Consult an Expert
Trademark
Design Registration
Consult an Expert
Trademark
Copyright
Patent
Infringement
Design Registration
More
Consult an Expert
Consult an Expert
Trademark
Design Registration
Login
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING SHOPPING ASSISTANCE TO USERS IN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
Extensive patent search conducted by a registered patent agent
Patent search done by experts in under 48hrs
₹999
₹399
Abstract
Information
Inventors
Applicants
Specification
Documents
ORDINARY APPLICATION
Published
Filed on 9 November 2024
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a system for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment. The system (102) includes processors (202) that receive product search queries from user (106) via touchscreen display (206). The processors (202) retrieve real-time location data from global positioning system (GPS) module (210) and utilize preloaded local map to determine current position of trolley (302) associated with user (106) within retail environment. The processors (202) guide user (106) by displaying directional information on touchscreen display (206). The processors (202) detect user input from touch sensors (208) to steer trolley using wheels (214). The processors (202) scan and record product barcodes using barcode scanners (216), retrieving and displaying product information on touchscreen display (206). The processors (202) calculate and display running total of prices for products on touchscreen display (206), and enable user (106) to track total spending.
Patent Information
Application ID | 202441086520 |
Invention Field | COMPUTER SCIENCE |
Date of Application | 09/11/2024 |
Publication Number | 46/2024 |
Inventors
Name | Address | Country | Nationality |
---|---|---|---|
RAVI S | UG Student, School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, Vandalur - Kelambakkam Road, Chenqnai, Tamil Nadu - 600127, India. | India | India |
SUGUMARAN V | Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, Vandalur - Kelambakkam Road, Chenqnai, Tamil Nadu - 600127, India. | India | India |
ANNAMALAI K | Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, Vandalur - Kelambakkam Road, Chenqnai, Tamil Nadu - 600127, India. | India | India |
VENKATACHALAM G | Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, Vandalur - Kelambakkam Road, Chenqnai, Tamil Nadu - 600127, India. | India | India |
Applicants
Name | Address | Country | Nationality |
---|---|---|---|
VELLORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI | Vandalur - Kelambakkam Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600127, India. | India | India |
Specification
Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field of a smart trolley. More precisely, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, which can include supermarkets, stores, and airports.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the present disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.
[0003] In modern retail environments, shopping trolleys, or carts, are essential tools designed to assist customers in transporting items conveniently within stores. These trolleys, found in supermarkets, stores, and airports, serve the basic purpose of carrying goods while customers shop. Traditional trolleys are generally unpowered and manually pushed, requiring users to exert physical effort, especially when heavily loaded. Although these trolleys fulfil a fundamental need, they often lack advanced features that would simplify navigation, streamline the shopping experience, and provide additional support to users.
[0004] In traditional shopping environments, a variety of tools and technologies are available to assist customers; however, each has significant limitations that impact the overall shopping experience. Traditional trolleys or carts are manually operated pushcarts found in supermarkets, stores, and airports. While they serve the primary function of carrying items, they demand considerable physical effort to move and steer, particularly when heavily loaded. This can lead to user fatigue and inconvenience, especially in large stores where maneuvering can be challenging. Additionally, these trolleys lack any smart features, making navigation difficult and time-consuming.
[0005] Self-checkout systems represent an attempt to streamline part of the shopping process, allowing customers to independently scan and bag their items. While these systems reduce checkout wait times, they provide no support in navigating the store or locating products. Self-checkout still requires customers to manually handle items and does not lessen the physical burden associated with pushing and steering traditional trolleys. To address some of these challenges, RFID-enabled trolleys have been introduced. These trolleys incorporate RFID scanners to automatically detect items as they are placed in the cart. However, such systems rely on RFID tagging of products, which is not universally implemented, limiting their effectiveness. Additionally, RFID trolleys often lack advanced navigation and user interface features to assist with in-store wayfinding, restricting their overall utility.
[0006] Motorized carts are also available, particularly aimed at elderly or disabled shoppers who may benefit from motorized assistance for movement. However, these carts typically require manual controls, such as joysticks or buttons, which can be cumbersome to operate. Moreover, motorized carts do not integrate with store navigation or product-locating systems, limiting their usefulness to basic mobility support.
