330 by the network transceiver 204 via of the WLAN. The network transceiver 204 is one of a number of electronic queue number related information receivers employed in this electronic queuing system. Other electronic queue number related information receivers include a queue number request signal receiver 364, a queue number receiver 366, and a queue system transceiver 368. The ISS 330 receives the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 via the queue system transceiver 368 and uses the queue system transceiver 368 to consult the queue number processor 313 at against a number in queue 360. The queue number processor 313 is configured with a queue number request signal receiver 364 to receive the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312. The queue number processor 313 is also configured with a queue number generator 369 to generate successive numbers in the queue with specific cart identifiers 322 in response to queue number request signals 312. The queue number processor 313 communicates a queue number generated with a specific cart identifier 322 to the ISS 330 through the queue number processor transmitter 367. The ISS 330 receives the queue number with a

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104/145 cart-specific identifier 322 via queue number receiver 366. The ISS 330 is also configured with a queue number provider 361 that operates to communicate the assigned queue number 360 to cart 10 via the system transceiver to form queue 368 and the store's WLAN. ISS 330 can also generate and communicate an estimated service signal time 362 to cart 10 via the store's WLAN which is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204. ISS 330 can also generate other information related to the number in queue 363, such as the current number in the queue being answered, and communicate that other information related to the number in queue 363 to cart 10 through the store's WLAN that is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204.

Figure 32 represents another modality whereby the consumer 85 activates the queue number assignment icon 311, this authorizes the ECM 200 to generate a queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 which is communicated to the ISS 330 by network transceiver 204. Network transceiver 204 is one of a number of electronic queue number related information receivers employed in that electronic queuing system. Other electronic queue number related information receivers include a queue number request signal receiver 364, a queue number receiver 366, and a queue forming system transceiver 368. Network transceiver 204 transfers the queue number request with a specific cart identifier 212 for ISS 330 over a wireless link between network transceiver 204 and ISS 330. The

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ISS 330 communicates the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 to the queue number processor 313 through the queue system transceiver 368 and the store's WLAN. The queue number processor 313 is configured with a queue number request signal receiver 364 to receive the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312. The queue number processor 313 is also configured with a queue number signal generator 370 to generate successive number signals in the queue with a specific cart identifier 321 in response to queue number request signals 312. The processor queue number 313 communicates the queue number signal with a specific cart identifier 321 to the ISS 330 through the queue number processor transmitter 367 and the store's WLAN. ISS 330 receives the queue number signal with a specific cart identifier 322 via queue system transceiver 368. ISS 330 determines where in the service queue to place cart 10 associated with the queue number signal with a specific cart identifier 321, and uses the number generator in queue 369 to generate a number in queue 360. When determining where in the queue to place cart 10 associated with the number sign in the queue with a specific cart identifier 321, the ISS 330 can consider: the distance that cart 10 must travel to reach the service queue; the number of requests for numbers in the queue, both non-remote and direct over a period of time; the items contained in the list of

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106/145 consumer purchases 85 that were uploaded to cart 10; consumer loyalty or preferred state 85; allowing the availability of sufficient and efficient queue numbers for the shopper 85 to choose directly from the service queue; and any other factors relating to the placement of cart 10 associated with the number sign in the queue with a specific cart identifier 321 in the service queue, other than mere sequential requests for numbers in the queue. The ISS 330 is also configured with a queue number provider 361 that operates to communicate the assigned queue number 360 to cart 10 and the queue number processor 313, via the queue system transceiver 368 and the WLAN of the store. ISS 330 can also generate and communicate an estimated time for service signal 362 to cart 10 via the store's WLAN which is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204. ISS 330 can also generate other information related to the queue number 363, as the current number in the queue being serviced, and communicate that other information related to the number in queue 363 to cart 10 via the store's WLAN that is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204.

In yet another modality, as shown in figure 33, consumer 85 activates the number assignment icon in queue 311, this authorizes the ECM 200 to generate a queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 that is communicated to a queue number processor 313 through network transceiver 204. Network transceiver 204 is one of

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107/145 a number of receivers of information related to electronic queue numbers employed in this electronic queuing system. Other electronic queue number related information receivers include a queue number request signal receiver 364 and a queue forming system transceiver 368. The network transceiver 204 transfers the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 to the queue number processor 313 over a wireless link between the network transceiver 204 and the queue number processor 313. The queue number processor 313 is configured with a queue number request signal receiver 364 to receive the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312. The queue number processor 313 is also configured with a queue number generator 369 to generate successive numbers in the queue with specific cart identifiers 322 in response to queue number request signals 312. The queue number processor 313 communicates a queue number with a specific cart identifier 322 to the ISS 330 through the queue number processor transmitter 367. ISS 330 receives the number in the queue with a specific cart identifier 322 via the queue system transceiver 367. The ISS 330 receives the number in the queue with specific cart identifier 322 through the queue system transceiver 368 The ISS 330 is also configured with a queue number provider 361 that operates to communicate the assigned queue number 360 to cart 10

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108/145 via the queue system transceiver 368 and the store's WLAN. ISS 330 can also generate and communicate an estimated service signal time 362 to cart 10 via the store's WLAN which is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204. ISS 330 can also generate other information related to the number in queue 363, such as the current number in the queue being answered, and communicate that other information related to the number in queue 363 to cart 10 through the store's WLAN that is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204.

