Method for generating a virtual map in a confined space

Abstract

This invention relates to a system and method for generating a virtual map of a confined space. The invention includes the following steps: i) setting at least two signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space, such as a supermarket, shopping mall, convenience store, or grocery store, with signal strength decreasing with distance from each antenna, and establishing multiple signal strength coordinates in the confined space through signal intersections provided by signals from the antennas; ii) allowing the use of a portable device, such as a mobile phone, to scan a unique ID, such as a barcode or QR code, of an item located at a location within the confined space; iii) registering the signal strength coordinates of the item located at the location using a portable device, such as a mobile phone; iv) transmitting the unique ID of the item and the registered signal strength coordinates of the item to a computer system; v) repeating steps ii) to iv) for other items located at other locations, and integrating the signal strength coordinates with the unique ID of each item in the computer system; vi) establishing a virtual map of multiple items within the confined space based on the integration in step v); and optionally vii) guiding consumers to one or more of the items, in part, based on the virtual map, by visualizing directions on a screen of a portable device, such as a mobile phone, and / or by voice commands and / or by vibration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of methods and systems for generating virtual maps of confined spaces such as supermarkets, shopping malls, convenience stores, or grocery stores. In particular, the invention can be used to guide consumers to one or more items based on virtual maps. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, consumers in places like grocery stores and supermarkets are accustomed to finding items to buy based on anticipated locations and the industry's established practice of prioritizing the visibility of selected items designed to draw consumers' particular attention. While this may vary from store to store, consumers generally know the way to find the category of items and can locate specific items by their visual appearance when approaching certain areas of grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc.

[0003] However, consumers may spend excessive and unnecessary time locating and selecting items during shopping, even when purchasing only a few items in a daily shopping trip. This time consumption is even more severe when buying multiple items, and the resulting time pressure can lead to incorrect and irrational choices among items. In particular, if the exact item is among similar items, for example, hidden on a grocery store shelf, if the consumer enters an unfamiliar location, or if the store has repositioned its inventory, it can be difficult to find the specific item among a range of choices.

[0004] If supermarkets or grocery stores tend to position items where consumers are more likely to choose them—such as near the store entrance, directly in front of the best-selling products, or in aisles where higher foot traffic is expected—consumers' ability to select the right items is significantly enhanced. Inferior selections in supermarkets are often more expensive than anticipated choices before entering these areas, and if consumers are guided to purchase such items, it can sometimes be associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Even with a pre-selected shopping list, consumers often tend to buy inferior products. In conclusion, without proper item selection, consumers' ability to make the right choices in supermarkets or grocery stores may face less influence.

[0005] For supermarket and grocery chain stores, consumer behavior is typically understood through extensive research into consumer behavior, primarily by determining the frequency of item sales through the placement of items in different locations within the store or through anticipated foot traffic in aisles or other areas. By experiencing different sales, certain items may be placed in strategic locations within the store to increase sales or to promote certain merchandise with different intentions. One of these intentions might be to support a healthier lifestyle or to increase sales of more profitable goods.

[0006] However, receiving more detailed consumer behavior input that can be used to further optimize sales based on current methods is often a challenge. Protecting consumer data through human observation, cameras, or sensors is unrealistic or inappropriate. Human observation and cameras may frighten some customers, and the setup, maintenance, and operation of cameras require significant resources. Sensors such as motion sensors are generally less effective at tracking consumer movement because they may not be able to distinguish one consumer from another.

[0007] In recent years, supermarket chains and other retail chains have offered mobile apps to make shopping more convenient for consumers, especially during the payment process. Typically, consumers scan an item at its location, the item is then transferred to their shopping basket, and payment is automatically made when leaving the confined space of the supermarket or grocery store.

[0008] While these mobile apps can be used to optimize the time consumers spend making purchases and the shopping experience from a consumer perspective, as well as employee needs from a sales perspective, further optimization may be needed to enhance the overall shopping experience and consumer insights from a sales perspective. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, a method for generating virtual maps in a confined space is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0010] i) At least two signal transmitting antennas are installed at different fixed locations within a confined space such as a supermarket, shopping mall, convenience store or grocery store, the signal strength of which decreases with distance from each of the antennas, and multiple signal strength coordinates are established in the confined space by means of signal intersections provided by signals from the antennas;

[0011] ii) Allow the use of portable devices, such as mobile phones, to scan the unique ID of items located within the confined space, such as barcodes or QR codes;

[0012] iii) Register the signal strength coordinates of an item located at the said location using a portable device such as a mobile phone;

[0013] iv) Transmit the item's unique ID and the item's registered signal strength coordinates to the computer system;

[0014] v) Repeat steps ii) to iv) for other items located in other locations, and integrate the signal strength coordinates with the unique ID of each item in the computer system;

[0015] vi) Based on the integration in step v), create a virtual map of multiple items within a confined space; and optionally...

