Electronic deposit lock and method of using an electronic deposit lock to track a shopping cart

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic deposit lock (1) for a shopping cart (2), wherein the electronic deposit lock (1) comprises: - a lock body (10); - a shopping cart mount (20) configured for mounting the electronic deposit lock (1) onto the shopping cart (2); - a jointing component (30) comprising a retainer (31) and at least one complementary shaped connecting part (32), wherein the retainer (31) is configured for receiving a connecting part (32n) of another jointing component (30); - a scanner (40) configured for reading a product identifier; - a controller (50) comprising: - a wireless communication module (60) configured for communication with devices (4), the wireless communication module (60) comprises a RFID module (61) comprising an individual identification number and an antenna configured for communicating with at least two RFID readers (65) of a tracking system (80); wherein the controller (50) is configured for being in an idle state (51) and a tracking state (52), wherein the controller in the tracking state (52) is configured for: - releasing the connecting part (32n) from the retainer (31); - initiating communication between the RFID module (61) and the RFID readers (65); and - initiating communication with the scanner (40), wherein the electronic deposit lock (1) is connected to a local energy storage (70).

Description

[0001] Electronic deposit lock and method of using an electronic deposit lock to track a shopping cart

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an electronic deposit lock for a shopping cart. The electronic deposit lock comprises a lock body and a shopping cart mount configured for mounting the electronic deposit lock onto the shopping cart. The electronic deposit lock further comprises a jointing component comprising a retainer and at least one complementary shaped connecting part configured for being retained by a retainer of another jointing component.

[0004] The electronic deposit lock, which is connected to a local energy storage, further comprises a scanner configured for reading a product identifier and a controller. The controller comprises a wireless communication module configured for communication with devices. The wireless communication module comprises a RFID module comprising an individual identification number and an antenna configured for communicating with at least two RFID readers of a tracking system.

[0005] The controller is further configured for being in an idle state and a tracking state. In the tracking state, the controller is configured for releasing the connecting part from the retainer, initiating communication between the RFID module and the RFID readers, and initiating communication with the scanner.

[0006] Background of the Invention

[0007] Today, most shopping carts are unlocked using a coin or a token. In today’s society physical currency is becoming redundant, and many people do not carry coins anymore, most people do however use a smartphone.

[0008] Existing smart shopping carts mainly focus on preventing theft of products and the shopping carts themselves, tracking the shopping carts using extensive grids arranged either in the sealing or in the floor. Little to no focus is on optimizing the shopping experience for the customer and enable management of a specific location to improve the layout based on the behaviours of the customers. Object of the Invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide an electronic deposit lock for a shopping cart configured for tracking the movement of said shopping cart inside a location and collect data, which can be used to improve the shopping experience and optimize the layout of the location.

[0010] It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for tracking the shopping cart comprising the electronic deposit lock inside the location.

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] An object of the invention is achieved by an electronic deposit lock for a shopping cart.

[0013] The electronic deposit lock comprises: a lock body; a shopping cart mount configured for mounting the electronic deposit lock onto the shopping cart; a jointing component comprising a retainer and at least one complementary shaped connecting part, wherein the retainer is configured for receiving a connecting part of another jointing component; a scanner configured for reading a product identifier; a controller comprising: a wireless communication module configured for communication with devices, the wireless communication module comprises a RFID module comprising an individual identification number and an antenna configured for communicating with at least two RFID readers of a tracking system; wherein the controller is configured for being in an idle state and a tracking state, wherein the controller in the tracking state is configured for:

[0014] - releasing the connecting part from the retainer;

[0015] - initiating communication between the RFID module and the RFID readers; and

[0016] - initiating communication with the scanner, wherein the electronic deposit lock is connected to a local energy storage. The term shopping cart may be used to describe any cart, trolly, scooter, or basket configured for transporting products or goods at a specific location such as a store or a warehouse.

[0017] The shopping cart mount may be configured for mounting the electronic deposit lock onto a structural member of the shopping cart such as but not limited to the handle, a side, front, or bottom. An advantage of the shopping cart mount is that the electronic deposit lock can be retrofitted onto existing shopping carts. Another advantage of the shopping cart mount is that the electronic deposit lock can be removed and replaced by another electronic deposit lock. Removing of the electronic deposit lock is beneficial in case of failure that results in the need for a new electronic deposit lock or a need for extensive repair.

[0018] The shopping cart mount may comprise an aperture configured for receiving a handle or another structural part of a shopping cart.

[0019] The shopping cart mount may further comprise at least one stopper configured for limiting movement of the electronic deposit lock relative to the handle or another structural part. An advantage of the stopper is that it may ensure that the electronic deposit lock stays in place during use.

[0020] In an embodiment, the shopping cart mount may comprise a static part fixed to the lock body and a closing part releasably attached to the shopping cart mounting surface, e.g. handle. The closing part may be configured for allowing the deposit lock to be easily retrofitted onto a shopping cart. The closing part may be attached to the shopping cart mount using fastening means such as screws, bolts, magnets or quarter turn locks.

[0021] When a shopping cart is not used, it may be arranged in a cart array wherein each retainer has received and is retaining a connecting part from the shopping cart in front. The retainer of the first shopping cart in the array may retain a fixed connecting part attached to a wall or a structure of a cart shed. The fixed retainer may prevent that an entire array of carts can easily be stolen. The connecting part of the last shopping cart in the array may be unretained by a retainer. The device may be a customer device or an owner device.

[0022] The customer device may be unable to connect to a wireless communication module if the connecting part is retained in a neighbouring shopping cart or is arranged in a middle part of the shopping cart array.

[0023] The owner device may be able to connect to any wireless communication module regardless of the connecting part being retained in a neighbouring shopping cart or not being the last shopping cart in an array. The owner device may be used to move entire arrays of shopping carts at once.

[0024] The scanner may be configured for reading a product identifier such as a barcode, a RFID tag, QR-code etc.

[0025] The wireless communication module may enable communication using one or more wireless technologies such as, but not limited to, NFC, Bluetooth, RFID, etc. The device may be configured for using similar wireless technology. The device may be configured for communicating with the communication module when the device is arranged between 0-20 cm from the electronic deposit lock. Preferably, the maximum distance allowing communication between the device and the electronic deposit lock is 10 cm. An advantage of the maximum distance allowing communication being 10 cm, is preventing initiating communication and unlocking the wrong shopping cart, for instance a shopping cart in the middle of a cart array. In some instances, the electronic deposit locks of shopping carts, when arranged in an array, may be arranged with a distance between 25-30 cm.

