DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This invention relates to a novel merchandise display device, system and corresponding method.

BACKGROUND

[002] There is an enormous need to reduce the number of plastic bags in circulation. The see-through plastic bags, typically used for the procurement of fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, and so on, are a large part of the problem. Currently the customer is required to fill a disposable plastic bag with the merchandise, carry the merchandise to a scales, select the merchandise item to be weighed, and stick the label on the bag with the weight and price of the merchandise in the bag.

[003] If a client wants to bring their own container, they currently must remember to bring one, and if they do, it has to be lightweight enough not to erroneously increase the cost of the products they are buying by adding extra weight. They also have to often stand in line at the scales, remember the number or name of what they have bought, which is often difficult when they have bought several items, or they struggle with memory or the local language. Also, if they have bought more than one item, they tend to hog the scales.

[004] Therefore, a need exists to effectively solve the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY

[005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide solutions to the above-mentioned problems. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a novel weighing apparatus, system and corresponding method.

[006] This is accomplished by providing a simple low-tech, cost-effective system comprising at least one simple weighing apparatus placed under the goods or items of merchandise being displayed. [007] It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved merchandise display device.

[008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved merchandise display system.

[009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved merchandise display method.

[0010] Hence, some or all of the aforementioned problems are resolved as defined by the accompanying independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements in the different drawings. Corresponding elements may also be referenced using different characters.

FIG. 1 depicts a weighing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an establishment generated unique user identifier, for example, a barcode printed on a plastic tab.

FIG. 3 depicts a system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a weighing apparatus according to another aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The current invention is primarily for use with loose merchandise, but it is envisaged that it can be used in any situation where it would be quicker or easier to measure the weight taken, than count the products. These products could be in boxes, or other individual containers, or also in a large situation like a warehouse or unloading ships or lorries. Baskets or “in store use” bags can be provided by the store which can be placed in the trolley and whose weight is known by the store.

[0013] Here is how one embodiment of the system and method works with regards to the customer experience, as depicted in FIG. 4: Each display tray of fruit, vegetables, grain, or cereal is placed on a weighing apparatus of the invention which comprises a simple scales and barcode printer. When using the word scales, it can be interpreted as any device that can measure weight or determine the weight of items placed upon it. The apparatus knows the exact total weight of the produce at any time. A customer comes up, takes whatever they need, placing the items directly in their trolley, basket, large reusable bag or their own container. They can see instantaneously the exact weight and price of what they have taken so far, allowing them to adjust accordingly. Once they have selected the right amount, they press a button on the apparatus, and a ticket is created with the exact weight and price. This is calculated by subtracting the current weight of the tray from the initial weight. Easy, fool proof and exact, this ticket can be digital and sent to a mobile device, either the customer's phone or one provided by the store, or more simply it prints a barcode sticker. The customer then proceeds to the checkout.

[0014] Instead of a button, there could be another device like a timer, motion sensor or any detector which could be used by the user to signal that they have finished selecting the goods. The customer does not have to remember to bring anything if they want fruit or vegetable, download any apps, or do any more work than before; in fact, they have to do less work as they no longer have to go to the scales and weigh each bag so this simple system will reduce billions of plastic bags being produced all over the world as it can be enforced simply and amicably. The supermarket would simply not sell small see- through plastic bags anymore, thus eliminating the problem in one cooperative effort. For grains and cereals, reusable containers can be sold or rented near the produce.

[0015] With the apparatus defined by this invention, the weight of the containers is irrelevant and customers know that they are not paying extra because of a heavy container. There are numerous other benefits for the customer and shop. The customer will not need to find an empty scales or wait in a queue, or remember a number or exact name, especially difficult for exotic vegetables, older people or people whose first language is not the local one, or if you are buying many different items of merchandise at the same time. The overall stress and time taken to shop are reduced. The following paragraphs describe different aspects and/or embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these individual examples.

[0016] In one aspect, one scales is used for every item of merchandise on display. The scales is programmed with the price per unit weight of the item. When a customer requires some of the merchandise on display, they simply remove what they need, the scales display instantly the weight and price of what is being bought. They can place the items loose in their basket, trolley or reusable bag, or in the case of smaller objects like grains or pulses, in their own solid container. Once they are happy with the amount taken, they then press a button, a ticket is created; either physically, sent to their device digitally (this could be a personal smart phone or a device provided by the store for each shopping trip) or sent directly to the point of payment. The customer can then proceed to checkout and pay for the goods. Further examples and embodiments are outlined below.

