WO2000073971A1

WO2000073971A1 - Shopping system and shopping cart utilizing same

Info

Publication number: WO2000073971A1
Application number: PCT/IL2000/000188
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shmuel Dotan; Amir Shechter; Zeev Raz
Original assignee: Shmuel Dotan; Amir Shechter; Zeev Raz
Priority date: 1999-05-27
Filing date: 2000-03-27
Publication date: 2000-12-07
Also published as: IL130167A0; AU3452000A

Abstract

A shopping system for use with a shopping cart having a frame construction supporting a product collecting chamber, and wheels, is disclosed. The shopping system comprises (a) a plurality of components being removably attachable to the shopping cart, the plurality of components including: (i) a personal bar-code reader being for reading bar-codes associated with products being collected into the product collecting chamber of the shopping cart; (ii) a passage detection device being for collecting information pertaining at least to entries and exit of products into and out of the product collecting chamber; (iii) a weighing system being capable of monitoring a weight of each of the products being collected into the product collecting chamber; and (iv) a data processing and storing unit being capable of communicating with the personal bar-code reader, the passage detection device and the weighing system, the data processing and storing unit being for processing information being communicable thereto by the personal bar-code reader, the passage detection device and the weighing system.

Description

SHOPPING SYSTEM AND SHOPPING CART UTILIZING SAME

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shopping system and a shopping cart utilizing same, and more particularly, to a shopping system removably attachable to a shopping cart and including a personal barcode reader for allowing shoppers to personally scan bar-coded products collected thereby into the cart, and in keeping running totals of the scanned and collected products at any given time. Most particularly, the present invention relates to a component or several components removably attachable to a shopping cart and operable in synergy for preventing shoppers from not paying for products collected into the shopping cart.

During the last few years, a change in the retail shopping habits of shoppers is gradually taking place. Large supermarkets and superstores are rapidly replacing the small specialty stores and as such shopping for a multitude of products from several specialty stores is gradually replaced by a "one stop shopping" approach. Such superstores provide a shopper with a myriad of products ranging from food through cosmetics to automotive products conveniently located under one roof. Although shopping such superstores and supermarkets provides the shopper with numerous advantages, such as convenience, discount, self service and a large selection of products, a major limitation associated with this shopping approach is associated with the checkout process. When shopping in supermarkets or superstores, a shopper navigates a shopping cart through product containing aisles. Following collection of the desired products into the shopping cart, the shopper proceeds to a checkout station, in which the products are tallied by a cashier, payment is effected and the purchased products are packaged. Depending on the day and time of day, the checkout process may prolong and as such become an inconvenience to the shopper.

To overcome this limitation various technologies have been implemented in checkout stations of supermarkets and the like in order to shorten the checkout process. The use of, for example, product coding by bar-codes and bar-code readers and the use of automatic scales communicating with the cash register has been implemented in an effort to shorten the checkout process. However, such devices are only partially effective in shortening the checkout process. As a result, various systems for the complete automation of the checkout process are currently being explored.

Two main approaches have recently been developed to implement automatic checkout, each with its inherent advantages and disadvantages. One approach for automatic checkout employs activatable electronic identifiers which are adhered to each displayed product. Such an identifier carries electronic data which identifies a product to which it is adhered. When activated by an external activating (energizing) device, such an identifier transmits the data stored therein, which data is received by a dedicated receiver associated with the activating device and is thereafter communicated to a main computer which totals the price of all the collected products, updates the computerized inventory list and financial register and optionally debits a debit account of the shopper.

The advantage of such a system is clear, however, there are several disadvantages associated therewith, as follows.

First, while effectively implementing such a system, every displayed product has to be identified by an electronic identifier adhered thereto. However, such identifiers are costly and therefore this system is not applicable for inexpensive products. Second, at present, such identifiers cannot be manufactured ad hoc, so as to identify assorted products sold, for example, by weight, etc.