In an additional modality, as shown in figure 34, consumer 85 activates the number assignment icon in queue 311, this authorizes the ECM 200 to generate a queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 which is communicated to the queue number processor 313 via network transceiver 204. The network transceiver 204 is one of a number of electronic queue number related information receivers employed in this electronic queuing system. Other electronic queue number related information receivers include a queue number request signal receiver 364. The network transceiver 204 transfers the queue number request signal with a specific cart identifier 312 to the queue number processor 313 over a wireless link between the network transceiver 204 and the queue number processor 313. The queue number processor 313 is configured with a queue number request signal receiver 364 to receive the queue number request signal with an identifier

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Cart specific 109/145 312. The queue number processor 313 is also configured with a queue number generator 369 to generate successive numbers in the queue in response to queue number request signals 312. The queue number processor queue 313 is also configured with a queue number provider 361 that operates to communicate the number assigned in queue 360, to cart 10 through queue number processor transmitter 367 and the store's WLAN. The queue number processor 313 communicates a queue number assigned 360 to cart 10 via the store's WLAN which is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204. The queue number processor 313 can also generate and communicate an estimated service signal time 362, or other information related to queue number 363, such as the current number in the queue being serviced, to cart 10 through the processor transmitter. queue number number 367 and the store's WLAN, which is received by cart 10 by network transceiver 204. In embodiments, the queue number processor 313 may be an independent component (for example, a computer located in a service area), may be part of the ISS 330, or may be otherwise integrated or networked in a network of local area in the store. In various embodiments, the queue number processor 313 can receive the queue number request signal, generate a number in the queue and supply the queue number to the cart.

As shown in figure 35, after receiving the assigned number in queue 360, the ECM 200 generates a signal indicating the number in queue 380 and guides the display of

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110/145 video 75 displaying a number indicator in queue 3 81 that informs consumer 85 about their number in queue 360. As shown in figure 36, in response to receiving an estimated time for service signal 362 the ECM 200 generates an estimated time for service countdown timer 385 and instructs video display 75 to display the estimated time for service. 386 service countdown timer indicator that informs consumer 85 of the estimated service time. As shown in figure 37, the ECM can also generate an estimated time to reach the service queue timer and communicate an estimated time to reach the service queue signal 390 to video display 75 by directing video display 75 to display a estimated time to reach the service queue timer indicator 391 which informs the consumer 85 about the estimated time to reach the service queue. Additionally, as shown in figure 38, the queuing system can provide additional information related to the service queues for the ECM 200, such as information related to the current number in the queue being answered 395. After receiving this information, the ECM 200 can generate a current queue number being answered signal 396 and directing video display 75 to display a current queue number being served indicator 397 to inform consumer 85 of the current number in queue being served. The information shown in figures 35-38 can be shown individually or in various combinations (for example, sequentially or simultaneously).

In the same way that a position in a deli row can be guaranteed, positions in a deli row

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111/145 butcher shop, bakery queue, pharmacy queue, automotive service queue, photo queue, or any other service department queue maintained by a store can also be guaranteed.

In one mode, cart 10 is additionally operable for various Shelf Management activities, such as, but not limited to, taking inventory, enabling price changes, reorganizing products, making stock again, returning products placed incorrectly in the proper location of the shelf, and the like. The shelf management features enabled by using cart 10 are used by the retailer to electronically manage the location of products and price in the store.

In one embodiment, the corridor RFID reader 225 with antennas 226 can also scan individual products on shelves 301 and 302 which are labeled with individual RFID tags. In this modality, the corridor RFID reader 225 with antennas 226 can scan, identify and count each individual product through the individual RFID tag and transfer this information through the ECM 200 / network transceiver 204 to other network components to be discussed here in greater detail below, enabling retailers to manage store inventory to an exact degree of accuracy on an ongoing basis. In addition, all or part of the corridor tags 303 and 304 can be replaced with products labeled with individual RFID tags, and the system can otherwise function as described here.

Corridor RFID reader 225 and antennas 226

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112/145 can assist store management with planograms and store inventory. A planogram is a diagram of fixtures and products that illustrates how and where retail products should be displayed, usually on a store shelf, cashier or counter to influence consumer selection. Manufacturers of consumer packaged items often release a suggested planogram with their new product, to show how it refers to existing products in the same category, although stores also develop their own planograms. Since a planogram involves the location of products in the store, the corridor RFID reader 225 and antennas 226 can detect the location of products at the Inventory Maintenance Unit (SKU) level. Many inventory management systems assign a unique SKU for each product and also for its variants and SKUs are assigned and serialized at the merchant level.

In use, when a cart 10 is moved through the store, aisle RFID reader 225 and antennas 226 scan the SKU assigned to product lines or product packages on shelves 301 and 302 that are labeled with individual RFID tags, each RFID tag being associated with a SKU. In this modality, the corridor RFID reader 225 with antennas 226 can scan, identify and locate each product line or package via the RFID tag, and transfer that information through the ECM 200 / network transceiver 204 to other network components to be discussed here in greater detail below, allowing retailers to locate products throughout the store to manage, update and design the planogram of the

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113/145 store in an efficient and compatible mode.

Cart 10 allows remapping of the store. As discussed above, taking cart 10 through various paths in the store after reorganizing products will result in cart 10 reading RFID tags (for example, SKU and / or product level tags) marking the new locations of each product moved in for anchor RFID tags (e.g., shelf level tags that have not been moved), and will transfer the new locations to the system, such that the location of products in the store will be promptly updated in relation to the base store map.

Additionally, cart 10 allows for inventory that can be performed on a continuous basis with real-time updates to stores that sell products identified at the product level by an RFID tag. When any cart 10 does not read RFID tags at the product level in a location (marked by an anchor) where the products are expected to be, cart 10 can transfer that information to the store system to update the inventory for products that they are no longer filling the shelves where expected. This allows you to re-stock and inventory products in real time.

An employee is enabled by cart 10 to quickly replace products that are placed incorrectly on the shelves, such as when a consumer decides not to buy a product and leaves it at the Point of Purchase or in a different location from where the product was on the shelf. By using the shelf management system of cart 10, the employee can scan the

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114/145 product placed incorrectly, and according to the map, be oriented to the place in the store where it is assumed that the scanned product should be placed on the shelf. The employee can even confirm that he or she is putting the product back in the appropriate place by scanning the sticker located on the shelf, because the sticker, usually at a specified price, is associated with a specific location for a specific product.