[0017] In a different aspect, several trays containing different types of merchandise are set upon a single scales, and the users, once they remove the merchandise, click a button specific to the merchandise selected, which informs the system of what product was taken. For multiple scales attached to one display/ ticket creator, the configuration will clearly be different from the image of FIG. 4. For larger and/or stackable trays of merchandise, a larger scales with a long height adjustable display is envisaged.

[0018] Different configurations are envisaged, for example, but not limited to; a standalone device comprising one or more of the following devices: a weight measurement means, a display, a button and a ticket creator (for example a printer or digital processor) and a communication means (wifi, cable, or similar, to communicate information for example, low stock level, or price, weight, theft, or similar, to another device). This works independently and as many can be acquired as necessary. Further configurations could be that the weight measurement devices could all share power supply (and be connected in series one plugged into the other) and could share other devices like, the ticket creator, display, button or connectivity means to the controller (which assigns products and pricing to each scales), low produce level warning device cashier.

[0019] This can be used by employees not just customers, in places like fulfilment centres, or markets, where one person (employee or shopkeeper) selects the merchandise for the customer. In one aspect, each scales is linked to its own ticket printer (digital or physical), whereas in another aspect, multiple scales are linked to one ticket printer. In this aspect, usually used by one user (employee or shopkeeper), the user selects all the merchandise for one client, off various display trays and presses the one button at the end.

[0020] At this point one ticket would be merchandised that includes all the products selected. A ticket is described in the retail industry as "a label attached to a retail product, giving its price, size, and other details.” This can be digital or paper or any other means. The ticket could hold information on the total and individual price and weight, which will be used at check out to bill the customer and to prevent theft as the total weight can be compared to what is on the ticket. The digital ticket could work in a way that a digital package of information is sent to a mobile device; the user’s phone or a temporary device given to the user or attached to the customer’s trolley or basket, using the equivalent of near field technology or similar.

[0021] In one aspect, the system can include an audible warning sound which starts once merchandise has been taken off, and gets louder as time goes on, prompting the user to either replace the merchandise or press the button. In an optional aspect, if a customer does not click the button after several seconds, an alarm sounds, prompting the customer to either press the button or return the produce. A quiet sound could be audible when produce is taken off, prompting the customer to take the next step. This noise would get louder as time progresses. This links the customer to the action of taking produce. This system is optional and adjustable depending on the specific requirements of the shop. The button can be made large so that it can be pressed with an elbow, to avoid contact and the spread of viruses or germs.

[0022] The system comprises communication means to inform the employees to restock once the merchandise is low. Refilling is a simple procedure which simply requires the employee to identify themselves as an employee (key, card, code, or similar) and press a reset weight button. The apparatus will inform the staff when produce is low. Restocking is a simple procedure which requires a reset key. The produce is restocked, the key inserted, and weight recalibrated instantly.

[0023] So, at checkout, the whole bag or basket can be placed on the scales at check out to avoid theft. The customer cannot cheat the system by adding more produce after weighing, or holding up the bag to reduce the weight on the scales. The cashier scans the codes and weighs the bag (for double security if needed). The system will advise them if the weights do not match. The store can also provide baskets whose exact weight is known by the checkout system, thus allowing the entire basket to be placed on the scales and checking the sum total of all produce plus the basket. Making security at checkout fool-proof.

[0024] The different aspects and embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages over the existing systems. Each weighing apparatus will cost less than a current scales used in supermarkets, which requires a large screen or many buttons and a larger CPU. The apparatus described by this invention could simply be a scales plus ticket/barcode printer. The initial outlay will quickly be made up by the increase in customers and the saving of plastic bags. It will be flexible to be used with different layouts; stacking of many trays or larger size trays for example. The display can be adjustable to different heights, if, for example, the base of the scales is placed on the floor and the display will be at head height. Another benefit of this apparatus is that there will be less virus contamination. It is envisaged that the apparatus could have one big button you can press with your elbow. There is no learning curve by customers the apparatus is simple to use from first second. It can be used in fulfilment centres by staff. It will reduce the packaging time to about a tenth and will make selecting exact weights instant and not trial and error. This whole process can be totally integrated with selfcheckout systems. The weights will be registered by the system and stored in or on the tickets which can be compared to the weight at checkout to avoid theft. Baskets or “in store use” bags can be provided by the store which can be placed in the trolley and whose weight is known by the store. So, at checkout the whole bag or basket can be placed on the scales at check out to avoid theft. The embodiments of this invention allow this system to be used for goods and merchandise of irregular shape and weight being displayed and allowing them to be registered correctly when removed by the buyer or employee, which can then be accurately processed at payment.