[0026] The controller is configured for being in an idle state and in a tracking state.

[0027] In the idle state, the electronic components may be in hibernation mode decreasing the energy consumption when tracking is not needed. In the idle state, communication between the controller and a device may be enabled. Communication between the controller and the device may change the state from the idle state to the tracking state. In the tracking state, the electronic components are activated and may upon request from a device in communication with the controller:

[0028] - release the connecting part from the retainer;

[0029] - initiate communication between the RFID module and the RFID readers; and

[0030] - initiate communication with the scanner.

[0031] The controller may control the retainer between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the connecting part of a neighbouring shopping cart may be retained by the retainer, thus coupling at least two neighbouring shopping carts each comprising an electronic deposit lock. In the unlocked position, the connecting part of a neighbouring shopping cart may be released from the retainer, thus the shopping cart is uncoupled and may be moved around with no physical limitations and may be used for shopping inside a location.

[0032] The controller may initiate communication between the RFID module and the RFID readers, thus initiating tracking of the shopping cart.

[0033] In the tracking state, the RFID reader may continuously send radio signals to the RFID module and receive radio signals from the RFID module. The RFID reader may comprise an antenna for capturing the radio signals send from the RFID module. After capturing the radio signals, the RFID reader may transmit the signal data to the tracking system. The tracking system may use the radio signal data to continuously track the movement of the shopping cart inside a location, such as a store. The information regarding movement of the shopping cart may be used to optimize the layout of the location to improve the shopping experience for the customer.

[0034] The controller may initiate communication between the RFID module and the scanner, thus initiating tracking the location of the shopping cart when registering a product identifier.

[0035] In the tracking state, the RFID module may receive information from the scanner continuously, periodically, or during the act of registering a product identifier. The tracking system may further use the scanning information in combination with the radio signal data to track the behaviour of the shopping cart and the user of the shopping cart inside the location. The scanning information may be used to detect the location of the shopping cart inside the location when a product identifier is registered. The scanning information may further be used to detect how far away from the place of storing the product, at the location, the product is scanned. The information regarding the location of the shopping cart when registering a product identifier may be used to optimize the layout of the location to improve the shopping experience for the customer as well as minimising elements deemed to confuse the customer or make them uncertain about purchasing a specific product.

[0036] The electronic deposit lock may automatically be locked, and the state of electronic deposit lock changed from the tracking state to the idle state, when a connecting part of another jointing component is inserted into the retainer. An advantage of automatically changing the state of the electronic deposit lock to the idle state is ensuring that the customers do not forget to lock the shopping cart when they are done using it.

[0037] The local energy storage may be arranged inside the lock body or inside a structural member of the shopping cart, such as on a side panel, in the handle, or in a cavity.

[0038] The local energy storage may comprise a main energy storage and a secondary energy storage for changing the retainer between the locked and the unlocked position. The main energy storage powering elements such as the scanner and the controller may require more energy when in the tracking state.

[0039] An advantage of the retainer being connected to a separate energy storage, is that the shopping cart may still be locked and unlocked even though the main energy storage is depleted. Thus, the shopping cart may still be used inside the location even though the tracking features are unavailable.

[0040] Changing the retainer between locked and the unlocked position, may require little energy and a few seconds of operating time. The secondary energy storage may go into a hibernation mode when the position of the retainer has been changed to save energy. The electronic deposit lock may further comprise a drainage aperture configured for preventing accumulation of liquid in the retainer. The drainage aperture may be arranged in the bottom of the lock body. The drainage aperture may be configured for leading liquid away from the retainer to minimise the risk of rust formation, thus increasing the service life of the electronic deposit lock.

[0041] The lock body may comprise a metal casing. The metal casing may comprise 2 mm tempered steel.

[0042] In an aspect of the electronic deposit lock, the wireless communication module may be arranged near a top surface of the lock body.

[0043] One advantage of the wireless communication module being arranged near a top surface, is ensuring the ability to communicate with the RFID reader with no obstacles for sending and receiving signals.

[0044] Alternatively, the wireless communication module may be arranged near a side surface of the lock body, also limiting obstacles in sending and receiving signals.

[0045] In an aspect of the electronic deposit lock, the scanner may be an RFID scanner.

[0046] Alternatively, the scanner may be configured for scanning barcodes or QR-codes.

[0047] One advantage of using a RFID scanner is increased security as the product identifier can be read if it is passed near a reader even if the product identifier is covered, arranged on an inside of a product, or not visible by other means.

[0048] The product identifier may be a high frequency tag and only be read when placed in close proximity to the scanner. The scanner may be able to read the product identifier when arranged at a distance between 2-20 cm, 2-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 7-15 cm, 10-15 cm, or 15-20 cm. An advantage of the scanner being unable to read product identifiers arranged more than 20 cm away is preventing accidentally registering product identifiers when the shopping cart is moved around inside the location. The scanning range may be short enough to only register the desired product identifier and long enough to allow the product identifier to be easily registered.

[0049] In an aspect of the electronic deposit lock, the local energy storage may be a battery arranged inside a shopping cart handle.

[0050] Alternatively, the local energy storage may be arranged inside the lock body or inside a structural member of the shopping cart, such as on a side panel or in a cavity.

[0051] In case the local energy storage comprises a main energy storage and a secondary energy storage, both or one of the energy storages may comprise a battery.

[0052] The secondary energy storage is configured for powering the retainer during release of a connecting part of another jointing component. The main energy storage is configured for powering the rest of the other components of the electronic deposit lock.

[0053] In an aspect, the secondary energy storage may be a button cell battery. The button cell battery may be arranged inside the lock body. With normal use, the button cell battery may have a life span of about 5 years. The button cell battery may be easily replaceable.

[0054] In an aspect, the main energy storage may be a battery with a capacity substantially larger than the secondary energy storage. The main energy storage may be arranged inside the handle, the lock body, or inside a structural member of the shopping cart, such as on a side panel or in a cavity. With normal use, the main battery may have a lifespan of about 2 years. The battery of the main energy source may be easily replaceable.

