Shopping cart with optical identification of items to be purchased

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shopping cart comprising a movable base, a basket, two or more cameras, one or more barcode scanners, two or more load cells and / or two or more weight sensors and a processing module; wherein the shopping cart comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and wherein the two or more cameras are positioned and / or configured to define a field of view that is substantially above the basket of the shopping cart and / or wherein the load cells, weight sensors, or a combination thereof are positioned in the vicinity of the movable base. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a product to be purchased in a shopping cart substantially by means of two or more cameras and a method for identifying an item to be purchased in a shopping cart substantially by means of one or more barcode scanners.

Description

[0001] SHOPPING CART WITH OPTICAL IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS TO BE PURCHASED

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a shopping cart adapted to support commercial, inventory- related and administrative purposes, such as identifying items to be purchased. The invention also relates to a method for identifying an item to be purchased.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Material handling facilities, such as warehouses or retail stores, often provide shopping carts to users to provide a convenient tool for users to transport items to be purchased throughout the material handling facility. For example, when a user identifies an item that he or she wishes to purchase, the user can remove the item from a shelf or other location, and then place it in a basket of a shopping cart. The user can then easily continue searching for additional items to be purchased throughout the facility. Traditionally, when the user has finished identifying and retrieving the desired items to be purchased, the user can transport the items to be purchased in the shopping cart to a payment location within the material handling facility, such as a distribution station, a checkout counter, or a self-checkout counter, so that the goods can be paid for.

[0006] A disadvantage is that extra time is needed to re-identify all the items to be purchased at the payment location, remove them from the shopping cart, and then reload them, whether in bins, boxes, or bags. Another disadvantage is that these extra actions cause lines of users, possibly because there are not enough payment locations present and / or available.

[0007] US 10953906 Bl describes a mobile shopping cart that can be operated by a user, wherein an identifying system is linked to the shopping cart for identifying items to be purchased placed in a basket of the shopping cart. Moreover, the shopping cart can update a virtual list of purchases of the identified user, in which items taken by the user to be purchased are included. The mobile shopping cart can comprise multiple imaging devices, oriented such that their respective optical axes are directed towards the interior of the basket and above the top surface of the basket. This shopping cart has the disadvantage that if the item to be purchased is not recognized by an imaging device, there is no identification of the item to be purchased. Optionally, weight sensors are used to support the imaging devices.

[0008] US11464348 B2 describes a shopping cart that can be used by a user in a material handling facility to automatically identify an item to be purchased that the user places in their shopping cart, and update a virtual list of purchases to include items to be purchased that the user has taken. The mobile shopping cart comprises four imaging devices located near each of the four corners of a basket of the shopping cart, and oriented so that their respective optical axes are directed towards the interior of the basket and above the top surface of the basket. The shopping cart is further equipped with LEDs that illuminate the items to be purchased. A disadvantage of this setup is that a strong light source is needed to identify the items to be purchased. Moreover, the LEDs have high energy consumption. This shopping cart further has the disadvantage that if the item to be purchased is not recognized by the imaging device, there can be no correct identification of the items to be purchased. The potential benefits of such a shopping cart are thus negated, as all items to be purchased may need to be re-scanned at a payment location. Optionally, weight sensors are used to support the imaging devices.

[0009] The present invention aims to at least find a solution to some of the above-mentioned problems or disadvantages.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a shopping cart according to claim 1.

[0012] The shopping cart according to the invention is very advantageous as it comprises a basket to which two or more cameras are attached for obtaining image data, wherein during the placement and / or removal of an item to be purchased in and / or out of the shopping cart, identification of the item to be purchased occurs. These cameras are directed above the top surface of the basket, ensuring sufficient light is present for quality imaging, and consequently, there is no need for additional lighting of the items to be purchased in the basket. However, providing additional lighting remains possible. The basket further comprises at least one barcode scanner for identifying a barcode, which can optionally complement the identification of a purchasable item by the cameras. The barcode scanner can be used as an alternative identification method for an item to be purchased that is difficult to identify. Furthermore, the barcode scanner can be used for identifying a user by scanning a user identifier, such as a customer card. Additionally, the shopping cart comprises two or more load cells and / or weight sensors as a check on the identification and / or quantity of the items to be purchased. The shopping cart according to the present invention also allows the items to be purchased to be paid for directly by the user without the intervention of an external payment location. However, it remains possible to pay for the items to be purchased at a checkout counter and / or self-checkout.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the shopping cart are shown in claims 2 to 12.

[0014] In a second and a third aspect, the present invention relates to methods according to respective claims 13 or 14. A preferred embodiment is shown in claim 15.

[0015] The methods according to claims 14 or 15 have the advantage, among other things, of enabling more efficient checkout at the payment location, resulting in significant time savings in both the trading of the items to be purchased and the waiting time before payment at the payment location. This is because the user identifies themselves at the initial use of the shopping cart, during which a virtual list of purchases is initiated, and the list of purchases can be directly used for paying for the items to be purchased. In the method according to claim 13, the identification of an item to be purchased is carried out entirely by the cameras, possibly in combination with the data obtained from the load cells and / or weight sensors. This makes the payment process efficient and time-saving. In the method according to claim 14, the identification of an item to be purchased is performed by the cameras and a barcode scanner, possibly in combination with the data obtained from load cells and / or weight sensors. The use of cameras in combination with a barcode scanner can contribute to building up image data of the items to be purchased in a product database.

