Patent Publication Number: US-2018033028-A1

Title: Self charging shopping cart and customer interest tracker

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/367,378 filed Jul. 27, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments relate generally to retail management systems and more particularly to systems and methods for customer tracking based on power-generating shopping receptacles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Retailers often utilize customer tracking within a retail location to efficiently staff and stock their stores, and to provide targeted advertising to particular customers based on their activity in the store. Traditional customer tracking systems that utilize the customer&#39;s mobile device are undesirable because they are dependent upon those devices. 
     Shopping receptacles, such as shopping carts, can be fitted with tracking devices for retail location customer tracking. However, traditional power systems needed for powering such tracking devices are inefficient and costly to charge. For example, a cart may need to be physically plugged in to an electrical outlet or charging station after each use in order to maintain power for the tracking device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a system for determining customer interests in a retail environment comprises a shopping receptacle module configured to be coupled to a shopping receptacle and comprising an energy capture portion and a communications portion, the energy capture portion comprising an energy storage device configured to receive and store energy generated by movement of the shopping receptacle, and the communications portion comprising customer identification circuitry and wireless transmitter circuitry and being electrically coupled with the energy storage device to receive power therefrom; a shopping receptacle tracking system configured to be installed in the retail environment and comprising wireless communications circuitry configured to receive customer identification information and shopping receptacle location information from the wireless transmitter circuitry and track movement of the shopping receptacle in the retail environment over time; and a customer interest engine communicatively coupled with a point-of-sale (POS) system in the retail environment and the shopping receptacle tracking system and configured to correlate data from the POS system with the customer identification information and the tracked movement of the shopping receptacle in the retail environment over time to identify at least one customer interest related to the retail environment for a customized follow-up action. 
     In an embodiment, a method for determining customer interests in a retail environment comprises providing a shopping receptacle module configured to be coupled to a shopping receptacle and comprising an energy capture portion and a communications portion, the energy capture portion comprising an energy storage device configured to receive and store energy generated by movement of the shopping receptacle, and the communications portion comprising customer identification circuitry and wireless transmitter circuitry and being electrically coupled with the energy storage device to receive power therefrom; providing a shopping receptacle tracking system configured to be installed in the retail environment and comprising wireless communications circuitry configured to receive customer identification information and shopping receptacle location information from the wireless transmitter circuitry and track movement of the shopping receptacle in the retail environment over time; and providing a customer interest engine communicatively coupled with a point-of-sale (POS) system in the retail environment and the shopping receptacle tracking system and configured to correlate data from the POS system with the customer identification information and the tracked movement of the shopping receptacle in the retail environment over time to identify at least one customer interest related to the retail environment for a customized follow-up action. 
     In an embodiment, a method for determining customer interests in a retail environment comprises associating a customer with a shopping receptacle; tracking movement of the shopping receptacle in a retail environment during a period of time, wherein the movement generates energy that is captured and used by at least one electrical device mounted on the shopping receptacle; correlating data from a purchase made in the retail environment by the customer with the tracking based at least in part on data obtained in the associating; and identifying, from the correlating, at least one customer interest related to the retail environment for a customized follow-up action. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are block diagrams of a system for determining customer interests in a retail environment according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a shopping receptacle according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of another embodiment of a receptacle module subsystem. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of a method for determining customer interests in a retail environment according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram of a retail store in which the system of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  can be deployed, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of another method for determining customer interests in a retail environment according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a system  100  for determining customer interests in a retail environment is depicted. In an embodiment, system  100  comprises a receptacle module  102 , a shopping receptacle tracking system  104 , a customer interest engine  106 , a point-of-sale (POS) system  108 , and a shopping receptacle  110 . System  100  can be deployed in almost any retail space, such as in a “big box,” warehouse, shopping center-based, neighborhood or other store. 
     Receptacle module  102  is configured to be coupled to a shopping receptacle such as shopping receptacle  110 . In an embodiment, receptacle module  102  comprises a communications portion  112  and an energy capture portion  114 . 