[0055] The main energy storage and the secondary energy storage will have an energy capacity, such that the secondary energy storage will be able to power the retainer for a longer time span than the main energy storage during normal use. Thereby, the shopping cart will always function even in the case where the main energy storage has no power, and the shopping cart has lost some of its functions. The retainer can be controlled via the NFC module, hence no internal power is needed for this wireless communication. In an aspect, the electronic deposit lock may further comprise a releasable cassette. The releasable cassette may comprise the local energy storage. The releasable cassette may optionally comprise the controller and / or the retainer, and / or the connecting part.

[0056] The cassette may be configured for being inserted into the lock body.

[0057] One advantage of the cassette being releasable, may be achieving quick and easy removal of the cassette to charge or replace the local energy storage, service the cassette, and / or replace / repair worn out components.

[0058] The local energy storage may be one or more batteries arranged inside the cassette. The batteries may rechargeable, e.g. Li-ion batteries.

[0059] The batteries may advantageously be releasably attached to the cassette to enable quick and easy battery replacement once the cassette is released from the lock body.

[0060] The controller may advantageously be comprised in the cassette to enable easy repair or replacement of parts related to the wireless communication module and / or the RFID module.

[0061] The connecting part may advantageously be arranged in a fixed position that is level with a retainer on the electronic deposit lock of a neighbouring shopping cart, to enable quick and easy coupling of two neighbouring shopping carts without having to manually level and insert the connecting part into a neighbouring retainer. Consequently, the shopping carts may be automatically coupled when arranging the shopping cart in a shopping cart array.

[0062] The connecting part and the retainer may be subject to a substantial amount of mechanical wear and tear.

[0063] The connecting part and / or the retainer may advantageously be comprised in the cassette to enable repair and / or replacement when worn-out. Thus, potentially minimising waste due to repairable malfunctions. In embodiments where the connecting part is comprised in the cassette, the cassette may comprise adjustment module for adjusting the placement of the connecting part to ensure that the shopping carts can be automatically coupled when being arranged in a shopping cart array. The adjustment module may ensure that the electronic deposit lock can be mounted onto different types of shopping carts, thereby achieving universal automatic coupling.

[0064] The connecting part may protrude from the cassette. The lock body may advantageously comprise an aperture that is complementary shaped to and configured for receiving the connecting part. The complementary shaped aperture may provide an end stop when inserting the cassette into the lock, as the aperture is shaped to allow only the protruding connecting part through the aperture. The cassette may be correctly inserted into the lock when lock body substantially cover the cassette while the protruding connection part may extend through the aperture.

[0065] The retainer may be arranged at a retainer end, at the opposite end of the cassette from a connecting part end comprising the connecting part.

[0066] The cassette may comprise side walls, a connecting part end, and a retainer end. The retainer end may comprise an end piece with a retainer aperture for enabling the retainer to retain a connecting part from a neighbouring shopping cart. The cassette may protect the electronic components inside the cassette from elements such as moisture, dust, tampering, etc. The cassette may be opened to replace batteries or other electronic components.

[0067] In an aspect of the electronic deposit lock, the releasable cassette may comprise a locking mechanism configured for preventing unauthorized removal of the cassette when arranged in the lock body.

[0068] The cassette may automatically activate the locking mechanism when inserted in the lock body. A key may be used to unlock the locking mechanism and enable authorized removal of the cassette. The key may enable authorized personnel, such as the owner of the location or shopping carts, or employees, to remove the cassette.

[0069] In embodiments where the connecting part is comprised in the cassette, the connecting part may comprise a keyhole for receiving the key to unlock the locking mechanism.

[0070] The terms ‘key’ and ‘keyhole’ are non-limiting and may be used to describe any combination of a tool and a complimentary shaped engagement means, e.g. a male and a female part.

[0071] In an aspect of the electronic deposit lock, the releasable cassette may comprise one or more first electrical connectors configured for being releasably electrically connected to a complementary second electrical connector arranged in the lock body.

[0072] The releasable electrical connection may be achieved by the first electrical connector being a spring-loaded pin, e.g. a pogo pin, and the second electrical connector being a mating receptacle such as a target surface, or vice versa.

[0073] An advantage of utilizing a spring-loaded pin may be achieving a reliable electrical connection which is quick and easy to establish when the cassette is removed and reinserted.

[0074] The first electrical connector may advantageously be arranged on the outside of the cassette and the second electrical connector be arranged on the inside of the lock body By arranging the second electrical connector on an inside face of the lock body in a position that engages the first electrical connector when the cassette is arranged inside the lock body, an electrical connection is established between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector when the cassette is arranged in the lock body. Using a spring-loaded pin as the first or second electrical connector, may ensure that the cassette can be slidingly inserted in the lock body. The spring-loaded pin may further ensure that the electrical connection is established once the cassette is fully slid into the lock body, which causes the spring-loaded pin to be slid into contact with the mating receptacle. The electrical connectors may establish electrical connection between the local energy storage and one or more displays, e.g. one or more displays showing commercials, and / or display showing in-shop special offers and optionally their shop location.

[0075] The displays may be displays such as, but not limited to, OLED, LED, LCD, AMOLED etc. The display may have touch screen functionality.

[0076] In embodiments where the retainer and / or the connecting part are not comprised in the cassette, the electrical connectors may establish electrical connection between the local energy storage and the retainer and / or the connecting part.

[0077] In an aspect of the electronic deposit lock, the retainer may comprise a first and a second retaining part displaceable connected to the lock body by an actuator, and respectively to a first and a second spring,

[0078] The first and the second retaining part is configured for being in:

[0079] - a closed state, wherein the first and second retaining parts are connected to define a cavity for retaining at least a part of the connecting part of another jointing component; and

[0080] - an open state, wherein the first and second retaining parts are separated to undo the cavity and release the connecting part of the jointing component, wherein the controller in the tracking state is configured for activating and deactivating the actuator.

[0081] The actuator upon activation is configured for changing the state from the closed state to the open state.

[0082] A restoration force of the springs, upon the actuator being deactivated, is configured for changing the state from the open state to the closed state.