[0016] vii) is based in part on virtual maps and guides consumers to one or more of the items by visualizing directions on the screen of a portable device such as a mobile phone and / or by voice commands and / or by vibration.

[0017] This invention can partially or completely solve the challenges mentioned above. In particular, it can optimize the time consumers spend making purchases and the overall shopping experience from the consumer's perspective. Furthermore, an optimized purchasing experience can be designed based on insights from virtual maps generated by this invention.

[0018] In this context, a "virtual map of multiple items" is not necessarily intended to represent a visible map on a portable device, but may also include a unique ID for each item and integrated signal strength coordinates, for example, indexed in list form or as a code, such as binary code, as long as the data can be used to identify the expected relative or absolute location within a confined space. In this context, a "virtual map" is not intended to utilize a real map as part of the generated location map, because a virtual map can be used independently of existing maps. In this context, those skilled in the art will understand the meaning of "real map," including cartographic products. A significant advantage of this invention is that virtual maps can be generated without being based on previously generated maps, including "real maps." Virtual maps according to the invention can be generated from scratch. Those skilled in the art will know how to store and apply virtual maps according to the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the virtual map can be applied as a visual map on a portable device such as a mobile phone.

[0019] In this context, "restricted space" refers to a space enclosed by, for example, walls, floors, and roofs. Typically, restricted space refers to supermarkets, shopping malls, convenience stores, or grocery stores, but it can also be applied to other places with the same characteristics, i.e., a certain volume. However, the meaning of "restricted space" does not extend to open spaces without physical boundaries, such as parking lots.

[0020] In some implementations, the "restricted space" is a supermarket. In some implementations, the "restricted space" is a shopping mall. In some implementations, the "restricted space" is a convenience store. In some implementations, the "restricted space" is a grocery store.

[0021] One advantage of this invention is that it does not employ telecommunications masts or satellites to generate the virtual map. The virtual map of this invention can be generated using only at least two signal transmitting antennas located at different fixed positions within a confined space. This means, for example, that the absence of external signals or a certain reduction in signal strength from external transmitting antennas can be avoided. This discovery was unexpected by the inventors of this invention, and the fact that the virtual map can be generated based on the signal transmitting antennas of this invention is an unexpected surprise. Those skilled in the art will know how to generate virtual maps based on programming techniques known in the art.

[0022] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to apply more control to the transmitted and received signals, thereby making the virtual maps according to the invention much more predictable. Furthermore, this invention can be used to address various challenges in confined spaces where there may be structural components (e.g., shelves) that could reduce or interfere with external signals.

[0023] Furthermore, by positioning at least two signal transmitting antennas in advantageous locations within a confined space, the present invention can further improve the accuracy and reliability of the generated virtual map. This, in turn, means an improvement in the overall consumer experience within confined spaces, and the possibility of designing spaces with enhanced convenience and a better purchasing environment.

[0024] For example, at least two antennas can be positioned appropriately to improve signal strength in a confined space, or to improve the identification of signal strength differences within a confined space, which the present invention relies on to generate a virtual map. One option is, for example, to position one or more of the at least two antennas at a distance above the ground, such as above a shelf, which can impart barrier properties to the transmitted signal. Another option is, for example, to position one or more of the at least two antennas at an optimized distance from each other to improve the identification of signal strength differences.

[0025] In the context of sensors in mobile devices, one advantage of this invention is that signal strength can vary depending on the height from the floor or the distance to the roof. The virtual map with unique IDs can also include their positions relative to each other in both the vertical and horizontal directions. While mobile devices may include barometric pressure sensors for measuring height, their accuracy is insufficient for measuring the height of shelves in a store.

[0026] According to the present invention, the intended meaning of the phrase "fixed location within a confined space" is that, regardless of the antenna's location, it needs to remain fixed relative to time in order to generate the virtual map of the present invention. If the antenna is repositioned for any reason, this means that the virtual map will be completely or partially reconstructed. As can be understood, the virtual map is typically generated over time and accumulates more and more information due to repeated iterations.

