Deposit lock device for a shopping cart and system realized with the inclusion of said shopping cart
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WANZL GMBH & CO KGAA
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-13
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] Deposit lock device for a shopping cart and system implemented including the same
[0002] The invention relates to a deposit lock device for a shopping cart, which can be unlocked cashlessly by means of an interaction with a smartphone provided by a user by controlling electromechanically operating elements of a locking mechanism of the deposit lock device, so that a shopping cart initially secured by the deposit lock device by locking a holding element anchored elsewhere can be released.
[0003] Furthermore, the invention is directed to a system that includes several such shopping carts, even across multiple locations—e.g., in different stores or branches of a retailer—e.g., each provided in groups. The invention also relates to a method implemented in conjunction with this system for managing the maintenance and updating of this system, as well as to a method for offline opening of a shopping cart's deposit lock in conjunction with a mobile communications device, such as, in particular, a smartphone configured with an app.
[0004] Shopping carts equipped with deposit locks are particularly used in the sale of goods to end consumers. The shopping carts can be provided in defined zones, e.g., cart stations. A first mechanical insert element, coded by its geometry, can be provided at a cart station, for example, on a chain. This first, fixedly chained insert element secures a complementary shopping cart at the cart station by inserting this chained insert element into the shopping cart's deposit lock and locking it in the deposit lock.This shopping trolley is typically provided with an insert element, identical in terms of its mechanical coding, via a short chain. This insert element can be inserted into the deposit lock of another compatible trolley that is inserted in a known manner. This allows, in a well-known manner, a horizontal stack or nested shopping trolleys that are inserted and sequentially linked by insert elements and complementary deposit locks to be formed in the trolley station area. The last shopping trolley inserted can be removed from this stack or train by releasing its deposit lock. This release of the deposit lock is typically achieved by inserting a coin into the deposit lock.The admissibility of this coin is checked mechanically in the deposit lock device, particularly by considering shape and material characteristics. Deposit lock concepts are known that can be activated by signaling using mobile phones, particularly smartphones. The value of the deposit collected by the deposit lock is based on an amount that can typically be demanded from a shopping cart user to return the cart to the cart station. The value of the deposit therefore does not correspond to the value of the provided shopping cart, and due to the relatively low value of the deposit, collection can be processed with moderate verification effort.
[0005] The invention is based on the object of creating solutions by means of which it is possible, with sufficient security against manipulation, to bring deposit locks of shopping trolleys that are provided in the surrounding area of a shopping facility, in particular a trolley station, into a release state by means of a smartphone carried by the user.
[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a deposit lock device for a shopping cart with: a locking device which is designed in such a way that it can be brought into a release state by electromechanical means, a control device for controlling the locking device and an interface device for effecting an interaction between the control device and a smartphone held ready by a user in the area of the shopping cart, wherein the control device comprises an electronic computer device and a storage device, the computer device processes a test routine as part of a release request, as part of this processing a query of data which is provided by the smartphone is carried out, in connection with the queried data and the contents stored on the storage device is determined,whether at least one release criterion is met and, if at least one release criterion is met, the locking device is activated by the control device to bring about the release state.
[0007] This advantageously makes it possible to create a deposit lock device in which a release state can be initiated via an offline dialogue between the circuit integrated in the deposit lock and the user's smartphone. The criteria and key information for initiating the release state can be modified via software on both the smartphone and the shopping cart.
[0008] According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the deposit lock device is designed such that the release state can be initiated by fulfilling different release criteria. Interactions can occur with different apps installed on the user's respective smartphone. The app installed on the user's smartphone can be assigned different configurations and convenience states, in particular to initiate a payment obligation or account or credit debit if the cart return and deposit return conditions are not met.
[0009] With the deposit lock according to the invention, also referred to below as Hybridloc, shopping carts can be unlocked not only with a coin but also with a smartphone. The inventive concept ensures that not every retailer can unlock every deposit lock, but only those for which they are authorized. According to the invention, the Hybridloc uses individual opening keys for each store. The assignment of store to retailer is managed in a supporter cloud application. A generated store ID can then be used to determine whether the retailer is authorized to open the lock. This ID is in turn stored on the lock. The keys on the locks can be individually reconfigured.