[0007] In-store navigation apps represent another solution, providing maps and directional guidance within stores. These mobile applications can help users find products but rely on customers having a smartphone and using it throughout their shopping trip. Navigating with a smartphone while pushing a trolley can be inconvenient, and these apps lack direct integration with the shopping cart itself, further complicating the user experience. Despite these advancements, significant limitations persist. Traditional and motorized trolleys still require substantial manual effort, especially when heavily loaded, which can make the shopping experience physically demanding. Navigation assistance within large stores is often limited or non-existent, leading to time-consuming searches for specific products. The absence of integrated product and price information on most carts makes it difficult for users to track selected items and monitor their total expenditure. Moreover, the lack of an intuitive, user-friendly navigation system on the cart itself results in a less streamlined shopping experience, and many existing solutions lack accessibility for individuals with disabilities or those unfamiliar with technology. These gaps underscore the need for a next-generation smart trolley system that integrates product locating, navigation, and price tracking in a user-friendly, accessible format to enhance the overall shopping experience.
[0008] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide a system and method that can overcome the shortcomings of the existing prior arts.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[00010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and method facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment.
[00011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, can include supermarkets, which enables autonomous movement through an integrated motor and controller system to reduce the physical strain on users.
[00012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, can include supermarkets, which facilitates intuitive control via a touch-sensitive handle that allows users to guide the trolley with minimal effort.
[00013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system and method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, which provides a touchscreen interface that allows users to search for products and receive in-store directions, significantly reducing the time spent locating items.
SUMMARY
[00014] This summary is provided to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[00015] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment. The system can include processors, a memory coupled to processors said memory having instructions executable by the processors to receive product search queries from user via a touchscreen display. The processors can retrieve real-time location data from a global positioning system (GPS) module and utilize a preloaded local map to determine a current position of a trolley associated with the user within the retail environment based on the product search queries. The preloaded local map can include the layout of aisles, sections, and specific product locations within the retail environment, enabling precise guidance for users searching for products. The processors can display a destination location of the searched product on the touchscreen display based on the real-time location data and the preloaded local map. The processors can guide the user by displaying directional information on the touchscreen display near a touch-sensitive handlebar based on the current position of the trolley and the destination location within the retail environment. The processors can detect user input from touch sensors to control the trolley's movement, where the user input pertains to an increased pressure on a right side or a left side of the touch sensors positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar. The increased pressure adjusts power distribution to electric motors to steer the trolley using wheels, enabling directional control. The processors can scan and record product barcodes of products placed in the trolley using a plurality of barcode scanners, thereby retrieving and displaying product information on the touchscreen display. The processors can calculate and display a running total of prices for the products scanned and placed in the trolley on the touchscreen display, thereby enabling the user to track total spending.
[00016] In an aspect, a method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment. The method includes the steps of receiving product search queries from at least one user via a touchscreen display. The method includes the steps of retrieving real-time location data from a global positioning system (GPS) module and utilizing a preloaded local map to determine a current position of a trolley associated with the at least one user within the retail environment based on the product search queries. The method includes the steps of displaying a destination location of the searched product on the touchscreen display based on the real-time location data and the preloaded local map. The method includes the steps of guiding the at least one user by displaying directional information on the touchscreen display near a touch-sensitive handlebar based on the current position of the trolley and the destination location within the retail environment. The method includes the steps of detecting user input from a plurality of touch sensors to control the trolley's movement, where user input pertains to an increased pressure on at least one of a right side or a left side of the plurality of touch sensors positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar, where the increased pressure adjusts power distribution to one or more electric motors to steer the trolley using a plurality of wheels, enabling directional control. The method includes the steps of scanning and recording product barcodes of products placed in the trolley using a plurality of barcode scanners, and retrieving and displaying product information on the touchscreen display. The method includes the steps of calculating and displaying a running total of prices for the products scanned and placed in the trolley on the touchscreen display, enabling the at least one user to track total spending. The method includes the steps of facilitating navigation and minimizing physical effort by assisting the at least one user in locating desired products and managing the trolley's movement within the retail environment.
[00017] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which numerals represent like features.
