Patent ID: 7647248
Filing Date: 2010-01-12
Classification: G06Q,G07G

Abstract:
1. A method in a data processing system for reducing inventory shrinkage in a shopping environment, the method comprising: receiving a wireless signal from a shopping device capable of detecting unpaid items, wherein the wireless signal contains information indicative of an identity of a shopper associated with the shopping device; responsive to a first determination by the data processing system that the shopping device is in proximity to an exit of a store, determining if an unpaid item is associated with the shopping device; and responsive to both the first determination that the unpaid item is associated with the shopping device and a second determination that the shopping device is in proximity to the exit, alerting store personnel to take a precautionary action, further comprising displaying a virtual shopping cart on a display screen of the shopping device responsive to said detecting of the shopper in proximity to the exit.