     Communications portion  112  is configured to receive or determine customer information and communicate such customer information to other elements of system  100 . For example, as depicted in  FIG. 1A , receptacle module  102  (and particularly communications portion  112 ) is in communication with shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . Referring particularly to  FIG. 1B , in one embodiment, communications portion  112  comprises customer identification circuitry  116  and wireless transmitter circuitry  118 . 
     Customer identification circuitry  116  comprises one or more electronic elements configured to identify the customer operating shopping receptacle  110 . For example, customer identification circuitry  116  can comprise a magnetic stripe reader, a BLUETOOTH module, a WIFI module, a keypad, a radio frequency identification (RFID) module, a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a biometric identifier, or a chip-and-pin module. Other suitable modules or identifiers can likewise be utilized. 
     In one embodiment, customer identification circuitry  116  comprises a magnetic stripe reader configured to receive a swipe from a customer&#39;s loyalty or membership card. 
     In another embodiment, customer identification circuitry  116  comprises a BLUETOOTH module configured to receive data from a customer&#39;s correspondingly-enabled BLUETOOTH device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or BLUETOOTH dongle. 
     In still another embodiment, customer identification circuitry  116  comprises display capabilities configured to display prompts or other interfaces to the customer to determine the customer&#39;s identity. 
     Wireless transmitter circuitry  118  comprises one or more electronic elements configured to transmit and receive data related to system  100 . For example, wireless transmitter circuitry  118  can be configured for radio frequency (RF) communications, WIFI communications, BLUETOOTH communications, or near-field communications (NFC). Other suitable communication circuitries can likewise be utilized. In an embodiment, customer information determined by customer identification circuitry  116  can be transmitted to other elements of system  100 , such as shopping receptacle tracking system  104  and its corresponding receiving elements. In other embodiments, information related to energy capture portion  114 , such as energy storage amounts, energy usage amounts, and so on, can be transmitted to other elements of system  100 , such as shopping receptacle tracking system  104  and its corresponding receiving elements. Similarly, wireless transmitter circuitry  118  can be configured to receive data related to system  100 , and particularly, from shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . 
     Energy capture portion  114  is configured to receive and store energy for the electronics of communications portion  112 . In one embodiment as depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , energy capture portion  114  comprises an energy storage device  120  configured to receive and store energy generated by movement of shopping receptacle  110 . In another embodiment, as will be described with respect to  FIG. 3 , energy capture portion  114  is configured to receive and store energy from other sources, such as wireless sources within the retail store. Energy storage device  120  can comprise a battery, capacitor, or other suitable accumulator. 
     Communications portion  112  can be electrically coupled with energy storage device  120  to receive power from energy storage device  120 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1A , shopping receptacle tracking system  104  comprises wireless communications circuitry  122  and a calculation engine  124 . In an embodiment, shopping receptacle tracking system  104  is configured to track movement of shopping receptacle  110  in the retail environment over time. In embodiments, shopping receptacle tracking system  104  is configured to be installed in the retail environment. As shown in  FIG. 1A , shopping receptacle tracking system  104  can be operably coupled to receptacle module  102  and customer interest engine  106 . 
     Wireless communications circuitry  122  is configured to receive customer identification information and shopping receptacle  110  location information from wireless transmitter circuitry  118 . Similar to wireless transmitter circuitry  118 , wireless communications circuitry  122  can be configured for radio frequency (RF) communications, WIFI communications, BLUETOOTH communications, or near-field communications (NFC). Other suitable communication circuitries can likewise be utilized. In embodiments, both wireless transmitter circuitry  118  and wireless communications circuitry  122  are configured for the same wireless protocol. 
     Calculation engine  124  is configured to analyze location-related data received from the components of system  100  to track shopping receptacle  110 . For example, calculation engine  124  is operably coupled to wireless communications circuitry  122  to collect the location data communications from wireless transmitter circuitry  118 . In an embodiment, calculation engine  124  comprises a real-world device, component, or arrangement of components implemented using hardware, such as by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), for example, or as a combination of hardware and software, such as by a microprocessor system and a set of program instructions that cause the engine to implement the particular functionality described herein. 