[0016] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Figure la shows a shopping cart according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure IB shows a view of the handle towards the basket, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the field of view of a camera positioned at a corner formed by the top surface, the front side, and a longitudinal side, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explained explicitly.

[0021] In this document, "a" and "the" refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context presupposes otherwise. For example, "a segment" means one or more segments.

[0022] The terms "comprise," "comprising," "consist of," "consisting of," "provided with," "include," "including," "contain," "containing," are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, characteristics, elements, members, steps, as known from or disclosed in the prior art.

[0023] Quoting numeric intervals by the endpoints includes all integers, fractions, and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including those endpoints.

[0024] A "material handling facility" should be interpreted in the context of the present invention as including, but not limited to, a store, a wholesale facility, a warehouse, or a distribution center. Material handling facilities according to the invention may also comprise a cross-docking facility, an order processing facility, a packaging facility, a shipping facility, a rental facility, a library, a museum, or another facility, or combinations thereof.

[0025] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a shopping cart comprising a movable base, a basket, two or more cameras, a barcode scanner, two or more load cells and / or weight sensors, and a processing module. The movable base is configured for moving the shopping cart through a store. The two or more cameras are attached to the basket and function to obtain image data of an item to be purchased. The one or more barcode scanners are attached to the basket, the movable base, or combinations thereof and are configured for identifying a barcode provided on the item to be purchased. The two or more load cells, weight sensors, or a combination thereof are configured for detecting a weight and / or weight difference in and / or of the basket. The load cells, weight sensors, or a combination thereof are attached to the basket, the movable base, or a combination thereof. The processing module is electronically connected with the cameras, the barcode scanners, the load cells and / or weight sensors, or combinations thereof. The cameras are positioned and / or configured to define a field of view that is at least partially, preferably substantially, above the basket of the shopping cart and / or wherein the load cells, weight sensors, or a combination thereof are positioned in the vicinity of the movable base.

[0026] The shopping cart according to the present invention has the advantage that the two or more cameras are capable of obtaining image data, wherein during the placement and / or removal of an item to be purchased in and / or out of the shopping cart, identification of the item to be purchased occurs. These cameras are directed above the top surface of the basket, ensuring sufficient light is present for quality imaging, and consequently, there is no need for additional lighting of the items to be purchased in the basket. The basket further comprises at least one barcode scanner for identifying a barcode, which can optionally complement the identification of a purchasable item by the cameras. The barcode scanner can be used as an alternative identification method for an item to be purchased that is difficult to identify. Furthermore, the barcode scanner can be used for identifying a user by scanning a user identifier, such as a customer card. Additionally, the shopping cart comprises two or more load cells and / or weight sensors as a check on the identification and / or quantity of the items to be purchased. The shopping cart according to the present invention also allows the items to be purchased to be paid for directly by the user without the intervention of an external payment location. For example, payment can take place via a payment app on the user's phone, or via the shopping cart itself. However, it remains possible for the items to be purchased to be paid for at a checkout counter and / or self-checkout.

[0027] A particular advantage of the shopping cart according to the present invention concerns theft prevention. By combining two or more cameras, one or more barcode scanners, and two or more load cells and / or weight sensors, items can be added to and / or removed from the shopping cart, wherein the various sensors provide a check on each other. More specifically, an item to be purchased can, for example, be scanned by a barcode scanner, wherein the interplay of the cameras and the load cells and / or weight sensors checks whether the identity and / or quantity of the product effectively matches the scanned barcode. Similarly, this combination of sensors can verify whether the added and / or removed item is an item to be purchased or a personal item of the user.

[0028] The shopping cart according to the present invention thus allows for fast, efficient, and / or energy-efficient identification of items to be purchased.

[0029] The phrase "substantially above the basket" generally indicates that the field of view of the two or more cameras is directed at least halfway above the basket. According to some embodiments, the field of view is directed at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% above the basket. More preferably, the field of view is directed at least 95% above the basket, even more preferably at least 99%, and most preferably 100%.

[0030] In some embodiments, the basket comprises a volume enclosed by 4 corners in a top surface of the volume and 4 corners in a bottom surface of the volume, wherein the top surface comprises an opening. The basket comprises a front side and a rear side extending in a height and transverse direction, two longitudinal sides extending in a height and depth direction, and a bottom side extending in a transverse and depth direction. The front side of the basket is the side closest to a user during use and is usually the side with the longest width compared to the rear side.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the cameras can also be attached to the movable base instead of the basket.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the two or more cameras are positioned, configured, or a combination thereof to define a vertical angle of view relative to at least one edge of the top surface of the basket. Preferably, the vertical angle of view is between 0° and 90°, more preferably between 0° and 85°, even more preferably between 0° and 80°, and most preferably between 0° and 75°. This is advantageous because the cameras are directed according to an angle of view equal to or above the top surface of the basket, there is sufficient lighting on the items to be purchased, for example, as a result of light from the environment, making additional lighting unnecessary. Thus, the energy efficiency of the shopping cart is further increased, allowing for extended usage time. In some embodiments, the vertical angle of view is between 1° and 95°, preferably between 5° and 90°, more preferably between 10° and 85°, even more preferably between 15° and 75°. The "vertical angle of view" of a camera as described herein is preferably defined as the vertical opening angle measured from an upper edge of the basket.

