Smart Trolley with Self-Checkout System Using Paper-Based RFID Tags

Abstract

The invention describes a smart trolley system designed to automate the shopping experience using paper-based RFID tags. The system employs an integrated self-checkout mechanism that scans items as they are added to the trolley, calculates the total bill, and facilitates payment through the Razorpay payment gateway. This solution eliminates the need for traditional checkout lines, streamlining the customer experience. Additionally, the system generates digital receipts and integrates with the store’s inventory system to ensure real-time stock updates

Specification

Description:DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related to the field of electronics engineering. More specifically, it relates to a smart trolley with self-checkout system using paper-based RFID tags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

In traditional retail environments, the checkout process can be time-consuming, especially during peak shopping hours. This invention proposes a smart trolley that integrates paper-based RFID tags and self-checkout systems, allowing customers to scan and pay for products without waiting in line. The Razorpay payment gateway ensures secure transactions, while the system is capable of generating digital receipts and automatically syncing the store's inventory.

Background and Problem Statement
In modern retail, the primary challenge lies in long checkout times. Traditional self-checkout kiosks are cumbersome and require manual item scanning. Furthermore, during high traffic periods, customers still need to wait in line for checkout. To address these issues, there is a need for a more efficient solution that automates the entire process of product scanning, payment, and inventory management, while ensuring that the system remains cost-effective and scalable.


Proposed Solution
This patent describes a smart trolley system that integrates RFID scanning, payment processing, and inventory synchronization. The key features of the system are:
• RFID Tag Scanning: Each product is tagged with a paper-based RFID tag that is automatically detected by an EM-18 RFID reader module as it is placed in the trolley.
• Display and Interaction: An LCD touch screen displays the products in the cart, the total bill, and allows the customer to interact with the system.
• Payment Integration: After completing the shopping, the customer can make a payment via Razorpay, a secure payment gateway supporting multiple payment methods.
• Receipt Generation: A digital receipt is generated after payment, which can be displayed or emailed to the customer.
Inventory Sync: The system automatically updates the store's inventory database after each purchase, ensuring real-time stock tracking.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a smart trolley with self-checkout system using paper-based RFID tags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly the following invention provides a smart trolley with self-checkout system using paper-based RFID tags.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The present invention is related to a smart trolley with self-checkout system using paper-based RFID tags.

The system design includes the following components:
1. RFID Tags: Paper-based RFID tags are attached to each product. These are cost-effective and capable of being read by the EM-18 RFID reader.
2. EM-18 RFID Reader: The RFID reader scans the paper-based RFID tags on the products, transmitting the data to the Arduino Nano for processing.
3. Arduino Nano: The microcontroller processes the RFID data and communicates with the LCD touch screen to display item information and total cost.
4. LCD Touch Screen: The screen provides a user interface for customers, allowing them to review their cart, see their total cost, and initiate payment.
5. Razorpay Payment Gateway: Razorpay enables secure online transactions. The integration allows customers to complete their purchase via credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, or UPI.
6. Inventory Management System: The system automatically updates inventory after each transaction, ensuring accurate stock levels.

Detailed Working of the System
The system works as follows:
• Step1:Scanning Items
As the customer places a product into the trolley, the RFID tag is read by the EM-18 RFID reader, which sends the item information (e.g., product name, price) to the Arduino Nano.
• Step 2: Displaying Information
The LCD touch screen displays the list of products and their prices, as well as the total cost of the items in the cart. Customers can also interact with the system to remove or add items.
• Step 3: Payment
Once shopping is complete, the customer proceeds to the payment stage. The Razorpay payment gateway handles the transaction, offering multiple payment methods for convenience.
• Step 4: Receipt Generation
After payment, the system generates a digital receipt, which can be sent to the customer's email or displayed on the screen.
• Step 5: Inventory Sync
After each transaction, the system updates the inventory in real time, ensuring that stock levels are always accurate.
The smart trolley system offers several benefits:
• Reduced Checkout Time: The system eliminates the need for manual barcode scanning, reducing the time spent at checkout.
• Cost-Effective: Paper-based RFID tags are inexpensive, making the system scalable for large retail environments.
• User-Friendly: The LCD touch screen provides an intuitive interface, enabling easy interaction for customers.
• Secure Payment Processing: Razorpay ensures secure and smooth transactions, supporting various payment methods.
• Real-Time Inventory Management: Automatic updates to inventory prevent stock discrepancies and improve store operations.
Potential Applications
• Supermarkets: The system is ideal for supermarkets that wish to provide a faster checkout experience and improve inventory management.
• Retail Stores: Any retail store looking to enhance customer satisfaction and streamline operations can benefit from this system.
• E-commerce: The technology can be adapted for online shopping experiences where users scan products via mobile phones.
• Warehouses: The system can assist in inventory management and order fulfillment within large warehouses.

Conclusion
The smart trolley system is a breakthrough in the retail industry, providing customers with a seamless, efficient shopping experience. By integrating RFID technology, Razorpay, and real-time inventory management, the system addresses the pain points of traditional checkout systems. The use of paper-based RFID tags ensures a low-cost solution, while the integration with Razorpay guarantees secure transactions.
, Claims:I/We Claim:

1. A smart trolley system comprising:
an RFID reader configured to detect paper-based RFID tags;
a microcontroller to process scanned data and display information;
a lcd touch screen for customer interaction;
an integrated razorpay payment gateway for transaction processing;
a system for receipt generation post-payment.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein paper-based RFID tags are used to lower the cost of implementation compared to traditional RFID tags.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trolley integrates payment processing with Razorpay to support mobile wallets, credit cards, and bank transfers.

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