[0027] This means that during the system's use, increasingly accurate and predictable data is continuously generated. Therefore, repositioning an item within a defined space is understood to imply that changes in the map will be generated based on time and the number of iterations performed. This also applies to the repositioning of certain barriers to the transmitted signal, such as shelves. As those skilled in the art will know, shelves, etc., can interfere with the signal.

[0028] By arranging at least two signal transmitting antennas within a confined space, this invention aims to utilize the coordinates within the confined space through signal intersections provided by signals from said antennas. As those skilled in the art will know, the transmitted signal will have a certain signal strength when transmitted from the antenna. The signal strength will decrease as the distance moves away from the antenna.

[0029] Therefore, if, for example, the signal transmitted from the antenna is -40 dBm, then, as an example, it could be -60 dBm at some distance from the antenna. Thus, if two antennas are set up, each transmitting a signal, then theoretically there will be two signal intersections with the same values ​​(coordinates), because the signal will actually be transmitted as a wave from the antenna in any direction. This allows for the provision of coordinates for the intersections; that is, in the case of two antennas, in principle, an infinite number of intersections can be generated using only two unique sets of coordinates.

[0030] Therefore, in this context, when referring to "multiple signal strength coordinates," the intended meaning is the intersection of signals emitted from the antenna of this invention. Thus, if a product or item is located at a fixed position on a shelf in a store, that exact product or item is associated with signal strength coordinates. While the same signal strength coordinates may exist elsewhere in the store, this invention can be used to further pinpoint the exact location of the product or item using learning algorithms, etc. In this context, the learning algorithm can be based on registering and utilizing both indirect and direct signal characteristics, where indirect signals are signals that have already been bounced, reflected, or manipulated within a confined space, such as by walls or shelves. By definition, indirect signals are weaker than direct signals due to the distance they travel. In cases where more than two antennas are used, indirect signals can also be used to provide additional accuracy. Historical data can also be applied.

[0031] In other implementations, at least three antennas are provided, resulting in only one unique signal strength coordinate with three values ​​for each coordinate.

[0032] In this context, when referring to "antenna," in some implementations, these antennas can be integrated into a Wi-Fi modem, extender, router, repeater, etc. In other implementations, the antenna can be an external antenna. Any Wi-Fi signaling protocol can be applied, such as commonly used standards, including IEEE 802.11 or other standards. Furthermore, Bluetooth can be applied. The key point is generating the intersection of the signal strength coordinates to be applied according to the present invention.

[0033] Regarding the method and system, the virtual map generated according to the present invention can be generated through multiple repetitions by consumers, each consumer scanning a unique ID of an item on a shelf within a confined space and simultaneously registering the signal strength coordinates of the item's location. The unique ID can be a barcode, QR code, etc. For example, the unique ID can be located on the product itself, but it can also be located adjacent to the product, such as on or near a shelf. Typically, the signal strength coordinates will be automatically registered by a portable device, or additional registration steps may be required, such as actions on the portable device.

[0034] This invention can also be extended to the pre-registration of all items in a confined space, or even partial registration before a customer enters the confined space. For example, this could occur if store staff pre-registered the signal strength of each item or a portion of an item in the confined space, allowing customers to utilize a virtual map that has been generated and is ready for use. Furthermore, if an item is repositioned to another shelf, this repositioning can be registered by store staff, ensuring the virtual map is continuously updated with the latest available information.

[0035] However, even without pre-registration, iterative customer visits can generate a virtual map over time. This translates to significant advantages, as grocery chains and similar businesses can save resources, such as manpower and time spent registering goods or items during the pre-registration process or the operation of the method or system.

[0036] One advantage of this invention is that grocery chain stores and similar businesses do not necessarily need to invest in new equipment; instead, they can base the methods and systems of this invention on existing Wi-Fi routers or similar devices equipped with antennas according to the invention. However, in some cases, improved accuracy and predictability can be achieved by replacing existing equipment.

[0037] In some embodiments, the portable device is a mobile phone. In some other embodiments, the portable device is a scanning device with integrated functionality. In some other embodiments, the portable device is a virtual reality tool. In some other embodiments, the portable device is any device applicable to the purpose. In some other embodiments, the portable device is the same device used in each step of the method. It should be understood that the portable device can also be different devices. For example, if a customer is scanning the unique ID of an item in a confined space, other portable devices can be used for other steps in the method, or different portable devices can be used in the system according to the invention.