[0025] The apparatus described in this invention can be used as the whole purchase process including checkout and payment. The customer can select the fruit from a series of these machines all linked together, and at the end, instead of issuing a ticket to the customer, it will simply request a payment. This means that the customer can select all their produce and pay without any employees checking the correct amount of produce taken or processing the payment. A further embodiment of the invention is not limited to fruit and vegetable or indeed any item. Every shelf of a supermarket can contain a weight measurement device and the shopper could take all the items which are automatically billed to them.

[0026] Using the display and weight measurement means of the invention allows the user to select the correct amount off the device quickly and easily. The customer's journey changes significantly. Currently a customer must: 1 . Take a bag

2. Place goods in bag

3. Tie up bag

4. Walk to scales

5. Wait in line

6. Remember name or number of merchandise

7. Find and press the correct button

8. Take the ticket

What current methods of being more ecological are trying to do require you to add on a step before you even go to the store “0. Remember to bring a bag”. Your head is not thinking about that right then. The rest of the process remains the same. Supermarkets are expecting people to plan ahead and also spend money on reusable bags.

[0027] What the apparatus defined by this invention does completely alters the process making it much simpler:

1 . Place goods in basket

2. Click button

3. Take ticket

As mentioned, the invention has been developed not only to facilitate user experience, but to enable a better user experience in order to reduce the number of plastic bags used in such establishments. Most of these bags are not recycled, and end up dissolving in our oceans, creating micro-plastics and plastic islands, killing sea life.

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a weighing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. The weighing apparatus 110 comprises weighing means 120, or scales, a display 130, a user identification means (in this example, a scanner or reader integrated within the display), connectivity means, and at least an internal processor and at least a memory (not shown). In one aspect, the merchandise 150 is held within a container 140 resting on top of the weighing apparatus, whereas, in another aspect, the container itself is part of the apparatus, its walls containing the merchandise, whilst the surface of the scales conforms the floor of the container. By means of the connectivity means, data or information is communicated internally between the components of the device (such as between the processor, memory, the weighing means, the user identification means, ticket creator, or the display), or externally, such as from the device to an application residing in at least one electronic device, such as a user’s portable device or a central server.

[0029] The display displays the name of the merchandise and its price per unit weight (for example, €/kg). The display is large enough for the customer to see clearly at a reasonable distance and acts as the price display for the merchandise. The price list of all merchandise items can be downloaded from a centralized server to each weighing apparatus, and each apparatus assigned a particular merchandise, or group of merchandise, it is responsible for weighing. A scanner is a device for examining, reading, or monitoring something, and could be a barcode scanner, QR code scanner, fingerprint scanner, facial ID scanner, or any other identifying means.

[0030] The weighing apparatus is configured for determining the weight of the items of merchandise which are removed and displaying this weight, together with other information, such as its total price and per weight price. The processor periodically reads the weight of items on the weighing apparatus, and, as the weight of items changes, the processor is configured to continually determine the difference between the last registered weight and the current weight and display it. Since this information is displayed in real time, it allows users to add or remove items until they get the exact amount they require.

[0031] If the weight difference is positive, that is, items have been replenished, or there is no significant difference in weight, the processor continually registers the current weight and stores it or otherwise transmits it externally, for example, to the establishment’s network.

[0032] If this difference is negative, that is, items have been removed, the processor is configured to open a device session. A device session comprises the result of the interaction by a user with a particular device. It also displays the last weight difference on the display. In one aspect, together with the weight difference, the price corresponding to the weight of removed items is also determined and displayed. This process is repeated iteratively as defined by a predetermined time interval, for example, a few milliseconds, so that, as items of merchandise are removed, the current weight is continuously updated in real time. In this manner, the user can visualize the precise changes in weight and price after the removal of every single item of merchandise. [0033] In one aspect, the user identification means is a button, which identifies when a user has finished using the apparatus, and a device session is closed. The user therefore remains anonymous. When the button is pressed, the processor is configured to generate the digital ticket, comprising at least the weight and price information. This information can be transmitted to an onboard printer integrated within the weighing apparatus, to a central printer within the establishment, to a central server of the establishment, and/or directly to the user’s smartphone, or preferred communications address.