[0033] In some embodiments, the two or more cameras are positioned, configured, or a combination thereof to define a horizontal angle of view, preferably substantially parallel to the top surface of the basket. More preferably, the horizontal angle of view is between 0° and 80°, more preferably between 0° and 85°, even more preferably between 0° and 90°, and most preferably between 0° and 95°. This is advantageous because the cameras are directed at an angle of view in the plane of the basket's top surface, allowing the field of view to cover more than the width of the shopping cart on the side opposite to the side where a camera is mounted, ensuring that all purchasable items moved into and out of the shopping cart are detectable. In some embodiments, the horizontal angle of view is between 1° and 95°, preferably between 5° and 90°, more preferably between 10° and 85°, even more preferably between 15° and 75°. The "horizontal angle of view" of a camera as described herein is preferably defined as the horizontal opening angle located in a plane parallel to the upper edges of the basket.

[0034] In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises at least three cameras, preferably at least four cameras. These cameras are preferably attached to the basket, or alternatively, they can be attached to the movable base. More preferably, the cameras are attached to the basket on at least two different edges of the top surface, more preferably on the four corners of the top surface. Working with multiple cameras is advantageous, wherein the cameras are spread along the edge of the top surface of the basket to create the largest possible coverage of a potentially overlapping field of view.

[0035] In some embodiments, each camera has a field of view where each field of view partially overlaps with the field of view of at least one other camera so that a partially overlapping field of view above the top surface of the basket of all cameras of the shopping cart is at least 50%. Preferably, the percentage of partially overlapping field of view of all cameras of the shopping cart is at least 65%, and more preferably, the percentage of partially overlapping field of view of all cameras of the shopping cart is at least 80%. A greater overlap in the partial field of view is advantageous because recognition of the item to be purchased from one or more databases has a higher success rate. With a greater overlap in the field of view, the separate use of proximity sensors is not necessary, and the analysis for identifying an item to be purchased can proceed faster because fewer intermediate steps in the software are needed.

[0036] In some embodiments, the two or more cameras are preferably fixedly positioned on the basket, with the field of view of the cameras directed towards the center of the basket according to a horizontal angle of view. Because the two or more cameras are fixedly positioned on the basket, the software for image analysis can be calibrated once. However, it is possible that in some embodiments, self-calibrating cameras are used.

[0037] In some embodiments, the basket comprises a primary volume and a secondary volume, wherein the primary and secondary volumes are each at a different distance from the movable base. A particular embodiment concerns the shopping cart, wherein the basket comprises a primary and a secondary volume, and wherein the primary volume is a volume enclosed by 4 corners in a top surface of the volume and 4 corners in a bottom surface of the volume, wherein the top surface includes an opening, and wherein the secondary volume is a volume enclosed by four corners in a bottom surface of the volume, without a physical boundary of a top surface. In some embodiments, the secondary volume is a tray or shelf.

[0038] In a further or alternative embodiment, the basket comprises a primary volume and a secondary volume, wherein the primary volume has the typical basket shape as described herein, and wherein the secondary volume is an additional tray or shelf, and wherein the shopping cart comprises an additional camera positioned under the primary volume and above the secondary volume. This camera is positioned and / or configured to define a field of view that is below the primary volume of the basket of the shopping cart. Thus, this additional camera allows a secondary volume of the basket, such as a tray or shelf positioned under the primary volume, to be monitored. Such a tray or shelf is, for example, suitable for placing larger items to be purchased, such as a carton of milk or a crate of water.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the shopping cart comprises four cameras positioned and / or configured to define a field of view that is at least partially, preferably substantially, above the basket of the shopping cart, and one additional camera positioned and / or configured to define a field of view that is below the basket of the shopping cart. In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart further comprises one or more light modules. The light modules have the advantage of ensuring good imaging, even in poor lighting conditions. In some embodiments, the light modules are positioned in the vicinity of the cameras. The light modules as described herein comprise, in some embodiments: light modules positioned around the cameras, preferably circular light modules positioned around the cameras, light modules positioned adjacent to the cameras, preferably linear light modules positioned adjacent to the cameras, light modules positioned on one or more upper edges of the basket, preferably linear light modules positioned on one or more upper edges of the basket, or combinations thereof. The light modules as described herein allow the field of view of the cameras to be illuminated, enabling better and / or faster imaging. Preferably, said light modules include LED lighting.

[0040] In a further or alternative embodiment, said light modules are configured to produce light with an intensity between 3500 and 9000 lux, preferably between 4000 and 8700 lux, at a distance of 5 centimeters from the light source. In a further or alternative embodiment, said light modules are configured to produce light with an intensity between 1500 and 3500 lux, preferably between 1650 and 3000 lux, at a distance of 10 centimeters from the light source. In a further or alternative embodiment, said light modules are configured to produce light with an intensity between 750 and 2000 lux, preferably between 1000 and 1750 lux, at a distance of 15 centimeters from the light source. In a further or alternative embodiment, said light modules are configured to produce light with an intensity between 500 and 1250 lux, preferably between 650 and 1150 lux, at a distance of 20 centimeters from the light source. In a further or alternative embodiment, said light modules are configured to produce light with an intensity between 250 and 1000 lux, preferably between 450 and 800 lux, at a distance of 25 centimeters from the light source. In a further or alternative embodiment, said light modules are configured to produce light with an intensity between 100 and 500 lux, preferably between 200 and 350 lux, at a distance of 40 centimeters from the light source.

[0041] In a further or alternative embodiment, the light modules have a light intensity between 10 and 60 candela (cd), preferably between 21 and 55 candela (cd).