[0038] According to the present invention, data, such as data related to a unique ID and signal strength, is processed in a computer system. In this context, "computer system" can be any device with computing capabilities, such as an external computer, a server located anywhere, a local chip with processing capabilities, etc. A computer system may also include two or more computer systems with the same or different processing capabilities, or even performing different tasks. However, in the computer system, the unique ID is integrated with the signal strength. Those skilled in the art will understand how to perform programming known in the art to make the present invention work as desired.

[0039] In this context, when referring to "integration," it means that signal strength is coupled to or associated with a unique ID of an object within a confined space, and optionally further processed. The aim is to generate multiple sets of integrations, which enables the virtual map to be generated reliably and accurately. The more integrations or repetitions performed, the more accurate the method and system according to the invention will be. To mitigate inaccuracies caused by variations in antenna signal strength, such as those due to humidity, air pressure, or interference from other electronic devices, the number of iterations performed at different times allows for correction of signal strength variations over time, providing accurate statistics on the different signals generated by the antenna.

[0040] One of the greatest advantages of this invention is that the generated virtual map can be linked to apps already provided by grocery chains, etc. Typically, grocery chains, etc., already allow item scanning and provide baskets for scanned items to make the purchasing process more efficient. This also allows customers to leave the restricted space without further monitoring, if, for example, payment has been completed for items in the shopping basket when leaving the restricted space.

[0041] Typically, applications (or apps) provided by venues such as grocery stores make it possible to complete a shopping list before entering the store. One of the greatest advantages of this invention is that the virtual map of this invention can be linked to such existing apps. This can provide a basis for further highly advantageous implementations, such as guiding customers to items on a shopping list created before entering the store. In some embodiments of the invention, the method and system include an app with a shopping list. In some embodiments of the invention, the method and system include an app with a shopping list integrated with one or more steps of the method.

[0042] Even without a shopping list, the present invention can provide a platform for entering the name or other identifier of an item into a portable device with an app installed, which can then guide a customer to that exact item in a confined space. This includes voice commands, text messages, and other input methods. Therefore, the methods and systems according to the invention can operate in various configurations, such as with pre-coded item selection in a portable device, such as in an app provided by a grocery chain, with item categories coded or entered in the portable device, or with spontaneous (or in-situ) coding or input of items to be found in a confined space.

[0043] Typically, the virtual map according to the present invention allows for the creation of paths between items in a shopping list within an app on a portable device. This can greatly facilitate customers optimizing their time spent in a store, significantly improving the quality of their shopping experience, and in other ways, greatly promoting optimal routes through confined spaces. Thus, the combined data in the virtual map and the paths through confined spaces can also allow stores to optimize the customer's shopping experience or even suggest alternative routes.

[0044] One advantage of this invention is that grocery chains and similar entities can receive data about consumer behavior, such as the paths consumers take in confined spaces or the time customers spend selecting products. This may also involve the temporal dependence of consumers in confined spaces, such as purchasing behavior that varies throughout the day. Grocery chains can also improve purchase quality based on the received data, for example, by using knowledge of consumer behavior to reposition items within confined spaces.

[0045] Items may be repositioned to optimize the experience for certain customers or general customers. For example, if data from an individual customer is stored, suggestions for other items can be provided periodically within the app, and customers can even be suggested redirects to optimize their purchasing experience. This can also be applied to bulk customers or customer categories, such as categories for the elderly, children, pregnant women, etc. Customers in these categories may have preferences for certain products or product categories, which can be directed to these products or product categories via the app and this invention.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes a mobile app. In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention further includes a mobile app integrated with the method. In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention further includes a shopping list within the mobile app.

[0047] In this context, "guiding the consumer" is intended to provide a consumer or customer with directions to items within a confined space. In some embodiments, guidance is provided visually on the screen of a portable device. In some embodiments, guidance is provided via voice commands from the portable device. In some embodiments, guidance is provided via vibration from the portable device. In some embodiments, a combination of two or more of any one of voice commands, visual directions, and vibration is provided.

[0048] The orientation is preferably visualized on the screen of a portable device such as a mobile phone or AR headset (augmented reality). In some embodiments of the invention, the virtual map is not necessarily visible to the consumer on the portable device, but directional indications are provided. In some embodiments, a camera device of the portable device is used and held in the direction of walking or movement, with directional indications given relative to the position of the camera device. Arrows may be used to guide the consumer to items in confined spaces. For example, if the camera device of the portable device is held in front of a corridor, arrow indications may be given on the camera device to indicate direction.

