System and Method for Real-Time Full-Service Shopping

A mobile application for full-service grocery shopping assists users when grocery shopping. The mobile application may be downloaded on the user's mobile electronic device, enabling the user to subscribe to a grocery shopping support service, and provides access to an online database of detailed floor plans and inventories of grocery stores. The application downloads the floor plans and inventory of the grocery store where the user is located, displaying the floor plans on the display of the user's device, and manually or automatically retrieves the locations of the user's items for purchase from the user's grocery list, calculating the cumulative cost of items on the grocery list. Locations of the items on store shelves are highlighted on three-dimensional color displays, and the shortest route to all desired items in the store is calculated using an algorithm. The application exchanges information with support staff, enabling assistance in a timely manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to mobile applications and, more particularly, to a mobile application and system for full-service grocery shopping. Just as self-service filling stations of the past have left certain customers wishing for full service, changes in the grocery shopping experience have left many customers wishing for more assistance from the store staff. Unfortunately, many customers are elderly or disabled and, with the trend toward larger and larger grocery stores, hiking all over the store to shop for a week's worth of groceries can wear out these customers. Shopping should be a pleasant experience, not a test of physical endurance. Existing mobile applications enable efficient shopping, but do not enable interaction with store staff. A mobile application for full-service grocery shopping, which shows a customer where items on the grocery list are located and provides instant communication with key members of the store staff, enabling timely services such as valet parking service, would resolve this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a real-time full-service shopping system according to the present invention is directed to a software application running on a mobile computing device, e.g. a smartphone, tablet, or the like, for full-service grocery shopping. The mobile application may be downloaded on the user's smart phone, tablet, or other mobile electronic device, enabling the user to subscribe to a shopping support service or participant network, and provides access to an online database of detailed floor plans and inventories of participating stores in every major metropolitan area of the United States. The application downloads the floor plans and inventory of the grocery store where the user is located, displaying the floor plans on the visual display of the user's device, and may be used to manually or automatically retrieve the locations of the user's desired items for purchase from the user's grocery list, and calculating the cumulative cost of all items on the grocery list. Locations of the desired items on store shelves are highlighted on three-dimensional color displays, and the shortest route to all desired items in the store is calculated using an algorithm. The generated suggested route may be displayed on the mobile computing device that is running the software application. The application also exchanges information with key support staff, such as the checkout lane staff and valet parking staff, enabling assistance in a timely manner.

Therefore, a general object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for shopping that guides customers while they are shopping in a store by providing real time store layout data, product location data, and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for shopping, as aforesaid, in which a user selects a store using the mobile application and, when present at the store and uploads a shopping list, the store layout, product locations, and a suggested and preferred route for shopping are displayed via the application on the user's mobile device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for shopping, as aforesaid, in which other features for full-service shopping are provided, such as valet parking, communication with checkout staff, real-time totals of items purchased, and the like.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A method and system for shopping with real-time store layout, item location, and full service shopping assistance will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 7of the accompanying drawings. The method and system10includes a plurality of store data systems20, a software application14(also referred to as a mobile app) running on a mobile computing device12, and a remote computing device40(also referred to as a “Central Database”).

It is to be understood that while the invention is described in use with grocery store items, this is not intended as a limitation. With or without modification, the invention may be used with items to be purchased in any type of store maintaining a computerized inventory, such as a department store, a home improvement store, a general retail store, or the like.

The system10may include a plurality of store data systems20, each one representing a store that participates in the shopping network, i.e. a participating store. Each store data system20may include a computer server having a store processor22and a store database24(including a non-volatile store memory). The store database24includes data structures configured to receive and store inventory data, store layout data (i.e. the layout of fixtures, aisles, building infrastructure, etc), and product location data (i.e. a specific aisle and shelf position of where each product is located).