Third, while using activatable electronic identifiers, there is still a difficulty in correctly identifying a number of identical products simultaneously. Another approach for automatic checkout in superstores, supermarkets and the like employs bar-code identifiers and personal barcode readers, which are typically connected to a shopping cart. The use of bar-code identifiers is presently advantageous because bar-codes are inherently adhered to, or printed on, products displayed in supermarkets and the like. Such a bar-code identifier carries data identifying a product with which it is associated. When scanned by the personal bar-code reader the data encoded by the bar-code is interpreted and is thereafter used to total the price of all the collected products.

One of the advantages of this bar-code based system is that bar- codes are cost effective and that bar-codes are presently in use to mark products in most stores.

One disadvantage of this system is that there is little control over mis-use of the system by shoppers which can simply not scan some collected products or scan inexpensive products while collecting more expensive ones. Random manual checkups are presently exercised to prohibit shoppers of such unjust accommodation.

To overcome the limitations of prior art systems U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,158 describes a shopping cart which includes, in addition to a bar code reader, devices for alerting against unjust accommodation of the shopping cart. According to U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,158 such devices include a weighing equipment for weighing products introduced into the shopping cart basket and a passage detection device for detecting passage into and out of the basket.

A major disadvantage of the shopping cart described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,158 arises from the fact that the bar-code reader and the devices for alerting against unjust accommodation are integrated into the shopping cart. Thus, these devices cannot be detached from the shopping cart when not in use and are therefore susceptible to vandalism and wear when the shopping cart is not in use and stored outside the supermarket.

There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a removably attachable shopping system incorporatable into a shopping cart, which shopping system enables personal bar-code scanning of products and alerting against unjust accommodation of the shopping cart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a shopping system for use with a shopping cart having a frame construction supporting a product collecting chamber, and wheels, the shopping system comprising: (a) a plurality of components being removably attachable to the shopping cart, the plurality of components including: (i) a personal bar-code reader being for reading bar-codes associated with products being collected into the product collecting chamber of the shopping cart; (ii) a passage detection device being for collecting information pertaining at least to entries and exit of products into and out of the product collecting chamber; (iii) a weighing system being capable of monitoring a weight of each of the products being collected into the product collecting chamber; and (iv) a data processing and storing unit being capable of communicating with the personal bar-code reader, the passage detection device and the weighing system, the data processing and storing unit being for processing information being communicable thereto by the personal bar-code reader, the passage detection device and the weighing system.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the data processing and storing unit is implemented within one of the personal bar-code reader and the weighing system.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the weighing system is removably attached to the shopping cart via a weighing system support frame being attached to or integrally formed with the frame construction of the shopping cart, whereas the support frame is actuatable to position the weighing system in intimate contact with the product collecting chamber to thereby enable the monitoring of the weight of each of the products being collected into the product collecting chamber. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the weighting system support frame is actuatable via an actuating mechanism being activatable by a handle of the shopping cart. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the plurality of components further include a power source. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the power source is integrated into the data processing and storing unit or the weighing system.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the shopping cart is configured such that only when the components are attached thereto, the data processing and storing unit is in communication with the bar-code reader, the passage detection system and the weighing system.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the shopping cart is configured such that only when the components are attached thereto, the data processing and storing unit, the bar-code reader, the passage detection system and the weighing system are powered.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the shopping system further comprising a plurality of sockets each serving as a communication port for a specific component of the components. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments each of the plurality of sockets also serve as a power port for the specific component.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the shopping system further comprising a checkout station capable of communicating with the data processing and storing unit, the checkout station and the data processing and storing unit are so configured so as to perform at least one task selected from the group consisting of (i) associating prices with the bar-codes; (ii) totaling the prices; (iii) correlating between information retrieved from the bar-code reader and the passage detection device, thereby pointing out shoppers suspected of theft; (iv) effect payment; (v) communicate with a main computer for updating at least one register selected from the group consisting of stock register and financial register; and (vi) collect statistics pertaining to an entity selected from the group consisting of at least one shopper and at least one specific product.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the data processing and storing unit communicates with the checkout station via a continuous or transient communication mode selected from the group consisting of cordless communication and wire communication.

