Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to retail delivery systems and more particularly to an automated retail delivery system for a self-checkout terminal.

Prior Art

[0002] Generally, purchases at larger retail stores, such as malls and super malls, occurs manually through a customer handpicking the items required and putting them either into a basket or into a pushcart depending on the number of items chosen. The selected items are then brought to a designated counter, wherein each of the items are scanned and valued against the quantity purchased. The current technology used in almost all retail is to use manual scanning of items purchased. This scanning is done at check out counter using bar code scanners. The items purchased are manually added to shopping bags and handed over to customers upon confirmation of the billing. It is widely identified that scanning bar codes at check out counters is a bottleneck since customers have to wait through for long durations. Various disclosures have proposed ways of overcoming the scanning at check out counters. One of the ways of overcoming crowding of the customers at the checkout terminals is to enable a self-checkout terminal. One such device disclosed in US Patent No. 5595264, granted to Frank P Trotta Jr, includes a system and method of automated shopping. A portable bar code scanner is provided for scanning bar code indicia information on items selected for purchase. Further, the scanner is secured in a holder for limited access until the receipt of an authorized payment card. A plurality of items for purchase is displayed in a store such that a customer can select an item to be purchased from the store display. The customer scans the bar code indicia printed on the selected item. The payment card is debited, for the purchased price of the selected items and then returned to the customer.

[0003] The invention as disclosed in Frank Trotta's Patent relies on a portable bar code scanner for enabling automated shopping. In order to select a desired item, the customer has to scan the items individually. Further, the scanned items need to be manually put into a basket or a cart at checkout and dispatched to the customer bay. The baskets received at the customer bay are not segregated and picking up the right item to be put into particular customer basket would be a difficult task to perform. Thus, although the invention advantageously provides a remote scanning of the items for purchase, without the use of a cart by the customer, the invention does not provide for plurality of customers purchasing desired items and picking up the delivery simultaneously.

[0004] Hence, there is a need for a self-checkout terminal that allows multiple items to be scanned and selected simultaneously. Further, the self-checkout terminal should enable simultaneous delivery of items selected, without the need for any human intervention, to a plurality of customers and facilitate a round the clock service without any compromise on the security of the items stocked in a store. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a self -checkout and automated delivery terminal according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0006] FIG. 2 shows the handheld device for a self - checkout terminal, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 3 shows a representative example of a shelf rack with a transmit port for docking the handheld device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0008] FIG. 4 shows the automated delivery system according to an embodiment of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One aspect of the invention provides a method for automated delivery of a product through a self- checkout terminal. The method includes initiating a purchase routine by authenticating a user with an unique ID. The method also includes the step of releasing a portable handheld device from a holder corresponding to the assigned ID.

