Abstract:
A system for securing purchased items, includes: an enclosure for holding items selected by a user; a personal shopping system (PSS) further comprised of an input/output device, a scanner, software, and security features for securing the items selected by the user and placed in the enclosure; wherein the PSS is in electrical signal communication with a server; wherein the PSS is mechanically attached to the enclosure; wherein the user identifies themselves to the PSS; wherein the security features activate one of a series of visual indicators and alarms in response to various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user; and wherein the intensity, level, and duration of the series of visual indicators and alarms varies in response to the various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to retailing, and more particularly to a system, article, and method for implementing shopping cart security in a retail environment utilizing cameras and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Faced with fierce competition, retailers are always looling for ways to improve their operational efficiency and enhance the customer&#39;s shopping experience. In an effort to address both the need of the retailer to improve their operational efficiency and to improve overall customer satisfaction, International Business Machines Corporation has introduced the personal shopping assistant (PSA).  FIG. 1  illustrates a PSA  100 , which is a sophisticated computing system that mounts on shopping carts  108 , or the shopping cart handle  106 , and guides customers through the retail environment, while tracking and recording the customer&#39;s purchases. Through the use of a wireless touch screen tablet  102  and hand scanner  104 , customers may scan items for self-checkout, pre-place special orders in various departments in a store, and find items in the store. The customer&#39;s ability to scan items for self-checkout and bagging reduces the required level of staffing at checkout lanes. 
         [0005]    A system utilizing PSA technology provides for powerful point-of-purchase retailing, by delivering relevant promotions to shoppers in real-time, based on historical purchase behavior and the shoppers current location in the store. Through the use of loyalty cards assigned to identify customers, the PSA system may display electronic coupons based on past purchases. The PSA system showcases store specials within a shopper&#39;s current vicinity, automatically updating the touch screen tablet  102  screen as a customer traverses the store. By sending relevant promotions to consumers while they shop, retailers offer a more personalized, convenient shopping experience to promote repeat business. In addition, the ability to communicate specials electronically offers significant savings over traditional advertising mediums. The powerful point-of-purchase features offered by PSA technology act to enhance the shopping experience, increase customer satisfaction, while strengthening customer loyalty and driving sales. 
         [0006]    The high level of integration offered by PSA technology also provides retailers with real-time customer buying and store traffic patterns that assist the retailer to optimize product placement, reduce stock-outs, and adjust staffing levels and their placement in the retail environment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention include a system, method, and article for securing purchased items, the system includes: an enclosure for holding items selected by a user; a personal shopping system (PSS) further comprised of an input/output device, a scanner, software, and security features for securing the items selected by the user and placed in the enclosure; wherein the PSS is in electrical signal communication with a server; wherein the PSS is mechanically attached to the enclosure; wherein the user identifies themselves to the PSS; wherein the security features activate one of a series of visual indicators and alarms in response to various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user; and wherein the intensity, level, and duration of the series of visual indicators and alarms varies in response to the various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user. 
         [0008]    A method for securing items purchased with a personal shopping system (PSS), the method includes: receiving the identity of a user; receiving scanned data of an item; recording an item passing through a detection plane in an enclosure; activating one of a series of visual indicators and alarms in response to various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user; and wherein the intensity, level, and duration of the series of visual indicators and alarms varies in response to the various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user. 
         [0009]    An article comprising one or more computer-readable storage media containing instructions that when executed by a computer enables task execution improvement; wherein the method further includes: receiving the identity of a user; receiving scanned data of an item; recording an item passing through a detection plane in an enclosure; activating one of a series of visual indicators and alarms in response to various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user; and wherein the intensity, level, and duration of the series of visual indicators and alarms varies in response to the various states and relationships between the enclosure, the items, and the user. 
