MODULAR SHOPPING AND BILLING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A modular shopping and billing assistive device comprising, a body 101 constructed with plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical rods, an inverted U-shaped member 102 for allowing user to push/ pull body 101, a layer of cushioned pad 103 for providing comfortable gripping experience to user’s hand while maneuvering, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 to detect dimensions of accommodated items, a motorized slider for proper accommodation of items, an OCR module for detecting price of accommodated items, a touch interactive display panel 105 for displaying evaluated amount to be paid by user, a gyroscope 110 for detecting misbalancing of items, multiple telescopic bars to stabilize shopping items, a sensing module for detecting presence of rain and/or dust particles, a motorized roller 106 for rotating in order to unwind a sheet, plurality of castor wheels 107 to move during shopping, a Peltier unit 108 for maintaining temperature for preservation.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular shopping and billing assistive device that is capable of assisting a user to accommodate groceries while shopping, and calculating the price of each grocery and also provide a quick response way make payments in an efficient manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As the demand arises from the increasing demand for efficient and streamlined shopping experiences in retail environments. Shopping and billing tools aim to address these challenges by integrating various technologies and features to enhance the shopping and billing experience. Traditional shopping and billing processes often involve manual tasks such as selecting items, queuing at checkout counters, and manually inputting prices and quantities for billing. Traditionally, shopping and billing assistive tools typically consisted of modular components that is combined or customized to suit the specific needs of different retail establishments. Like cash registers were used to calculate and record sales transactions, including item prices, quantities, and total amounts owed by customers. Cashiers manually inputted product codes or prices and operated mechanical or electronic cash registers to process payments.

[0003] Although, the traditional method of shopping and billing using cash register has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. They heavily on manual processes for tasks such as pricing, inventory management, and billing, leading to increased labor costs, potential errors, and inefficiencies. And manual data entry and processing were time-consuming, resulting in slower checkout times and longer wait times for customers, particularly during peak hours. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of shopping and billing where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US20160260161A1 discloses system, apparatuses, and methods for bringing a shopping container to a customer in a shopping space are provided. A system for bringing a shopping container to a customer in a shopping space comprises a plurality of sensors, a plurality of motorized transport units, and a control circuit. The control circuit being configured to: receive a shopping container request from a user interface device associated with the customer, determine at least one available shopping container based on data collected by the plurality of sensors, the at least one available shopping container being empty and not used by another customer, select an available shopping container based at least on a location information of the user interface device, select a motorized transport unit to transport the available shopping container, and provide instructions to the motorized transport unit to bring the available shopping container to the customer. US'161 discloses about an apparatus that assist user in shopping experience However this invention does not focus on maintaining optimum temperature for preservation of the accommodated shopping items in a secure manner.