When the store implements price changes in a product list, an employee or group of employees should normally walk around the store, find all products with changed prices, and exchange signs and labels, which can be a time-consuming task that occurs at intervals regular (for example, weekly specials). Cart 10 allows an efficient process to dynamically change prices for products accurately and quickly.

Specifically, for the price change process enabled by cart 10, price changes, such as for weekly and similar specials, are inserted in a price database in the store system. An employee can then use a cart in shelf management mode to go around the store to change labels. A wireless, battery-powered printer can be placed in cart 10, as in child seat 60, and operably attached (for example, wired or wireless, such as Bluetooth, wi-fin, or infrared) to the ECM 200 to print new ones price labels when the cart is located in the right place for a given product. The employee identifies himself to cart 10 by scanning an employee badge, as when

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115/145 scan a loyalty card, which allows access to shelf management features not available to consumers. The price changes entered in the database are transferred to the cart 200 ECM from the store system. Based on known locations for the products listed, cart 10 displays a map to the employee, as shown in the view in figure 22. The view in figure 22 shows the list of products for which a price change is being implemented, a location of each product on the list, the old price, the new price, and allows the employee to mark a product on the list after changing the price. price.

The employee moves the cart to the location of a product on the list, and when the employee has found the product's location, he or she can scan a product item to confirm that the shelf location is actually the right shelf location for the product on the list. After the location is confirmed as correct for the product, the employee prints a new label on the wireless printer placed on the cart, and places the new label with the new price on the old label with the old price on the shelf. After the new label is in place, the employee marks the product on the list, and cart 10 transfers to the store system that the price change has been implemented at the shelf level. The store system can then load the new price at the Point of Purchase, thereby allowing real-time price updates.

In a large store, or in a store that has a lot of specials like for a holiday weekend, the process of updating price changes is greatly

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116/145 accelerated using one or more trolleys 10, as discussed here. Additionally, price changes are dynamic, which take effect as soon as a new price label is in place on the shelf. With the ability to scan cart 10 to confirm that the new price label is being placed in the proper location, price changes are also more accurate than relying on any knowledge given by the product placement employee at the store.

As the consumer goes to (that is, makes payment) the Point of Sale 300, the POS 326 computer (eg computerized record) or POS server 325 can record purchases made by that consumer 85 using that specific cart 10. The POS 326 computer, the POS 325 server, and other systems such as security systems or consumer loyalty systems can be referred to generically as retail systems. Retail systems provide computerized services, automated with respect to the needs of the store or consumer. In one embodiment, retail systems may comprise components of the general store network. In one embodiment, retail systems can be independent functional units that operate separately from the store chain. In one embodiment, a retail system can comprise a point of sale system to interact with individual carts or consumers to process payment at the end of a shopping trip. In one embodiment, a retailing system may comprise a consumer loyalty system to reward

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117/145 consumer loyalty with discounts and other benefits, while tracking purchase history for advertising purposes. In one embodiment, a retailing system may comprise a security system to track the location of carts in the store or areas outside the store, such as, for example, alerting store management to the location of carts when abandoned or broken , whether the carts have left the store premises or when the carts remain in the parking lot to be returned to the store.

In one embodiment, cart 10 includes a cart RFID tag that can be read by an RFID POS reader attached to the POS server computer 6 or POS server 325. The cart RFID tag can be located on any place in the cart, and in one mode it is located in or on the video display 75, for example, in the screen housing 92, 93. In one embodiment, the cart RFID tag is located on or on the video display 75 together with network transceiver 204. The POS RFID reader can read the cart RFID tag, thereby identifying a specific cart, for example example, through the cart RFID tag associated with an identification or serial number. Alternatively, the POS system can use a bar code scanner to scan a bar code on the specific cart that uniquely identifies the cart and correlates the bar code with the identification or serial number. Alternatively, the specific cart can be identified and correlated manually at the POS, for example, by entering the

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118/145 identification number or serial number labeled on the cart on the POS 326 computer. The information obtained, both by output (for example, via barcode and / or scan basket RFID) and / or by cart 10 during purchases (for example , through the barcode and / or scan basket RFID), can be correlated to a specific cart (based on the cart's unique identity) and / or transferred to the ISS 330 and the Central Host 340 Server. Such a correlation can occur anonymously, for example, without reference to the consumer's identity. Such information can be further correlated with a specific consumer, for example, via scanning or entering a loyalty card, a pin code, a phone number or other consumer identifier. Such information may be additionally correlated with specific advertising displayed during the specific use of the shopping cart.

The basket RFID reader 227 in combination with the ECM 200 may have identified and stored the identity of each product placed in cart 10 during purchases, so that after approaching the Point of Sale 300, the POS 326 computer can initiate outbound services based on the products for purchase known to be in cart 10 by the ECM 200, as communicated to the POS 326 computer via network transceiver 204. In this way, enabling shopping cart RFID and applying RFID tags at the individual product level will facilitate the outbound efficiency at the buyer's Point of Sale. Alternatively, consumer 85 can use scanner 215 to scan each product placed in the basket,

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119/145 in such a way that after approaching the Point of Sale 300, the POS 326 computer can start outbound services based on the products for purchase known to be in cart 10 by the ECM 200, as communicated to the POS 326 computer through network transceiver 204.

In various modalities, certain features may additionally be available at the Point of Sale. In one embodiment, the cart maintains a set total for items to be purchased by the consumer 85 (ie, the cart's inventory). The total can be transferred from the cart to the Point of Sale computer, and confirmed by consumer 85 to complete the purchase transaction without requiring the cart's inventory to be scanned again at the Point of Sale. After displaying the total cart amount on the Point of Sale computer, consumer 85 checks whether the amount is accurate, and completes the transaction (that is, swiping a credit or debit card, filling out a check, or providing a sufficient amount in cash).

In other modalities, at the Point of Sale, the actual weight of the cart for the cart's inventory is measured and compared, for example, with the expected weight, known for the cart's inventory. Specifically, the cart and the content are weighed and compared to the cart weight that is known, and the weight for the content, known based on the cart's inventory. A difference between the actual cart weight for inventory and the expected, known weight indicates a potential theft problem, and can generate an alert for the store server and / or an employee.