       TECHNICAL EFFECTS 
       [0010]    As a result of the summarized invention, a solution is technically achieved for a method, article, and system for implementing shopping cart security in a retail environment utilizing cameras and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates an existing implementation of a personal shopping assistant (PSA) mounted on a shopping cart handle bar. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a personal shopping system (PSS) and shopping cart with security features according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a personal shopping system (PSS) and hand held enclosure or basket with security features according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a functional block diagram of a PSS system equipped with security features according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart that illustrates the operation of security features for a PSS mounted to a shopping cart according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a state diagram that illustrates the operation of security features for a PSS mounted to a shopping cart according to embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The advent of mobile shopping devices, for example a personal shopping assistant (PSA) mounted to a shopping cart, and the scanning and purchasing of items as a customer proceeds through a retail environment has necessitated the need for a means to secure customer purchases that have been recorded and have been placed in a customer&#39;s cart. Without a means for securing customer purchases, a shopper is susceptible to an individual reaching into their cart and having an item removed that has been purchased without the customer&#39;s knowledge. 
         [0020]    Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method, and article for providing a means to secure items in a customer cart that have been purchased with a PSA type system. Embodiments of the invention provide a mechanism for determining the motion of items moving into or out of a shopper&#39;s cart. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention have a mobile shopping device, such as a PSA, that processes an algorithm to determine if motion attributed to an item is expected, and when and if a warning alarm or signal should be activated. In addition, embodiments of the invention have mechanisms for determining the proximity of a shopper to their designated cart, and for determining when the cart itself is in motion. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of the invention with a mobile shopping device  200 , in the form of a PSA, which is attached to the handle bar  206  of a cart  208 . The mobile shopping device  200 , herein referred to as a personal shopping system PSS  200 , is equipped with an input/output device, such as a touchscreen and controls  202 , as well as a hand scanner  204 , wired or wireless, for reading the type and quantity of items that are being purchased and placed in the cart  208 . The hand scanner  204  may be able to read barcodes or pick up RFID signals from RFID tags pre-attached to the items, or other means or methods for individual product identification. Security related features in the embodiment of  FIG. 2  include sensors, such as an optical device or camera  212  mounted to the cart  212 , integrated into the PSS  200 , or mounted on a docking bracket/station located on the cart  208 , and a loop antenna  210  along the upper periphery of the opening in the cart  208  for detecting the entry and exit of RFID tagged items from the cart  208 , and proximity sensing devices  214  to detect the presence or absence of a user. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an embodiment of the invention in the form of a hand carried enclosure or basket  250  with carrying handles  252 . The hand carried enclosure or basket  250  has a mobile shopping device  200  equipped with touch screen and controls  202 , hand scanner  204 , and loop antenna  210 . 
         [0023]    The optical device or camera  212 , which may take the form of a charged coupled device (CCD) imager, or other known technologies that generate graphical digital outputs that are readable by a computing algorithm, detects motion into the cart  208 , an items presence, and the motion of the cart  208  itself, and determines through an algorithm whether the detected motion was expected or unexpected. The video detection and motion algorithm is started when an object is scanned for purchase. Location and motion information, about the objects/products derived from the video detection and motion algorithm, is periodically sent to the personal shopping computer cart security application. 
         [0024]    The optical device or camera  212  is equipped with a wide-angle lens sufficient to view the entire cart&#39;s  208  top boundary perimeter and a portion of the cart&#39;s  208  surroundings. The cart&#39;s  208  top boundary perimeter is known and charted graphically to video processing software, to facilitate a determination by the software when an object/product has crossed the plane of the shopping cart opening, and establishing the objects/product&#39;s position as being inside or outside of the cart  208 . The cart top boundary perimeter and associated graphical envelope may be calibrated on each PSS camera individually, or a predetermined stored boundary for a known camera mounted location, mounting angle, and lens type may be used. 