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a shopping system and which prohibits product theft and has additional advantages as further detailed in the following sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a shopping cart incorporating the shopping system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the components of the shopping system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a shopping cart incorporating a support frame for supporting and actuating the weighing assembly of the shopping system of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of a checkout station according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is of a removably attachable shopping system and a shopping cart incorporating same which can be used to substantially decrease vandalism theft and/or wear associated with prior art shopping cart systems. In addition, the present invention, facilitates more convenient personal shopping, while at the same time prohibits theft by allowing shoppers to personally scan the bar-codes of products collected into a shopping cart, thus maintaining a running total of the collected products, and at the same time indicating to an operator of the shopping system of un-scanned products collected into the shopping cart.

The principles and operation of a shopping system and method according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. According to the present invention there is thus provided a shopping system which can be removably attached to a shopping cart and which can be used to effect personal shopping while at the same time prevents unjust accommodation of the shopping cart product collecting chamber, which unjust accommodation can be a result of product theft.

A shopping cart provided with the shopping system of the present invention is distinctly advantageous over prior art shopping cart systems described in the background section. Since the components of the shopping system of the present invention can be detached from the shopping cart, wear, vandalism and/or theft of these components is negated when the cart is stored away outside the supermarket when not in use. Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-4 illustrate some preferred embodiments of a shopping system according to the present invention, which is referred to herein as shopping system 10.

Shopping system 10 includes a plurality of components 11, each of which is removably attachable to a shopping cart 12. Components 11 can be attached to shopping cart 12 via any detachable connection device known in the art, including magnetic and tongue and groove connectors, snap-fit devices and the like. As is further described hereinunder components 11 are preferably connected to shopping cart 12 via sockets which also serve to provide components 11 with communication and power needs and to physically support components 11.

Shopping cart 12 includes a frame construction 14 which supports a product collecting chamber 16. According to one configuration, product collecting chamber 16 is of a rigid structure and of a volume suitable for the collection of a plurality of products. Product collecting chamber 16 includes an opening 17 for receiving collected products. Shopping cart 12 further includes wheels 18 (two are shown in Figure 1). Preferably four wheels 18 are utilized by shopping cart 12, but any number of wheels 18 are envisaged. Wheels 18 are attached to frame construction 14 and are used for locomoting shopping cart 12. According to the present invention, components 11 of shopping system 10 include a personal bar-code reader 20 which serves for reading bar-codes associated with products which are collected into product collecting chamber 16. Personal bar-code reader 20, is also referred hereinunder as reader 20. Many examples of devices which are known in the art can be applied to reader 20. According to the present invention bar-code reader 20 can be selected from any class of bar-code readers, such as, but not limited to, the laser bar-code reader class, the LED barcode reader class and the CCD bar-code reader class. Further details relating to types of bar-code readers are found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,002, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

In a preferred form, reader 20 is selected from the CCD class of bar-code readers. Densei makes CCD type bar code scanners such as the Model BCH5532 Bar Code Reader. The details of the Densei line of CCD bar code readers in general, and the Model BCH5532 reader in particular are hereby incorporated by reference.

Components 11 further include a weighing system 22. Weighing system 22 is capable of monitoring the weight of each product which is collected into product collecting chamber 16. Weighing system 22 preferably includes a plurality of pressure cells or strain gauges 15, of which four are shown in Figure 2. Strain gauges 15 are preferably selected sensitive to a minute change in weight which can range from few grams to several kilograms, e.g., 1 gram to 10 kilograms.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, weighing system 22 is removably attached to the shopping cart via a weighing system support frame 23. As specifically shown in Figure 3, support frame 23 is actuatable to position weighing system 22 in intimate contact with product collecting chamber 16.