     Receptacle module  102  and shopping receptacle tracking system  104  can be configured such that a periodic exchange of shopping receptacle  110  location data occurs between wireless transmitter circuitry  118  and wireless communications circuitry  122 . One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that if the communication rate between wireless transmitter circuitry  118  and wireless communications circuitry  122  is set to a predetermined rate, timing of the relative locations of shopping receptacle  110  can be readily determined. In other embodiments, the exchange of location data from wireless transmitter circuitry  118  and wireless communications circuitry  122  can be ad-hoc. In such embodiments, a timestamp or other time-field component can be included in the transmission message. 
     In an embodiment, shopping receptacle tracking system  104  requests a message transmission from each receptacle module  102  in the retail environment. For example, at a certain periodic rate determined by shopping receptacle tracking system  104 , a request for location data can be sent. Upon receipt of the request, each receptacle module  102  (and particularly, each wireless transmitter circuitry  118 ) is configured to return the request with a data package containing at least location data of the receptacle module  102 . In other embodiments, receptacle module  102  broadcasts its message without an initial request for data by shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . 
     In still other embodiments, and as will be described further with respect to  FIG. 5 , shopping receptacle tracking system  104  can utilize “pings” or other passive data collection methods targeted at receptacle module  102  (and particularly, wireless transmitter circuitry  118 ) to determine the location of shopping receptacle  110 . For example, a store Wi-Fi system can determine the relative location of a particular wireless transmitter circuitry  118  within the store based on, among other indicators, the intensity of the received signal relative to various wireless access points. Wi-Fi triangulation can thus be utilized to determine the relative location of a particular wireless transmitter circuitry  118 . In another embodiment, other geo-location systems or methods can be utilized, such as radio frequency (RF) location methods. 
     Calculation engine  124  is configured to take the data received from wireless transmitter circuitry  118  and perform parsing, aggregation, or other data manipulation as necessary to determine relative locations and timings of those locations of shopping receptacle  110  within the store. For example, if calculation engine  124  determines that five 1 Hz messages were received with the same shopping receptacle  110  location data, it can be determined that the customer was stationary at that location for 5 seconds. Of course, this simplistic example is used for ease of explanation only, and increasingly complex algorithms can be readily generated, with increasingly frequent data transmissions for additional location accuracy. 
     In embodiments, calculation engine  124  can generate a database, map, data point list, machine-readable output, or other suitable output of customer location or other data. In other embodiments, calculation engine  124  can be queried by, for example, customer interest engine  106  and return location, energy, or other data. 
     In an embodiment, shopping receptacle tracking system  104  is further configured to track energy data for shopping receptacle  110 . For example, calculation engine  124  can be further configured to analyze energy-related data received from the components of system  100  to monitor shopping receptacle  110  energy data. For example, calculation engine  124  is operably coupled to wireless communications circuitry  122  to collect the energy data communications from wireless transmitter circuitry  118 . In an embodiment, energy-related data can be combined in the same transmission package as location-related data. In other embodiments, energy-related data can be sent in a separate transmission package. Energy-related data can comprise usage levels, storage levels, generation efficiency levels, and the like. Energy-related data can be used to determine, for example, which carts may need energy storage device  120  repair or replacement, or shopping receptacle component repair or replacement. 
     Calculation engine  124  can likewise integrate customer identification information received by communications circuitry  122  into its data packages. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1A , in an embodiment, customer interest engine  106  can be communicatively coupled with POS system  108  and shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . In general, customer interest engine  106  is configured to study a customer&#39;s shopping behavior by analyzing the time spent at different places within the store with actual purchases. In an embodiment, customer interest engine  106  can access actual purchases through transaction logs of POS system  108 , as will be described. 
     In general, interests of the customer can be identified by the time spent (by the shopping receptacle) in the different aisles and specific departments or other points within the store. 