[00018] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00019] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[00020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network architecture of the proposed system for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, by an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00021] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the proposed system, by an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00022] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrates exemplary representations of system (102) implemented or installed within the trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00023] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[00026] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment. The system can include processors, a memory coupled to processors said memory having instructions executable by the processors to receive product search queries from users via a touchscreen display. The processors can retrieve real-time location data from a global positioning system (GPS) module and utilize a preloaded local map to determine a current position of a trolley associated with the user within the retail environment based on the product search queries. The preloaded local map can include the layout of aisles, sections, and specific product locations within the retail environment, enabling precise guidance for users searching for products. The processors can display a destination location of the searched product on the touchscreen display based on the real-time location data and the preloaded local map. The processors can guide the user by displaying directional information on the touchscreen display near a touch-sensitive handlebar based on the current position of the trolley and the destination location within the retail environment. The processors can detect user input from touch sensors to control the trolley's movement, where the user input pertains to an increased pressure on a right side or a left side of the touch sensors positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar. The increased pressure adjusts power distribution to electric motors to steer the trolley using wheels, enabling directional control. The processors can scan and record product barcodes of products placed in the trolley using a plurality of barcode scanners, thereby retrieving and displaying product information on the touchscreen display. The processors can calculate and display a running total of prices for the products scanned and placed in the trolley on the touchscreen display, thereby enabling the user to track total spending.
[00027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network architecture (100) of the proposed system for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00028] In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the network architecture (100) can include the system (102) which may be configured connect to a network (104), which is further connected to at least one computing device (108-1), (108-2), … (108-N) (collectively referred as computing device 108, herein) associated with one or more users (106-1), (106-2), … (106-N) (collectively referred as user 106, herein). In an implementation, the system (102) may be implemented or installed within a trolley (refer FIG. 3) to facilitate shopping assistance to the at least one user (106) in a retail environment. The trolley may include, but not limited to, a smart trolley, a pushcart, a handcart, a shopping cart, a shopping trolley, and the like. The retail environment may include, but not limited to, supermarkets, stores, airports, commercial spaces, consumer venues, shopping venues, and the like. The trolley may be associated with the at least one user (106). The at least one user (106) may include, but not limited to, a buyer, a customer, an individual, a consumer, a purchaser, and the like.
[00029] In an exemplary embodiment, the computing device (108) may include, but not be limited to, a computer-enabled device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or some combination thereof. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the at least one computing device (108) may be individually referred to as a computing device and collectively referred to as a computing devices (108). The computing device (108) may be associated with the at least one user (106).
[00030] In an exemplary embodiment, the network (104) may include, but not be limited to, at least a portion of one or more networks having one or more nodes that transmit, receive, forward, generate, buffer, store, route, switch, process, or a combination thereof, etc. one or more messages, packets, signals, waves, voltage or current levels, some combination thereof, or so forth. In an exemplary embodiment, the network (104) may include, but not be limited to, a wireless network, a wired network, an internet, an intranet, a public network, a private network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, or some combination thereof.
[00031] In another exemplary embodiment, the centralized server (110) may include or comprise, by way of example but not limitation, one or more of: a stand-alone server, a server blade, a server rack, a bank of servers, a server farm, hardware supporting a part of a cloud service or system, a home server, hardware running a virtualized server, one or more processors executing code to function as a server, one or more machines performing server-side functionality as described herein, at least a portion of any of the above, some combination thereof. In an embodiment, the system (102) may be coupled to the centralized server (110). In another embodiment, the centralized server (110) may also be operatively coupled to the computing devices (108). In some implementations, the system (102) may be associated with the centralized server (110).
[00032] In an embodiment, the system (102) can include one or more processors (refer FIG. 2); a memory (refer FIG. 2) coupled to the one or more processors, where said memory stores instructions which when executed by the one or more processors cause the system (102) to receive product search queries from the at least one user (106) via a touchscreen display (refer FIG. 2). The product search queries can include various types of information to enhance product location and retrieval for users. These product search queries may include specific product names or keywords, such as "milk" or "shampoo," allowing for direct identification of commonly sought items. Users can also search by broader product categories like "dairy" or "personal care," directing them to sections where similar products are located. Brand names, such as "Coca-Cola" or "Colgate," can be included in the search to find items from particular manufacturers, while product attributes like size, color, or weight (e.g., "large eggs" or "green apples") enable more precise searches. Additionally, users can specify a price range, such as "under $10," to filter products that meet budget constraints. Finally, the system (102) can offer search suggestions based on frequently bought or recently searched items, providing convenient access to regular purchases and enhancing the user's shopping experience.