[0042] In some embodiments, the shopping cart comprises two or more cameras where the cameras use a pixel size of at least 1.0 mm. More preferably, a pixel size of at least 0.9 mm is used. And most preferably, a pixel size of at least 0.8 mm is used. By using cameras with a pixel size equal to or smaller than 1.0 mm, a minimal focal length can be used, which is close to the position of the cameras themselves, while maintaining sufficient focus with a maximum focal length near a length corresponding to a diagonal length in the top surface starting from a position of a camera in the top surface of the basket.

[0043] In some embodiments, the shopping cart comprises two or more cameras where the cameras have a pixel density between 3000 and 13000 pixels per millimeter at a working distance of 30 centimeters. Preferably, the cameras have a pixel density between 3500 and 11000 pixels per millimeter at a working distance of 30 cm. More preferably, the cameras have a pixel density between 4000 and 10500 pixels per millimeter at a working distance of 30 cm. Most preferably, the cameras have a pixel density between 4500 and 10000 pixels per millimeter at a working distance of 30 cm.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cameras are configured for capturing still images. In some embodiments, the cameras are configured for capturing moving images. Preferably, the cameras are configured for capturing moving images when items to be purchased are placed in and / or removed from the shopping cart. Capturing these moving images has the advantage that product identification only occurs when an item to be purchased is manipulated, as opposed to merely capturing images of the contents of the shopping cart's basket. Capturing moving images also allows for the implementation of shrinkage prevention software, which further improves the quality of the imaging. In addition to product identification, capturing moving images further allows a product to be actively tracked within the field of view of the cameras, for example, enabling better detection when multiple products are added to the shopping cart simultaneously.

[0045] In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises at least two barcode scanners attached to the basket, preferably on at least two different edges of the top surface, more preferably on two opposite edges of the top surface. Using at least two barcode scanners is advantageous because it allows a non-identified item to be purchased to be scanned when non-identifiable data is provided by the cameras. A user is also free to choose which barcode scanner to use, depending on their position relative to the shopping cart. The barcode scanners allow a user's identifier to be scanned, enabling the creation of a virtual list of purchases linked to a user. Furthermore, promotions can be scanned to include them in the virtual list of purchases. Another advantage is that scanning a user identifier induces a reset, tares the basket, and / or activates the cameras. Alternatively, the basket can also be automatically tared, i.e., without the intervention of scanning a user identifier.

[0046] Preferably, in some embodiments, the shopping cart comprises two barcode scanners, each on at least two different edges of the top surface, more preferably on two opposite edges of the top surface, and even more preferably on the edges of the front and rear of the basket. By positioning the barcode scanners far apart on the shopping cart, a user can independently scan the item to be purchased, the user identifier, or a combination thereof, regardless of their position relative to the shopping cart.

[0047] In some embodiments, the shopping cart comprises a barcode scanner positioned on the movable base and directed towards the user. This position is advantageous for scanning, for example, a user identifier.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the shopping cart does not comprise barcode scanners. In this case, the functions of the barcode scanners are taken over by the various cameras.

[0049] In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises a communication module for sending, receiving, or a combination thereof, data to and / or from one or more databases. The communication module is electronically connected to the processing module. This embodiment is advantageous because the shopping cart can exchange data about the items to be purchased and user data with external databases via a communication module. Moreover, the data about the items to be purchased and user data can be updated, and the processing module always has recent data available. In the context of the present invention, it is clear that the term "external database" refers to a database located outside the shopping cart.

[0050] The communication module sends and / or receives data to and / or from other modules or one or more databases. The data includes, but is not limited to: image data from the cameras, price data, promotion data, product data, payment data, user data, or a combination of data. The data may also include data linked to a specific store branch, such as the walking order of a shopping list. "Walking order" is understood to mean the order in which a user is advised to move to efficiently collect all the items to be purchased on a shopping list.

[0051] In some embodiments, the communication module sends and / or receives data via one or more communication techniques chosen from the group of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, loT, Ethernet, mobile internet, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, mobile internet includes: 3G, 4G, 5G, or further iterations thereof.

[0052] In one embodiment, the shopping cart comprises a communication module where data can be sent to one or more databases. This is advantageous because image data, product data, or other data can be compared or stored in one or more databases where they can be retrieved later.

[0053] In one embodiment, the shopping cart comprises a communication module where data can be received from one or more databases. This is advantageous because product data, price data, or other data received from one or more databases can be linked with the data obtained via the two or more cameras, the one or more barcode scanners, and the two or more load cells and / or weight sensors or a combination of the aforementioned.

[0054] In a further or alternative embodiment, a shopping cart comprises a data storage module for storing the image data, data obtained after analyzing it, data received from one or more databases, or a combination thereof, wherein the data storage module is electronically connected to the processing module. The storage module has the advantage that there does not need to be constant communication or data exchange between the processing module and the communication module, allowing for faster and / or more efficient data processing.

[0055] In some embodiments, the data storage module allows a virtual list of purchases to be maintained. This list of purchases is an overview of the items to be purchased that are present in the basket of the shopping cart. According to some embodiments, the data storage module allows data from a user to be stored after a user identifier has been scanned.

[0056] The advantage is that by maintaining a virtual list of purchases on the data storage module, the virtual list of purchases can be read directly at a payment location. Furthermore, if communication for data exchange between the various modules is hindered by the infrastructure of a material handling facility, the data storage module can provide a solution. By storing the data linked to a user identifier, retrieved from a database via a communication module, the checkout of the items to be purchased can be more efficient and save time for the user.