Each store data system20may include an indoor positioning system (IPS)30that is configured to determine the location and movement of a plurality of tags in a predefined area, such as the area defined by the walls of a store. A plurality of signaling devices32may be distributed throughout the predefined area that, together, can triangulate or otherwise communicate with respective tags34in a manner configured to determine the location of the tags. This data, in cooperation with store layout data and a shopping list submitted by a user will enable the store processor22to determine a preferred or suggested route for a user to traverse to most efficiently find respective shopping list products to be purchased.

More particularly, the plurality of tags34may include user tags associated with actual shoppers so that their physical presence and location in the store may be tracked. Each user tag may be in the form of an electronic token that may be carried by a user, such as in a pocket, on a key ring, or attached to a mobile phone or the like. Product tags may be electronic tokens, transmitters, bar codes, radio frequency identification tags (RFID), or the like.

When a user selects a participating store in which to shop, prepares and communicates a shopping list to the store, and physically enters the store's defined area, the IPS30within the store will be able to track the user's movement and to communicate a suggested route, product positions, etc. When the user is in proximity to the store (or actually inside), he may use the software application14to cause the mobile computing device12to send a signal—e.g. a cellular signal, a transmitter/receiver component, radio frequency, bar code, etc.—to an electronic “access point” at the store location, whereby to use his authentication information to gain access. Then, a shopping list of desired goods may be created by the software application12using the input12aof the mobile computing device12and uploaded. The store database24, under program control, may then generate a map including a suggested route through the store layout for retrieving the selected items. The map with suggested route may be communicated to the application for display on a screen12bof the mobile computing device12, including store layout, product position, and the user's position—all generated by the respective IPS of the selected store data system20.

In an embodiment, the store layout data, product position data, product inventory and price data may be uploaded to the software application when a user has selected a store location at which to shop. Then, the application14is programmed to utilize the uploaded data to generate the suggested route and display it on the display of the mobile computing device12. Updates on the user's location, products procured, revised shopping list, etc. may be communicated to the application and new maps generated by the application.

Now with further reference to how to how a suggested and preferred shopping route is generated, the store layout data may include “marker data” (FIG. 2) that is indicative of (1) where a user is permitted to walk (e.g. aisles and public areas) referred to as an “inactive point”62(2) where a user would be not be permitted or able to walk (e.g. product shelving fixtures, point of sale areas, infrastructure like walls, posts, mechanical equipment, and the like) referred to as an “dormant point”64(labeled as “x”), and (3) product areas referred to as “active point”60. Thus, a store processor22or application14seeking to choose the most efficient route between a user's current position and a selected product is not able to just go “as the crow flies” but must use only permitted positions to be selected, i.e. aisles.

The store processor22, in cooperation with the respective IPS30, is able to track user movement, product movement, and can detect when a user has procured an item in that the location of the user and product will significantly the same. The grocery list can be updated to indicate the procured item is no longer on the list to be procured. The store processor22is further configured to update the user position and next product to be located and an updated map of the suggested route communicated to the software application on the mobile computing device12.

In another aspect, the system10may include a remote computing device40, such as a cloud-based server (FIG. 1), that is in data communication via the internet with each participating store data system20. The remote computing device40may include a remote processor42, a remote memory (in the form of a central database44), and means for connecting to the internet for connecting to mobile computing devices12by cellular telephone signals, and the like.

A user may initially communicate with the remote computing device40(central database) so as to register as an authorized user of the system10. The user may connect to the remote computing device40using a laptop or desktop computer16via the internet so as to sign up or by means of the mobile computing device12utilizing the appropriately configured software application14. A username, login, email address, and other personal information may be entered and recorded. It is understood that registered user data may be communicated from the remote computing device40to each of the store data systems20that may later be selected by the user for shopping. The remote computing device40may include programming that, when executed by the store processor22, communicates with the plurality of store data systems20so as to receive and store each store's inventory data, store layout data, and other useful data. In addition (or in the alternative), the remote computing device40may have authority or be granted permission to access on demand, the data stored in each store database.