[00033] In an embodiment, the one or more processors can be configured to retrieve real-time location data from a global positioning system (GPS) module (refer FIG. 2) and utilize a preloaded local map to determine a current position of the trolley associated with the at least one user (106) within the retail environment based on the product search queries. The preloaded local map can include the layout of aisles (walkways, or corridors), sections, and specific product locations within the retail environment, enabling precise guidance for the users searching for products.
[00034] In an embodiment, the one or more processors can be configured to display a destination location of the searched product on the touchscreen display based on the real-time location data and the preloaded local map. The one or more processors can be configured to guide the at least one user (106) by displaying directional information on the touchscreen display positioned near a touch-sensitive handlebar (refer FIG. 3) based on the current position of the trolley and the destination location within the retail environment. The one or more processors can be configured to detect user input from a plurality of touch sensors (refer FIG. 2) to control the trolley's movement, where the user input pertains to an increased pressure on at least one of a right side or a left side of the plurality of touch sensors positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar, where the increased pressure adjusts power distribution to one or more electric motors (refer FIG. 2) to steer the trolley using a plurality of wheels (refer FIG. 3), enabling directional control. The one or more processors can be configured to scan and record product barcodes of products placed in the trolley using a plurality of barcode scanners (refer FIG. 2), retrieving and displaying product information on the touchscreen display. The one or more processors can be configured to calculate and display a running total of prices for the products scanned and placed in the trolley on the touchscreen display, enabling the at least one user (106) to track total spending, thereby facilitating navigation and minimizing physical effort by assisting the at least one user (106) in locating desired products and managing the trolley's movement within the retail environment. The processors can transmit the total spending information to the computing device (108) associated with family members, and enable family members to track and monitor the shopping expenditure in real-time, promoting budget awareness and collaborative spending management. By providing seamless and secure updates on the total amount spent, the system (102) enhances transparency and offers a shared view of purchases across household members, even if they are not physically present in the store.
[00035] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the system (102), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00036] In an aspect, referring to FIG. 2, the system (102) may include one or more processor(s) (202). The one or more processor(s) (202) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, edge or fog microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that process data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, one or more processor(s) (202) may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory (204) of the system (102). The memory (204) may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which may be fetched and executed to create or share data packets over a network service. The memory (204) may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM), or non-volatile memory such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, and the like.
[00037] In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) can be configured to receive the product search queries from the at least one user (106) via the touchscreen display (206). The one or more processors (202) can be configured to retrieve real-time location data from the global positioning system (GPS) module (210) and utilize a preloaded local map stored in the memory (204) to determine a current position of the trolley associated with the at least one user (106) within the retail environment based on the product search queries, where the preloaded local map can include the layout of aisles, sections, and specific product locations within the retail environment, enabling precise guidance for users searching for products. The global positioning system (GPS) module (210) can be configured to provide the real-time location data, updating the trolley's position on the touchscreen display (206) as the at least one user (106) moves within the retail environment.
[00038] The one or more processors (202) can be configured to display the destination location of the searched product on the touchscreen display (206) based on the real-time location data and the preloaded local map. The one or more processors (202) can be configured to guide the at least one user (106) by displaying directional information on the touchscreen display (206) near a touch-sensitive handlebar (refer FIG. 3A) based on the current position of the trolley and the destination location within the retail environment. The touchscreen display (206) can be configured to provide a virtual keyboard for the at least one user (106) to input the search queries related to desired products. The touchscreen display (206) may display turn-by-turn navigation based on the current location of the trolley and the destination location of the searched product within the retail environment.
[00039] In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) can be configured to detect user input from the plurality of touch sensors (208) to control the trolley's movement, where the user input pertains to an increased pressure on at least one of a right side or a left side of the plurality of touch sensors (208) positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar, where the increased pressure adjusts power distribution to one or more electric motors (212) to steer the trolley using the plurality of wheels (306), enabling directional control. The plurality of touch sensors (208) positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar (304) can include a plurality of left touch sensors (208-1), and a plurality of right touch sensors (208-2) operatively coupled to the one or more processors (202). The one or more processors (202) can be configured to detect the increased pressure on the plurality of left touch sensors (208-1) to enable the trolley to turn right, and the increased pressure on the plurality of right touch sensors (208-2) enable the trolley to turn left using a plurality of wheels (refer FIG. 3A) by adjusting power to the one or more electric motors (212).