[0034] In yet another aspect, for application in fulfilment centres and stores/areas where an employee is solely responsible for administering the produce. In particular in times of pandemic, many establishments do not allow users to handle the merchandise, but rather, have a person responsible for collecting items following the customer’s indications. In this scenario, the weighing apparatus is not configured with any user identification means (for example, scanner), and only the checkout weighing apparatus comprises identification means for issuing the payment order. So, the employee collects different merchandise items off each weighing apparatus, and only at the end of the customer’s order is the barcode scanned and/or invoice created. In this configuration, each weighing apparatus is linked to the checkout weighing apparatus.

[0035] In another aspect, the users carry an establishment generated unique user identifier. As an example, this identifier could be a barcode 210 printed on a plastic tab the users pick up at the entrance of the establishment (as depicted in FIG. 2), or a userspecific barcode carried in their smartphone, as previously generated by the establishment’s smartphone application, a temporary store issued card, a customer’s store loyalty card, key chain, customer’s “for life bag”, tag on trolley or basket, or similar. [0036] In another aspect, the identifier is passive and the customer is not required to actively swipe or move it in any way - the users simply take the merchandise and continue on their way. The identifier could be a QR or barcode on a ribbon around the customers neck, on a visible badge on their chest, a NFT device imbedded in their trolley, bag or basket, a near field smartphone recognition or even facial recognition. The skilled artisan understands how to configure a suitable identifier, of which these are only examples.

[0037] In this example scenario, the device session is opened as soon as some merchandise is detected as having been removed from, or added to, the device. The device is then poised to receive input from the user; either customer, employee, or from the server. In the case of a normal shopping procedure where some of the merchandise is removed, the user identifies themselves. The user identification means is a barcode reader, and the processor is configured to close the device session as soon as it reads and detects a barcode which is unique and does not currently have a user session open, it could also verify that it belongs to the establishment. The item data (the digital ticket for that merchandise) is thus saved under that unique user’s identifier, and all of the user’s data corresponding to multiple device sessions are collected under a single user session as identified by a unique user identifier for payment. After the item data is made available for payment (for example, after printing a ticket, or transmitting the data), the processor is configured to close the device session and reset the temporarily stored information ready for opening another device session possibly for another user. A session is defined as an encounter between a user and an application or with the computer in general, that is, the time between starting the application and quitting. Hence the weighing apparatus opens and closes device sessions once the unique user identifier is detected by the user identification means, however, the centralized network also collects the data from all individual weighing apparatus in a user session, which is opened at the same time as the first device session of that particular user and then closed at payment.

[0038] In another aspect, the connectivity means connects directly to the device of the user, for example, by displaying on the device display, a visual code (barcode or QR code or similar) which the user's device can scan (or with NFT or similar) and then it is the user's device that processes the ticket or payment directly. This requires no need for a central server, the device communicates directly with an app on the user's device and it is the app that saves the ticket and creates a user session which can then be processed for payment.

[0039] To return merchandise in case of a change of mind, the user simply returns the total merchandise into the container, and scans the unique user identifier. A device session is opened automatically and the device waits for further input from the user. Once the user identifies themselves as a customer with the same unique identifier, the system checks any tickets in the open user session for that user and once it finds a match it acknowledges that the produce is being returned and that ticket is annulled. It has to be an exact match or else a warning will flag and an employee alerted. The process then continues as before. If a user, upon removing or adding produce, does not identify themselves by e.g. swiping their card, after a certain amount to time, a warning is issued. This could be visual, audible, or sent to a remote device (for example, an employee device) or a combination of all three. If the user has taken produce the user is promoted to either return the produce or scan their card. Again, visual (on screen) audio (voice message) or employee prompt.

[0040] In order to prevent possible misunderstandings, the processor can also be configured to require the user identification at the beginning as well as at the end of a device session. This option is expected to be a user preference, as the users feel safer when they control the process. It could also be implemented in a temporary startup phase, as the users get acquainted with this novel approach.