[0083] The spring may advantageously be an extension spring. The controller activating the actuator may consequently cause the two retaining parts to release the connecting part of the other jointing component such that the shopping cart is unlocked. When the shopping cart is no longer coupled to the jointing component of the neighbouring cart, the controller may deactivate the actuator. Deactivation of the actuator may cause the retaining parts to return to the closed state due to a restoration force applied by the spring, e.g. an extension spring.

[0084] The actuator may be an electromagnetic actuator configured for creating an electromagnetic pull to create a gap between the two retaining parts in the releasing configuration, and thereby make it possible to release retainment and thus remove the connecting part from the retainer.

[0085] The retaining parts may each be configured for rotation about a shared or an individual rotation axis. Activation of the actuator may cause the retaining part to rotate in opposite directions to separate them and thereby undo the cavity and release the connecting part. Activating the actuator may consequently bring the spring to an extended position by applying a force greater than the restoration force. When the actuator is deactivated and no longer applies a force, the restoration force of the spring may cause the two retaining parts to reverse the rotation caused by the activation of the actuator. The restoration force may reverse the rotation until the retaining parts are in the closed state.

[0086] In an aspect of the electronic deposit lock, the wireless communication module may further comprise a GPS module configured for tracking the shopping cart outside the location to prevent theft.

[0087] The controller may initiate communication between the GPS module and GPS satellites, thus initiating tracking of the shopping cart when moved outside the location.

[0088] The location may comprise a parking lot, such that outside the location means outside a specified distance from the location and the adjacent parking area.

[0089] The controller may initiate communication between the GPS module and GPS satellites after a specified grace period, thus giving the customer a chance to return the shopping cart after use. Having the main and secondary energy storage is especially useful in cases where the shopping cart has been moved outside of the location and GPS-tracking has been initiated. The GPS module may require a substantial amount of energy which may drain the main energy storage after a while. If the main energy storage is drained upon retrieving the missing shopping cart, the secondary energy storage may still be used to lock and unlock the shopping cart.

[0090] In the tracking state, the GPS satellites may continuously send signals to the GPS module captured by an antenna comprised in the GPS module. After capturing the signals, the GPS module may transmit the GPS signal data to the tracking system. The tracking system may use the GPS signal data to continuously track the movement of the shopping cart outside the location.

[0091] One advantage of tracking the carts outside the location is that information regarding GPS location of the shopping cart may be used by the owner of the shopping carts to locate missing carts and thereby minimise loss because of stolen shopping carts.

[0092] The electronic deposit lock may be configured for warning the customer that the shopping cart needs to be returned. The warning may be sent to the device used to activate the controller into the tracking state. The warning may be evident from the electronic deposit lock itself, either by a display or using sound. The warning may include information on a penalty if failing to return the shopping cart within a specific time limit.

[0093] In embodiments where the electronic deposit lock comprises a cassette, the GPS module may be arranged in the cassette.

[0094] An object of the invention is achieved by a shopping cart handle comprising an electronic deposit lock according to the invention. Advantageously, the electronic deposit lock may be an integrated part of the handle of a shopping cart.

[0095] Advantageously, in case of failure or malfunction, the electronic deposit lock can be removed and replaced by another electronic deposit lock. Alternatively, the handle part comprising the electronic deposit lock can be replaced. Removing the electronic deposit lock or handle comprising the electronic deposit lock is beneficial in case of failure that results in the need for a new electronic deposit lock or a need for extensive repair.

[0096] An object of the invention is achieved by a tracking system comprising: one or more shopping carts comprising the electronic deposit lock according to any of the preceding claims; at least two RFID readers arranged inside a location; a computer readable medium comprising: a blueprint of said location including positions of the at least two RFID readers; and a computation module comprising means for analysing positioning data of one or more shopping carts inside said location based on data communication between the RFID readers and the RFID module, and between the RFID readers and the scanner, wherein the computation module computes the location and route of the shopping cart and the location of the shopping cart when registering the product.

[0097] The advantages achieved by the tracking system may be substantially similar to the advantages achieved by the electronic deposit lock of the invention.

[0098] The location may comprise more than two RFID readers depending on the size and the layout of the location. The placement of the RFID readers inside the location may enable tracking of a shopping cart regardless of its location inside the location.

[0099] The tracking system may use the position of the least two RFID readers and last known location of the shopping cart to determine the current location of the shopping cart inside the location.

[0100] An object of the invention is achieved by a method of tracking a shopping cart at a location using a tracking system according to the invention.

[0101] The method comprises one or more acts of: - providing a shopping cart comprising the electronic deposit lock according to the invention; changing the electronic deposit lock between: an idle state wherein the retainer retains the connecting part, and a tracking state wherein the connecting part is released from the retainer, and wherein the RFID module is activated and configured for tracking the shopping cart;

[0102] - registering, using the scanner, at least one product comprising a product identifier; communicating between the RFID module and the RFID reader and the scanner; computing the location of the shopping cart based on signals from the RFID reader and / or the RFID module; computing the location of the shopping cart based on signals from the RFID module during the act of registering a product.

[0103] The advantages achieved by the method may be substantially similar to the advantages achieved by the electronic deposit lock and the tracking system of the invention.

[0104] The controller may be configured for changing the state of the electronic deposit lock between the idle state and the tracking state.

[0105] The scanner 40 may communicate via the RFID reader 65.

[0106] The scanner 40 may communicate via the RFID module 61.

[0107] The computation module may be configured for computing the location of the shopping cart based on signals from the RFID reader and / or the RFID module.

[0108] The computation module may be configured for computing the location of the shopping cart based on signals from the RFID module during the act of registering a product.

[0109] In an aspect, the method may further comprise one or more acts of: analysing said location data and transferring the collected location data to the location management; optimizing the layout of the location and updating the blueprint. The location management may use the collected location data to evaluate the layout of the location and thus make changes to optimize the customer experience.

[0110] The computation module may analyse the location data and suggest an optimal layout of the location based on the collected location data describing the customers behaviours.

[0111] The blueprint of the location may be updated to reflect an optimized layout of the location. The updated blueprint may subsequently be used to track shopping carts and further optimize the customer experience.

[0112] In an aspect, the method may further comprise one or more acts of:

[0113] - locking the shopping cart by changing the state of the electronic deposit lock to the idle state wherein the retainer retains an inserted connecting part of a jointing component; and deactivating the RFID module by exiting the location.