[0010] The hybrid lock according to the invention can be provided as a rental or pay-per-use model. The opening functionality can be delivered in a software module (SDK) that any retailer can integrate into their app. This module downloads all available customer keys from the cloud and stores them in a kind of key ring on the device. When the smartphone is held against a lock, it first checks whether the retailer is authorized, and then the lock is opened with the corresponding key. This concept also allows multiple retailers or third-party applications to open the same lock.
[0011] The system provider preferably hosts a cloud application (backend) in which all customers (providers) are stored along with their respective stores and keys. Each store receives a randomly generated key, which is applied to the respective locks when an order is placed. The store is then also assigned to the provider, allowing a retailer app to open all stores by default. If a provider no longer wishes to use this functionality, the system provider removes all stores and their associated keys from that provider. The graphic in Fig. 5 illustrates the assignment of store or store IDs to customers A, B, and C, as well as the keys for the individual shopping carts.
[0012] The software module in the Retailer app regularly downloads all stores, including the corresponding keys, that it is authorized to open. Therefore, if stores are removed, the software module can no longer open the individual stores. Key distribution, and thus the functionality to open the locks, can be controlled centrally and in the cloud by the system operator.
[0013] To locate the locks, a URI with a so-called deep link is integrated into each lock. This contains a branch ID that can be assigned to a real branch via the system provider as the backend administrator. This information allows for localization without GPS or similar information.
[0014] The functionality of the smartphone configured with an app can be limited to unlocking the respective deposit locks of a single local cart group within a store. The functionality can be designed to unlock the deposit locks of a specific retailer. The functionality can be designed to unlock specific shopping carts of a retailer within a region. The functionality can be designed to unlock specific shopping carts and shopping carts provided at a location by various, but specific, retailers, particularly within a region.
[0015] The system's unlocking functionality can be updated successively through backend hosting in an admin mode, either at the system operator's discretion or at a specific time interval. The unlocking functionality can be configured to a degree defined at the admin level at various subordinate hierarchy levels through appropriate, limited authorization by subordinate system administrators. On the backend hosting side, the apps installed on users' mobile phones, as well as the identification and authorization data used by these apps, can be configured and updated.
[0016] The unlocking functionality can also be particularly advantageously configured in conjunction with the configuration and ongoing updating of the data stored in the respective deposit locks. For this purpose, the deposit lock devices are preferably equipped with interface devices that enable wireless and signal-protected changes to the data content on the shopping cart side. This makes it possible, at the lowest hierarchical level, to exclude certain users from opening the deposit lock or to require them to perform other actions, such as cashless or coin-based deposit payment or other security deposits.
[0017] The interaction between the deposit lock device and the user's mobile phone preferably takes place using paired NFC interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, or combinations thereof. Therefore, an NFC interface used for interaction is preferably provided in the deposit lock device and on the respective smartphone and is active during data exchange.
[0018] The system according to the invention is preferably designed such that the functionality for unlocking can be configured through multiple accesses, each encompassing specific authorization scopes. The backend administrator can organize access authorization for configuring the app's functionality hierarchically and for defined areas. Retailers can, for example, configure specific stores, while payment service providers or cashback providers can implement parallel activation configurations or those that intervene in the retailer's configuration. Multiple non-compliance with cart returns or deposit conditions can be counted in the user app and lead to termination of authorization. The app or the deposit lock device can also record which authorization led to the release and who can then be held responsible for non-compliance with a deposit condition.
[0019] The basis for the authorization query during the interaction between the deposit lock device and the respective smartphone is the data content on the smartphone, the data content on or in the deposit lock device, and preferably the legal or encryption rules stored on the respective user's smartphone and in the deposit lock device's electronic system. By coordinating these contents and encryptions, the functionality, i.e., the authorization to open the deposit lock, can be coordinated.