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With the implementation of the improvements described here, an aided auto-exit can be performed in a regular exit range (ie, a Point of Sale computer equipped for purchase transactions). Consumer 85 proceeds with a shopping trip, scanning items for purchase as they pass, and placing the items in their cart. After approaching the Point of Sale, the ECM 200 in your cart communicates the cart inventory and the total cart to the Point of Sale computer. When consumer 85's turn comes to complete the purchase transaction, consumer 85's cart 10 and its contents are weighed. In various modalities, the cart or an employee can instruct the consumer 85 to remove personal items such as a bag, as well as any child present in the child seat, for an accurate measurement of the cart's weight and its contents. The actual weight of the cart and its contents are compared to the expected weight, known for the cart and the content: the weight of the content is calculated based on known weights for each item sold in the store and the cart's inventory reported when the consumer 85 approached the Point of Sale. If the effective weight exceeds the expected, known weight, an alert can be generated to notify store security or a store employee to assist the consumer 85 in removing personal items that should not have been included in the effective weight. In several modalities, the alert is generated only if the weight difference exceeds a predetermined limit value.

After confirming the effective weight in relation to the expected weight, known, the Point of Sale computer displays the total of the cart to the consumer 85 for verification. In

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121/145 a modality, the computer at the point of sale asks the consumer 85 - is the total below equal to the total for your cart? ”; if the answer is affirmative, press 1; if negative, press 2 for help. When consumer 85 selects 2 ”if the total is not equal to the total for the cart, a store employee can assist in finalizing the purchase, while when consumer 85 selects 1”, the Point of Sale computer additionally notifies consumer 85 to complete the purchase transaction using your preferred payment method (ie, a credit card, check, cash, or debit account associated with the consumer). The Point of Sale computer accepts payment from consumer 85, provides any money requested by consumer 85 and the transaction is completed. In modalities, the entire purchase transaction from the moment when the consumer 85 enters the Point of Sale transaction is limited only to the period of time necessary for the consumer 85 to make his payment option, with

<td>only</td><td>insignificant time used to</td><td>to weight</td><td>O</td>

<td>cart</td><td>and content for comparison and check the</td><td>total</td><td>of</td>

<td>cart.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>In</td><td>use, the consumer 85 can use</td><td>also</td><td>O</td>

cart for services that in the related technique would require the consumer to find a store employee. Through voice commands distributed to the voice activated interface 120 operatively coupled to the ECM 200 and the network in the store, the consumer 85 can request the location of a specific product or request information relevant to a specific product such as nutritional information, if any special for that product are available,

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122/145 and recipes that can incorporate a product. By activating the voice-activated interface 120 via the five-mode navigation device 123, the consumer 85 can also contact various services in the store, such as a pharmacy, deli counter, or automotive service station to initiate an order or check the status of your order. The consumer 85 can additionally contact customer services at the store without waiting in line at a counter, by calling the customer service counter from the voice-activated interface, allowing activities such as requesting a note for future use or reporting a risk of security at the store. In other modes, the consumer 85 can use the voice-activated interface as a means of calling a person or service outside the store, using the communication capabilities of the ECM 200 to connect to the Internet, enabling Voice Protocol technology through the Internet (VoIP ”). For example, a consumer 85 may wish to check with their spouse as to which product to buy or products on the shopping list, and may use the VoIP enabling and voice-activated interface 120 to call home.

Another use in the store is bar code scanning. A consumer 85 can choose to scan his own products with the 215 scanner built into the handle 22 or capsule 150, allowing him to view a given total for the products in cart 10 for purchase. By scanning the products during the shopping trip using the 215 scanner, the 215 scanner allows the consumer 85 to avoid waiting in the output ranges, since the ECM 200 can communicate the products being

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123/145 purchased; the price of each product; and the total determined, as well as the value of any coupons used and scanned by the consumer 85 to the POS 326 computer after reaching the Point of Sale 3 00. The action of scanning barcode during purchases, in combination with cart 10 that communicates the inventory scanned at the Point of Sale 300, facilitates more efficient outbound services for consumers.

In addition to the voice-activated interface 120, the consumer 85 can use several media enhancements of the cart 10 via the five-way navigation device embedded in the handle 22 or capsule 150. The consumer can press the voice activation button 122 (which is preferably a central button on the five-mode navigation device 123) to activate the voice recognition system as well as navigate other applications to access certain functions and information in cart 10 such as product location and other product information. The five-mode navigation device 123 can be used to maneuver through option menu 124 shown on video display 75.

As the cart supports voice recognition and additionally connects to the wireless store server (and thus an Internet connection is provided to the cart), the cart can be enabled for communication via VoIP. VoIP on cart offers the ability to call, for example, customer service in the store (for example, to report a spill or ask for assistance), store staff (that is, to speak to the store manager about a complaint or compliment), and between carts (for example, for

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124/145 store employees use in configuration, inventory, and the like). In one mode, a call icon can be provided on the cart screen. The user can select the icon using a voice command or using the navigation device in five modes, and communicate via VoIP using the wireless internet to the store server, which is connected, in turn, to the service desk. customers or Int ernet generically to communicate via VoIP with individuals outside the store (for example, calling home to check an ingredient).

With media enhancements, a consumer 85 will have the ability to formulate a shopping list at home on the Internet, send the list to the store via email, and after registering with a cart 10 with a loyalty card or other identifier at the store, have your shopping list displayed on the video display 75 and be guided through the store in order of product and aisle, showing specials, promotions, and product location for products on your shopping list.