Following the assignment of the ID, the handheld device is releasably mounted onto a slot located on a shelf for selecting an item to be purchased. Further, the method includes establishing communication between the handheld device mounted on the slot and a remote server for delivering a plurality of information related to the product located on the shelf to the handheld device. The selection is automatically communicated to a stock inventory communicatively coupled to the remote server for releasing the product onto a unique basket situated in a backend conveyer. The foregoing steps are successively repeated for selecting a plurality of products. The method for automated delivery of a product through a self- checkout terminal is terminated by mounting the handled device at a self- checkout terminal.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides an automated delivery system for purchase of at least one product at a self-checkout terminal. The system includes a handheld device configured for selecting the product to be purchased. A shelf information reader port for retrievably holding the handheld device at a designated shelf is configured for selecting the product. An inventory is remotely linked to the shelf information reader port for communicating information regarding the product and is configured for delivering the product selected through a conveyor system. Further, a self-checkout terminal configured for terminating the purchase by authorization of payment and release of the product from the conveyor system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0011] Various embodiments of the invention provide an automated delivery system for a self-checkout terminal. Further embodiments of the invention also provide a method for an automated delivery system for a self-checkout terminal.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a customer bay (self—checkout and automated terminal) 101 along with representative diagram of essential components of an automated delivery system 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. The customer bay comprises of at least one handheld device (not shown) and a central docking station 103 configured for docking the handheld device onto the central docking station 103. The delivery processing system 105 has multi port communication to all the customer bays. The central processing station situated in the delivery processing system gets shopping data from the customer bay 101 and then passes on instructions to the backend system 107 for transport of the items from an inventory onto a designated slot and to the frontend conveyor system 109 for delivery of items to a customer bay 101. The items purchased can be viewed through a display system 111 mounted on the customer bay 101 and the purchase can be terminated through payment made via a payment terminal 113 provided on the customer bay 101.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows the handheld device 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The handheld device 200 comprises of a portable scanner 201 that includes a display 203 capable of displaying the information regarding the items selected. Further, the display 203 is capable of allowing a user to add new items, delete items from the list already selected using the input panel 205. The scanner 201 is configured for being docked onto a docking station 207 positioned on a display panel 209 of a shelf 211. Normally, a plurality of shelves is positioned along a plurality of aisles. Each of the display shelf 211 positioned on an aisle is provided with a shelf information reader port 213. The shelf information reader port 213 has mounting jacks for lockably holding the scanner 201. The scanner 201through the display panel 203 provided therein imports list of items available, from the display panel 209, through the shelf information reader port 213. The shelf information reader port 213 transmits the item description and price for all items available on the selected shelf, to the display panel 203 of the portable scanner 201. [0014] A pod jack and transmit port provided at the customer bay transmits the electronic cart data to the delivery system via the central processing unit, when the portable scanner is returned to customer bay. Further, the portable scanner comprises of a scanner-processing unit with a memory module to process and store the information about correlating the shelf and rack location that the portable scanner is placed on and the item description and price information. The customer bay (self -checkout and automated delivery terminal) further comprises of a product information retrieval unit. The product information retrieval unit is configured for searching the inventory and providing the customer with updated information about the products on sale, through the display of the portable scanner. The information provided includes item description relating to price, expiry date, nutritional information, etc., that correlates to the shelf and rack id of a display self positioned along an aisle.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a representative display shelf 301 according to an embodiment of the invention. The display shelf 301 comprises of plurality of display panels 303,305,307, 309 that can transmit unique identifiers for each rack in the shelf. Each of the shelf 301 positioned along an aisle comprises of a unique shelf-rack id transmit port 302, 304, 306,308 corresponding to each rack having display panel 303, 305,307,309. Each of the shelf-rack id transmit port is provided with a mountable jack to hold the hand held device. Each of the shelf-rack id transmit port transmits the unique information identifying the shelf and rack. It will also transmit information to the portable scanner if the item is out of stock. [0016] FIG. 4 generally shows the parts of the automated delivery system 400. The automated delivery system 400 comprises of a centrally located portable scanner vending station 401. A display area 402 comprises of a plurality of display shelves 403. A backend stocking area 405 situated at a remote location comprises of a plurality of stocking shelves 407 corresponding to the display shelves 403. Further the backend stocking area 405 includes a backend conveyor apparatus 409 configured for transmission of goods/items selected by a user through the portable scanner while traversing through the display shelves 403. A frontend conveyor system 411 is operationally coupled through a conveyor interface system 408 to the backend conveyor apparatus 409. A plurality of customer bays 413 is situated along the frontend conveyor system 411 for delivery of the selected goods/items. Each of the customer bays 413 is configured to host a payment authorization apparatus for enabling payment for the selected goods/items. The payment authorization apparatus also verifies the payment made and ensures that the purchased goods/items are delivered out of the customer bay subsequent to the verification of the payment transaction.

[0017] The various parts of the automated delivery system are described in detail herein below:

[0018] The conveyor apparatus is a logically slotted conveyor comprising of a backend conveyor for loading the selected goods/items from the inventory and a frontend conveyor for transport of the items/goods selected to the customer bay. The backend conveyor system is a slotted conveyor with a number of slots. Each slot corresponds to a distinct self-checkout terminal. The backend stocking area racks are informed by a delivery processing system when an item is selected. The backend stocking area racks will transfer the item on to a designated slot corresponding to the handheld device of the customer bay (self - checkout and automated delivery terminal) from which the selection was made. The frontend conveyor system is a traditional conveyor that will move the item placed on it the customer bay, which it services.

[0019] A conveyor interface system regulates the movement of the conveyor system comprising of the backend conveyor and the frontend conveyor. The conveyor interface system facilitates the movement of the items from the backend conveyor to the frontend conveyor in accordance with the transaction made by a customer through the handheld device of the customer bay (self-checkout and automated delivery terminal). The conveyor interface system further ensures that only the slot of the backend conveyor corresponding to a given customer bay (self-checkout and automated delivery terminal) is populated with the items selected through the handheld device.