[00040] In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) can be configured to scan and record product barcodes of products placed in the trolley using the plurality of barcode scanners (216), the one or more processors (202) can be configured to retrieve product information from the server (110) upon scanning the product barcodes and displays the product information on the touchscreen display (206). The plurality of barcode scanners (216) can be configured to automatically scan each product as the product is placed in the trolley without requiring manual operation by the at least one user (106).
[00041] The plurality of barcode scanners (216) are configured to transmit product barcode data to the one or more processors (202) to retrieve corresponding product information from the centralized server (110) which is displayed on the touchscreen display (206), the product information can include a product price and a product description, the one or more processors (202) can be configured to communicate with the centralized server (110) in the retail environment to update inventory levels in real-time based on the products scanned and placed in the trolley. The one or more processors (202) can be configured to calculate and display a running total of prices for the products scanned and placed in the trolley on the touchscreen display (206), and enable the at least one user (106) to track total spending. The touchscreen display (206) is configured to display a list of all scanned products along with their individual prices and total purchase amount, updating in real-time as additional products are scanned. The system (102) facilitates navigation and minimizes physical effort by assisting the at least one user (106) in locating desired products and managing the trolley's movement within the retail environment.
[00042] In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) can be configured to provide alternative product suggestions or related promotions to the at least one user (106) based on the products scanned using the plurality of barcode scanners (216), the one or more processors (202) can be configured to calculate the total weight of products placed in the trolley (302) based on pre-stored product weight information associated with the scanned barcodes.
[00043] In an embodiment, the system (102) can include a power management unit (218) operatively coupled to the one or more processors (202), and the power management unit (218) can be configured to monitor battery levels of a batter pack (220) positioned in the trolley (302) and display a low-battery warning on the touchscreen display (206) when the battery level is less than a pre-stored threshold level, the power management unit (218) can be configured to operate the system (102) in an energy-saving mode when not in active use, reducing power to the GPS module (210) and the touchscreen display (206).
[00044] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrates exemplary representations (300a), and (300b) of the system (102) implemented or installed within a trolley, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00045] In an embodiment, the smart trolley (302) is designed to enhance shopping convenience, navigation, and product information access within retail environments. The trolley's chassis and wheels form the main body, constructed from lightweight, durable materials for easy handling and longevity. The chassis includes four wheels, with the front two wheels independently controlled, enabling smooth and precise movement to navigate crowded aisles and tight spaces. Powering this movement, the trolley is equipped with two electric motors attached to the front wheels. A microcontroller unit (MCU) acts as the central control system, managing motor functions based on inputs from both users and integrated sensors. This setup allows for responsive, automated adjustments to the trolley's speed and direction, enhancing user control.
[00046] To make operation intuitive, the trolley incorporates a touch-sensitive handle, featuring capacitive touch sensors within the handlebar to detect touch intensity and direction. When a user applies pressure to a particular side of the handle, the sensors interpret the input and relay it to the MCU, which subsequently adjusts motor power distribution to the wheels to enable directional control. For navigation and location tracking, the trolley is equipped with a GPS module and preloaded digital maps of the store layout. The GPS module provides real-time location data, which, in conjunction with the local map, allows the system to accurately track and guide the trolley's position within the store.
[00047] An interactive touchscreen display is mounted near the handlebar, providing a user-friendly interface for various functions, including product search, map display, and showing real-time product and price information. The high-resolution touchscreen allows users to interact with the system seamlessly, reducing the need for additional devices. Additionally, a barcode scanner is integrated within the trolley, automatically scanning items as they are placed inside, with the scanned information displayed on the touchscreen for the user's convenience.
[00048] The system is powered by a rechargeable battery pack, which can be charged using a docking station when the trolley is not in use. This design ensures that the trolley remains fully functional throughout the day, supporting a wide range of customer needs without constant manual intervention or recharging interruptions. Together, these features enable a streamlined and user-friendly shopping experience, reducing physical effort while providing valuable product and navigation information directly through the trolley.
[00049] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00050] As illustrated, method (400) includes, at block (402), receiving product search queries from at least one user via a touchscreen display.
[00051] Continuing further, method (400) includes, at block (404), retrieving real-time location data from a global positioning system (GPS) module and utilizing a preloaded local map to determine a current position of a trolley associated with the at least one user within the retail environment based on the product search queries.