[0020] The functionality of the app installed on the respective smartphone can be handled depending on its update level. The required update level can be handled variably. For example, unlocking a deposit lock in the user's home zone may require a low update level, i.e. the function is still possible even after a long time ago update, while more extensive regional authorizations or cross-retailer authorizations require higher update levels. The home zone can be defined by sequential use of branches or by location information during app installation, and its definition can become established with subsequent use. The app installed on the smartphone runs a test routine that checks whether the deposit lock with which it is in dialogue is correct and has not been tampered with or altered in any other way.The verification routine executed by the deposit lock also checks whether the app installed on the smartphone is a correct and not modified or tampered with. This can be done, for example, by querying secret key concepts, such as hash codes, which enable a plausibility check.
[0021] The release of the deposit lock device can also be initiated by system designs that utilize payment functions in addition to pure authorization checks. For example, if a user lacks basic authorization to open the deposit lock, a payment mode can be activated, which either immediately initiates a payment transaction for a deposit or generates a booking authorization that is used if the shopping cart is not returned or the deposit return condition is not met. For such operations, a parallel online data transaction can be temporarily performed.
[0022] In the system according to the invention, as mentioned above, preferably several of the signals provided by the smartphone can trigger the fulfillment of different release criteria. Thus, a retailer identified as permissible and their released trolley keys can permit release; in parallel, a deposit balance recorded in the app can permit release; and, if necessary, a condition further checked by the app and the deposit lock can, in principle, also permit release of the deposit lock. The app can then be designed to select the criterion that entails the lowest costs for the user or is otherwise most advantageous. A query can also be displayed on the smartphone display as to which deposit option should be used.
[0023] Preferably, a data set is provided via the smartphone that contains information about a branch ID, i.e. an identifier specific to a store branch.
[0024] Furthermore, a data set containing information on identifiers specific to shopping carts in a store is preferably provided via the smartphone.
[0025] The memory device of the deposit lock device preferably contains a data set or data content that represents an identifier specific to the shopping cart or a group of shopping carts. In the simplest case, this is a single number for all carts of a particular type, or a series of numbers, e.g., shopping carts numbered 1 to n. However, the identifier of a shopping cart can also be a more complex identifier based on encryption or coding concepts. The identifier can represent multiple blocks with specific information content, particularly similar to a vehicle license plate number.
[0026] Furthermore, a data set containing information indicative of authorized branch IDs is preferably provided in the memory device of the deposit lock device. Alternatively, this data set may be used not for the branch ID but for a specific lock.
[0027] It is advantageously possible for the data records provided via the smartphone to be generated using a code and thus transmitted in an encoded or encrypted form. This code or the key to this code can be provided in the shopping cart area, for example, via the shopping cart's deposit lock device, via a data content that is initially transmitted upon request, via a barcode, or even a pictogram that is first scanned by the user.
[0028] According to the invention, an app is installed on the smartphone, whereby in connection with this app or a memory content to which this app has access, information is stored as to which store IDs allow a deposit lock release and which shopping carts may be released with it.
[0029] The app installed on the smartphone is preferably made available via a download portal. The data processed by this app is preferably updated continuously or at sufficiently short intervals. The data can also be retrieved from the SDK or a library, possibly as code blocks.
[0030] The deposit lock device according to the invention preferably also comprises an unlocking mechanism by which a release of the deposit lock, in particular a coin-based release, can be initiated in a conventional manner.
[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the object stated at the outset is also achieved according to the invention by a system for effecting an authorization-verified deposit lock release of shopping carts using customer-side smartphones configured with an app, with shopping carts equipped with deposit lock devices of the type described above and a data set hosted by a system operator, wherein the data set comprises content indicative of the authorization to initiate a deposit lock release in a store, as well as for the authorization to release specified deposit locks in this store.
[0032] Based on the inventive concept, the shopping cart can be removed cashlessly. With integration into the retailer's app, customers unlock the shopping cart and the shopping experience can begin. Customer-related services such as current offers or a reward for returning the shopping cart can also be delivered via the app. Even customers who prefer coins can maintain their habits with this deposit lock. To unlock the lock, the smartphone is briefly held over the activation field of the deposit lock, with the app open or closed. This opens the lock mechanism and shopping can begin. The technology is based on near-field communication (NFC), similar to mobile payment. The return of the shopping cart can be incentivized, for example, with digital vouchers for the next purchase or a donation to a charitable cause.The functions of the HYBRIDLOC can be integrated into the respective dealer and market apps via a Software Development Kit (SDK), thus providing valuable additional features for the customer.