[0041] When the merchandise finishes, it needs to be restocked. To restock, the employee simply brings the new merchandise to the device, swipes their employee specific card, fills the tray with the product, and then swipes again to confirm. One or both of these swipes can be eliminated if required: In one aspect, swipe before restocking, restock and after a few seconds it confirms automatically. In another aspect, add produce, the device knows that adding produce is not normal and will wait for confirmation by swiping the employee card or else sound a warning. In yet another aspect, restocking is fully automated; if more merchandise items are placed in the container, it knows it is new stock (risky if there is no employee presence as something else could be placed there, but useful for fulfilment centres or where employee is always present). To change the merchandise displayed, the above process is repeated but the new merchandise is registered onto the device by means of a merchandise specific barcode, either from a stock pile of barcodes, or from the barcode on the side of the container of the new merchandise. The prices can be updated directly from the central point of sale server. The server software allows the person in charge to update prices of any item and automatically update the prices on all or only certain specific devices (locally, nationally or globally).

[0042] The checkout process has different user-definable configurations representing different levels of compromise between security and user friendliness. The different levels range from lower security and higher user friendliness to higher security and lower user friendliness. In a first aspect with lower security and higher user friendliness, the experience is completely transparent, as whenever the user finishes collecting items of merchandise, the user can close the open shopping tab in the mobile app, perform a direct electronic payment, and leave the establishment without passing through any checkout system. This aspect can be implemented in scenarios where there is a high level of trust between users and establishment, as users are not expected to leave the establishment without paying, or somehow cheat the system.

[0043] In a second aspect with intermediate security and intermediate user friendliness, the user has to physically pass a manual checkout apparatus, scan the unique user identifier by a reader, and perform a physical machine payment (either electronic or otherwise) before leaving the establishment. An establishment operator can also perform an optional visual check.

[0044] A third aspect with high security and low user friendliness is similar to the second aspect, for the exception that the system is configured to perform a verification, or check, that all the weight of merchandise being checked out corresponds to the total weight of merchandise the user has collected throughout the establishment. FIG. 3 depicts a system 300 according to another embodiment of the invention implementing this scenario, wherein a number of weighing apparatus 110 are depicted spread out throughout the establishment. It is understood that each weighing apparatus corresponds to different merchandise. The plurality of weighing apparatus 110 are in continuous communication to the establishment server 310 by means of one or more communication links 320, either cabled, such as Ethernet, or wireless, such as WiFi. The teachings of the invention can be integrated into any standard Point of Sales POS system.

[0045] The checkout weighing apparatus 111 , installed at the checkout counter, is also linked to the same server, and it could be identical to the merchandise weighing apparatus 110 or could be a modified version. Each weighing apparatus is uniquely identified, and on merchandise setup, whenever new merchandise is assigned to a particular weighing apparatus, the server database is updated with a table linking each weighing apparatus identifier to the type of merchandise it weighs, together with updated price per weight information. This information is periodically transmitted to each weighing apparatus for displaying to the users. In another aspect, a separate merchandise pricing data base and a separate “temporary customer sale” table are created. This would include (but not limited to) (Temporary) Customer ID, merchandise name, weight taken, price, date, time, and so on. [0046] After setup, when normal operation by users, the server continually receives and stores item data from each one of the weighing apparatuses. As mentioned, the item data comprises the weight of merchandise as well as the unique user identifier scanned by the apparatus reader. The server store all of the item data corresponding to all users in its database.

[0047] To perform the security verification, at checkout, the user is required to place all of the collected merchandise on the checkout weighing apparatus. In case all the merchandise was collected in a plurality of containers, they are placed either together (if the apparatus is dimensioned large enough), or sequentially, depending on size and establishment configuration. After weighing the totality of the merchandise placed on the scales, the checkout weighing apparatus transmits the total item weight to the server. The server uses the unique user identifier to extract from the database the total weight of items previously collected and compares this total with the total received from the checkout counter. In case both weights match, within an establishment definable tolerance threshold, the verification process finalizes with a positive outcome, and the user is prompted to pay. On the other hand, if the difference between both totals is larger than the predetermined threshold, an alarm is activated to notify an establishment operator that a potential security breach should be manually checked before proceeding with the payment.

[0048] The integrated communications scenario allows for a number of additional functionalities. The system could be configured that the devices are aware of the adjacent devices so that if produce spills over from one tray to the next, the device can flag it and warn an employee. If the exact amount is removed from one tray appears in the adjacent tray the employee is warned.