[0057] In one embodiment, the shopping cart comprises a data storage module with an embedded multimedia card with storage capacities from 16 GB to 512 GB, more preferably 32 GB to 64 GB. Average data storage capacity is advantageous because no bulky volume and no heavy data storage module are used. Preferably, the data storage module is positioned in the vicinity of the processing module. This is advantageous because a more compact arrangement of electronically connected modules can be obtained, reducing the likelihood of users getting caught on coupling components.

[0058] In some embodiments, the shopping cart may comprise a secondary processing module, communication module, and / or data storage module. These secondary modules may contribute to supporting the various cameras.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the shopping cart comprises a profile attached to the movable base, the profile comprising a handle, wherein the profile is separate from the basket. The separation of the profile from the basket has the advantage that when using weight sensors and / or load cells, measuring the weight of the basket and the items to be purchased in the basket is not affected by the user pulling or pushing the shopping cart.

[0060] In a further or alternative embodiment, the profile is positioned substantially transverse to the movable base, in the height direction. The profile is preferably positioned near the front of the basket. This has the advantage that moving the shopping cart by a user is easier. Furthermore, the profile is preferably made of the same material as the movable base, making it easier to attach the profile to the movable base.

[0061] The handle on the profile comprises a shape selected from the non-exhaustive list of a bar, one or more handles, loop-shaped handles, T-handles, or a combination thereof. The handle is advantageous because it makes the shopping cart easier to steer for a user. The handle is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. This has the advantage that in the event of a power loss to modules, there is no danger to a user when pushing the shopping cart. Moreover, this provides a more pleasant feel for the user, as the handle does not feel cold.

[0062] In a further or alternative embodiment, the handle is attached to the opposite end of the profile relative to the attachment of the profile to the movable base. This is advantageous because it maintains an overview of the contents of the basket.

[0063] In some embodiments, however, it is possible for the profile, or preferably the handle, to be attached to the basket itself.

[0064] In one embodiment, a shopping cart comprises a support attached to a profile. Preferably, the support is positioned near the handle. The use of the support is advantageous because small children or personal objects of a user can be placed on the support, so the user does not have to carry the child or personal objects while selecting the items to be purchased.

[0065] In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises a display screen, wherein the display screen is attached to the profile and electronically connected to the processing module. The use of a display screen is advantageous as it allows a user to keep track of a virtual list of purchases corresponding to the contents of the basket. Preferably, the display screen is positioned near the processing module on the profile of the shopping cart. More preferably, the display screen is positioned near the processing module, a communications module, a data storage module, or a combination of two or more modules listed in the above list. This is advantageous because a more compact arrangement of electronically connected modules can be obtained, reducing the likelihood of users getting caught on coupling components. The display screen can be used for various purposes, such as displaying a notification when an item to be purchased is not or incorrectly identified, when placing or removing an item to be purchased in or out of the shopping cart, or a combination thereof. This is advantageous because the user receives a prompt so that the issue can be resolved through user action. The display screen can also be used to allow a user to log in to the shopping cart without using a physical user identifier. This can occur, for example, by entering a username, customer number, PIN, password, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the user can complete the checkout process via the display screen. For example, a QR code can be displayed on the screen, which initiates a payment when the user scans this QR code with a phone, for instance, in a payment app. In some embodiments, the shopping cart comprises two display screens. A primary display screen is preferably positioned at an end of the shopping cart opposite where the user is located when moving the cart. A secondary display screen is preferably positioned near the user, for example, attached to the profile. The combination of the primary and secondary display screens as described herein allows different types of information to be displayed on specific screens.

[0066] For example, in some embodiments, one of the screens is configured to display a shopping list, a list of purchases, a walking order, data related to a specific store branch, or advertisements, and another of the screens is configured to display feedback to the user, such as a notification about the correct or incorrect addition of an item to be purchased. In some embodiments, both display screens are the same size. In some other embodiments, the screens have different sizes.

[0067] The term "in the vicinity of the movable base" should be interpreted in a further or alternative embodiment as: the load cells, weight sensors, or a combination thereof, are positioned at a distance from the movable base, where this distance is a maximum of 40% of the total height of the shopping cart. More preferably, the distance from the load cells and / or weight sensors to the movable base is a maximum of 30%, and even more preferably a maximum of 20% of the total height of the shopping cart. This is advantageous because it allows for more accurate measurement of the weight in and / or of the basket, as the load cells have better stability and can perform more accurate measurements. Moreover, this positioning of the load cells and / or weight sensors allows for the use of a basket consisting of multiple volumes.

[0068] In some embodiments, the load cells and / or weight sensors are attached to the basket. In some embodiments, the load cells and / or weight sensors are attached to the movable base. In a preferred embodiment, the load cells and / or weight sensors form a connection between the basket and the movable base. In some embodiments, the basket is directly attached to the movable base.

[0069] In some embodiments, the basket comprises a primary volume and a secondary volume, wherein the primary and secondary volumes are each at a different distance from the movable base. A particular embodiment concerns the shopping cart, wherein the basket comprises a primary and a secondary volume, and wherein the primary volume is a volume enclosed by 4 corners in a top surface of the volume and 4 corners in a bottom surface of the volume, wherein the top surface includes an opening, and wherein the secondary volume is a volume enclosed by four corners in a bottom surface of the volume, without a physical boundary of a top surface. In some embodiments, the secondary volume is a tray or shelf.