[0033] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the basic
[0034] Structure and functioning of a deposit lock device according to the invention;
[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram to explain the structure and the
[0036] Functioning of a system implemented including the deposit lock device according to the invention;
[0037] Figures 3a, 3b are sketches for further explanation of deposit lock devices according to the invention with geometrically coded and electronically coded connecting elements;
[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram to further explain the inventive concept.
[0039] The representation in Figure 1 illustrates the structure of a deposit lock device P according to the invention for a shopping cart EW with a locking device 1 which is designed such that it can be brought into a release state by electromechanical means, a control device C1 for controlling the locking device 1 and an interface device NFC1 for bringing about an interaction between the control device C1 and a smartphone SP held ready by a user in the area of the shopping cart EW. The control device C1 comprises an electronic computer device and a memory device CS1. The computer device C1 is designed as a programmable computer device and is configured such that it processes a test routine in response to a release request from a user's smartphone SP. As part of this processing, special data D1 which is provided by the smartphone SP is retrieved.In conjunction with the retrieved data D1 and the contents D2 stored on the storage device CS1, the computer device of the control device C1 determines whether at least one release criterion is met. If at least one release criterion is met, the locking device 1 is activated by the control device C1 to bring about a release state.
[0040] The locking device 1 is shown here purely for illustrative purposes as a very simple electromechanically operating locking device 1. It comprises a coil 1a and a locking member 1b which is loaded in the closed position by a spring 1c. If the coil 1a is supplied with voltage by the control device C1, the locking member 1b is moved into a release position against the restoring force of the spring 1c and the lock element 2 can be moved into an open position in which it releases a securing element 3. This securing element 3 serves to secure the shopping cart EW in the area of a cart station WS. The securing element 3 can be attached there to a small chain in a manner known per se. This first securing element 3 secured to the cart station WS serves to secure a first shopping cart EW pushed into the cart station WS.Each shopping cart EW, in turn, provides a security element 3, which is then used to trigger the path for the next inserted shopping cart EW. The deposit lock device P is preferably integrated into a handle structure of the shopping cart EW and is designed to allow conventional activation using a coin as an alternative to electronic activation via smartphone. In this case, the result of a purely mechanical test of an inserted coin can be used electrically to release the electronic deposit lock.
[0041] In the embodiment shown here, the security element is designed as an electronically coded security element 3. It is designed, for example, as a sphere and contains a transponder circuit C3 at its center, which can be electronically read with respect to a code. This circuit C3 is read after the security element 3 is inserted into the deposit lock device 2 through an interface 2a located in the lock. If the security element 3 is identified as a permissible security element 3 by the control device C1, the lock 2 engages, and the control device C1 documents the fulfillment of a deposit return condition.
[0042] The SP smartphone is configured with a Wgo app, as explained in more detail below. The user can download this Wgo app in advance from a preferably trusted download portal. The Wgo app can be created by a provider using a software module. This app provides certain data. This data can be continuously updated either by regularly updating the entire app, or by accessing a data source that provides current data.
[0043] In the exemplary embodiment presented here, a data set D1 containing information on a store ID is provided via the smartphone SP. Furthermore, a data set containing information on identifiers specific to shopping carts of a store corresponding to the store ID is also provided via the smartphone SP. A data set D2 is provided in the storage device CS1 of the deposit lock device, representing an identifier specific to the shopping cart or a group of shopping carts. Furthermore, the data set D2 provides a data set containing information indicative of authorized store IDs.
[0044] The data records D1 provided via the smartphone SP are preferably generated in conjunction with end-to-end encryption using a code and communicated with the deposit lock device in encrypted form, so that interception or recording of the transferred data does not directly lead to the disclosure of information with which this shopping cart or a group of shopping carts in this store can generally be unlocked. The data content D1 of the smartphone SP is also encrypted there as a data record D1 in such a way that it cannot be easily read out and copied as a general function-generating code and made available to unauthorized users.
[0045] The key used for encrypting the dialogue between the deposit locking device P and the smartphone SP is preferably provided via the control device C1, preferably as part of the dialogue recording between the smartphone SP and the deposit locking device P.