[00052] Continuing further, method (400) includes, at block (406), displaying a destination location of the searched product on the touchscreen display based on the real-time location data and the preloaded local map.
[00053] Continuing further, method (400) includes, at block (408), guiding the at least one user by displaying directional information on the touchscreen display near a touch-sensitive handlebar based on the current position of the trolley and the destination location within the retail environment.
[00054] Continuing further, method (400) includes, at block (410), detecting user input from a plurality of touch sensors to control the trolley's movement, where user input pertains to an increased pressure on at least one of a right side or a left side of the plurality of touch sensors positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar, where the increased pressure adjusts power distribution to one or more electric motors to steer the trolley using a plurality of wheels, enabling directional control.
[00055] Continuing further, method (400) includes, at block (412), scanning and recording product barcodes of products placed in the trolley using a plurality of barcode scanners, and retrieving and displaying product information on the touchscreen display.
[00056] Continuing further, method (400) includes, at block (414), calculating and displaying a running total of prices for the products scanned and placed in the trolley on the touchscreen display, enabling the at least one user to track total spending.
[00057] Continuing further, method (400) includes, at block (416), facilitating navigation and minimizing physical effort by assisting the at least one user in locating desired products and managing the trolley's movement within the retail environment.
[00058] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00059] 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.
[00060] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[00061] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the proposed disclosure, other and further embodiments of the proposed disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the proposed disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The proposed disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[00062] The present disclosure provides a system and method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment.
[00063] The present disclosure provides a system and method that incorporates an automated barcode scanner to instantly capture product details and display real-time pricing, allowing users to monitor their total spending as they shop.
[00064] The present disclosure provides a system and method that utilizes GPS capabilities and preloaded store maps to guide users directly to selected products, enhancing convenience and reducing the need for assistance from store staff.
[00065] The present disclosure provides a system and method featuring a touch-sensitive handle and an intuitive touchscreen interface, designed to be accessible to users with disabilities or limited technical skills. The system promotes inclusivity in the shopping experience by enhancing convenience, efficiency, and ease of access for all buyers.
, Claims:1. A system for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, the system (102) comprising:
one or more processors (202);
at least one memory (204) coupled to the one or more processors (202), said memory (20) having instructions executable by the one or more processors (202) to:
receive product search queries from at least one user (106) via a touchscreen display (206);
retrieve real-time location data from a global positioning system (GPS) module (210) and utilize a preloaded local map to determine a current position of a trolley (302) associated with the at least one user (106) within the retail environment based on the product search queries, wherein the preloaded local map comprising the layout of aisles, sections, and specific product locations within the retail environment, enabling precise guidance for users searching for products;
display a destination location of the searched product on the touchscreen display (206) based on the real-time location data and the preloaded local map;
guide the at least one user (106) by displaying directional information on the touchscreen display (206) near a touch-sensitive handlebar (304) based on the current position of the trolley (302) and the destination location within the retail environment;
detect user input from a plurality of touch sensors (208) to control the trolley's movement, wherein the user input pertains to an increased pressure on at least one of a right side or a left side of the plurality of touch sensors (208) positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar (304), wherein the increased pressure adjusts power distribution to one or more electric motors (212) to steer the trolley (302) using a plurality of wheels (306), enabling directional control;
scan and record product barcodes of products placed in the trolley using a plurality of barcode scanners (216), retrieving and displaying product information on the touchscreen display (206);
calculate and display a running total of prices for the products scanned and placed in the trolley (302) on the touchscreen display (206), enabling the at least one user (106) to track total spending; and
facilitate navigation and minimize physical effort by assisting the at least one user (106) in locating desired products and managing the trolley's (302) movement within the retail environment.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the global positioning system (GPS) module (210) is configured to provide real-time location data, updating the trolley's position on the touchscreen display (206) as the at least one user (106) moves within the retail environment.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of touch sensors (208) positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar (304) comprising a plurality of left touch sensors (208-1), and a plurality of right touch sensors (208-2) operatively coupled to the one or more processors (202),
wherein the one or more processors (202) configured to detect the increased pressure on the plurality of left touch sensors (208-1) enable the trolley (302) to turn right, and the increased pressure on the plurality of right touch sensors (208-2) enables the trolley (302) to turn left using a plurality of wheels (306) by adjusting power to the one or more electric motors (212).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touchscreen display (206) is configured to provide a virtual keyboard for the at least one user (106) to input search queries related to desired products,
wherein the touchscreen display (206) displays turn-by-turn navigation based on the current location of the trolley (302) and the destination location of the searched product within the retail environment.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of barcode scanners (216) configured to automatically scan each product as the product is placed in the trolley (302) without requiring manual operation by the at least one user (106).