[0020] Customer bay delivery system: When the customer is done shopping then customer proceeds to one of the free customer bays. The scanner is placed on the Scanner retrieval pod and information is transmitted to the intelligent delivery system processing system. The customer is able to view all items in the display in the customer bay. The customer can modify the cart at this point and then indicate the closure of the purchase cycle. Once the payment is confirmed then the items are delivered to the customer bay corresponding to the docking station belonging to a designated handheld device. The confirmation of payment is enabled through a customer bay payment authorization system. The customer uses the payment card in this module to make a payment. Once payment is confirmed then this system transmits the information the intelligent delivery systems processing system that will start the delivery process to the customer.

[0021] At the end of a given purchase cycle, the scanner has to be transported to the customer bay (self-checkout and automated delivery terminal) at the entrance of the store. The transport is facilitated by a scanner retrieval pod. Once the portable scanner is placed on the retrieval pod then the cart information is transmitted to the intelligent delivery system processing system. The portable scanner is gobbled up by the system and is sent back to the portable scanner vending point where entering new customers take up the portable scanner.

[0022] The delivery processing system is at the core of the entire layout of the customer bay (self-checkout and automated delivery terminal). The delivery processing system has all the information that is kept in a traditional retail kind of environment like inventory, prices, etc. In addition, the system drives the basketization of conveyor system. It controls the backend of the conveyor system to place the items in the correct slot for that particular basket. It also controls the frontend of the conveyor system to remove the items from a particular slot and send it to the correct customer bay. Then each customer who has completed a check out is assigned a unique basket number. The intelligent delivery system will assign 'n' number of slots to that particular basket. At the backend stocking area, the rack from which an item was selected, is notified to populate the designated slot, corresponding to the handheld device, with the item selected. [0023] The interface between the backend and the frontend conveyor is also informed which slots correspond to which basket. When the interface finds an item on the slot, it will look up which basket that particular slot corresponds to. It will pick up the item from that slot and put the item on the frontend conveyor corresponding to that particular basket. The item moves on the frontend conveyor and reaches the customer bay for that particular basket. The customer bay will keep a count of items received. Once all the items are received, the transaction is deemed over. It informs the Intelligent delivery system processor that the basket is empty and waits for a new customer.

Industrial Applicability:

[0024] Customer enters the store and reaches the central docking station where goes to the portable scanner vending area. He/she gets a portable scanner upon swiping an authorized payment card.

[0025] The customer walks through the display area and when he/she identifies an item to be purchases, then he/she places the portable scanner on the display shelf next to the item identified. The unique id of the shelf and rack gets transmitted to the portable scanner from the shelf. The portable scanner has in its memory the information required to correlate the shelf and rack id to show the details for the item being purchased (price, nutrition information, expiry date, etc.)

[0026] The customer can electronically add the item to his electronic cart by pressing the "add to cart" button on the portable scanner. The customer also has options on the portable scanner to add multiple quantities of the item. The customer walks through the display area and repeats the steps mentioned previously to add items to the cart. The customer can also modify/delete items in the cart.

[0027] Once the customer is finished shopping he goes to one of the multiple customer bays for delivery. The portable scanner is placed on the pod for the portable scanner. The information is transmitted from the scanner into the central system of the store and it is shown on a larger display. The customer has the option to add/modify/delete his cart. Once done, the customer presses "done shopping" at which point the system will bill the payment card given at the beginning to get the portable scanner or ask for a new payment card.

[0028] Once payment is confirmed then the information is transmitted to the intelligent delivery system. It consists of a 'basketized' conveyor. The conveyor is logically basketized into a number of slots. The number of slots depends on the designed capacity of the store. Let us say that one of the customers has been allocated basket number 21. There will be multiple slots on the conveyor that would have been allocated to basket number 21. The backend conveyor will place the items in basket number 21 whenever the empty slot for 21 appears.

[0029] The frontend of the conveyor will look for slots basket number 21 and whenever such a slot appears, it will send the items in that slot to the customer bay corresponding to basket number 21. This way all the items for that particular customer reaches him/her in the bay where the payment was made. The customer collects all the items and exits the store

[0030] The invention described provides an automated delivery system for a self-checkout terminal and a method thereof. The foregoing description of the invention has been set for merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.