[0070] In a further or alternative embodiment, the basket comprises a primary volume and a secondary volume, wherein the primary volume has the typical basket shape as described herein, and wherein the secondary volume is an additional tray or shelf, and wherein the load cells and / or weight sensors form a connection between the basket on one hand, preferably the secondary volume of the basket, and the movable base on the other hand. This position of the load cells and / or weight sensors allows for accurate weight measurement of and / or in both the primary and secondary volumes of the basket. In a further or alternative embodiment, the basket comprises a primary volume and a connecting framework, wherein the load cells and / or weight sensors form a connection between the basket on one hand, preferably the connecting framework of the basket, and the movable base on the other hand. This position of the load cells and / or weight sensors allows for accurate weight measurement of the primary and / or secondary volume of the basket. In a further or alternative embodiment, the load cells and / or weight sensors are positioned at a distance from the underside of the movable base, where this distance is a maximum of 40% of the total height of the shopping cart. More preferably, the distance from the load cells and / or weight sensors to the underside of the movable base is a maximum of 30%, and even more preferably a maximum of 20% of the total height of the shopping cart. With increasing preference, the lower the load cells and / or weight sensors are positioned, the more accurate the weight measurement.

[0071] In one embodiment, the shopping cart comprises a maximum of six load cells, preferably a shopping cart comprises a maximum of four load cells, and even more preferably the shopping cart comprises three load cells.

[0072] In some embodiments, the shopping cart comprises three load cells, two of which are positioned opposite each other, substantially under each of the longitudinal sides of the basket near the movable base, and one where a third load cell and / or weight sensor forms a triangle with the first and second load cells and / or weight sensors. In some embodiments, the two load cells and / or weight sensors are positioned on the longitudinal sides near the coupling location of the movable base and the profile. Preferably, the third load cell is positioned in the transverse direction substantially under the rear of the basket. This distribution of the load cells and / or weight sensors has the advantage of more accurate weight measurement.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the shopping cart comprises three load cells, weight sensors, or a combination thereof, where a first and a second load cell and / or weight sensor are positioned in a depth direction, each under a longitudinal side of the basket, and where a third load cell, weight sensor, or a combination thereof is positioned in a transverse direction, under a rear side of the basket.

[0074] In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU). By implementing an IMU, the effect of inertia on the basket and / or its contents can be calculated and / or compensated. The presence of an IMU is advantageous because weight measurements are performed more accurately, preferably where only a weight increase or decrease is measured when the shopping cart is stationary, so the effect of material inertia does not influence the measurement while moving through the material handling facility.

[0075] In the context of the present invention, "inertia" is the resistance to change in the state of motion of one or more items to be purchased in the basket. This means that one or more items to be purchased tend to remain at rest if they are at rest, or to continue moving at a constant speed and in the same direction once they are in motion. As a result of this inertia, when an external force is applied that sets the shopping cart in motion and / or brings it to a stop, a change in weight is detected by the load cells and / or weight sensors. This influence of inertia is present both when changing the acceleration of the shopping cart, during abrupt movements of the shopping cart, and when changing the position of the shopping cart's wheels. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) thus allows for more accurate measurement of a weight change.

[0076] In one embodiment, a load cell comprises one or more strain gauges, which are stretchable and / or contractible with a change in weight in or of the basket, resulting in a change in electrical resistance of a load cell. The maximum capacity of the one or more strain gauges is a total basket weight of up to 150 kg, preferably a total basket weight of up to 145 kg, and more preferably a total basket weight of up to 135 kg. In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises one or more energy storage units, wherein the one or more energy storage units are connected to the processing module. This is advantageous because it allows the shopping cart to function without being directly connected to a power supply network.

[0077] Preferably, the energy storage unit has an energy storage capacity of 10 Ah to 120 Ah, preferably 20 Ah to 60 Ah, and more preferably 35 Ah to 50 Ah. A high energy storage capacity is advantageous so that the shopping cart can function longer without being connected to a power supply network. On the other hand, energy storage units with an energy storage capacity as described herein are advantageous in terms of the size and weight of an energy storage unit, so that the ease of use for steering the shopping cart by a user is maintained.

[0078] In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises one energy storage unit, wherein the energy storage unit is connected to the profile near the movable base and positioned in the transverse direction, substantially under the front of the basket. This is advantageous because there is good weight distribution for the energy storage unit, and because the position on the movable base minimally disrupts the effect of material inertia when measuring the weight of the basket and / or the items to be purchased in the basket while moving the shopping cart.

[0079] In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises one energy storage unit, wherein the energy storage unit is connected to the profile near the handle, preferably, wherein the energy storage unit extends vertically in length under the handle.

[0080] In some embodiments, the shopping cart comprises one or more removable energy storage units. Removable energy storage units on shopping carts are advantageous because, in the event of a defect or the need to replace an energy storage unit, easy replacement is possible.

[0081] In this context, it is noted that each of the cameras, barcode scanners, load cells, and / or weight sensors in some embodiments are also removable. This provides extremely high modularity of the shopping cart, simplifying maintenance, repair, and / or replacement of parts. In a further or alternative embodiment, the one or more energy storage units comprise one or more contact points, where these contact points are configured for connecting the energy storage unit to a power supply system. This is advantageous because charging an energy storage unit can take place via the connection between a contact point and a power supply system. Preferably, the one or more contact points are positioned on the longitudinal sides of the basket. This is advantageous because when nesting the shopping carts, the carts are nestable or connectable to each other, so the one or more contact points are placed against a power supply system, allowing the one or more energy storage units to be rechargeable.