In an embodiment, the store data systems20are configured, such as by programming, to track multiple aspects of the shopping actions of shoppers and may communicate that data to the remote computing device40. More particularly, the indoor positioning system30(IPS) in operation by each store data system20collects data regarding detected movements of a user tag or product tag, an amount of time a user is shopping in the store, items selected for purchase, location of the item purchased, and the like. Each store data system20is configured to communicate this collected information to the remote computing device40(i.e. central database) where it may be used for future marketing, advertising, metric analysis, decisions regarding future placement of products, or other reasons.

In another aspect of the invention, the remote computing device40may be in data communication, such as via the internet, with one or more manufacturer databases50associated with manufacturers of products carried by respective store data systems20. The remote computing device40may be configured to store vast inventories of products available from the manufacturers even if respective store data systems20choose to carry only a portion of the products in their stores.

Similarly, the remote computing device40may be in data communication, such as via the internet, with retail and chain shopping stores52in substantially the same manner as described above relative the plurality of store data systems20. In other words, the chain shopping stores52may be networks of the same type of store, combination, grocery/general retail, or the like.

Now, use of the mobile software application, operation of the store data systems (i.e. local stores available for shopping) will be discussed to fully appreciate and understand the technical details of the system given above. The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a mobile application14(a “mobile app” or “software app”) which may be downloaded on the user's smart phone, tablet, or other mobile electronic device, enabling the user to subscribe to a shopping support service. The subscription is preferably available at two levels: a standard subscription and a premium subscription which provides additional features. The application also provides access to an online database of detailed inventories and floor plans of grocery stores in every major metropolitan area of the United States, which is operated by the managing entity of the application. The managing entity acquires and updates floor plans and inventories of all grocery stores in the database from information acquired from the corporations which own or manage the grocery stores.

After downloading the application, the user must register a username, password, and e-mail address. Registration may be accomplished directly from the mobile app14or via an internet connection from a computer16. The user begins by selecting the Find Store function and may elect to limit the search by entering a desired store brand name, such as Target, Wal-Mart, or Safeway. Options to Go Back or Proceed are provided. All searchable brand names options are based on those companies electing to use the managing entity's cloud data storage (i.e. the remote computing device). The user may then enter city and state or zip code. An option to Go Back is provided.

The subsequent search is similar to any Global Positioning System (GPS) device search to find locations of chosen preference in the closest location. The user's visual display shows the closest locations, providing store brands, store codes, and store addresses. Options to Go Back or start over from Find Store are provided. The user then selects a store within the closest location of the desired store brand name or preferred location to shop.

When the user is in a predetermined proximity to the selected store, he may create a shopping list of desired products he wishes to purchase at the store. Using the application14, he may upload the shopping list to the selected store where it will then be processed and a preferred or suggested route of travel throughout the store will be generated and communicated back to the mobile app, as will be discussed further later. The application14may include a Transfer List feature that enables a user to access a previously used list with the selected store. The application also enables the user to search for a single item and have its location identified on the display of the mobile computing device.

The Find Store function shows the selected store information, displaying the store identification number code, address, store hours, amount of registers open, and three estimated levels listed by level and traffic light coloring. Options to Go Back or Select Store are provided. Prices are generated from store selection and the user's Grocery List.

The application downloads the floor plans and inventory of the grocery store which the user has selected, displaying the floor plans on the visual display of the user's device, and may be used to manually or automatically retrieve the locations of the user's desired items for purchase from the user's grocery list, calculating the cumulative cost of all items on the grocery list.

The floor plan is displayed in a color-coded “planogram view.” Locations of the desired items on store shelves may be highlighted on three-dimensional color displays, and the shortest route to all desired items in the store is calculated using an algorithm. Shelves are highlighted in multiple colors on the visual display, with the location of the desired item displayed with greater brightness, and other sections of the shelves grayed out.

The homepage version of the application may reappear, displaying the identified user, and the store code and address. The user has the option to sign out or remove the store code to return to previous screen. Find Store, List Transfer, Find an Item, and Go Shopping will be active options. Selecting Find Store allows the user to restart at the Find Store feature. List Transfer is to access a received a saved grocery list or single desired item. Find an Item is the option to be used when selecting one desired item. Action “search widget” appears to type and search desired like item.