In various ways, the cart provides the consumer with 85 buyer characteristics to enhance the shopping experience. In a buyer feature, consumer 85 is able to save and name shopping lists. In one modality, the actions of saving, and naming, shopping lists can be performed from a website of the Network, while in other modalities, the actions of saving, and naming, shopping lists can be performed directly in the cart. In additional modalities, the action of saving, and the action of naming, shopping lists can be performed on a mobile device,

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125/145 as a laptop, a Blackberry ™, or a cell phone; and transferred to the wireless cart, using infrared, or using Bluetooth ™ enabled technology. Saved shopping lists can be linked to a user identifier, and retrieved after scanning a loyalty card or other identification card.

In some embodiments, an additional buyer feature provides a course that guides the consumer 85 to each item on the shopping list. A shopping list that includes, for example, a baby or marriage record, may include a course that provides guidance for the consumer 85 to find each item on the list in the store, allowing for faster and easier identification of items on the list for purchase. In several modalities, the course can be displayed in a graphic representation of the store. In several other modalities, the course can be generated by displaying items at the top of the shopping list from the closest list in proximity and in the direction in which the cart is moving, constantly updated as the cart moves.

In another buyer feature, the consumer 85 is able to email a recipe or a link to a seller network website with a recipe to an email address. The e-mail address can include an archived e-mail address or an e-mail address entered in the cart. In several ways, the e-mail address is verified before sending.

In another characteristic of the buyer, the consumer 85 is able to scan and use coupons in the cart, in such a way that the total of the cart reflects precisely the

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126/145 discount on price provided by coupons when going shopping. In such modalities, the savings value for coupons, and the identity of coupons and products for which the coupons are used are transferred to the Point of Sale computer.

In another buyer feature, a personalized consumer reminder brochure 85 is stored. As with shopping lists, the personalized reminder booklet can be linked to a user identifier, and retrieved after scanning a loyalty card or other identification card. Personalized reminders can include greeting card reminders for birthdays, anniversaries, and other festive dates. Personalized reminders can additionally include prescription reminders for a pharmacy in the store. In various modalities, when a reminder is generated by the cart to alert consumer 85 with a prescription reminder, consumer 85 can select the reminder to automatically place a prescription order (ie, refill) with the pharmacy in the store, and another alert can be provided to the consumer 85 via the cart when the prescription order is ready to be picked up. Other personalized reminders may also be available, such as monthly refills for standard pantry items, pet items, and the like.

In various modalities, any saved personalized items, such as lists or reminders, can be uploaded to the company's server, allowing the consumer to access the items on the premises of any retailer that employs the general system, making the items

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127/145 laptops from retailer to retailer, helping with comparison shopping and easier use of lists without the consumer 85 having to maintain different lists for the various stores where they shop. In addition, stored items can be automatically used in real time when the consumer makes additions or changes.

Cart 10, through the media enhancements discussed above, captures real-time purchasing behavior at the individual consumer level and provides extraction of back-end data and analytical reporting. Cart 10 captures information that is specific to the second about cart 10 and a consumer's movement and interactions with the cart, and records it for use by retailers and advertisers. For example, consumer shopping patterns can be collected, anonymously if preferred by the consumer, for analysis and use by advertisers, consumer goods manufacturers, and retailers. Retailers can use cart information for store operations, as discussed here with respect to shelf management. In addition, maintenance and service information provides accurate information for cart maintenance personnel regarding cart use and problems.

In one mode, when consumer 58 takes cart 10 to Point of Sale 300 at the end of the shopping trip, the ECM 200 can communicate data to the ISS 330, a POS 325 server, a POS 326 computer, or combinations of the same. In one mode, the ECM 200 communicates with ISS 330, which in turn communicates with the POS 325 server, which in turn communicates with the

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128/145 POS 326 computer, and vice versa. Typically, the POS 325 server and POS 326 computer are part of an existing local area network at a given store, and the ISS 330 would typically be added as a new component to the existing local area network after implementing the shopping cart enabled by media in a specific location. Although not required, communication with the ECM 200 can be facilitated by directing such communication through the ISS 330, instead of directly with the ECM 200.

In one embodiment, cart 10 communicates the identity of the products being purchased to the POS 326 computer or POS 325 server via the ISS 330, as the identity of each product was obtained during purchase when consumer 85 scanned the product as scanner 215 or basket RFID reader 227 identified the product when it was placed on cart 10.

Alternatively, the POS 326 computer or POS 325 server can obtain the identity of the products being purchased by the consumer 85 or a store employee by scanning the bar code on each product at the Point of Sale 300.

As the consumer goes to (that is, makes payment) the Point of Sale 300, the POS 326 computer or POS 325 server can record purchases made by that consumer 85 using that specific cart 10, as described here. The information obtained, both by the exit and by the cart 10 during purchases, can be transferred to / from the ISS 300 and / or Central host server 340. Using data extraction advances enabled by cart 10 and its

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129/145 media, advertisers can individually track the effectiveness of price and advertising campaigns without compromising the consumer's personal identity, alleviating the privacy concerns of consumer groups. Alternatively, the information can be correlated with a specific consumer, for example, through a loyalty card program, where the consumer agrees with this.

The data communicated by the ECM 200 can include data programmed into its memory, or data collected and stored in memory through the course of consumer 85 shopping trips (started when consumer 85 first moved cart 10). In one embodiment, such data may include any of the following: 1) the cart's identity, 2) where the cart was in the store, 3) which ads were shown to the consumer using the cart, 4) the time spent with each ad displayed and the time spent in specific areas, or store aisles, 5) which products are in cart 10 for purchase, 6) if known (such as from a loyalty card), consumer demographic or statistical data (gender, age, spending and purchasing habits), 7) patterns of transit through the store such as time, day, period, duration, etc., and 8) cart usage patterns (for example, number used, typical user, functions accessed, etc.). Such data can be correlated to determine the advertising effectiveness displayed through the media enable cart at the point of purchase (that is, close to the point in time when the consumer is selecting a product

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130/145 to be placed in the basket and purchased).