     In an embodiment, customer interest engine  106  can be configured to correlate data from POS system  108  with the customer identification information and the tracked movement of shopping receptacle  110  in the retail environment over time to identify at least one customer interest related to the retail environment for a customized follow-up action. For example, the customized follow-up action can be an offer to a customer for a product that the customer spent time near according to the tracked movement of the shopping receptacle in the retail environment over time but did not purchase. In embodiments, as will be described, data from POS system  108  and the customer identification information obtained from customer identification circuitry  116  can be utilized in generating a follow-up action. In an embodiment, the product complements a product purchased by the customer according to the data from POS system  108 . 
     POS system  108  generally comprises the cash register, scanner, computer, tablet, or other devices used at cash wrap or checkout areas to tally and record customer purchases and accept payment. POS system can therefore record transaction logs (TLOG) of the various purchases. In some embodiments, shopping receptacle tracking system  104  and/or customer interest engine  106  can be partially or fully integrated with POS system  108 . In an embodiment, a customer membership card associated with the retail environment can be interfaced with POS system  108 . In some embodiments, the same customer membership card can be interfaced with customer identification circuitry  116  of receptacle module  102 . 
     Shopping receptacle  110  can comprise any suitable repository for temporarily storing shopping items. Customers that visit a retail space often use a shopping receptacle to collect and carry items selected for purchase. Examples of shopping receptacles include shopping carts, baskets, rolling baskets, bags and others, and the general term “receptacle” will be used herein to refer to or include any suitable type of shopping receptacle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram of a shopping receptacle  200  is depicted. In an embodiment, shopping receptacle  200  can be substantially similar to shopping receptacle  110 . Shopping receptacle  200  comprises a frame  202 , a retail item repository  204 , and one or more wheel subsystems  206 . 
     Frame  202  comprises the support structure that operably couples retail item repository  204  to wheel subsystems  206 . In embodiments, frame  202  further provides the support structure for operably coupling a receptacle module such as receptacle module  102  to shopping receptacle  200 . 
     In an embodiment, frame  202  comprises a wheel support  208  and a handle  210 . Wheel support  208  can project from retail item repository  204  to one or more wheel subsystems  206  and support one or more wheel subsystems  206  such that each of the wheels of wheel subsystems  206  have space to rotate. Wheel support  208  can further comprise support structure between each of wheel subsystems  206 . As such, frame  202 , and in embodiments, wheel support  208  comprises one or more axles. 
     Handle  210  can project from retail item repository  204  to provide a support for steering or guiding shopping receptacle  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , receptacle module  102  is operably coupled to handle  210 . In other embodiments, receptacle module  102  can be operably coupled to shopping receptacle  200  in any suitable manner, such as by mounting, fastening, or adhering. In another embodiment, receptacle module  102  can be integrated into shopping receptacle  200 , such as by seamless integration into frame  202 , or more particularly, handle  212 . 
     Retail item repository  204  comprises a container or other contained void for the customer to collect and carry items selected for purchase. For example, retail item repository  204  can comprise a grated basket. 
     Wheel subsystem  206  comprises a wheel  212  and an energy capture element  214 . For example, referring to the left front wheel subsystem of shopping receptacle  200 , wheel subsystem  206   a  comprises wheel  212   a  and energy capture element  214   a.    
     Wheel  212   a  can be axially mounted on wheel support  208  such that it rotates when handle  210  is pushed by the user. Wheel  212   a  can comprise any suitable wheel type, such as rubber, plastic, metal, and the like. 