[0049] In some implementations, the camera device of the portable device is used to guide a consumer to one or more of the items by visualizing directions on the screen of the portable device, such as on the screen of the camera device.

[0050] In other embodiments, the virtual map may be partially or fully visible on the portable device. In this embodiment, the consumer can find directions on a visible map on the portable device. In some embodiments, the path to each item on the shopping list through a confined space is visualized in a virtual map provided as a visible map on the portable device. In some embodiments, this embodiment is applied in combination with the aforementioned camera device.

[0051] In some implementations, the method includes step vii), and step vii) is based in part on real-time signal strength measurements from the at least two signal transmitting antennas, such as real-time signal strength measurements updated at 100-millisecond intervals.

[0052] When guiding a consumer toward one or more objects, such as when the consumer is moving within a confined space, a portable device can continuously receive signal strength to guide the consumer in the correct direction. If the coordinates received by real-time measurement are close to the coordinates of the object, the consumer is directly guided toward the object. If the coordinates deviate from the coordinates of the object, the consumer is redirected toward the object. Therefore, real-time measurement can be applied to guide the consumer in the correct direction. This is especially important when a compass or other orientation device is not provided in the portable device.

[0053] In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at 10-millisecond intervals. In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at 20-millisecond intervals. In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at 50-millisecond intervals. In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at 100-millisecond intervals. In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at 200-millisecond intervals. In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at 500-millisecond intervals.

[0054] In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at intervals of up to 100 milliseconds. In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at intervals of up to 200 milliseconds. In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at intervals of up to 500 milliseconds. In some implementations, real-time measurements are updated at intervals of up to 1000 milliseconds.

[0055] In some implementations, the method includes step vii), and step vii) is based in part on historical data of the consumer's movement patterns within a confined space. In some cases, applying historical data on the movement patterns of a general consumer, a specific type of consumer, or the same consumer to be guided may be useful. This may be preferred when the consumer is not moving and there is no compass or other orientation device available in the portable device. This can also be combined with real-time measurements to establish greater accuracy and reliability of orientation. Mobile devices include multiple sensors, such as compasses, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, which can provide a noisy estimate (“dead reckoning”) of the consumer's movement relative to an unknown starting position. Utilizing historical data reduces the risk of technical inaccuracies in such sensors. Another advantage of not relying on sensors (such as compasses, accelerometers, and gyroscopes) in mobile devices is that calibration requirements can be avoided and power usage extended.

[0056] In this context, "historical data" is intended to mean data stored based on the movement of general consumers, a class of consumers, or individual consumers. For example, if a consumer is to be guided to a specific item, historical data from other consumers who have previously visited that item can be applied. In this context, the term "historical data" refers to information that has been collected and stored over time. "Historical data" is data that has been previously received and collected. In other words, the purpose of "historical data" can be viewed as virtually mapping a unique ID based in part on data of a consumer's previous movement patterns within a confined space, because the virtual mapping of the unique ID relative to signal strength coordinates registered by the consumer can depend on the movement of a portable device that registers signal strength coordinates and performs a scan of the item's unique ID to determine the unique ID's position relative to the portable device. In this context, "historical data" is part of mapping the position of the ID relative to the portable device that scanned the unique ID and registered the signal strength coordinates, such that the position of the unique ID can be associated with the user's current location. "Historical data" can be applied as a "direction device," i.e., a pointer used to orient the virtual map of the present invention.

[0057] In some implementations, historical data on consumer movement patterns includes: historical data on the movement patterns of multiple consumers, for example, when the consumer to be guided is not moving; and / or historical data on the movement patterns of the consumer to be guided, for example, when the consumer to be guided is moving.

[0058] In some implementations, the historical data of the consumer's mobile pattern includes the historical data of the mobile pattern of the consumer to be guided, including data points from the previous 500 milliseconds of movement. In some implementations, this includes data points from the previous 1000 milliseconds of movement. In some implementations, this includes data points from the previous 2000 milliseconds of movement. In some implementations, this includes data points from the previous 200 milliseconds of movement. In some implementations, this includes data points from the previous 100 milliseconds of movement.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method includes step vii), and step vii) does not include satellite navigation system data, such as GPS, and / or the portable device does not include a compass. In some embodiments, step vii) does not include a magnetometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, gravity sensor, motion detector, or ambient light sensor.