Go Shopping is the option to search all like items to create a Shopping Cart. When Go Shopping is activated, options to Quit and Save, view the Shopping Cart, go to Next Item upon selection, and Checkout are provided. Shopping Cart lists the items selected and provides the options to Remove Item, Add Item, go Back to Shopping, or Checkout. When the user selects a desired item, the Back to Shopping and Checkout button features turn into Change Amount and Delete button features.

The user then completes and saves the shopping/grocery list. A new Save Screen option appears that generates and saves the grocery list based on the prices and location selected. The created grocery list is automatically stored under the List Transfer option available on the homepage. The Shopping Cart appears, displaying sales price, taxes, and total price after checkout.

The user may be provided four options: Start Shopping, Exit Shopping, List Transfer, and Edit List. Once the user has completed the Find Item or Go Shopping function, the floor plan of the grocery store is displayed with the suggested route and upon arrival, the user may proceed with acquiring selected items.

As the user proceeds through the grocery store to acquire a desired item, the application may display suggested additional items which are frequently purchased by other persons who purchase the same selected item as the user. The application may also list customer preferred ratings of similar items if the purchasing consumer wishes to know a preferred or popular item, and is capable of operating from the user's prior buying habits as indicated by previous grocery lists. Shopping for complementary brands and like items will also be displayed under the selected item to influence customer purchasing. Each of these features may be blocked at the user's discretion.

The application also exchanges information with key support staff, such as the checkout lane staff and valet parking staff, enabling assistance in a timely manner. When the user is driving to the grocery store, the application may be used to send a message to the valet parking staff. A reply may be sent to the user, which indicates the lane or other location where the user may meet a parking valet. The application also generates barcodes which may be scanned by the checkout lane staff and valet parking staff, for the purpose of expediting service.

The homepage of the application provides a plurality of clickable buttons on the visual display of the user's mobile electronic device. The Grocery List button opens the Grocery List page, which is a form that may be populated by the user, listing the names and desired quantities of grocery items needed. The categories button provides a list of categories of items sold in the selected grocery store, such as bakery goods, canned goods, and fresh produce, enabling the user to browse through the categories when preparing the grocery list. The inventory button provides the user access to the inventory list stored in the database. The sales button provides the user access to a list of discounted items available at the selected grocery store.

A portion of each list of data acquired by the application is provided in the display area on the homepage, enabling the user to review the list by scrolling up or down. A search button is provided, enabling the user to search each list for specific desired items or categories. The user may also view the entire list by double clicking on the corresponding button.

The application downloads the floor plans and inventory of the grocery store where the user is located, displaying the floor plans on the visual display of the user's device, and may be used to manually or automatically retrieve the locations of the user's desired items for purchase from the user's grocery list, calculating the cumulative cost of all items on the grocery list.

The grocery list page displays the grocery list prepared by the user, with discounted items highlighted in a bright color, such as red. The grocery list page self-populates with the aisle number where each item on the grocery list is located. The grocery list page then calculates the cumulative cost of all items on the grocery list, as well as the estimated shopping time, based on distances between selected grocery items on the floor plan and a slow walking pace of 1.5 miles per hour.

Such government programs as Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EST) are more easily administered and used with the application. Approved items for purchase under these programs are displayed on the user's mobile electronic device and may be provided by appropriate agencies to the managing entity. Methods of payment accommodated include debit cards and direct transfer of funds from the user's checking account. If the user is utilizing a government program such as WIC or EBT, notices are provided when the user selects an item which is ineligible for purchase under the government program.

When the user has finished shopping and is ready to check out, an estimated checkout time is provided, based on the items selected and the number of cashiers on duty. Upon reaching a checkout lane, the user may provide the barcode for the cashier to scan. This scan automatically causes a message to be sent to the valet parking staff, indicating that the user is checking out and that the user's vehicle should be retrieved. The user selects a method of payment, such as a debit card or direct transfer of funds from the user's checking account.