[0082] In the context of the present invention, the term "nesting," specifically referring to the nesting of shopping carts, relates to fitting or connecting shopping carts together, where handles or other parts of the carts are placed in a structured manner to increase stability and ease of use.

[0083] In some embodiments, the contact points are positioned on the profile of the shopping cart. This is advantageous because the one or more contact points are easily accessible for a user to connect the shopping cart to a power supply system.

[0084] In a further or alternative embodiment, the shopping cart comprises an alarm signal generator. An alarm signal can be generated by the alarm signal generator. The alarm signal can be generated if a product is placed in the basket without identification by the processing module of data from either the two or more cameras or the one or more barcode scanners, while a weight change is detected by the weight sensors, load cells, or a combination thereof, or another irregularity occurs. The alarm signal generator is electronically connected to a processing module and preferably connected to the handle. This is advantageous because the user is alerted to a change in basket contents without an item to be purchased being identified. This allows for correct tracking of the virtual list of purchases. In some embodiments, the shopping cart comprises a sound module. The sound module is suitable for generating alarm signals, but can also, for example, play spoken messages. The sound module preferably provides an audio indication when an item to be purchased is correctly identified and / or if an error occurs.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the shopping cart comprises one or more LEDs, wherein the one or more LEDs are connected to the profile, preferably to the handle, and more preferably near the display screen, and are electronically connected to the processing module. The positioning of the LEDs according to the preferred embodiments has the advantage that the illumination of one or more LEDs is more clearly visible to a user. With multiple LEDs, in a preferred embodiment, the LEDs are of different colors, indicating different operating statuses of the shopping cart. In the context of the present invention, an operating status is a state the shopping cart is in, determined according to a control system and / or in combination with data received from the cameras, one or more barcode scanners, the load cells, and / or the weight sensors. An advantage of using one or more LEDs is that user interaction with the shopping cart can take place. A greater advantage is obtained by using different colors of LEDs, allowing different notifications to send a different signal to a user. The one or more LEDs can serve as an alarm signal or as support for displaying notifications or data to the user.

[0086] In some embodiments, the movable base comprises at least three wheels and a chassis, with the wheels rotatably connected to the chassis.

[0087] In some embodiments, the processing module, the display screens, the handle, and / or the wheels are removable. This provides extremely high modularity of the shopping cart, simplifying maintenance, repair, and / or replacement of parts.

[0088] In some embodiments, the basket comprises a minimum diagonal length, extending between two diagonally opposite corners in the top surface of the basket, of 1.0 m. Preferably, the minimum diagonal length is 1.3 m; 1.4 m; 1.5 m; 1.6 m; 1.7 m; 1.8 m or the minimum diagonal length is a value between the listed diagonal lengths. The shopping cart is extremely suitable for identifying items to be purchased when placing and / or removing an item to be purchased in and / or out of the shopping cart, even with increasing diagonal dimensions.

[0089] In some embodiments, the basket includes an opening in the top surface of the basket, which preferably comprises more than 75% of the total surface area of the top surface. More preferably, the opening is more than 85% of the total surface area of the top surface, and even more preferably more than 95%. This makes it easier for a user to place items to be purchased in the basket, as the user has to reach less far.

[0090] In some embodiments, the basket may comprise one or more subdivisions. For example, in some embodiments, a small basket is present in the basket, or a freezer compartment is provided in the basket. In some embodiments, the movable base comprises a chassis made of a material that allows for heavy loads without deformation of the chassis. Preferably, the chassis is made of metal or plastic. In some embodiments, the basket is made of a material that allows for heavy loads without deformation of the basket. Preferably, the basket is made of metal or plastic.

[0091] This embodiment is very advantageous because the shopping cart, comprising a sturdy chassis, allows a user to fill a shopping cart with numerous, and possibly heavy, items to be purchased that a user desires. Moreover, the user can use the shopping cart to transport the items to be purchased through the material handling facility with ease, instead of having to carry the items. Moreover, the present invention allows for the automation of one or more steps of a traditional shopping experience, where the shopping cart is configured to automatically maintain a virtual list of purchases, among other things, making the checkout of the items to be purchased more efficient and reducing wait times for the user.

[0092] A second aspect of the present invention comprises a method for identifying an item to be purchased, comprising the steps of:

[0093] (a) moving an item to be purchased into a field of view of two or more cameras;

[0094] (b) obtaining image data of the item to be purchased using the cameras;

[0095] (c) detecting a weight, a weight difference, or a combination thereof using two or more load cells, weight sensors, or a combination thereof;

[0096] (d) aggregating data obtained from one or more of the preceding steps (a) to (c) into an aggregated data packet using a processing module; and

[0097] (e) determining the identity and / or quantity of said item to be purchased based on this aggregated data packet using the processing module.

[0098] The present method according to the second aspect of the invention can be used for identifying an item to be purchased, where identification is achieved through the combination of image data and weight data. This combination allows for a clear, fast, and / or efficient way to detect and identify items to be purchased. Through this combination of image data and weight data, not only is the identification of the item to be purchased established, but also its quantity. It is noted that the various steps of the method according to the second aspect can be performed in any order or in the specified order (a)-(e). In a further or alternative embodiment, the method comprises the step of scanning the item to be purchased using a barcode with one or more barcode scanners. Scanning a barcode provided on the item to be purchased can be used as a fallback position if the identification of the item to be purchased is not correctly performed based on the image data from the cameras and / or the obtained weight data. In this case, scanning the barcode allows identification of the item to be purchased to still be performed correctly.