[0114] The electronic deposit lock may automatically be locked, and the state of electronic deposit lock changed from the tracking state to the idle state, when a connecting part of another jointing component is inserted into the retainer. An advantage of automatically changing the state of the electronic deposit lock to the idle state is ensuring that the customers do not forget to lock the shopping cart when they are done using it.

[0115] An advantage of deactivating the RFID module when exiting the location is saving energy as the feature of tracking the shopping cart inside the location is no longer possible.

[0116] The act of deactivating the RFID module may be followed by an act of activating a GPS module configured for tracking the location of the shopping cart outside the location.

[0117] Description of the Drawing

[0118] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon:

[0119] Fig. 1 illustrates an electronic deposit lock according to the invention;

[0120] Fig. 2 illustrates a blueprint of a location; Fig. 3 illustrates an array of shopping carts comprising an electronic deposit lock;

[0121] Fig. 4 illustrates a computer readable medium;

[0122] Fig. 5 illustrates a method of tracking a shopping cart inside a location;

[0123] Fig. 6 illustrates an electronic deposit lock comprising a releasable cassette according to the invention;

[0124] Fig. 7 illustrates two coupled electronic deposit locks each comprising a releasable cassette;

[0125] Fig. 6 illustrates an electronic deposit lock comprising a releasable cassette according to the invention; Fig. 8 illustrates an electronic deposit lock and a releasable cassette;

[0126] Fig. 9 illustrates an electronic deposit lock and a releasable cassette;

[0127] Fig. 10 illustrates a releasable cassette;

[0128] Fig. 11 illustrates part of a jointing component. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0129]

[0130] Figure 1 illustrated an aspect of the electronic deposit lock 1 for a shopping cart 2. The electronic deposit lock 1 comprises a lock body 10 and a shopping cart mount 20. The shopping cart mount is configured for mounting the electronic deposit lock 1 onto the shopping cart 2.

[0131] The electronic deposit lock 1 comprises a jointing component 30 comprising a retainer 31 and at least one complementary shaped connecting part 32.

[0132] Figure la illustrates the electronic deposit lock 1 wherein the retainer 31 does not retain a connecting part 32n of a neighbouring shopping cart 2.

[0133] Figure lb illustrates the electronic deposit lock 1 wherein the connecting part 32n from a neighbouring shopping cart 2 is inserted into and is retained by the retainer 31. The retainer is in the locked position.

[0134] The electronic deposit lock 1 comprises a scanner 40 configured for reading a product identifier. In the illustrated embodiment, the scanner 40 is a RFID scanner 41 configured for reading a RFID tag as the product identifier.

[0135] The electronic deposit lock 1 comprises a controller 50 comprising a wireless communication module 60 configured for communication with devices 4. The wireless communication module 61 is arranged near the top surface of the lock body 10.

[0136] The wireless communication module 60 comprises a RFID module 61 comprising an individual identification number and an antenna configured for communicating with at least two RFID readers 65 of a tracking system 80.

[0137] In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication module 50 further comprises a GPS module 62 configured for tracking the shopping cart 2 outside the location 5 to prevent theft. The GPS module may comprise an antenna and a GPS chip.

[0138] The electronic deposit lock 1 is connected to a local energy storage 70 (not illustrated). The local energy storage 70 may be arranged inside the handle of the shopping cart, inside another structural member, or inside the lock body 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the shopping cart mount 20 comprises an aperture configured for receiving a handle 3 or another structural part of a shopping cart 2.

[0139] The shopping cart mount 20 further comprises a stopper configured for limiting movement of the electronic deposit lock 1 relative to the handle 3. As illustrated, the stopper is arranged in the bottom of the aperture.

[0140] The shopping cart mount 2 comprises a static part fixed to the lock body 10 and a closing part releasably attached to the shopping cart 2 handle 3. The closing part may be configured for allowing the deposit lock 1 to be easily retrofitted onto a shopping cart 2. The closing part may be attached to the shopping cart mount 20 using fastening means such as screws, bolts, magnets or quarter turn locks. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means are two screws arranged on opposite sides of the aperture.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic deposit lock 1 further comprises a drainage aperture configured for preventing accumulation of liquid in the retainer 31. The drainage aperture may be arranged in the bottom of the lock body 10.

[0142] Figure 2 illustrates the blueprint of a location 5, wherein the location 5 is a store.

[0143] The location 5 comprises three RFID readers 65. The amount of RFID readers 65 may depend on the size and the layout of the location 5, for instance, a large store may require more than two RFID readers 65 to accurately track the movement of the shopping cart 2. The placement of the RFID readers 65 inside the location enables tracking of the shopping cart 2 regardless of its location inside the location 5.

[0144] The tracking system 80 may use the position of the least two RFID readers 65 and last known location of the shopping cart 2 to determine the current location of the shopping cart 2 inside the location 5.

[0145] As illustrated, the array of shopping carts 2 all comprise deposit locks 1 with controllers 50 in the idle state 51. In the idle state, the electronic components may be in hibernation mode decreasing the energy consumption when tracking is not needed. In the idle state, communication between the controller 50 and a device 4 are enabled such that communication between the controller 50 and the device 4 can change the state from the idle state 51 to the tracking state 52.

[0146] In the tracking state 52, the electronic components are activated and may upon request from a device 4 in communication with the controller 50: release the connecting part 32n from the retainer 31 ;

[0147] - initiate communication between the RFID module 31 and the RFID readers 35; and initiate communication with the scanner 40.

[0148] The controller 50 may control the retainer 31 between a locked position (see fig. lb) and an unlocked position (see fig. la).

[0149] In the locked position, the connecting part 32n of a neighbouring shopping cart 2 may be retained by the retainer 31, thereby coupling two neighbouring shopping carts together or coupling the shopping cart 2 in an array as seen on figures 2 and 3.

[0150] In the unlocked position, the connecting part 32n of a neighbouring shopping cart 2 may either not be inserted or be released from the retainer 31. In the unlocked position, the shopping cart 2 is uncoupled and can be moved around with no physical limitations inside a location 5. Figure 2 illustrates a number of shopping carts 2 moving inside the location 5.

[0151] The controller 50 may initiate communication between the RFID module 31 and the RFID readers 35, thus initiating tracking of the shopping cart 2.