[0046] As already mentioned above, a Wgo app is installed on the SP smartphone. In conjunction with this Wgo app or a memory content to which this app has access, information is stored about which store IDs allow deposit lock release and which shopping carts (EW) can be released with it. This app is provided via a download portal. The data processed by this app is updated continuously or at sufficiently short intervals. The data is provided and hosted via a cloud concept.
[0047] The data relevant for the operation of the app, as well as the data D1, D2 relevant for the operation of the deposit locks P of the shopping carts EW, are preferably provided via a system cloud CLD1. The system cloud CLD1 is hosted by a system operator WZ. The system cloud CLD1 can contain a data field in the form of a matrix MC. The identifiers, i.e. branch IDs, are stored there in a possibly further encrypted form. These identifiers describe which branches, i.e. local supermarkets, are authorized to open the deposit locks P. The identifiers and lock numbers of the shopping carts are also stored there. The system cloud CLD1 can be hosted, in particular by the operator of a branch, with regard to the keys CC for the shopping carts EW and the branch IDs considered permissible. These aspects will be discussed in more detail in connection with the description of Figure 2.
[0048] A special feature of the deposit lock device P shown here is that the dialogue with the smartphone SP held ready by a user and the deposit lock device P is handled in offline mode via NFC interfaces. When the user's smartphone approaches the front shopping cart EW of a stack of carts, a graphical user interface is activated on the display DP of the smartphone SP. It shows the user that they can initiate the release of the deposit lock P by selecting a field on the display DP. If the user selects this function, the deposit lock device P checks whether the user's app is permissible; this is done by querying plausibility criteria. An encryption code, which is generated e.g. by a random generator, is then transmitted from the deposit lock device P to the smartphone via the NFC interface NFC1 to the NFC interface NFC2.Using this key, after further queries, the smartphone SP sends an encoded branch ID and a set of so-called car keys. The data thus provided by the smartphone SP is decrypted in the area of the deposit lock P and verified against the data contents D2 of the storage device CS1. If defined verification criteria are met, the control device C1 determines that an authorized user requests activation and permits it. To this end, the control device C1 activates coil 1a, and the deposit lock P allows the security element 3 to be released.
[0049] In the event of a deposit return, the shopping cart EW is taken to a cart station WS. There, a security element 3 is inserted into the deposit lock P. The control device C1 detects this process. Depending on the app configuration, certain complex administrative processes can be carried out when the shopping cart EW is returned. For example, the deposit lock P can communicate with the user's smartphone and initiate a credit note or booking of a deposit amount, or continue running a counter in the app, or otherwise document a cart return. In connection with the determination of the deposit return, i.e., the cart return, numerous processes are possible that are advantageous for the user.
[0050] The illustration in Figure 2 illustrates the structure of a system implemented by integrating a plurality of shopping trolleys EW equipped with deposit locks according to the invention. This system is hosted by a system operator WZ. This hosting H comprises the provision of a central data set in the form of a system cloud CLD1. The information content of this system cloud CLD1 will be discussed later. So-called retailers RT1, RT2, so-called third-party providers 3rd and branches or markets MP1 MP2, MP3 are integrated into this system. The branches or markets MP1, MP2, MP3 have shopping trolleys EW equipped with deposit locks P according to the invention.
[0051] These deposit locks P can be activated cashlessly by customers KD1, KD2, KD3 of the branches or markets MP1, MP2, MP3, provided they have corresponding smartphones SP on which the Wgo app with corresponding authorizations is installed at least in the background.
[0052] To get the system running, the CLD1 system cloud is populated with data. In the simplest case, this includes the ID numbers of the branches participating in the cashless deposit lock activation system, as well as the CC numbers of the trolleys (EW) in a branch.
[0053] The system operator provides a software module SDK. This can be integrated into the Wgo customer app by various retailers or third-party providers. Customers KD1, KD2, KD3 can install this customer app on their mobile phones SP via a trusted download portal. The configuration of the app can be selected by the respective customer, particularly during the initial installation. It is possible to make provisions there that limit the unlocking function of the Wgo app for deposit locks P to a certain number of stores MP1, MP2, MP3 or stores in a certain region, or to provide for a special selection. The customer KD1, KD2, KD3 can change this configuration online if necessary.