     Energy capture element  214   a  is configured to collect the energy created by the motion of wheel  212   a . Energy capture element  214   a  can be operably coupled to wheel  212   a  and/or frame  202 . In an embodiment, energy capture element  214   a  can comprise a friction-based collection system. For example, as wheel  212   a  turns by the pushing of shopping receptacle  200 , friction is created and collected by energy capture element  214   a . Energy capture element  214   a  therefore transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. The captured electrical energy can be stored by, for example, receptacle module  101 , and specifically, energy storage device  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , and referring to the left rear wheel subsystem of shopping receptacle  200 , wheel subsystem  206   b  comprises wheel  212   b  and energy capture element  214   b . In an embodiment, wheel subsystem  206   b  can be substantially similar to wheel subsystem  206   a . Other wheel subsystems can likewise be provided for shopping receptacle  200  (though not shown in  FIG. 2 ). In embodiments, energy capture elements can differ on the same shopping receptacle  200 . For example, if the wheels of a shopping receptacle are slightly larger for the rear wheels, which create more friction when interfacing with the frame and floor surface, a different energy capture element can be utilized than for the smaller front wheels. In other embodiments, energy capture elements can be utilized on less than all of the wheels. 
     Other types of receptacles can similarly be utilized in embodiments. Rolling baskets can be implemented with the power generation components described with respect to  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, receptacles without wheels can be integrated with power generation components. For example, hand-carried baskets can be integrated with kinetic movement capturing components, such as a rotor that turns on a pivot. The normal movements of the customer&#39;s arm carrying the basket causes the rotor to pivot on its staff such that energy can be captured by the repeated swaying of the rotor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a block diagram of another embodiment of a receptacle module subsystem  300  is depicted. Subsystem  300  generally comprises a receptacle module  102  as described with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Subsystem  300  further depicts example interfaces and components that can be configured to interact with receptacle module  102 . The interfaces and components depicted in  FIG. 3  are provided by way of example only. In embodiments, portions of subsystem  300  can be used with other portions of the embodiments described in  FIGS. 1-2 , and vice versa. 
     For example, receptacle module  102  can interface with a mobile device. In particular, customer identification circuitry  116  is configured to communicate with customer mobile device  302 . As described above with respect to wireless transmitter circuitry  118 , customer mobile device  302  can likewise be configured for radio frequency (RF) communications, WIFI communications, BLUETOOTH communications, or near-field communications (NFC) to communicate customer identification data with customer identification circuitry  116 . 
     In an embodiment, as customer mobile device  302  includes a mobile application  304  associated with the retail environment. Mobile application  304  can comprise a device-specific software application configured for operation on mobile device  302 . For example, mobile application  304  can be a retail-location-specific or retailer-specific application. In an embodiment, mobile application  304  can receive customer information via a user interface of mobile device  302 . Mobile application  304  can likewise communicate customer information to customer identification circuitry  116 . In an embodiment, and referring again to  FIG. 1A , customer interest engine  106  can be configured to be communicatively coupled with mobile application  304 . 
     Store wireless source  306  comprises an alternative for powering the electronics of communications portion  112  or other components of system  100 . Store wireless source  306  can comprise a wireless energy source within the retail location. Store wireless source  306  can be configured to interface with energy capture device  114  to receive energy suitable for powering communications portion  112 . In an embodiment, store wireless source  306  comprises an RF or Wi-Fi source configured to provide wireless power. One skilled in the art will readily understand that store wireless source  306  can comprise any suitable transmission charging coil. In such embodiments, energy capture device  114  can comprise a corresponding receive coil. Multiple store wireless sources  306  can be placed around the retail location so receptacle module  102  is generally near one of the store wireless sources  306 . Store wireless source  306  can be used independently of any shopping receptacle power generation systems or methods. Alternatively, store wireless source  306  can be used in combination with any shopping receptacle power generation systems or methods. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a flowchart of a method  400  for determining customer interests in a retail environment is depicted according to an embodiment. Method  400  can be implemented by, for example, the components of system  100  as depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     At  402 , receptacle module  102  and shopping receptacle tracking system  104  can associate a customer with a particular shopping receptacle. For example, communications portion  112  of receptacle module  102  can receive or determine customer information and communicate the customer information to shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . In particular, customer identification circuitry  116  identifies the customer operating the shopping receptacle and communicates this information to wireless communications circuitry  122  of shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . Calculation engine  124  is configured to store an association between the customer and the particular shopping receptacle being used. In embodiments, shopping receptacles can include unique identifiers similarly passed from receptacle module to shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . In an embodiment, the associating comprises receiving information identifying the customer as a member of the retail environment. 