[0152] In the tracking state, the RFID readers 65 continuously send radio signals to the RFID module 31 of each shopping carts 2 in the tracking state 52 and receive radio signals from each RFID module 61. The RFID readers 65 comprise an antenna (not shown) for capturing the radio signals sent from the RFID module 61. After capturing the radio signals, the RFID readers 65 transmit the signal data to the tracking system 80. The tracking system then uses the radio signal data to continuously track the movement of the shopping cart 2 inside the location 5.

[0153] The controller 50 may initiate communication between the RFID module 61 and the scanner 40, thus initiating tracking the location of the shopping cart 2 when registering a product identifier.

[0154] In the tracking state 52, the RFID module 61 receives information from the scanner 40 continuously, periodically, or during the act of registering a product identifier.

[0155] The tracking system 80 further uses the scanning information in combination with the radio signal data to track the behaviour of the shopping cart 2 and the user of the shopping cart 2 inside the location 5. The scanning information may be used to detect the location of the shopping cart 2 inside the location 5 when a product identifier is registered. The scanning information is further to be used to detect how far away from the place of storing the product, at the location 5, the product identifier is scanned.

[0156] Figure 3 illustrates an array of shopping carts 2 each comprising an electronic deposit lock 1.

[0157] When a shopping cart 2 is not in use, it may be arranged in a cart array as seen in figures 2 (bottom) and 3. When arranged in an array, each retainer 31 has received and is retaining a connecting part 32n from the shopping cart 2 arranged in front. The retainer 31 of the first shopping cart 2 in the array may retain a fixed connecting part attached to a wall or a structure of a cart shed. The fixed retainer may prevent that an entire array of carts can easily be stolen. The connecting part 32 of the last shopping cart in the array may be unretained by a retainer 31.

[0158] The device 4 may be a customer device or an owner device.

[0159] The customer device 4 may be unable to connect to a wireless communication module 50 if the connecting part is retained in a neighbouring shopping cart 2 or is arranged in a middle part of the shopping cart 2 array. The owner device 4 may be able to connect to any wireless communication module 50 regardless of the connecting part 32 being retained in a neighbouring shopping cart 2 or is or is not the last shopping cart 2 in an array. The owner device 4 may be used to move entire arrays of shopping carts 2 at once.

[0160] The wireless communication module 60 may change from the idle state 51 to the tracking state 52 using an NFC module. The NFC module may further release the retainer 31 from the locked to the unlocked position. The device 4 is configured for communicating with the communication module 60 when the device 4 is arranged between 0-20 cm from the electronic deposit lock 1. Preferably, the maximum distance allowing communication between the device 4 and the electronic deposit lock 1 is 10 cm.

[0161] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a tracking system 80.

[0162] The tracking system 80 as illustrated comprises a plurality of shopping carts 2 each comprising the electronic deposit lock 1 according to the invention, and two RFID readers 65 arranged inside the location 5.

[0163] The tracking system 8 comprises a computer readable medium 90 comprising a blueprint of the location 5 including positions of the two RFID readers 65.

[0164] The computer readable medium 90 comprises a computation module 91 comprising means for analysing positioning data of each of the shopping carts 2 inside the location 5 based on data communication between the RFID readers 65 and the RFID module 61, and between the RFID module 61 and the scanner 40. The computation module 91 computes the location and route of the shopping cart 2 and the location of the shopping cart 2 when registering the product using the scanner 40.

[0165] Figure 5 describes a method 100 of tracking a shopping cart 2 using the tracking system 80 according to the invention.

[0166] The method 100 comprises an act of providing 200 a shopping cart 2 comprising the electronic deposit lock 1 according to the invention. The method 100 comprises an act of changing 300 the electronic deposit lock 1 between an idle state 51, wherein the retainer 31 retains the connecting part 32n, and a tracking state 52, wherein the connecting part 32n is released from the retainer 3, and wherein the RFID module 61 is activated 400 and configured for tracking the shopping cart 2.

[0167] The controller 50 may be configured for changing 300 the state of the controller between the idle state 51 and the tracking state 52.

[0168] The method 100 comprises an act of registering 500, using the scanner 40, a product comprising a product identifier.

[0169] The method 100 comprises an act of communicating 600 between the RFID module 61 and the RFID reader 65 and the scanner 40.

[0170] The method 100 comprises an act of computing 700 the location of the shopping cart 2 based on signals from the RFID reader 65 and the RFID module 61.

[0171] The method 100 comprises an act of computing 750 the location of the shopping cart 2 based on signals from the RFID module 61 during the act of registering 500 a product.

[0172] The method 100 further comprises an act of analysing 800 said location data and transferring 850 the collected location data to the location 5 management.

[0173] The method 100 further comprises an act of optimizing (900) the layout of the location (5) and updating the blueprint.

[0174] The method 100 further comprises an act of locking 350 the shopping cart 2 by changing 300 the state of the electronic deposit lock 1 to the idle state 35, wherein the retainer 31 retains an inserted connecting part 32n of another jointing component 30n.

[0175] The method 100 further comprises an act of deactivating 450 the RFID module 50 by exiting the location 5. Figures 6 to 11 illustrate an aspect of the electronic deposit lock 1 comprising a releasable cassette 75, for a shopping cart 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the electronic deposit lock 1 is comprised in a handle 3 for a shopping cart 2. However, in other embodiments not shown, the electronic deposit lock may be mounted onto a handle 3 of a shopping cart 2.

[0176] The electronic deposit lock 1 is illustrated with visible internal components in figures 6 and 7. The shopping cart mount 20 for mounting the electronic deposit lock 1 onto the shopping cart 2 is best seen in these figures. The illustrated shopping cart mount 20 make it possible to amount the electronic deposit lock 1 to a variety of different shopping carts 2.

[0177] The releasable cassette 75 comprises the local energy storage 75, see figures 6, 7, and 10, four batteries arranged inside the cassette. The batteries may rechargeable, e.g. Li- ion batteries. The batteries are releasably attached to the cassette 75 to enable quick and easy battery replacement once the cassette 75 is released from the lock body 10.

[0178] The releasable cassette 75 comprises the jointing component 30 with the retainer 31 and the connecting part 32. The retainer 31 and the connecting part 32 are arranged at opposite ends of the cassette 75.