As specifically shown in Figure 2, support frame 23 can include rails 25 which are designed to accommodate channels 45 of weighing system 22. Support frame 23 is permanently or removably connected to shopping cart 12 via, for example, pins 17. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, monitoring of a weight of each product collected into product collecting chamber 16 is effected only when support frame 23 is actuated so as to position weighing system 22 in intimate contact with product collecting chamber 16. It will be appreciated that product collecting chamber 16 is preferably attached to shopping cart 12 in a way which allows weighing system 22 to support product collecting chamber 16 when intimate contact is provided therebetween.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, support frame 23 is actuated via an actuating mechanism 29 which is activated by a handle 31 of shopping cart 12. Actuation of handle 31 moves rails 25 up (as indicated by 43) to enable weighing system 22 to intimately contact and thus support product collecting chamber 16, or vice versa. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention components 11 further include a data processing and storing unit 28 which is in communication with reader 20 and weighing system 22. Data processing and storing unit 28 serves for processing information communicable thereto from personal bar-code reader 20 and weighing system 22. Preferred configurations of data processing and storing unit 28 are further described hereinunder.

Components 11 further include a passage detection system 60. Passage detection system 60 includes passage detection sensors 62 mountable on both sides of opening 17 such that any movement in and out of product collecting chamber 16 is detected. Preferably passage detection sensors 62 include a photovoltaic cell positioned opposite to a focused radiation beam emitting source. Thus, passage is detected when a radiation beam produced from one emitting source is not sensed by its paired photovoltaic cell (e.g., passage of products or other objects in and out of chamber 16).

Alternatively passage detection system 60 can include a light emitting and detecting device 63 which is designed for emitting a beam of light and detecting a returning reflected light beam. In this case, passage detection system 60 further includes a retroreflector for retroreflecting the light beam emitted from element 63 thereunto.

Passage detection system 60 communicates with data processing and storing unit 28, to provide information pertaining to the movement into and out of product collecting chamber 16. Such information is preferably correlated, in time wise manner, with the information from reader 20 and weighing device 22 as is further described below.

Components 11 of system 10 also include a removably attachable power source 13, which can be, for example, a rechargeable battery. Preferably power source 13 is integrated into data processing and storing unit 28, or weighing system 22. Such a rechargeable power source can be recharged when removed from shopping cart 12 when shopping cart 12 is not in use and parked in a dedicated space, which occurs for example, when a supermarket or superstore which utilizes shopping system 10 is closed or while shopping cart 12 is awaiting use. Power source 13 is used to provide the necessary power for components 11 detailed herein.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, shopping cart 12 is configured such that only when components 11 are attached thereto, data processing and storing unit 28, said bar-code reader, said passage detection system and said weighing system are in communication therebetween and powered via power source 13. As such, shopping cart 12 includes a plurality of sockets each serving as a communication and power port for a specific component 11. For example, and as specifically shown in Figure 2, a socket 21 is configured for connecting with plug 33 of weighing system 22 when it is attached to shopping cart 12 via support frame 23. Preferably socket 21 and additional sockets provided on shopping cart 12 are constructed so as to withstand daily connection-disconnection cycles and so as to provide components 11 with physical support when attached to shopping cart 12.

Utilizing shopping system 10 of the present invention is effected as follows. A look-up table is constructed in which bar-code, prices and weights of products are correlated. The look-up table is stored in a memory. The memory can be implemented, for example, within data processing and storing unit 28. As such, information provided by this look-up table, such as product prices and weights and a running total price, can be displayed to a shopper via a shopper interface 25 which is communicating with data processing and storing unit 28 as is further detailed hereinbelow. Alternatively, look-up table is provided remote from shopping cart 12, for example in a checkout station which is further described hereinbelow. In this case the correlation of product weights and prices to the bar-code encoded information can be effected in real- time by cordless communication between data processing and storing unit 28 and the checkout station, as further described hereinbelow. Alternatively, this correlation is effected during the checkout procedure which is further described hereinbelow. The reverse is executed upon mind changing with respect to the purchasing of a specific product. In this case, the negative change in weight is correlated to a re-scanned product which is to be removed from cart 12. Shopper interface 25 includes controls for effecting a reverse procedure as described above.