In another modality, the data includes (I) information captured by the media cart system as (1) cart-specific data such as (a) cart identification, (b) purchase episode date and time and each activity in it, (c) UPC retailer user card / media cart scanned by an employee at the time the card is delivered to the buyer and scanned again by the buyer on departure, at which point the cart is returned to the store for use by another consumer 85, which helps link information captured by the media cart system with POS data, (d) cart tracking such as location and duration, and (e) shopping activities. cart as product finder, price checks, shopping lists, basket views as totals, UPC, number of items, etc .; and (2) consumer campaigns, advertisements, promotions, such as description of advertisements / promotions, reference number of advertisement / promotion, campaign name and reference number, start / stop time of advertisement / promotion, trigger variables of advertisement / promotion (e.g. location, time, loyalty, non-loyalty), and store location: (2) Point of Sale (POS) data such as (a) UPC of retail user cart / media cart scanned by an employee at the time the cart is delivered to the buyer and scanned again by the buyer at the exit, at which time the cart is returned to the store for use by another consumer 85, who helps link information captured by the media cart system with POS data, (b) product description including code

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131/145

UPC and manufacturer code, (c) regular price of the product, (d) price of the product purchased, (e) total of the basket, (f) number of items in the basket, and (g) number of departure lane with time and departure date and transaction registration number; (3) Loyalty club data such as (a) loyalty card number, (b) postal code, (c) purchase data of the loyal buyer as items in the basket and basket size in dollars; and (4) store data such as (a) store address, (b) TDLinx code, (c) latitude and longitude coordinates, and (d) store demographic data such as number of adults / children in the household, income range , age group, ethnic group, homeowner or tenant, education level, etc.

Such data can be used to produce a variety of reports such as (1) buyer segmentation data such as (a) trip size, (b) trip duration, (c) day of the week, and (d) time of day; (2) consumer campaign studies as (a) purchased item, including display location and shelf location, (b) cross-purchase studies, including whether the idea of ​​use resulted in a purchased brand or another purchased brand, (c) fear ideas, including whether it resulted in a purchased brand or another purchased brand, (d) basket analysis, including trip size impact, basket category link, missing basket categories, (e) anonymous buyer cart tracking including types of shopping patterns (day of the week, time of day, and duration of purchase episode), perimeter areas visited (duration in the perimeter department and scanned items), shopping aisles (duration in the corridor and scanned items),

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132/145 purchased displays (duration on display and scanned items), location data queries by buyer, nutrition information queries by buyer, product price queries made by buyer, replacement of product entries, coupons used outside the store , in-store coupons used; and (f) loyalty card buyer tracking including types of purchase patterns (day of the week, time of day, and duration of purchase episode), perimeter areas visited (duration in the perimeter department and scanned items), corridors of purchases (aisle duration and scanned items), purchased displays (display duration and scanned items), location data queries by buyer, nutrition information queries by buyer, product price inquiries made by the buyer, replacement of product entries, coupons used outside the store, coupons used in the store.

Such data can also be used for analytical analysis such as (1) cart location including (a) verification of scanned items, (b) verification of cart after ad stimulation with respect to whether the cart was moved after the ad, if the buyer purchased the product, and if so when, if the buyer purchased a competing product, and if so, comparative data such as price, brand quality, etc., (2) ad viewed at the location of the product display, including scanned item verification, quantity purchased, and duration of time on the display before the cart is moved, (3) ad viewed in cross-use category including (a) item-use verification

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133/145 scanned complementary and (b) verification of brand promoted in advertisement with occasion of use, for example, if the cart moved to the location of the product presented, and (4) if the buyer used the product finder feature to find a product in the store, for example, a presented or complementary item.

In particular, advertising data can be correlated or integrated with sales data to determine the effectiveness of the ad on an anonymous buyer, or alternatively on a consumer identifiable as through additional correlation of data provided through a loyalty program. Where the consumer is identified, purchase data can be tracked over time to determine advertising effectiveness and to determine whether additional and / or modified advertising is desired. Such correlations can also provide a wealth of useful data such as purchasing patterns based on consumer demographics; geographical or regional preferences or variations; product placement; ad content, style, timing, etc. For example, reports could be generated indicating traffic patterns in the store; ad impact; product volume, market share per consumer 85 / house / group / store / region, repeated purchases, etc .; consumer buying trends (products, dollar values, etc.); average size and total purchase content by time, day, season, etc .; purchases by product category or segment, home, store, region, etc .; consumer search results, etc.

The data extraction capabilities of the media-enhanced cart 10 described here allow access to the

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134/145 exclusive metric for advertising as used in combination with the media-enhanced cart 10. The communication features of cart 10 allow advertisers to remotely download changes to the ISS 330 (and subsequently for each cart 10, in some ways) in advertising. Advertising changes can be made in response to information obtained through data extraction, as discussed here. The media enhancements described here allow advertisers to test ads across various demographic or geographic groups, and see effectiveness in an immediate way, where new statistical data is continually being generated and reported. Such advertising can then be modified as needed and / or rolled out in a large-scale campaign.

The media enabled shopping cart system described here provides several advantageous features including the ability to (a) target anonymous consumers with specific product promotions and information at the exact point of purchase and product selection in a retail store aisle; (b) provide specific promotions for loyalty card consumers 85 who have opted for the program; (c) providing buyer improvement tools such as store specials, electronic shopping lists, in-store product finder, recipes, nutritional information, and the ability to auto-scan products to speed up checkout; (d) capture cart traffic patterns, cart purchases, cart interactions, (e) capture consumer card purchase behavior

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135/145 loyalty who opted for the program, (f) provide accurate analytical reporting and data extraction, (g) provide retailers with the shelf management system to electronically manage product location and price in the store, and (h) modify traffic patterns of the buyer, for example, redirecting consumers to corridors with low traffic and / or to products with high margin.