         [0025]    Existing video motion detection algorithms track the movement (change of position) of a group of pixels in successive video frames. The pattern of pixels will move together, but their overall location will change in the X and/or Y-axis direction as motion occurs. The motion detection algorithms utilize software to process video frames from the camera  212  to determine positional changes of the pixel pattern by comparing the successive video frames to determine motion. Analysis of successive video frame pixel data maybe used to determine object motion, presence or absence of objects, and motion of the shopping cart relative to the cart&#39;s surroundings. If an unexpected motion or absence occurs the PSS  200  will sound a warning alarm. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates a functional block diagram of a personal shopping system (PSS)  300  equipped with security features according to embodiments of the invention. The PSS  300  consists of a mobile shopping device, such as a personal shopping assistant (PSA)  302 , with wireless communication capabilities (as denoted by symbol  314 ) mounted to a hand held portable enclosure or mobile cart, both having an opening for placing items within. The wireless communication capabilities  314  enable communication with a main computing server  316  that contains a price look up (PLU) database, which has item descriptions and item costs, and for payment authorization of credit or debit card, store credit, or other purchase methods. The wireless communication capabilities  314  of the PSA  302  also enable interaction with store security systems and remote video cameras (block  322 ). The store security system acts as a remote alarm warning system for tracking the theft of items leaving the store. Audio speakers  318  and alarm lights  320  act as local warnings and indicators to the customer. 
         [0027]    The PSA  302  is in electrical signal communication with a barcode or RFID scanner  312  for recording the acquisition and purchase of items, an item detection and shopper proximity sensor device  308 , and a cart motion detection device  310 . The cart motion detection device  310  utilizes radio frequency (RF) triangulation methods, such as changes in Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless link signal measurements to detect motion. Several other location methods may be used, including external infrared beacons or a small video camera, as well as a plethora of additional methods, to detect cart motion. 
         [0028]    To facilitate detection of motion and presence of a product object using RFID technology, a loop antenna  304  is affixed along the perimeter of the hand held portable enclosure or mobile cart to detect the entry and exit of RFID tagged items through a detection plane formed by the loop antenna  304 . The RFID reader circuit  306  interfaces with the loop antenna  304 , and transmits RFID tag number as the item enters or exits the hand held portable enclosure or mobile cart to the PSA  302 . The PSA utilizes the RFID tag number as a lookup value in the PLU database. The shopper proximity sensor device  308  may also utilize RFID technology by sensing the presence of an RFID chip embedded in a customer&#39;s loyalty card. If a customer and presumably their loyalty card with RFID chip is within a predefined pick up range, the customer is considered to be with the hand held enclosure, basket, or cart. Additional means to detect the presence of a customer may include Bluetooth enabled devices, such as customer key fobs, infrared detection, RF field distortion measurements, and ultra violet detection, or a small camera to detect the shopper and their distance from the cart. 
         [0029]    Embodiments of the invention utilize a time based security-monitoring algorithm based on observed customer shopping habits, such as the length of time a customer is normally away from their cart or basket, the time period between a product scan and placement within the cart or basket, and removing an item from the cart or basket. If the expected time for placing an item in the cart or basket following scanning is exceeded, a security reminder alert may be issued to the customer. If an item is removed from the basket or cart without rescanning for removal via a bar code or RFID scanner, a potential illegitimate item removal may have occurred. The security alert may be progressively time based, where after a predefined time period the tone of the alarm or frequency or intensity of warning indicator lights will change or increase. 
         [0030]    The customer may have individual control over some of the security features and alarms. For example, the customer may turn off the alarm for the purpose of rearranging items within their cart. To disable security features the customer may be required to present their loyalty card, enter a code, or use a biometric reading device such as a fingerprint sensor. To improve accuracy and system performance, security monitoring of products may be based on item cost. A configurable threshold monitors products above a certain price level. Security can also be based on a product weighting and ranking system, where items more prone to theft will receive a higher weighting, and items falling below a threshold rank are not monitored by the security features of embodiments of the invention. 
         [0031]    The audio alarms of embodiments of the invention are multi toned, where a first warning tone is given to a customer to perform a requested action, If the customer does not respond within a given time limit, a second one (louder or of a different duration) will sound. A warning algorithm of the security-monitoring algorithm controls the audio alarms. The warning algorithm may utilize cart motion sensing compensation to reduce false alarms. For example, cart motion reduces the sensitivity of the security system to reduce false alarms in response to shifting items with in the carts due to the cart&#39;s motion. 