[0049] In another aspect, the device could be made of a separate front display and base, connected only via wires and/or data. The front end would be relatively flat so that it can be attached to the front of the display tray and the scales could be placed under the tray in the middle. This would allow for different sized trays.

[0050] In another aspect, the base could be a singular unit, a unit with four feet that are extendable relatively to each other, or simply four separate feet linked telematically, so that different sizes of tray can be used.

[0051] In another aspect, the device could consist of only 2 “weight measuring feet”, and roller bearings for use with trays that are displayed at an angle. The two measuring feet are placed at the front/lowest end, and the roller bearings are placed at the other end. These feet would need to be designed specifically for this purpose and the scales would be calibrated accordingly.

[0052] In another aspect, the produce could be stacked in more than one tray on top of each other; the system would work in the same way. If the weight in the tray is increased the employee is warned, in order to check for irregularities, such as produce spillover.

[0053] In the following, further examples of the invention are provided:

A scales in which what has been removed from the scales is measured. An apparatus which comprises a scales, that is able to hold one or more containers with merchandise, and which measures the weight that has been removed from the scales. An apparatus where merchandise is displayed on the scales and once the selected quantity of merchandise has been removed, a digital or physical ticket is created containing the weight taken. An apparatus that comprises a scales linked to a ticket creator, which creates a ticket (digital, physical or otherwise) which contains the information (weight and/or price) of what has been taken off the apparatus. An apparatus where it is set up with just one product per scales. An apparatus where more than one product can be displayed on the scales and where there is a means (button, sensor or otherwise) for the apparatus to know which product has been removed. An apparatus, on which merchandise can be placed, which calculates the weight and/or price of merchandise that is removed from it. An apparatus in which the information of weight and/or price is made available to the customer/employee and/or shop by means of creating a ticket, either on physical, digital or otherwise, which can then be used to provide information at payment. An apparatus in which each different merchandise has its own scales or weight measuring device. An apparatus as in any of the preceding claims in which more than one scales is linked to one ticket creator or display. An apparatus as in any of the preceding claims in that the ticket, once created can be stored and taken to the place of payment, either manually, wirelessly or stored in a mobile digital device.

A merchandise display device comprising weighing means and connectivity means configured for, when some or all of said merchandise is removed, creating a ticket (digital or physical or other means) comprising details of the removed merchandise. The device, wherein the weighing means is configured for measuring the weight of items of merchandise which have been removed. The device, further comprising a display for communicating merchandise details, and once a quantity of merchandise has been removed, for communicating the weight and/or price of the removed items. The device, wherein the communication is by means of screen or an audio device. The device, wherein the display is not part of the device but a remote object for example the user's own personal device. The device, wherein the connectivity means comprises a communications link to a ticket creator, which creates a ticket (for example, digital, physical or otherwise) which contains the information (for example, name, type, weight and/or price) of what has been taken off the weighing means. The device, wherein more than one weighing means is linked to one ticket creator and/or display. The device, wherein the device is configured to measure the weight of only a single merchandise. The device, wherein the device is configured to measure and display the weight of more than one merchandise, the device further comprising means (button, sensor or otherwise) for identifying which merchandise has been removed. The device, wherein the device is configured to hold one or more containers with the items of merchandise. The device, wherein the device is configured with a different weighing means for each different merchandise. The device, wherein the ticket is configured to be taken to the place of payment, either manually, remotely, wirelessly or stored in a mobile digital device application. The device, wherein the processor is configured to open a device session upon detection of merchandise removal. The device, further comprising scanning means configured for scanning a unique user identifier carried by a user. The device, wherein the processor is configured to open a device session upon detection of the unique user identifier. The device, wherein the device is configured to close the device session, once merchandise has been removed, on successful scan completion of the unique user identifier, and create the ticket comprising the information corresponding to that device session. The device, wherein the connectivity means of the device are configured to transmit the ticket corresponding to the device session to an application residing in an electronic device (such as a portable communications device or to a central server) which collects at least one device session ticket in a user session for payment. The device, wherein the device is configured to additionally require the user identification at the beginning of the device session. The device, further configured to determine a weight increase, recalculate the new weight and determine whether it matches the prior weight before merchandise removal, and in case negative, issue an alarm.

A system for measuring the weight of items of merchandise which have been removed, the system comprising: at least one merchandise display device; at least one electronic device application in data communication with connectivity means of the at least one merchandise display device; the at least one electronic device application configured for receiving device session data transmitted by the at least one merchandise display device and configured for issuing a payment order comprising all received device session data corresponding to a user session.