[0179] Although not illustrated, the cassette 75 comprises the controller 50, with the wireless communication module 60, the RFID module 61, the GPS module 62. The electronic components are arranged in the cassette 75 such that they are arranged near the top surface of the lock body 10 when the cassette 75 is inserted in the lock body 10.

[0180] Figures 6 to 9 all illustrate the electronic deposit locks 1 wherein the cassette 75 is arranged in the lock body 10. Figures 8 and 9 further illustrates a cassette 75 being inserted into the lock body 10 and the final arrangement inside the lock body 10. As illustrated, the lock body 10 further comprises a battery indicator for indicating the remaining power in the local energy storage 70 when the cassette 75 is inserted into the lock body 10. The electronic deposit lock 1 further comprises a mount for a device 4 such as a mobile phone. The connecting part 32 is arranged in a fixed position that is level with a retainer 31 on the electronic deposit lock 1 of a neighbouring shopping cart 2, to enable automatic coupling when arranging the shopping cart 2 in a shopping cart array.

[0181] The cassette further comprises an adjustment module 78 for adjusting the placement of the connecting part 32 to ensure that the shopping carts 2 can be automatically coupled when being arranged in a shopping cart array.

[0182] The connecting part 32 protrudes from an aperture in the lock body 10 when the cassette 75 is arranged in the lock body 10. The complementary shaped aperture may provide an end stop when inserting the cassette 75 into the lock body 10, as the aperture is shaped to allow only the protruding connecting part 32 through the aperture. When the cassette 75 is correctly inserted into the lock body 10, the lock body substantially cover the cassette 75 while the protruding connection part 32 extends through the aperture.

[0183] The retainer may be arranged at the opposite end of the cassette form the aperture.

[0184] The cassette 75 as illustrated, comprises four side walls, a connecting part end, and a retainer end. The retainer end comprises an end piece 79 with a retainer aperture for enabling the retainer 31 to retain a connecting part 32n from a neighbouring shopping cart 2. The cassette 75 protect the electronic components inside the cassette 75 from elements such as moisture, dust, tampering, etc., and can be opened to replace batteries or other electronic components.

[0185] The cassette 75 further comprises a locking mechanism 76 for preventing unauthorized removal of the cassette 75 when arranged in the lock body 10.

[0186] The cassette 75 automatically activate the locking mechanism 76 when inserted in the lock body 10.

[0187] A key may be used to unlock the locking mechanism 76 and enable authorized removal of the cassette 75. The connecting part 31 may comprise a keyhole 76a for receiving the key to unlock the locking mechanism 76. The releasable cassette 75 comprises first electrical connectors 77 configured for being releasably electrical connected to a complementary electrical connector 11 arranged in the lock body 10. In the illustrated embodiments, the first electrical connector 77 is a mating receptacle and the second electrical connector 11 is a spring-loaded pin.

[0188] The first electrical connector 77 may advantageously be arranged on the outside of the cassette 75 and the second electrical connector 11 be arranged on a face on the inside of the lock body 10. The first connector 77 is arranged on a side face of the cassette 75 in figures 6, 8, and 10, with the second connector 11 arranged on a complementary face inside the lock body 10. The second electrical connector 11 is arranged inside the lock body 10 to establish electrical connection with the first electrical connector 77 when the cassette 75, and thus the first connector 77, is slidingly inserted into the lock body 10 wherein the first connector 77 is slid into contact with the second connector 11.

[0189] The electrical connectors 77,11 is configured for establishing electrical connection between the local energy storage 70 and one or more displays 25, e.g. one or more displays 25 showing commercials, and / or display 25 showing in-shop special offers and optionally their shop location. In the illustrated embodiments, four displays 25 are arranged in connection with the electronic deposit lock 1. One display 25 is displaying in-shop special offers and where they are located, and three displays 25 are configured for displaying commercials or advertisements, such as advertisements for specific products, the store, etc.

[0190] The displays 25 in the illustrated embodiments are OLED-displays.

[0191] Figures 10 and 11 illustrates the retainer 31 being arranged in the cassette 75. As illustrated, the retainer 31 further comprises a first and a second retaining part 3 la, 3 lb displaceable connected to the lock body 10 by an actuator 33 and respectively by a first and a second spring 34a, 34b.

[0192] The first retaining part 31a is connected to a first spring 34a, and the second retaining part 3 lb is connected to a second spring 34b. The first and the second retaining part 3 la, 3 lb is configured for being in a closed state and an open state.

[0193] In the closed state, see figures 11 A, 1 IB, and 1 ID, the first and second retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb are connected to define a cavity for retaining at least a part of the connecting part 32n of another jointing component 30

[0194] In the open state, see figure 11C, the first and second retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb are separated to undo the cavity and release the connecting part 32n of the jointing component 30.

[0195] When the controller in the tracking state 52 as illustrated in figure 11C, it can activate and deactivate the actuator 33.

[0196] When the actuator 33 is activated, it can change the state from the closed state to the open state,

[0197] When the actuator 33 is deactivated, the restoration force of the springs 34a, 34b changes the state from the open state to the closed state.

[0198] When the controller 50 is in the tracking state 52, it may activate or deactivate the actuator 33.

[0199] The illustrated actuator 33 is an electromagnetic actuator configured for creating an electromagnetic pull to create a gap between the two retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb and thereby make it possible to release retainment and thus remove the connecting part 32n from the retainer 31.

[0200] The retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb are configured for rotation about an individual rotation axis.

[0201] The springs 34a, 34b illustrated in figures 10 and 11 are extension springs. When the controller 50 activates the actuator 33, the two retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb releases the connecting part 32n of the other jointing component 30 such that the shopping cart 2 is unlocked.

[0202] Activation of the actuator 33 causes the retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb to rotate in opposite directions to separate them and thereby undo the cavity and release the connecting part. This causes the first and second retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb to change from the closed state to the open state.

[0203] When the shopping cart 2 is no longer coupled to the jointing component 30 of the neighbouring cart 2, the controller 50 may deactivate the actuator 33. Deactivation of the actuator 33 causes the first and second retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb to return to the closed state due to a restoration force applied by the extension spring.