With reference to figures 4 and 17, cart 10 can receive signals from the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) including video streams in 802.11x format. In one embodiment, multiple wireless access points 320 can be located throughout the store to provide network coverage for each cart 10 located in the store, communicating via network transceiver 024 (for example, a wireless modem) on the ECM 200. The network transceiver 204 can be located anywhere on the cart 10 and is operatively coupled to the ECM 200. In one embodiment, the network transceiver is integrated with the display 75, or alternatively is integrated with the ECM 200. Data can be transferred to and from cart 10 via the wireless link between network transceiver 204 and POS Server 325. Data can be transferred to and from cart 10 over the wireless link between network transceiver 204 and ISS 330. ISS 330 can store data from cart 10 and act as an intermediary between retail store systems and each cart 10. The ISS 330 can also connect through a firewall 332 through a broadband router / modem 333 over a network (in one mode, the Internet or VPN 335) to a Server

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136/145 central Host (HCS) 340 located in a hosting facility of the host company. Advertising and media data can be transferred at regular intervals, such as daily, between each store's ISS 330 and HCS 340. Data transferred from each store's ISS 330 can be processed by the host company. In one embodiment, the ISS 330 and HCS 340 use standard Microsoft server configurations or their equivalents together with support database management tools.

Car Explorer is an application that runs on the store server that is responsible for tracking all carts in the store. Car Explorer works similar to Windows Explorer to scan computers on a network or other system browser technology. Car Explorer maintains a status of each cart (for example, systems, processes, etc.) in the fleet through the wireless connection for each cart; the status of each cart, the software version that runs on each cart, disk space that the cart has available, the location of each cart, the charge status and the like. Car Explorer allows an individual (such as a fault finding employee or an employee trained in the configuration and use of the gral system) to remotely find and control each cart, thereby keeping a store up and running while performing preventive and proactive maintenance. The individual can use the Car Explorer to display a selectable icon representing each cart in the fleet, such that when selected, a detailed cart status is enlarged. The cart status may include an indication of remaining battery life, an indication of damage

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137/145 detected, and an indication of data corruption. The cart status can also include an indication of an operating system present, an indication of displayable content present, and an indication of a version of each supplemental executable program. The cart status can also include a graphical representation of the cart's location on a store map.

In several ways, Car Explorer also includes a Car Pager system. The Car Pager system allows a specific cart or group of carts to be identified or notified from an entire group or fleet of carts. In one mode, when a cart is paged from Car Explore, the cart emits an audible page alert, such as a beep. In another mode, when a cart is paged from Car Explorer, the cart displays a visible page alert, such as a message that appears on the cart's screen to notify a user. In several ways, the Car Pager Car Explorer system

<td>Can be</td><td colspan="2">used for</td><td>issue a</td><td>page</td><td>for only</td><td>one</td>

<td>cart,</td><td>or</td><td>all the</td><td>carts</td><td>at</td><td colspan="2">store. In many</td>

<td colspan="2">modalities, the</td><td colspan="2">Car Pager system</td><td>Car</td><td>Explorer can</td><td>to be</td>

<td>used</td><td>for</td><td>issue</td><td>a page</td><td>for</td><td>the interface</td><td>in</td>

computer, or to the human interface (ie, the screen). In several modalities, the Car Pager system of Car Explorer can include one-way or two-way paging.

In one embodiment, the host company is a parent company for a plurality of retail stores that are networked as described here. An advertising company or product manufacturer may have

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138/145 access to HCS in such a way that product advertising can be remotely and centrally downloaded to the host company for further dissemination to the various individual stores. Similarly, information such as product information, inventory, advertising effectiveness, etc., can be accessed from HSC and uploaded by the advertising company or product manufacturer. In this way, an advertising company or product manufacturer can have a centralized access point for uploading and downloading advertising or other product data, thereby allowing access in real time and adjusting to commercial activities based on the effectiveness of an activity specific. For example, a new advertising campaign can be downloaded remotely to HCS, disseminated on a large scale or small scale (for example, a pilot course), and the results of the advertising campaign can be closely monitored in real time or approximately real to determine if any adjustments need to be made.

The HSC server is operable to coordinate activity between all the various stores, tracking all data between stores. In various embodiments, a plurality of HCS servers can be implemented. In several ways, an HCS server can be dedicated to a specific chain of stores that are commonly controlled. The HCS server manages all the data that goes to the carts (for example, digital content management, passing ads, recipes, nutritional information, and the like for carts through stores) as well as all data coming from the carts (ie , coordination of

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139/145 in-store events). The HCS server tracks campaigns, banners and subcategories for product placement and advertising, as well as the placement of ads and / or content according to categories similar to Neilson or categories defined by retailer.

In one embodiment, the ISS 330 operating system software can be based mainly on the Windows Server 2003 Operating System, IIS 6.0 using the .NET Compact Framework, COM +. In one embodiment, the POS Server 325 operating system software can be based mainly on the Windows Server 2003 Operating System, IIS 6.0 using the .NET Compact Framework, COM +. It should be understood that specific computing equipment and software are revealed here as non-limiting examples, and that equivalent or improved components can be subdivided as they become available.

In one embodiment, the HCS 340 can comprise one or more of each of the following: a media server, a network server, and a database server. In one embodiment, one or more media servers can operate on operating system software based mainly on Windows Server 2003 with a DivX Encoder, Media Windows Server, Flash Communications Server, and FTP Service. In one embodiment, one or more network servers can operate on the operating system software based mainly on the Windows Server 2003 Operating System, IIS 6.0 using the .NET Compact Framework, COM +. In one embodiment, one or more database servers can operate on operating system software based primarily on Windows Server 2003, IIS 6.0 .NET Framework, COM +, SQL Server 2003

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140/145 (cluster), MS SQLServer 2003 and MS SQLServer 2005. It should be understood that specific computing equipment and software are revealed here as non-limiting examples, and that improved or equivalent components can be

<td colspan="2">replaced</td><td>as they become</td><td>available</td><td> .</td><td></td><td></td>

<td>In</td><td colspan="2">one modality, several</td><td>components</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">system</td>

<td>described</td><td colspan="2">here can be located</td><td>commonly,</td><td>per</td><td colspan="2">example,</td>