[0060] In the absence of other orientation devices in portable devices, such as those mentioned above, the method and system according to the invention rely solely on information and historical data provided for movement within a virtual map. This means that real-time measurements become increasingly important as the consumer moves, while historical data becomes increasingly important when the consumer is not moving. Without any additional information about location, and without other navigation devices, the consumer cannot receive information about direction. Therefore, the invention can operate autonomously.

[0061] In some embodiments, the method includes step vii), and step vii) further includes satellite navigation system data, such as one or more GPS devices, and / or a portable device including a compass. In some embodiments, step vii) further includes one or more magnetometers, gyroscopes, accelerometers, gravity sensors, motion detectors, or ambient light sensors.

[0062] In some implementations, the virtual map is continuously updated using the integrated signal strength coordinates and unique ID.

[0063] In some implementations, after completing step vii), the item is scanned using a portable device such as a mobile phone, and the virtual map is updated using the item's unique ID and the integrated signal strength coordinates.

[0064] In some implementations, after completing step vii), the item is scanned using a portable device such as a mobile phone, and the digital shopping cart is updated on the portable device such as the mobile phone using the item's unique ID.

[0065] In some implementations, the virtual map of multiple items within a confined space includes the relative positions of the multiple items within the confined space.

[0066] In some implementations, the virtual map of multiple items within a confined space includes the absolute positions of the multiple items within the confined space.

[0067] In some implementations, the virtual map of multiple items within a confined space includes the absolute distances between the multiple items within the confined space.

[0068] In some implementations, the method includes step vii), and step vii) includes suggesting directions to one or more items based on historical data of the consumer's movement patterns and / or historical data of the consumer's behavior, such as historical data associated with the likelihood of purchasing another item in the category associated with the scanned item.

[0069] In some implementations, the method includes step vii), and step vii) includes suggesting directions to one or more items based on historical data of multiple consumers’ movement patterns and / or historical data of consumer behavior, such as historical data associated with the likelihood of purchasing another item in the category associated with the scanned item.

[0070] In some implementations, the method includes historical data on consumer movement patterns for replacing items at locations within the confined space, for example, replacing items at locations to improve visibility.

[0071] One advantage of this invention is that grocery chains and similar businesses typically have access to information about consumer behavior. Furthermore, this method can provide information about the availability of a particular item within a confined space. If multiple customers are directed to an item but do not scan it, the grocery store can know that the item is sold out or removed. In this way, the monitoring of product availability or the status of item availability can be improved.

[0072] This, in turn, makes it easier for staff to make decisions, reduces the risk of items selling out, improves the management of grocery store supplies, enhances focus on items sold to consumers more frequently, or improves inventory management. Furthermore, staff at food chains and similar establishments may find it easier to obtain items through this invention, for example, when customers request to be directed to specific items.

[0073] In some embodiments, direction is visualized on the screen of a portable device by means of arrows indicating the direction to one or more items. Those skilled in the art will understand how a computing device can be programmed using known programming methods according to the invention.

[0074] In some embodiments, at least two signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space include at least three signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space. In some embodiments, at least two signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space include at least four signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space. In some embodiments, at least two signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space include at least five signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space.

[0075] In some implementations, the method includes step vii), and step vii) further includes, in part, visualizing the distance between multiple objects on the screen of a portable device, such as a mobile phone, and / or via voice command and / or vibration, based on a virtual map.

[0076] In another aspect of the present invention, a system for generating virtual maps in a confined space is provided, the system comprising:

[0077] i) At least two signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space such as a supermarket, shopping mall, convenience store or grocery store, wherein the signal strength decreases with distance from each of the antennas, and multiple signal strength coordinates are established in the confined space by signal intersections provided by signals from the antennas;

[0078] ii) A portable device, such as a mobile phone, capable of operating to scan a unique ID, such as a barcode or QR code, of an item located within the confined space;

[0079] iii) A portable device, such as a mobile phone, capable of operating to register the signal strength coordinates of an item located at the location;

[0080] iv) A computer system capable of operating to store the unique ID of an item and the signal strength coordinates of the item's registration;

[0081] v) A computer system operable to reference ii) through iv) storing data relating to other items located elsewhere, and operable to integrate signal strength coordinates with the unique ID of each item; and

[0082] vi) A virtual map of multiple items within a confined space, based on the unique ID and signal strength coordinates of each item in v).