[0005] US8849791B1 Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating an assisted shopping experience. A speech input can be captured and transcribed. The transcribed speech input can be transmitted to a customer service agent in a data session that is contemporaneous with a voice session. The customer service agent can then facilitate an assisted shopping experience via the voice session and data session. Though in US'791 discloses about an assisted shopping experience that is capable of detecting the presence of dust and rain in order to protect the accommodated shopping items in an automated manner.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of assisting user in shopping and billing however these devices fail in detecting the presence of dust and rain in order to protect the accommodate shopping items in an automated manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting user in shopping groceries while shopping, and evaluating the price of each grociers products by generating bill of the accommodated items using quick response code scan. Additionally, the device should be potent enough of maintaining optimum temperature for preservation of the accommodated shopping items in a secure manner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of facilitating a user in accommodating multiple groceries during shopping and automatically determines the price of groceries for evaluating the total amount of groceries and provides a quick payment method to user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of maintaining optimum temperature for preservation of the accommodated shopping items in a secure manner.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the presence of dust and rain in order to protect the accommodated shopping items in an automated manner.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a modular shopping and billing assistive device that is capable of assisting a user to accommodate several grocery shoppers while shopping evaluating the price of each grocery, and giving the user an quick response way to make payments in a secured manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular shopping and billing assistive device comprises of a body constructed with plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical rods, a basket-like structure for accommodation of shopping items, an inverted U-shaped member is configured on apex portion of the body for providing a means to sais user to push/ pull the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor to detect dimensions of the accommodated items, a motorized slider configured with each of the vertical and horizontal rods to modulate shape of the body in view of creating an ample amount of space for proper accommodation of items inside the body, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module installed on the body that works in synchronization with the imaging unit for detecting price of each of the accommodated items, and the microcontroller evaluates overall price of the items, a touch interactive display panel is arranged on the body for displaying the evaluated amount to be paid by the user, along with displaying a QR (Quick Response) that is to be scanned by the user via an electronic payment wallet installed within a computing unit accessed by the user for payment of the shopping items, a gyroscope installed on the body for detecting misbalancing of the items, wherein in case the misbalancing is detected, multiple telescopic bars assembled on apex portion of the body for extending towards the accommodated items in order to stabilize the shopping items, followed by actuation of an electromagnetic spring arranged on the bars for magnetizing to maintain stability of the items, a sensing module installed on the body for detecting presence of rain and/or dust particles in proximity to the body, wherein in case the rain is detected and/or dust particles are detected.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized roller arranged on the body for rotating on its to unwind a sheet followed by actuation of multiple motorized hinge joints arranged on the body for providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links attached with each of the hinge joints in order to deploy the sheet attached between the links over the body, plurality of castor wheels are arranged underneath the body for allowing the user to maneuver the body on ground surface during shopping, a layer of cushioned pad is fabricated on the U-shaped member for providing a comfortable gripping experience to the user's hand while maneuvering the body from one place to another, the sensing module includes a rain sensor and a dust sensor, a Peltier unit configured within the body that is actuated by the microcontroller for maintaining an optimum temperature inside the body for preservation of the accommodated shopping items, a battery associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view on modular shopping and billing assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to modular shopping and billing assistive device that is capable of facilitating a user in accommodating multiple groceries during shopping and automatically determines the price of groceries for evaluating the total amount of groceries and provides a quick payment method to user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a modular shopping and billing assistive device is illustrated, comprising a body 101 constructed with plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical rods, an inverted U-shaped member 102 is configured on apex portion of the body 101, a layer of cushioned pad 103 is fabricated on the U-shaped member 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is configured on the body 101, a touch interactive display panel 105 is equipped on the body 101, a motorized roller 106 arranged on the body 101, plurality of castor wheels 107 are arranged underneath the body 101, a Peltier unit 108 is configured within the body 101, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module 109 installed on the body 101. a gyroscope 110 installed on the body 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a body 101 constructed with plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical rods, forming a basket-like structure for accommodation of shopping items. Wherein an inverted U-shaped member 102 is configured on apex portion of the body 101 for providing a means to the user to push/ pull the body 101. Also, a layer of cushioned pad 103 is fabricated on the U-shaped member 102 for providing a comfortable gripping experience to the user's hand while maneuvering the body 101 from one place to another.

[0024] Then, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is configured on the body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings to detect the dimensions of the accommodated items. The imaging unit 104 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to determine the dimensions of the accommodated items. The AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encrypted within the processor to enhance its functionality and capabilities. The AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images captured by the camera enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision-making.

[0025] The camera, herein captures images of the body 101 surrounding with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information present in the images. The camera is capable of analysing the surrounding and providing real-time updates or alerts about the frame's surrounding based on predefined rules or criteria. Herein, based on extraction of the data from the captured images are sent to an inbuilt microcontroller. The microcontroller process the signal of the imaging unit in order to detect the dimensions of the accommodated items. The microcontroller used herein is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller receives the data from various electronic units and generates a command signal for further processing to detect the dimensions of the accommodated items.

[0026] Upon detecting the dimensions of the accommodated items, the microcontroller actuates a motorized slider configured with each of the vertical and horizontal rods to modulate shape of the body 101 in view of creating an ample amount of space for proper accommodation of items inside the body 101. The slider herein discloses consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the slider moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion. This involves the use of ball bearings. The slider incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the slider carriage along the rail unit to modulate shape of the body 101 in view of creating an ample amount of space for proper accommodation of items inside the body 101.

[0027] Further, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module 109 is integrated on the body 101 that works in synchronization with the imaging unit 104 for detecting price of each of the accommodated items. The OCR module first capture the image of the alphabets/words and process that image on the basis of a pattern of black and white color intensity. After that, OCR module compares the detected pattern with the pre-stored data of alphabets in order to find out the alphabets/words and send the detected alphabets/words to the microcontroller in synchronization with the imaging unit 104 for detecting price of each of the accommodated items.