When a product is collected from the display, scanned via reader 20 and placed in product collecting chamber 16, the weight added to chamber 16 thereby is determined by weighing system 22. Assisted by the look-up table, data processing and storing unit 28 determines whether there is correlation between the product as identified by the scanned barcode and the weight monitored by system 22. If a product weight is below the monitoring capabilities of weighing system 22, data processing and storing unit 28 can store the weight information related thereto as determined by the look-up table and sum the weights of additional such products cumulatively. Accumulated, and thus monitorable, the weight of several products which cannot be monitored individually by weighing system 22 can then be determined.

It will be appreciated, that products contained within product collection chamber 16, can move around when cart 12 is in locomotion and as a result weight changes due to the movements of the products are monitored. Thus, weighing system 22 is preferably actuated by the user (as described hereinabove) to monitor a weight only following a scanning of a bar-code.

According to a preferred embodiment, a correlation between the time of scanning and the monitored weight change can also be effected by system 10 of the present invention. To this end, data processing and storing unit 28 includes a timing mechanism for determining the time elapsed from scanning to weight change. The elapsed time period recorded is used to determine a time correlation between the scanning procedure and the change of weight. As further described hereinunder this correlation can be used to indicate a possible attempt of product theft.

To most effectively implement passage detection system 60, information pertaining to the passage of products is correlated by data processing and storing unit 28 with a product bar-code scanning by reader 20. For example, immediately following scanning of a collected product, passage information is retrieved from passage detection system 60, and correlated with the time of the scanning and/or weighing. It will be appreciated in this case, that a collected and scanned product is typically placed within product collecting chamber 16 within a short period of time of 0.5-10 seconds, typically 0.5-5 seconds, most typically, 0.5-3 seconds. If passage detection is monitored following a time period longer than the above described ranges, than a possible product theft is suspected and as result data processing and storing unit 28 of shopping system 10 alerts of a possible theft. In addition, information from passage detection system 60 can be correlated to information from weighing system 22 to determine if a product has been removed and replaced without proper scanning. For example, passage information from passage detection system 60 is retrieved when a weight reduction is sensed by weighing system 22. This information can indicate if the weight reduction is followed by detected passage, and more importantly if a concomitant second detected passage is followed by a weight increase which is dissimilar to the initial weight reduction. This process can be indicative of product replacement and as a result data processing and storing unit 28 alerts of a possible theft.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shopping system 10 further includes a shopper interface 25 which is preferably removably attachable to shopping cart 12. Shopper interface 25 communicates with data processing and storing unit 28 to provide the shopper with information pertaining to products, a running total of the products collected and any other information relating to the collected product. Additional information, such as scanning instructions, indication of a collected product and warning indications, such as, for example, cart abuse, improper scanning, readiness for a next scan, can also be provided. As further detailed hereinunder shopper interface 25 can also provide the shopper with additional information.

According to the present invention, the information collected by data processing and storing unit 28 is preferably processed by data processing and storing unit 28 to effect the checkout procedure which is effected by a number of steps, including the tallying of products, the determination of product theft event(s), if any, and payment.

In more detail, information associated with the product bar-codes is used to determine a price for each product and to determine a total price. Concomitantly, the weight information associated with the barcode of each product and which is provided from the look-up table is correlated to the actual weight monitored for that product by system 22. This correlation is used to determine if a product's bar-code scanned by reader 12 is the same product which was subsequently placed in cart 12. In addition, and as mentioned hereinabove, a correlation between the time of scanning and the time of the monitored weight is also determined. Finally information from passage detection system 60 is also correlated to scanning and weight changes. If a correlation is achieved for all the products contained within product collecting chamber 16, then checkout proceeds as outlined hereinbelow. Alternatively, if correlation is not achieved, then an operator of shopping system 10 is alerted and the checkout procedure is halted. The products contained within product collecting chamber 16 can than be inspected by the operator manually. It will be appreciated that the level of correlation needs not be absolute. An acceptable level of correlation can be predetermined by the operator of shopping system 10, below which the checkout procedure is halted.

Following a non-theft determination, a total price is displayed to the shopper via interface 25.