[0204] Deactivation of the actuator 33 causes the restoration force of the spring 34a, 34b to reverse the rotation of the two retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb caused by the activation of the actuator 33. The restoration force may reverse the rotation until the first and second retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb is in the closed state.

[0205] Figure 11 A-B illustrates coupling of two shopping carts 2, the retainer 31 retaining the neighbouring connection part 32n, releasing the connecting part 32n, and awaiting coupling.

[0206] Figure 11A illustrates the coupling where the shopping cart 2 is moved such that the retainer 31 engages the connecting part 32n of a neighbouring shopping cart 2.

[0207] In figure 1 IB, the two shopping carts 2 are coupled, and the controller changes from the tracking state 52 to the idle state 51.

[0208] In figure 11C, a device 4 is in communication with the controller 50 and the controller changed from the idle state 51 to the tracking state 52. The device request that the neighbouring connecting part 32n is released from the retainer 31. Consequently, the actuator 33 is pulling in the retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb which causes the retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb to rotate in opposite directions to provide a gap between the two retaining parts 3 la, 3 lb. This gap makes it possible to release retainment and remove the connecting part 32n from the retainer 31.

[0209] In figure 1 ID, the connecting part 32n is released from the retainer 31 and the shopping cart 2 is ready to use.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electronic deposit lock (1) for a shopping cart (2), wherein the electronic deposit lock (1) comprises: a lock body (10); a shopping cart mount (20) configured for mounting the electronic deposit lock (1) onto the shopping cart (2); a jointing component (30) comprising a retainer (31) and at least one complementary shaped connecting part (32), wherein the retainer (31) is configured for receiving a connecting part (32n) of another jointing component (30); a scanner (40) configured for reading a product identifier; a controller (50) comprising: a wireless communication module (60) configured for communication with devices (4), the wireless communication module (60) comprises a RFID module (61) comprising an individual identification number and an antenna configured for communicating with at least two RFID readers (65) of a tracking system (80); wherein the controller (50) is configured for being in an idle state (51) and a tracking state (52), wherein the controller in the tracking state (52) is configured for:- releasing the connecting part (32n) from the retainer (31);- initiating communication between the RFID module (61) and the RFID readers (65); and- initiating communication with the scanner (40), wherein the electronic deposit lock (1) is connected to a local energy storage (70).

2. The electronic deposit lock (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module (60) is arranged near a top surface of the lock body (10).

3. The electronic deposit lock (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the scanner (40) is an RFID scanner (41).

4. The electronic deposit lock (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the local energy storage (70) is a battery arranged inside a shopping cart (2) handle (3).

5. The electronic deposit lock (1) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the lock body (10) comprises a releasable cassette (75) comprising the local energy storage (70) and optionally, the controller (50) and / or retainer (31) and / or the connecting part (32).

6. The electronic deposit lock (1) according to claim 5, wherein the cassette (75) comprises a locking mechanism (76) configured for preventing unauthorized removal of the cassette (75) when arranged in the lock body (10).

7. The electronic deposit lock (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the releasable cassette (75) comprises one or more first electrical connectors (77) configured for being releasably electrical connected to a complementary second electrical connector (11) arranged in the lock body (10).

8. The electronic deposit lock (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer (31) comprises a first and a second retaining part (3 la, 3 lb) displaceable connected to the lock body (10) by an actuator (33) and respectively by a first and a second spring (34a, 34b), wherein the first and the second retaining part (3 la, 3 lb) is configured for being in:- a closed state, wherein the first and second retaining parts (3 la, 3 lb) are connected to define a cavity for retaining at least a part of the connecting part (32n) of another jointing component (30); and- an open state, wherein the first and second retaining parts (3 la, 3 lb) are separated to undo the cavity and release the connecting part (32n) of the jointing component (30), wherein the controller in the tracking state (52) is configured for activating and deactivating the actuator (33), wherein the actuator (33) upon activation is configured for changing the state from the closed state to the open state, wherein a restoration force of the springs (34a, 34b) upon the actuator (33) being deactivated, is configured for changing the state from the open state to the closed state.

9. The electronic deposit lock (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication module (60) further comprises a GPS module (62) configured for tracking the shopping cart (2) outside the location (5) to prevent theft.

10. A shopping cart handle (3) comprising an electronic deposit lock (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

11. A tracking system (80) comprising: one or more shopping carts (2) comprising the electronic deposit lock (1) according to any of the preceding claims; at least two RFID readers (65) arranged inside a location (5); a computer readable medium (90) comprising: a blueprint of said location (5) including positions of the at least two RFID readers (65); and a computation module (91) comprising means for analysing positioning data of one or more shopping carts (2) inside said location (5) based on data communication between the RFID readers (62) and the RFID module (61), and between the RFID readers (62) and the scanner (40), wherein the computation module (91) computes the location and route of the shopping cart (2) and the location of the shopping cart (2) when registering the product.

12. A method (100) of tracking a shopping cart (2) at a location (5) using a tracking system (80) according to claim 11, wherein the method (100) comprises one or more acts of:- providing (200) a shopping cart (2) comprising the electronic deposit lock (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10; changing (300) the electronic deposit lock (1) between: an idle state (51) wherein the retainer (31) retains the connecting part (32n), and a tracking state (52) wherein the connecting part (32n) is released from the retainer (3), and wherein the RFID module (61) is activated (400) and configured for tracking the shopping cart (2);- registering (500) using the scanner (40) at least one product comprising a product identifier; communicating (600) between the RFID module (61) and the RFID reader (65) and the scanner (40);computing (700) the location of the shopping cart (2) based on signals from the RFID reader (65) and / or the RFID module (61); computing (750) the location of the shopping cart (2) based on signals from the RFID module (61) during the act of registering (500) a product.

13. The method (100) according to claim 12, further comprises one or more acts of: analysing (800) said location data and transferring (850) the collected location data to the location (5) management; optimizing (900) the layout of the location (5) and updating the blueprint.

14. The method (100) according to claim 12 or 114, further comprises one or more acts of:- locking (350) the shopping cart (2) by changing (300) the state of the electronic deposit lock (1) to the idle state (35), wherein the retainer (31) retains an inserted connecting part (32n) of another jointing component (30n); deactivating (450) the RFID module (50) by exiting the location (5).

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