[0028] Thereafter, the microcontroller evaluates overall price of the items, simultaneously, the microcontroller activates a touch interactive display panel 105 is equipped on the body 101 for displaying the evaluated amount to be paid by the user. The display panel 105 comprises of small wires that complete the circuit when the user touches the panel for giving input which is further change the electric charge at the location of touch and registered as input in the panel. After that the input commands regarding the dosage is stored in a database of the microcontroller linked with the panel to process the input. Upon processing the input given by the user by using an electronic gadget to scan the QR (Quick response code) then microcontroller actuates a QR (Quick Response) via an electronic payment wallet integrated within a computing unit accessed by the user for payment of the shopping items.

[0029] Further, a gyroscope 110 is assembled on the body 101 for detecting misbalancing of the items. The gyroscope 110 is a type of motion sensing equipment, capable of sensing movements such as rotation and changes in orientation. The working principle of a gyroscope 110 is based on gravity, as the product of angular momentum that is experienced by the torque on a disc to produce a gyroscopic precession in the spinning wheel. Gyroscope 110 utilizes the principle of angular momentum, where a spinning mass resists changes in its orientation for detecting misbalancing of the items.

[0030] If misbalancing is detected, the microcontroller actuates multiple telescopic bars assembled on apex portion of the body 101 for extending towards the accommodated items in order to stabilize the shopping items. The bars are linked to a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends due to which the bars extend towards the accommodated items in order to stabilize the shopping items.

[0031] After accommodating items in order to stabilize the shopping items, an electromagnetic spring arranged on the bars for magnetizing to maintain stability of the items. The spring comprises of a conducting coil, when the electric current is passed across the coil that result in generation of the magnetic field around the coil and that results in the generation of the magnetic force due to which the springs gets energized. When the current release, the electromagnet gets de-energized. The energization and de-energization of the springs to compress for magnetizing to maintain stability of the items.

[0032] After maintaining stability of the items, a sensing module integrated on the body 101 for detects presence of rain and/or dust particles in proximity to the body 101. The sensing module includes a rain sensor and a dust sensor. The rain sensor working principle involves the use of optical or capacitive technology to detect the presence of raindrops in the surrounding. When raindrops fall on the sensor, the sensor disrupt infrared light beam, triggering a signal indicating the presence of rain. Capacitive rain sensors, on the other hand, utilize changes in capacitance caused by water droplets on their surface to detect rainfall. These sensors measure the electrical conductivity between two conductive plates, with an increase in conductivity indicating rainfall. Overall, both types of rain sensors provide accurate and reliable detection of rainfall in proximity to the body 101.

[0033] Further, a dust sensor is equipped on the frame for detecting presence of dust particles in proximity to the body 101. The herein discloses comprise of an optical sensing element which includes infrared lighting emitting diode and a photo diode. When the light is emitted and reflected by the dust particles, the photo diode collects the reflected light in order to detect the dust particles in proximity to the body 101.

[0034] If the rain is detected and/or dust particles are detected, the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 106 arranged on the body 101 for rotating on it's to unwind a sheet. The motorized roller 106 comprises a disc coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the disc via the shaft. The disc thus provides a maximum level of assistance to the user and also allow the user to maintain a steady speed while moving the body 101. Further this is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for
tightening/loosening a looped strap coiled on the roller for rotating to unwind the sheet.

[0035] Further, multiple motorized hinge joints arranged on the body 101 provides movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links attached with each of the hinge joints thereby to deploy the sheet attached between the links over the body 101. The hinge joints typically refer to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge joint consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis. It usually consists of two parts: a stationary component and a moving component. The stationary component is securely attached to one part of the member, while the moving component is connected to the other part that needs to tilt and deploy sheet that aids in providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links.

[0036] Then, plurality of castor wheels 107 are arranged underneath the body 101 for allowing the user to maneuver the body 101 on ground surface during shopping. The wheels are coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide circular motion to the wheels. The working principle of a DC motor is based on the interaction between a magnetic field and an electric current. When an electric current flows through the coil of wire, also known as the armature, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the fixed magnets, known as the stator, causing the armature to rotate. The rotation is achieved by reversing the direction of the current flow in the armature coil using a commutator and brushes that provide continuous movement of the motor that results in providing circular motion to the wheels to move the body 101 on ground surface during shopping.