According to a proffered embodiment of the present invention payment is effected via a charge card, e.g., a debit card and/or a credit card terminal provided in data processing and storing unit 28. Following payment, the user wheels shopping cart 12 to a checkout point for completing the shopping process and receiving a receipt for purchases made. Following checkout completion, some or all of components 11 of system 10 can be disassembled from shopping cart 12, and the user is allowed to wheel the purchased goods outside the supermarket or superstore. It will be appreciated that power source 13 is preferably disassembled at this time from shopping cart 12 so it can be recharged.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention and as is specifically shown in Figure 4, shopping system 10 of the present invention further includes a checkout station 40 which serves as a payment terminal. Checkout station 40 communicates with data processing and storing unit 28 when storing unit 28 is attached to shopping cart 12. When shopping cart 12 is placed in checkout station 40, data processing and storing unit 28 and the checkout computer system exchange information which can include, for example, a price total of items purchased by the user. This information can be exchanged via wire connection ports or via wireless (cordless) communication between data processing and storage unit 28 and checkout station 40.

To enable such wireless communication, data processing and storing unit 28 includes a transmitter/receiver (transceiver) 48. Transceiver 48 can be for example, a radio frequency transceiver, a microwave transceiver or an infrared transceiver. Many examples of transceivers usable in this context are known in the art of wireless communication, and as such, these transceivers are not further described herein. It will be appreciated that in the case of wireless communication, shopping cart 12 does not have to be in physical contact with checkout station 40 to effect payment. Thus, this configuration provides many advantages to shopping system 10 of the present invention, which are described and discussed hereinbelow. According to this embodiment of the present invention, payment is effected via a user interface 50 of checkout station 40 which also enables the shopper to choose a desired payment method. According to the present invention, and as further detailed hereinunder, payment can be effected via cash, check or a charge card, e.g., a debit card and/or a credit card.

To this end, checkout station 40 further includes a cash payment mechanism 52 through which cash notes and/or coins can be inserted, and change can be received. Checkout station further includes a check payment mechanism 54. Mechanism 54 includes an optical reader or alternatively a magnetic reader which can be used with magnetic ink provided by checkout station 40. Mechanism 54 serves for acquiring the information displayed on a submitted check, such as, for example, a price, a signature and personal information. This information is used to effect payment. To interpret the scanned magnetic or optical information the checkout computer or alternatively mechanism 54 includes dedicated software for character recognition for interpreting optical or magnetic information.

Checkout station 40 further includes a charge card payment mechanism 56. Mechanism 56 serves for effecting a charge card payment and is preferably a magnetic card reader. Methods and devices for processing magnetic information contained within a charge cards are well known in the art, and thus require no further discussion herein. Mechanism 56 preferably communicates on-line with central computers of debit or credit providers for approval of payment.

Following payment authorization, the checkout procedure is finalized, a receipt receivable from slot 58 is provided, and shopping cart 12 is allowed to exit checkout station 40, through exit 61. Shopping cart 12 can then be disassembled from all or some of components 11, so as to allow the user to wheel the purchased items outside the supermarket or superstore.

It will be appreciated that the information collected and processed by data processing and storage unit 28 or checkout station 40 can also be used to update the stock and financial registers. To this end, data processing and storage unit 28 or checkout station 40 are in communication with a computer system which is responsible for managing the stocked and displayed products and/or managing the financial records. It will be further appreciated that the information retrieved and processed from a shopper over a given time period or for any defined number of purchases can be used to generate statistical information. This statistical information can be used to construct a profile for a shopper. In addition, and as further detailed herein, the theft probability associated with a shopper's behavior while collecting products into the shopping cart can be statistically analyzed, for example delays between scanning a bar-code and placing a product in the cart can provide such indications. It will be appreciated that in order to collect statistical information for a single shopper over a given number of shopping events, identification of the shopper is necessary.

Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shopper is identifiable through a charge card or a check provided information. Alternatively, and preferably, a shopper is assigned with a personal identification number. This number is keyed into user interface 50 prior to initiation of the checkout procedure or to shopper interface 25 prior to collection of products. Assignment of a personal identification number is particularly advantageous to both the shopper and the store which implements shopping system 10 of the present invention. This number enables a close tracking of the shopping habits of a shopper thus enabling the following: (i) provision of personalized or categorized information to the shopper, which can include information on specific products, discounts and the like. This information can be provided to either user interface 50 or alternatively, and presently preferably, directly to shopper interface 25; (ii) provision of discounts according to the shopping volume and habits of the shopper; and (iii) assigning a shopping theft probability value to the shopper.

In addition, statistical information can be retrieved and processed for a plurality of shoppers to thereby produce a shopping profile for any particular product, such as for example, the number of times a specific product is purchased or is suspicious of being stolen. It will be appreciated that accumulation of such statistical data enables the system of the present invention to assign a value to each product according to the statistical information accumulated for this product. For example, a product suspected of being stolen numerous times is assigned a high probability of theft value.

Thus, shopping system 10 includes removably attachable shopping system components which can be detached and stowed away when the shopping cart is not in use, thus decreasing theft risk, vandalism and wear which can severely limit a cost effective use of prior art shopping cart systems.

In addition, by using a dedicated weighing system and a passage detection system in combination with a personal bar-code reader the present invention provides a shopping cart which can be used to effect personalized shopping and which further enables the operator of the present shopping system to track, and to be alerted of, possible product theft events.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A shopping system for use with a shopping cart having a frame construction supporting a product collecting chamber, and wheels, the shopping system comprising:

(a) a plurality of components being removably attachable to the shopping cart, said plurality of components including:

(i) a personal bar-code reader being for reading bar-codes associated with products being collected into the product collecting chamber of the shopping cart;

(ii) a passage detection device being for collecting information pertaining at least to entries and exit of products into and out of the product collecting chamber;

(iii) a weighing system being capable of monitoring a weight of each of said products being collected into the product collecting chamber; and

(iv) a data processing and storing unit being capable of communicating with said personal bar-code reader, said passage detection device and said weighing system, said data processing and storing unit being for processing information being communicable thereto by said personal bar-code reader, said passage detection device and said weighing system.

2. The shopping system of claim 1, wherein said data processing and storing unit is implemented within one of said personal bar-code reader and said weighing system.

3. The shopping system of claim 1, wherein said weighing system is removably attached to the shopping cart via a weighing system support frame being attached to or integrally formed with the frame construction of the shopping cart, whereas said support frame is actuatable to position said weighing system in intimate contact with the product collecting chamber to thereby enable said monitoring of said weight of each of said products being collected into the product collecting chamber.

4. The shopping system of claim 3, wherein said weighting system support frame is actuatable via an actuating mechanism being activatable by a handle of the shopping cart.

5. The shopping system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of components further include a power source.

6. The shopping system of claim 5, wherein said power source is integrated into said data processing and storing unit or said weighing system.

7. The shopping system of claim 1, wherein the shopping cart is configured such that only when said components are attached thereto, said data processing and storing unit is in communication with said barcode reader, said passage detection system and said weighing system.

8. The shopping system of claim 6, wherein the shopping cart is configured such that only when said components are attached thereto, said data processing and storing unit, said bar-code reader, said passage detection system and said weighing system are powered.

9. The shopping system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sockets each serving as a communication port for a specific component of said components.

10. The shopping system of claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of sockets also serve as a power port for said specific component.

11. The shopping system of claim 1, further comprising a checkout station capable of communicating with said data processing and storing unit, said checkout station and said data processing and storing unit are so configured so as to perform at least one task selected from the group consisting of:

(i) associating prices with said bar-codes; (ii) totaling said prices; (iii) correlating between information retrieved from said barcode reader and said passage detection device, thereby pointing out shoppers suspected of theft;

(iv) effect payment;

(v) communicate with a main computer for updating at least one register selected from the group consisting of stock register and financial register; and

(vi) collect statistics pertaining to an entity selected from the group consisting of at least one shopper and at least one specific product.

12. The shopping system of claim 7, wherein said data processing and storing unit communicates with said checkout station via a continuous or transient communication mode selected from the group consisting of cordless communication and wire communication.