[0054] The numbers of the shopping carts EW are preferably defined in a more complex way and do not represent simple sequential numbers; they can be generated using a creation code. These numbers can be generated by the system operator WZ during the system's start-up phase and then loaded onto the deposit locks by the respective store. They can also be generated in the area of the respective store MP1, MP2, MP3 and loaded onto the shopping carts EW there. Each store MP1, MP2, MP3 preferably has sovereignty over which keys, markings or numbers it assigns to its shopping carts. It can assign the same key to all shopping carts or, if necessary, an individual key to each shopping cart. The identifiers of all shopping carts in a store can be bundled into a digital key ring and this data set can be stored in the system cloud CLD1 with an assignment to its store.This storage can in turn be done in encrypted form, with a market-specific code then also being stored in the CLD1 system cloud.
[0055] Through specific assignments of authorizations to retailers RT1, RT2, third parties (3rd) and markets MP1, Mp2, MP3 by the system operator WZ, as well as through use of the admin status of the system operator WZ, it is determined which functions these system participants can define. For example, a retailer RT1 can specify which of its markets MP1 ... should be activated. For this purpose, the corresponding entries are made in the system cloud CLD1. The organizational form in the system cloud CLD1 can be in the form of a matrix in which certain operational links and authorizations can be coordinated via field entries. In this matrix, for example, it can be defined which markets are to be assigned to a retailer RT1, RT2 or a third party (3rd) such as a consumer association or cashback provider.In the event of any discrepancies, the market MP1, MP2, MP3 has the option of excluding customers with a specific app configuration from using their app in the specific market by changing the identifiers of their shopping carts or excluding certain IDs from the activation of the respective deposit lock.
[0056] The illustrations in Figures 3a and 3b show a simplified version of two variants of a deposit locking device P according to the invention, which can be operated both coin-based and by means of interaction with a smartphone. In the variant according to Figure 3a, a geometrically coded security element s is provided, which can be inserted, in particular plugged, into a complementary receptacle of the deposit locking device P. The insertion of the security element 3 into the deposit locking device P qualifies the deposit redemption process. This leads either to the return of a coin deposit in a conventional manner or to the acknowledgment of the trolley return in dialogue with a user's mobile phone or to the acknowledgment of the trolley return by other signaling means. For example, an interface WS1 can be provided in the area of a trolley station WS, which communicates with the deposit locking device P, for example, via Bluetooth or WLAN.In this way, a credit note or confirmation of a car return can be credited to the customer's account without requiring further interaction with their smartphone. In the variant shown in Figure 3b, the security element s is encoded by a transponder C3 or magnet contained therein. If the security element s is inserted into the deposit lock P, the deposit lock P recognizes whether it is a genuine or tampered with security element 3. If the security element 3 proves to be valid, fulfillment of the deposit conditions is electronically determined after its insertion and used as the basis for further, possibly relatively complex, data management, which ultimately processes a deposit refund, credit note, or other recognition of the car return.The variant shown in Figure 3b also optionally allows conventional deposit processing via coin and app-based deposit processing via an appropriately configured mobile phone.
[0057] The illustration in Figure 4 once again illustrates the data and software management within the system according to the invention. This system comprises three main components implemented as data structures. The main database is provided by the data set CLD1. The core function of the system is defined via the software module SDK, which is implemented in a Wgo app. The Wgo app is installed by the customer KD1, KD2, KD3 on their smartphone SP. The Wgo app installed on the respective smartphone SP enables the activation of a deposit lock P within the framework of an offline dialogue with the deposit lock P. Within the framework of this offline dialogue, data content transmitted by the smartphone SP to the deposit lock is verified by the deposit lock P with data content stored in the deposit lock P, in particular in an electronic storage device thereof.
[0058] The data provided by the app is generated using the contents of the CLD1 data set. The data from the deposit lock P corresponds to certain contents of the CLD1 data set. The CLD1 data set and the data in the deposit lock P are updated at sufficiently short intervals. The Wgo app automatically updates the relevant content, in particular the branch ID and car key CC, when the smartphone is within a Wi-Fi range and an update is initiated for defined reasons.