[0083] In some embodiments of this aspect, the system further includes: a screen of a portable device, such as a mobile phone, for guiding a consumer to one or more of the items by making the direction visible; and / or a portable device, such as a mobile phone, for guiding a consumer to one or more of the items by voice commands; and / or a portable device, such as a mobile phone, for guiding a consumer to one or more of the items by vibration.

[0084] In some implementations of this aspect, the system is as defined for the method in any of the foregoing implementations.

[0085] The invention will be understood in more detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings, which are used to illustrate certain specific embodiments of the invention by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0086] Figures 1A to 1DThe diagram illustrates a scenario with three antennas: antenna A, antenna B, and antenna C. Signal strength coordinates are provided for three different items (tomato soup, tuna, and pasta) based on signals from these three antennas. The signal strength from each antenna is shown as a decreasing signal strength from each antenna.

[0087] Figures 2A to 2D This illustration depicts one method of arranging items within a confined space, where the consumer is guided from tomato soup to pasta, i.e., guided in a direction from antenna A towards antenna C by the difference in signal strength from the antennas. In this scenario, the consumer is moving and frequently receives real-time signal strength data in a mobile app.

[0088] Figures 2E to 2H This illustrates one way a consumer can arrange items within a confined space when the starting point is "pasta" and the consumer is not moving. Figure 2E The arrow in the image indicates an unknown direction. Figure 2F The arrow from tomato soup to pasta in the middle indicates that the app has registered historical data from direction A to C. Figure 2G The additional marker box around "Tuna" indicates that the app detected "Tuna" as being far from antennas A and C, but closer to antenna B, based on previous measurements (historical data) in the virtual map. Figure 2H The angle shown in the middle is as follows Figure 2F and Figure 2G The directions outlined are based on historical data.

[0089] Figures 3A to 3F This shows a scenario where a consumer had not previously used the app, but "pasta" was scanned as the first item and "tuna" as the next target. Figure 3B The arrow in the image indicates the direction pointing towards the pasta based on previous measurements (historical data) received from other consumers. Figure 3C The middle arrow pointing closer to "Pasta" indicates that the consumer has moved from antenna A and / or antenna B (from the top of the diagram compared to antenna C), while the app knows from historical data (virtual map) that "Tuna" is far from antennas A and C, but close to antenna B. Figure 3D In the diagram, based on historical movement data, arrows with a "-" indicate that the consumer is not facing antennas A and B, but rather facing antenna C, as indicated by arrows with a "+". Therefore, since the consumer will be facing antenna B (based on historical data), consumers moving away from antennas A and B are guided to the "left" relative to the direction they have previously moved, as shown by arrows with a "+". Figure 3EAs shown in the semicircle. When moving to the consumer's "left," real-time signal strength measurements are received, and the app knows the consumer's position on the virtual map, guiding the consumer towards... Figure 3F Antenna B in the image is guided by an arrow pointing towards the "tuna".

[0090] Figures 4A to 4B The following scenario illustrates this: A consumer launches the app and scans for a "chocolate" object, which is located far from all antennas, and previous measurements cannot provide information about the direction the consumer is facing. In such cases... Figure 4B In the scenario shown, the app instructs the consumer to move, indicated by denser arrows, after which real-time signal strength measurements provide direction toward another object, optionally combined with historical data from a virtual map.

[0091] Figures 5A to 5B This illustrates a scenario where obstacles exist in the path a consumer is moving along. In this case, historical data is combined with real-time signal strength measurements to guide the consumer around the obstacles.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand how to program computer devices to perform actions that apply historical data in this context. One such language to be used could be C# / Java code.