The system, wherein the electronic device application resides in a central server or in a non-central entity, such as a portable communications device. The system, the electronic device application further configured for storing all merchandise item data corresponding to the same user under the same user identifier memory in a database. The system, the electronic device application further configured for storing a database of merchandise per weight prices and identification information, and for updating each merchandise display device with corresponding merchandise information. The system, wherein at least two merchandise display devices are in communication with each other, either directly or through the electronic device application, and they are configured to issue an alarm, or send this information digitally to the server, when they detect that merchandise from one device spills over to the next. The system, wherein the at least one merchandise display device is configured as a merchandise weighing apparatus; the system further comprising at least one merchandise display device configured as a checkout weighing apparatus; wherein the at least one electronic device application is further configured for receiving data transmitted by the at least one merchandise weighing apparatus and the at least one checkout weighing apparatus and configured for determining whether the total weight of merchandise collected by a particular user matches the total weight of merchandise determined at the checkout counter. The system, further configured to issue an alarm when the weights do not match, or to require payment if they do match. The system, wherein only the checkout weighing apparatus comprises scanning means. The system, further comprising different user-definable configurations representing different levels of compromise between security and user friendliness, ranging from lower security and higher user friendliness to higher security and lower user friendliness, whenever the user finishes collecting items of merchandise and is ready for checking out. The system, wherein, in one configuration representing lower security and higher user friendliness, the system is configured to allow the user to leave the establishment without passing through any checkout system either by them performing a direct electronic payment on their device or the merchandise being automatically charged to their account. The system, wherein, in another configuration representing an intermediate security and intermediate user friendliness, the system is configured to require the user to physically pass by a manual checkout apparatus, scan the unique user identifier at the checkout weighing apparatus, and perform an in-person machine payment (either electronic or otherwise) before leaving the establishment. The system, wherein, in another configuration representing high security and low user friendliness, the system is configured to require the user to place all collected merchandise on the checkout weighing apparatus for weight matching.

A method for measuring the weight of items of merchandise which have been removed in a system comprising at least one merchandise display device and at least one electronic device application in data communication with connectivity means of the at least one merchandise display device, the method comprising: by the at least one electronic device application, receiving device session data transmitted by the at least one merchandise display device and issuing a payment order comprising all received device session data corresponding to a user session.

The method, wherein the electronic device application resides in a central server or in a non-central entity, such as a portable communications device. The method, further comprising storing, by the at least one electronic device application, all merchandise item device session data corresponding to the same user under the same user identifier memory in a database under a user session. The method, further comprising storing, by the at least one electronic device application, a database of merchandise per weight prices and identification information, and for updating each merchandise display device with corresponding merchandise information. The method, wherein at least two merchandise display devices are in communication with each other, either directly or through the central electronic device application, and they issue an alarm, or send this information digitally to the server, when they detect that merchandise from one device spills over to the next. The method, configuring the at least one merchandise display device as a merchandise weighing apparatus; configuring at least one merchandise display device according to claim 1 as a checkout weighing apparatus; by the at least one electronic device application, receiving data transmitted by at least one merchandise weighing apparatus and the at least one checkout weighing apparatus and determining whether the total weight of merchandise collected by a particular user matches the total weight of merchandise determined at the checkout counter. The method, further comprising issuing an alarm when the weights do not match, or to require payment if they do match. The method, wherein only the checkout weighing apparatus comprises scanning means. The method, further comprising different user- definable configurations representing different levels of compromise between security and user friendliness, ranging from lower security and higher user friendliness to higher security and lower user friendliness, whenever the user finishes collecting items of merchandise and is ready for checking out. The method, wherein, in one configuration representing lower security and higher user friendliness, allowing the user to leave the establishment without passing through any checkout system either by them performing a direct electronic payment on their device or the merchandise being automatically charged to their account. The method, wherein, in another configuration representing an intermediate security and intermediate user friendliness, requiring the user to physically pass by a manual checkout apparatus, scan the unique user identifier at the checkout weighing apparatus, and perform an in-person machine payment (either electronic or otherwise) before leaving the establishment. The method, wherein, in another configuration representing high security and low user friendliness, requiring the user to place all collected merchandise on the checkout weighing apparatus for weight matching.