     At  404 , shopping receptacle tracking system  104  can track movement of the shopping receptacle. For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , a diagram of a retail store in which the system of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  can be deployed is depicted. Shopping receptacle tracking system  104  can utilize “pings” or other passive data collection methods targeted at receptacle module  102  (and particularly, wireless transmitter circuitry  118 ) to determine the location of shopping receptacle  110 . Wireless access points  500  can be deployed at various locations around the store. 
     In  FIG. 5 , several shopping receptacles  110  are depicted. For ease of explanation, shopping receptacle  110   a  is highlighted to illustrate the tracking operation of system  100 . Wireless access point  500   a  is positioned in one corner of the retail location. Wireless access point  500   b  is positioned in another corner of the retail location. Wireless access point  500   c  is positioned in the middle of the retail location. Of course, additional wireless access points can be deployed at additional or different locations depending on the particular circumstances of the retail location. 
     The relative distances between wireless access points  500   a ,  500   b , and  500   c  and shopping receptacle can be determined by methods described above. Relative distances can be determined with respect to relative transmission distances  502   a ,  502   b , and  502   c  in  FIG. 5 . Wireless transmitter circuitry  118  and/or wireless access points  500   a - 500   c  can transmit the location information to shopping receptacle tracking system  104 , shown in  FIG. 5  as within the cashwrap area. Of course, shopping receptacle tracking system  104  can be placed at any number of locations as desirable for the particular retail location. At a predetermined time, or when shopping receptacle  110   a  has been detected as having moved, wireless transmitter circuitry  118  and/or wireless access points  500   a - 500   c  can transmit second location information to shopping receptacle tracking system  104 , and so on. In other embodiments, location information is not transmitted in “real time,” but is stored in the wireless access points  500   a - 500   c  or wireless transmitter circuitry  118  for later transmission to shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , at  406 , energy capture portion  114  can capture the energy generated by the movement of the shopping receptacle. 
     At  408 , customer interest engine  106  can correlate data from a purchase made by the customer to the tracked movement. For example, once the customer is finished shopping, the customer can purchase the items stored in the shopping receptacle at POS system  108 . Therefore, in an embodiment, correlating data from a purchase to the tracked movement can comprise receiving purchase data from POS system  108  and associating the purchase data to the tracked movement of the customer relative to the items purchased. As such, every trip that a shopping receptacle makes in the store can be tagged to a receipt generated at POS system  108 . 
     At  410 , customer interest engine  106  can identify at least one customer interest related to the retail environment. For example, customer interest engine  106  can associate time spent near certain products or locations with actual purchases. If a customer spends a large amount of time near one section of the store, such as the produce department, that customer may be interested in healthy eating. Customer interests can therefore be derived. 
     Time increments can be determined relative to the customer. For example, for a customer spending ten minutes in the store, one minute spent at a location is a greater percentage of the overall shopping trip than one minute spent at a location for a customer spending thirty minutes in the store. In an embodiment, the at least one customer interest is a product that the customer spent time near but did not purchase according to the correlating. In embodiments, method  400  further comprises providing an offer to the customer for the product not purchased. 
     Optionally, at  412 , the customer can be identified at the POS system. Identification at POS system  108  can allow for the retail location or POS system operator to have a more personal interaction with the customer, or to provide real-time offers or advertising. For example, the customer can be identified by a membership number or card, credit card XREF number lookup, or other identifier at the point-of-sale. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another embodiment of a method  600  for determining customer interests in a retail environment is depicted. Method  600  can be implemented by, for example, the components of system  100  as depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The respective tasks or responsibilities of receptacle module  102 , shopping receptacle tracking system  104 , and customer interest engine  106  are depicted in  FIG. 6 . Additionally, customer  602  is depicted for context in the retail location interaction with the components of system  100 . 