<td>posted</td><td>The</td><td>or integrated with</td><td>cart</td><td> 10.</td><td>In</td><td>an</td>

<td colspan="2">modality,</td><td>various components of the</td><td colspan="3">system described</td><td>on here</td>

can be distributed or dispersed over the system as a whole while operatively coupled together to obtain the functions described here, for example, with one or more components located in the cart and one or more components located in a computing system such as a POS system retailer, a LAN, a WAN, etc. Similarly, various components, subsystems, and the like, as described here, can be implemented in software, hardware, or both and operably coupled to the system as a whole to perform its intended function as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

The methods enabled by the present disclosure include mounting a display in a shopping cart basket as well as performing steps to make or perform all of the other attachments, configurations and modalities described here. In addition, methods of using a shopping cart with a basket-mounted video display will be readily apparent from the present disclosure. The methods enabled by the present disclosure also include adding or retrofitting media enhancement hardware and software to a shopping cart (for example,

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141/145 (example, plastic and / or metal), as well as perform steps to make or carry out all other attachments, configurations and modalities described here. In addition, methods of using a media-enhanced shopping cart, including data extraction, will be readily apparent from the present disclosure.

In the embodiment as shown in the figures, a cart 10 is provided having a video display 75 mounted on the nose 45 of cart 10. Cart 10 is further enhanced by the addition of an ECM 200, a voice-activated interface 120, a scanner 215, a five-mode navigation device 123, a nose bumper cable 100, a corridor RFID reader 225 with antennas 226 (looking out of the cart 10), optionally a basket RFID reader 227 with antennas 228 (looking in the contents of the basket 20), and battery charger contact plates 105 or 230, 231. The voice-activated interface 120, the five-mode navigation device 123, and the scanner 215 are grouped in a capsule 150 near the center of the handle 22, as shown in figure 19. In one embodiment, the voice-activated interface 120 comprises plus a voice-activated, push-to-talk interface, with a hardware or software button on the capsule 150 or handle 22 to push to activate the voice recognition feature. The push-to-talk button can be a dedicated button, or it can be one or a combination / sequence of buttons, for example, on the five-mode navigation device 123. Capsule 150 and / or handle 22 can further comprise a check price button , which can be a hardware or software button. So

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142/145 similarly, the price check button can be a dedicated button or it can be one or a combination / sequence of buttons, for example, on the 123 five-way navigation device. The action of pressing the price check button allows the a consumer 85 scans an item to determine its price, so the item is not added to the basket inventory or total purchases for the consumer 85. It is to be understood that any components described herein as residing in or on the handle 22 can be similarly integrated into the capsule 150, and in one embodiment all functional components positioned on the handle 22 are incorporated into the capsule 150. The corridor RFID reader 225 it is integrated with the ECM 200 and antennas 226 are located on each side of the 199 housing of the ECM 200. The basket RFID reader 227 can be part of the ECM 200 with antennas 228 located on the base 76. The battery charger contact plates are positioned and configured as shown in figures 6, 7 and / or 12.

More specifically, the base 76 is mounted inside the front side wall 28 and conforms to the shape of the nose, for example, slightly curved as shown. As shown in figure 19, the base 76 can extend downwardly from the front edge 29 along the inside of the front side wall 28 and taper downward with the bottom edge 83 of the base contacting or almost contacting the top portion of the bottom 21 basket 20. A base 76, as shown in figure 19 forms a conduit for communication cables, power cords, etc., from the ECM 200 and / or battery. Such a conduit may extend further under the lower edge of the

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143/145 lower 21 of basket 20 and can be connected to housing 199 of ECM 2 00. In one embodiment the duct and / or base 7 6 can be integrated into basket 20, for example, molded in plastic.

The video display 75 is attached to the basket 20 such that the viewable area 78 is above the interior 54 of the basket. Similarly, the video display 75 is attached to the basket20 in such a way that the viewable area 78 is in a field of view 84 of a consumer 85 who pushes the cart 10 by the handle 22. The video display 75 is foldable, and the hinge 79 is positioned approximately equal to the front edge 29 of the basket 20. The bottom edge 82 of the screen 77 is positioned approximately equal to the front edge 29, and in some embodiments it can rest on the front edge 29 to provide additional support for the screen 77. For example, the outer bottom edges 98, 99 can rest on the edges upper, front or side, for additional support. As shown in figure 2, the nose 45 and upper edges can be slightly curved and the lower edge 82 of the screen 77 can be less curved such that the outer lower edges 98, 99 engage one or more of the upper edges in an unfolded position . In a folded position as shown in figures 5 and 6, the screen extends approximately at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the base 76 (or alternatively extends in the plane that defines the upper edges of the cart) which releases the nose and exterior of the cart to engage with a second trolley while also keeping the interior 54 of the trolley free such that the rear side wall 31 can swing upwards into the interior 54 of the basket to receive

Petition 870190119509, of 11/18/2019, p. 148/163

144/145 the front side wall 28 of a third cart.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The modalities described here are only exemplary, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed here are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly mentioned, such expressed ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of similar magnitude understood in the ranges or limitations expressly mentioned (for example, approximately 1 to approximately 10 includes 2, 3, 4, etc .; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13 etc.). The use of the term optionally with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the element in question is necessary or alternatively is not necessary. Both alternatives are intended to be included in the scope of the claim. The use of broader terms as it comprises, includes, having, etc. are to be understood as providing support for narrower terms as consisting of, consisting essentially of, substantially comprised of, etc. The various modalities and components thereof disclosed here may be singly or in combination with any other modality disclosed here. In all figures, similar numbers correspond to similar parts.

Therefore, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but it is only limited

Petition 870190119509, of 11/18/2019, p. 149/163

145/145 for the claims that follow, that scope including all matter equivalents of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the claims are an additional description and are additions to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The discussion of a reference here is not an admission that it is prior art to the present invention, especially any reference that may have a publication date 10 after the priority date of that application. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications and publications cited here are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural or other supplementary details to those exposed here.