Claims

1. A method for generating a virtual map in a confined space, comprising the following steps: i) At least two signal transmitting antennas are installed at different fixed locations within a confined space such as a supermarket, shopping mall, convenience store or grocery store, the signal strength of which decreases with distance from each of the antennas, and multiple signal strength coordinates are established in the confined space by means of signal intersections provided by signals from the antennas; ii) Allow the use of portable devices, such as mobile phones, to scan the unique ID of items located within the confined space, such as barcodes or QR codes; iii) Register the signal strength coordinates of the item located at the location using a portable device such as a mobile phone; iv) Transmit the unique ID of the item and the registered signal strength coordinates of the item to the computer system; v) Repeat steps ii) to iv) for other items located in other locations, and integrate the signal strength coordinates with the unique ID of each item in the computer system; vi) Based on the integration in step v), establish a virtual map of multiple items within the confined space; and optionally... vii) Based in part on the virtual map, the consumer is guided to one or more of the items by visualizing directions on the screen of a portable device such as a mobile phone and / or by voice commands and / or by vibration.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The virtual map is created on an existing map without any items.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The virtual map is created without existing data points of items within the confined space.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes step vii), and step vii) is based in part on real-time signal strength measurements from the at least two signal transmitting antennas, such as real-time signal strength measurements updated at 100-millisecond intervals.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes step vii), and step vii) is based in part on real-time signal strength measurements from the at least two signal transmitting antennas, wherein the real-time signal strength measurements are in-situ measurements.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes step vii), and step vii) is based in part on historical data of the consumer’s movement patterns within the confined space.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes step vii), and step vii) is based in part on historical data of the consumer’s movement patterns within the confined space, wherein the historical data is based on previous measurements of the consumer’s patterns.

8. The method according to claims 6 to 7, wherein, The historical data on consumer movement patterns includes: historical data on the movement patterns of multiple consumers, for example, when the consumer to be guided is not moving; and / or historical data on the movement patterns of the consumer to be guided, for example, when the consumer to be guided is moving.

9. The method according to claims 6 to 8, wherein, The historical data of the consumer's movement patterns includes: historical data of the movement patterns of the consumer to be guided, including data points within the previous 500 milliseconds of movement.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes step vii), and step vii) does not include satellite navigation system data such as GPS, and / or the portable device does not include a compass.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The virtual map is continuously updated using the integrated signal strength coordinates and unique ID.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, After completing step vii), the item is scanned using a portable device such as a mobile phone, and the virtual map is updated using the item's unique ID and the integrated signal strength coordinates.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, After completing step vii), scan the item using a portable device such as a mobile phone, and update the digital shopping cart on the portable device such as the mobile phone using the item's unique ID.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The virtual map of the multiple items within the confined space includes the relative positions of the multiple items within the confined space.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The virtual map of the multiple items within the confined space includes the absolute positions of the multiple items within the confined space.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The virtual map of the multiple items within the confined space includes the absolute distances between the multiple items within the confined space.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes step vii), and step vii) includes suggesting directions to one or more items based on historical data of the consumer's movement patterns and / or historical data of the consumer's behavior, such as historical data associated with the likelihood of purchasing another item in the category associated with the scanned item.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes step vii), and step vii) includes suggesting directions to one or more items based on historical data of multiple consumers’ movement patterns and / or historical data of consumer behavior, such as historical data associated with the likelihood of purchasing another item in the category associated with the scanned item.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes historical data on consumer movement patterns for replacing items in locations within the confined space, for example, replacing items in locations to improve visibility.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Direction is visualized on the screen of the portable device by means of arrows indicating the direction to the one or more items.

21. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least two signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within the confined space include at least three signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within the confined space.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method includes step vii), and step vii) further includes: visualizing the distance between multiple objects on the screen of a portable device, such as a mobile phone, and / or by voice command and / or by vibration, in part based on the virtual map.

23. A system for generating virtual maps in a confined space, the system comprising: i) At least two signal transmitting antennas at different fixed locations within a confined space such as a supermarket, shopping mall, convenience store or grocery store, wherein the signal strength decreases with distance from each of the antennas, and multiple signal strength coordinates are established in the confined space by signal intersections provided by signals from the antennas; ii) A portable device, such as a mobile phone, capable of operating to scan a unique ID, such as a barcode or QR code, of an item located within the confined space; iii) A portable device, such as a mobile phone, capable of operating to register the signal strength coordinates of the item located at the location; iv) A computer system operable to store the unique ID of the item and the registered signal strength coordinates of the item; v) A computer system operable to reference ii) through iv) storing data relating to other items located in other locations, and operable to integrate the signal strength coordinates with the unique ID of each item; as well as vi) A virtual map of multiple items within the confined space, based on the unique ID of each item and the signal strength coordinates of v).

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein, The system further includes: a screen of a portable device, such as a mobile phone, for guiding a consumer to one or more of the items by making the direction visible; and / or a portable device, such as a mobile phone, for guiding a consumer to one or more of the items by voice commands; and / or a portable device, such as a mobile phone, for guiding a consumer to one or more of the items by vibration.

25. The system according to claim 23 or 24, as defined in any one of claims 2 to 22.

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