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of barcode scanners (216) are configured to transmit product barcodes data to the one or more processors (202) to retrieve corresponding product information from a centralized server (110) which is displayed on the touchscreen display (206),
wherein the product information comprising a product price and a product description,
the one or more processors (202) configured to communicate with the centralized server (110) in the retail environment to update inventory levels in real-time based on the products scanned and placed in the trolley (302).
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the touchscreen display (206) is configured to display a list of all scanned products along with their individual prices and total purchase amount, updating in real-time as additional products are scanned.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more processors (202) configured to provide alternative product suggestions or related promotions to the at least one user (106) based on the products scanned using the plurality of barcode scanners (216),
wherein the one or more processors (202) configured to calculate the total weight of products placed in the trolley (302) based on pre-stored product weight information associated with the scanned barcodes.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (102) comprising a power management unit (218) operatively coupled to the one or more processors (202),
wherein the power management unit (218) configured to monitor battery levels of a batter pack (220) positioned in the trolley (302) and display a low-battery warning on the touchscreen display (206) when the battery level is less than a pre-stored threshold level,
wherein the power management unit (218) configured to operate the system (102) in an energy-saving mode when not in active use, reducing power to the GPS module (210) and the touchscreen display (206).
10. A method for facilitating shopping assistance to users in a retail environment, the method (400) comprising:
receiving product search queries from at least one user via a touchscreen display (206);
retrieving real-time location data from a global positioning system (GPS) module (210) and utilizing a preloaded local map to determine a current position of a trolley (302) associated with the at least one user (106) within the retail environment based on the product search queries, wherein the preloaded local map comprises the layout of aisles, sections, and specific product locations within the retail environment, enabling precise guidance for users searching for products;
displaying a destination location of the searched product on the touchscreen display (206) based on the real-time location data and the preloaded local map;
guiding the at least one user (106) by displaying directional information on the touchscreen display (206) near a touch-sensitive handlebar (304) based on the current position of the trolley (302) and the destination location within the retail environment;
detecting user input from a plurality of touch sensors (208) to control the trolley's movement, wherein user input pertains to an increased pressure on at least one of a right side or a left side of the plurality of touch sensors (208) positioned in the touch-sensitive handlebar (304), wherein the increased pressure adjusts power distribution to one or more electric motors (212) to steer the trolley (302) using a plurality of wheels (306), enabling directional control;
scanning and recording product barcodes of products placed in the trolley (302) using a plurality of barcode scanners (216), and retrieving and displaying product information on the touchscreen display (206);
calculating and displaying a running total of prices for the products scanned and placed in the trolley (302) on the touchscreen display (206), enabling the at least one user to track total spending; and
facilitating navigation and minimizing physical effort by assisting the at least one user in locating desired products and managing the trolley's movement within the retail environment.
Documents
Name | Date |
---|---|
202441086520-Proof of Right [19-11-2024(online)].pdf | 19/11/2024 |
202441086520-FORM-8 [12-11-2024(online)].pdf | 12/11/2024 |
202441086520-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-DRAWINGS [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-FORM 1 [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-FORM 18 [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-FORM-9 [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-POWER OF AUTHORITY [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
202441086520-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [09-11-2024(online)].pdf | 09/11/2024 |
Talk To Experts
Calculators
Downloads
By continuing past this page, you agree to our Terms of Service,, Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy and Refund Policy © - Uber9 Business Process Services Private Limited. All rights reserved.
Uber9 Business Process Services Private Limited, CIN - U74900TN2014PTC098414, GSTIN - 33AABCU7650C1ZM, Registered Office Address - F-97, Newry Shreya Apartments Anna Nagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600102, India.
Please note that we are a facilitating platform enabling access to reliable professionals. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal services ourselves. The information on this website is for the purpose of knowledge only and should not be relied upon as legal advice or opinion.