         [0032]    A cart lock feature in embodiments of the invention detects if an individual is attempting to steal the entire cart. The cart lock feature may be activated manually via a mobile shopping device of embodiments of the invention, or automatically as the proximity of the customer exceeds a defined threshold away from the cart. A visual or audible indicator may be present that the security system is armed and the cart is locked. A visual warning indicator is used for the hearing impaired, while audio warning indicators are used for the visual impaired. In addition, alternative means for signaling or sending security alerts to customers are via cell phone, personal digital assistants (PDA), and Internet or email notifications. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart that illustrates the operation of security features for a PSS mounted to a shopping cart according to embodiments of the invention. The process starts (block  400 ) when the user selects to lock their cart (decision block  402  is Yes) and enables the cart lock security system (block  404 ). When a new item for purchase is placed in the cart or is in the vicinity of the cart, and is detected by the RFID loop antenna or a camera (decision block  406  is Yes), a check is made to see if the item has been scanned by the user for purchase (decision block  408 ). If the item has not been scanned (decision block  408  is No), a reminder TONE  1  is initiated (block  410 ) to remind the user to purchase the item by scanning the item into the system. If the item has been scanned for purchase (decision block  408  is Yes), a count down cart TIMER  1  (block  412 ) is initiated to measure the period of time before the scanned item is placed in the cart. If the item is placed in the cart (decision block  414  is Yes), before count down TIMER  1  expires, the item is added to the user&#39;s cart inventory (block  420 ). However, if the item has not been added to the cart (decision block  414  is No), and the count down TIMER  1  expires (decision block  416  is Yes), a second TONE  2  is sounded (block  418 ) which differs from TONE  1 , as a reminder to the user to place the purchased item into the cart for safekeeping. If the cart is unlocked by the user (decision block  424  is Yes), and the security features are disarmed, the process ends (block  422 ). 
         [0034]    However, if the cart remains locked (decision block  424  is No) and an item is removed from the cart (decision block  426  is Yes), an ALARM TIMER  1  is started (block  428 ) and an alarm is sounded (block  432 ). The alarm is sounded (block  432 ) with a level based on various parameters and scenarios that are defined in a state diagram in  FIG. 5 , for as long as ALARM TIMER  1  has not expired (decision block  430  is No) and has not been overridden by the user (decision block  436  is No). Otherwise (decision block  426  is No), the system awaits further purchases. During the sounding of the alarm (block  432 ), the alarm level is also sent to store security (block  434 ). Store security may be used as a means for further tracking the theft of items via store wide video cameras and security personnel. If the alarm is overridden by the user (decision block  436  is Yes), the system awaits further purchases. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a state diagram that illustrates the operation of security features for a PSS mounted to a shopping cart according to embodiments of the invention. State  502  represents a cart that is unlocked (security features disabled), while moving to state  502  represents the activation of security features and locking the cart. Movement from state  502  (cart locked) to state  504  (item purchased) represents the action of the user scanning and purchasing an item, while the opposite movement ( 504  to  502 ) represents the item being rescanned and returned. Movement from state  504  (item purchased) to state  506  (item in cart) represents the user placing a scanned and purchased item in a cart. States  508 ,  510 ,  512 , and  514  represents various alarm level scenarios. In states  508 ,  510 ,  512 , and  514  input conditions are presented above the line in the state circle, while output results are presented below the line within a state. Movement from state  506  (item in cart) to state  508  represents an item being removed from a cart in motion, with a lower level alarm response since items in the cart may shift naturally as the cart motion stops and starts. Movement from state  506  (item in cart) to state  510  represents an item removed from a stationary cart without rescanning the item by the user, with a medium level alarm response. However, high level alarms are sounded in states  512  and  514  due to the absence of the user from the immediate proximity of their cart. Movement from state  506  (item in cart) to state  512  represents an item removed from a cart while the user is away from the cart. Movement from state  506  (item in cart) to state  514  represents a cart in motion without the user present. 
         [0036]    The capabilities of the present invention can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware or some combination thereof. 
         [0037]    As one example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer usable media. The media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the present invention. The article of manufacture can be included as a part of a computer system or sold separately. 
         [0038]    Additionally, at least one program storage device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the capabilities of the present invention can be provided. 
         [0039]    The flow diagrams depicted herein are just examples. There may be many variations to these diagrams or the steps (or operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention. 
         [0040]    While the preferred embodiments to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.