     At  604 , customer  602  obtains shopping receptacle  110  from a storage location. For example, customer  602  can pull a cart from a cart station. At  606 , receptacle module  102  charges the transmitting device on shopping receptacle  110 . At  608 , shopping receptacle  110  transmits location information to shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . At  610 , shopping receptacle tracking system  104  locates shopping receptacle  110  in the store and determines the time spent at meaningful points in the store, such as an aisle, department, display, and so on. At  612 , customer  602  checks out at POS system  108 . At  614 , customer interest engine  106  determines the merchandise purchased and the time spent at each meaningful point in the store, as received from shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . At  616 , customer interest engine  106  determines customer identification information, as received from shopping receptacle tracking system  104 . At  618 , customer  602  exits the store. At  620 , a customer interest analysis can be performed by customer interest engine  106 . 
     Thus, the flexibility of embodiments described herein allow for the deployment in almost any retail environment. Systems and methods can be implemented easily in any retail setting without the need for expensive and time-consuming customization of hardware and software (both customer interfacing and back-end). 
     Still other embodiments can provide additional features, such as tracking the movement of a shopping cart or other shopping receptacle without depending on a customer&#39;s mobile device. 
     Embodiments further do not require retail operators to charge or power the shopping receptacles, thereby saving employee time and power resources. In embodiments, the system is a green solution with 0% carbon footprint. 
     In embodiments, system  100  and/or its components or systems can include computing devices, microprocessors, modules and other computer or computing devices, which can be any programmable device that accepts digital data as input, is configured to process the input according to instructions or algorithms, and provides results as outputs. In an embodiment, computing and other such devices discussed herein can be, comprise, contain or be coupled to a central processing unit (CPU) configured to carry out the instructions of a computer program. Computing and other such devices discussed herein are therefore configured to perform basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations. 
     Computing and other devices discussed herein can include memory. Memory can comprise volatile or non-volatile memory as required by the coupled computing device or processor to not only provide space to execute the instructions or algorithms, but to provide the space to store the instructions themselves. In embodiments, volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or static random access memory (SRAM), for example. In embodiments, non-volatile memory can include read-only memory, flash memory, ferroelectric RAM, hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape, or optical disc storage, for example. The foregoing lists in no way limit the type of memory that can be used, as these embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     In embodiments, the system or components thereof can comprise or include various modules or engines, each of which is constructed, programmed, configured, or otherwise adapted, to autonomously carry out a function or set of functions. The term “engine” as used herein is defined as a real-world device, component, or arrangement of components implemented using hardware, such as by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), for example, or as a combination of hardware and software, such as by a microprocessor system and a set of program instructions that adapt the engine to implement the particular functionality, which (while being executed) transform the microprocessor system into a special-purpose device. An engine can also be implemented as a combination of the two, with certain functions facilitated by hardware alone, and other functions facilitated by a combination of hardware and software. In certain implementations, at least a portion, and in some cases, all, of an engine can be executed on the processor(s) of one or more computing platforms that are made up of hardware (e.g., one or more processors, data storage devices such as memory or drive storage, input/output facilities such as network interface devices, video devices, keyboard, mouse or touchscreen devices, etc.) that execute an operating system, system programs, and application programs, while also implementing the engine using multitasking, multithreading, distributed (e.g., cluster, peer-peer, cloud, etc.) processing where appropriate, or other such techniques. Accordingly, each engine can be realized in a variety of physically realizable configurations, and should generally not be limited to any particular implementation exemplified herein, unless such limitations are expressly called out. In addition, an engine can itself be composed of more than one sub-engines, each of which can be regarded as an engine in its own right. Moreover, in the embodiments described herein, each of the various engines corresponds to a defined autonomous functionality; however, it should be understood that in other contemplated embodiments, each functionality can be distributed to more than one engine. Likewise, in other contemplated embodiments, multiple defined functionalities may be implemented by a single engine that performs those multiple functions, possibly alongside other functions, or distributed differently among a set of engines than specifically illustrated in the examples herein. 
     Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. 
     Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. 
     Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 
     For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.