[0059] The CLD1 data set is provided as a cloud and primarily hosted by the system operator WZ in admin mode. The other system participants 3rd, RT1, MP1 have limited read and write rights for this CLD1 data set. In particular, the system operator can determine which system participants can ultimately initiate activation of the shopping carts EW located at which store MP1... . Activation is enabled when content established on the smartphone SP using content from the CLD1 data set can be successfully verified by the deposit lock device P with content stored there. At least some of the content used for verification in the respective deposit lock device is reflected in the CLD1 data set. In the simplest case, the CLD1 data set contains the branch IDs of specific stores MP1... and the numbers of the shopping carts EW used there.The electronic circuit C1 of the deposit lock P then checks, by purely comparing it with the contents stored in its memory device CS1, whether an authorization can be determined based on a correspondence of the compared contents and, if the check is positive, releases the deposit lock P.
[0060] In order to protect the system against manipulation with moderate effort, for example against opening the deposit locks by manipulated apps and copied data records, security concepts are preferably implemented for data management.
[0061] These security concepts include checking certain properties of the app by the deposit lock, encrypting the data dialogue between the smartphone and the deposit lock, and encrypting the data in the CLD1 data set.
[0062] In addition to the CLD1 dataset, the SDK software module and the Wgo app are also provided in the cloud. System participants WZ, 3rd, RT1, and MP1 have administrator-defined design rights for the contents of the CLD1 dataset, as well as the configurations and contents of the SDK software module and the Wgo app.
[0063] The inventive concept makes it possible to set up a credit balance on a customer account set up in connection with the Wgo app. A crypto balance of, for example, 10 Wancrypts can be created on this account when the app is installed. When the deposit lock P is activated, 1 Wancrypt is then blocked in the app and credited to the deposit lock. If the cart EW is returned properly, the blocking is lifted after the deposit lock is closed again, and the amount on the deposit lock is deleted. If the shopping cart is not returned properly or a deposit refund condition is otherwise not met, the credit balance, i.e. 1 Wancrypt, remains on the deposit lock and is then credited to the user or returner who returns the shopping cart to a location authorizing deposit return.For these credits and bookings, additional processes are possible, which can be designed in conjunction with the app and data management. Alternatively, a different technical device can be used instead of a smartphone.
Claims
Patent claims 1. Deposit lock device for a shopping cart with: a locking device which is designed in such a way that it can be brought into a release state by electromechanical means, a control device for controlling the locking device and an interface device for effecting an interaction between the control device and a smartphone held ready by a user in the area of the shopping cart, wherein the control device comprises an electronic computer device and a storage device, the computer device processes a test routine as part of a release request, as part of this processing a query of data which is provided by the smartphone is carried out, in connection with the queried data and the contents stored on the storage device is determined,whether a release criterion is met and, if the release criterion is met, the locking device is activated by the control device to bring about the release state.
2. Deposit lock device according to claim 1, characterized in that a data set containing information on a branch ID is provided via the smartphone.
3. Deposit lock device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a data set is provided via the smartphone which contains information on identifiers that are specific to shopping carts of a store.
4. Deposit lock device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a data set is provided in the storage device which represents an identifier specific to the shopping cart or a group of shopping carts.
5. Deposit lock device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a data set is provided in the storage device which contains information which is indicative of authorized branch IDs.
6. Deposit lock device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the data records provided via the smartphone are generated using a code.
7. Deposit lock device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that this code is provided in the area of the shopping cart.
8. Deposit lock device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an app is installed on the smartphone and that in connection with this app or a memory content to which this app has access, information is stored which branch IDs allow a deposit lock release and which shopping carts may be released with it.
9. Deposit lock device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the app is provided via a download portal 10. Deposit lock device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the data processed by this app are updated continuously or at sufficiently short intervals.
11. System for the authorization-verified release of deposit locks from shopping carts using smartphones carried by the customer and configured with an app, comprising: - Shopping trolleys equipped with deposit lock devices according to at least one of claims 1 to 10 and - a data set hosted by a system operator and made available for access by the app, the data set comprising content indicative of the authorization to initiate a deposit lock release in a store, as well as for the release of specified deposit locks in that store.