[0037] A Peltier unit 108 is configured within the body 101 that is actuated by the microcontroller for maintaining an optimum temperature inside the body 101 for preservation of the accommodated shopping items. The Peltier unit 108 comprises of junctions and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) that is a solid unit which converts the heat into electric energy by the phenomena of see beck effect that is also known as form of thermoelectric effect. Further when the current flows through the junctions, the heat is removed from one junction to regulate the optimum temperature inside the body 101 for preservation of the accommodated shopping items.

[0038] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirement.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the body 101 constructed with the plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical rods, forming the basket-like structure for accommodation of the shopping items. Wherein the inverted U-shaped member 102 for providing a means to the user to push/ pull the body 101. Also, the layer of cushioned pad 103 for providing a comfortable gripping experience to the user's hand while maneuvering the body 101 from one place to another. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings to detect the dimensions of the accommodated items. Upon detecting the dimensions of the accommodated items, the microcontroller actuates the motorized slider to modulate shape of the body 101 in view of creating the ample amount of space for proper accommodation of items inside the body 101. Further, the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module 109 for detecting the price of each of the accommodated items. Thereafter, the microcontroller evaluates overall price of the items, simultaneously, the touch interactive display panel 105 for displaying the evaluated amount to be paid by the user. Upon processing the input given by the user, the QR (Quick Response) that is to be scanned by the user via the electronic payment wallet integrated within a computing unit accessed by the user for completing the payment of the shopping items. Further, the gyroscope 110 is assembled on the body 101 for detecting misbalancing of the items. If the misbalancing is detected, the microcontroller actuates the multiple telescopic bars for extending towards the accommodated items in order to stabilize the shopping items. Further, this is followed by the actuation of the electromagnetic spring for magnetizing to maintain stability of the items. After maintaining stability of the items, the sensing module for detecting presence of rain and/or dust particles in proximity to the body 101. If the rain is detected and/or dust particles are detected, the microcontroller actuates the motorized roller 106 for rotating on it's axis to unwind the sheet. Further, this is followed by actuation of the multiple motorized hinge joints for providing movement to the multiple inverted U-shaped links attached with each of the hinge joints in order to deploy the sheet attached between the links over the body 101. Then, the plurality of castor wheels 107 for allowing the user to maneuver the body 101 on the ground surface during shopping. The Peltier unit 108 for maintaining an optimum temperature inside the body 101 for preservation of the accommodated shopping items.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A modular shopping and billing assistive device, comprising:

i) a body 101 constructed with plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical rods, forming a basket-like structure for accommodation of shopping items, wherein an inverted U-shaped member 102 is configured on apex portion of said body 101 for providing a means to sais user to push/ pull said body 101;

ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect dimensions of said accommodated items, wherein based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized slider configured with each of said vertical and horizontal rods to modulate shape of said body 101 in view of creating an ample amount of space for proper accommodation of items inside said body 101;

iii) an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module 109 installed on said body 101 that works in synchronization with said imaging unit 104 for detecting price of each of said accommodated items, and said microcontroller evaluates overall price of said items, and a touch interactive display panel 105 is arranged on said body 101 for displaying said evaluated amount to be paid by said user, along with displaying a QR (Quick Response) code that is to be scanned by said user via an electronic payment wallet installed within a computing unit accessed by said user for payment of said shopping items;

iv) a gyroscope 110 installed on said body 101 for detecting misbalancing of said items, wherein in case said misbalancing is detected, said microcontroller actuates multiple telescopic bars assembled on apex portion of said body 101 for extending towards said accommodated items in order to stabilize said shopping items, followed by actuation of an electromagnetic spring arranged on said bars for magnetizing to maintain stability of said items; and

v) a sensing module installed on said body 101 for detecting presence of rain and/or dust particles in proximity to said body 101, wherein in case said rain is detected and/or dust particles are detected, said microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 106 arranged on said body 101 for rotating on its to unwind a sheet followed by actuation of multiple motorized hinge joints arranged on said body 101 for providing movement to multiple inverted U-shaped links attached with each of said hinge joints in order to deploy said sheet attached between said links over said body 101.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of castor wheels 107 are arranged underneath said body 101 for allowing said user to maneuver said body 101 on ground surface during shopping.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a layer of cushioned pad 103 is fabricated on said U-shaped member 102 for providing a comfortable gripping experience to said user's hand while maneuvering said body 101 from one place to another.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module includes a rain sensor and a dust sensor.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Peltier unit 108 is configured within said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller for maintaining an optimum temperature inside said body 101 for preservation of said accommodated shopping items.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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