[0099] A third aspect of the present invention comprises a method for identifying an item to be purchased, comprising the steps of:

[0100] (a) moving an item to be purchased into a field of view of two or more cameras;

[0101] (b) obtaining image data of the item to be purchased using the cameras;

[0102] (c) scanning the item to be purchased using a barcode with one or more barcode scanners;

[0103] (d) detecting a weight, a weight difference, or a combination thereof using two or more load cells, weight sensors, or a combination thereof;

[0104] (e) aggregating data obtained from one or more of the preceding steps (a) to (c) into an aggregated data packet using a processing module; and

[0105] (f) determining the identity and / or quantity of said item to be purchased based on this aggregated data packet using the processing module.

[0106] The present method according to the third aspect of the invention can be used for identifying an item to be purchased, where identification is achieved through the combination of image data, barcode scanning, and weight data. This combination allows for a clear, fast, and / or efficient way to detect and identify items to be purchased. Identification of the item to be purchased initially takes place by scanning the barcode. The image data from the cameras can then be used to train a model, either through machine learning, where the image data is linked to product data in accordance with the scanned barcode. The combination with weight data also allows for the determination of the quantity of the item to be purchased. It is noted that the various steps of the method according to the third aspect can be performed in any order or in the specified order (a)-(f).

[0107] A particular advantage of the method according to the present invention concerns theft prevention. By combining two or more cameras, one or more barcode scanners, and two or more load cells and / or weight sensors, items can be added to and / or removed from the shopping cart, wherein the various sensors provide a check on each other. More specifically, an item to be purchased can, for example, be scanned by a barcode scanner, wherein the interplay of the cameras and the load cells and / or weight sensors checks whether the identity and / or quantity of the product effectively matches the scanned barcode. Similarly, this combination of sensors can verify whether the added and / or removed item is an item to be purchased or a personal item of the user.

[0108] Preferably, the methods according to the second or third aspect are performed using a shopping cart according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0109] In further embodiments, the method according to the second or third aspect additionally comprises at least one of the following steps, or combinations thereof.

[0110] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes scanning a user identifier, promotion codes, or a combination thereof with at least one barcode scanner, or alternatively using one of the cameras, allowing a user or promotions to be identified. The ability to scan is advantageous because it allows a user identifier of a user to be scanned, enabling the shopping cart to be disconnected from a storage station, optionally stopping the power supply to one or more storage units. An additional step includes creating a virtual list of purchases linked to the user. Furthermore, promotions can be scanned to include them in the virtual list of purchases. Moreover, scanning with the barcode scanner can identify a non-identified item to be purchased when non-identifiable data is provided by the cameras. Additionally, scanning a user identifier can initiate the taring of the basket and activate the cameras.

[0111] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes receiving, sending, or a combination thereof, data from or to one or more databases using a communication module. The data may include: image data, user data, price data, or aggregated data from the processing module originating from, among others, two or more cameras, one or more barcode scanners, or two or more load cells, two or more weight sensors, data based on input from one of the screens, or a combination of multiple items of data from the preceding list. This embodiment is advantageous because the shopping cart efficiently exchanges data about the items to be purchased and user data via a communication module. Moreover, the data about the items to be purchased and user data can be updated, and consequently, the processing module has recent data available.

[0112] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes storing image data, data obtained after analyzing it, the data received from the one or more databases, or a combination of previously mentioned data on a data storage module. This embodiment is advantageous because the shopping cart includes a storage module, eliminating the need for constant communication or data exchange between the processing module and the communication module, allowing for faster data processing. Furthermore, by using the data storage module, a virtual list of purchases can be maintained on the data storage module, allowing the virtual list of purchases to be read directly at a payment location. Moreover, if communication for data exchange between the various modules is hindered by the infrastructure of a material handling facility, the data storage module can provide a solution. This allows for synchronization of the data at a time when shopping carts are nested in a location where good connection between the communication modules of the shopping carts and databases is possible. By storing the data linked to a user identifier, retrieved from a database via a communication module, the checkout of the items to be purchased can be more efficient and save time for the user.

[0113] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes performing one or more actions by a user in response to one or more notifications displayed on a screen. The ability to induce one or more actions by a user is advantageous because a user can perform actions such as responding to a notification of placement of a non-identified item to be purchased or personal items in the basket. This is advantageous because a non-identified item to be purchased or personal items do not complicate the creation of the virtual list of purchases.

[0114] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes giving an alarm signal by an alarm signal generator if a product is placed in the basket without identification by the processing module, where data from either the two or more cameras or the one or more barcode scanners is used, while a weight change is detected by the weight sensors, load cells, or a combination thereof. Giving an alarm signal by the alarm signal generator is advantageous because the user is alerted to a change in basket contents without an item to be purchased being identified. This allows for correct tracking of the virtual list of purchases.

[0115] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes detecting movement of the shopping cart where an increase or decrease in weight of and / or in the basket is detected, where the movement includes a change in acceleration, an abrupt movement, a change in the position of the wheels, or a combination thereof. The compensation for a weight increase or weight decrease is carried out by detecting a weight change in the inertial module based on the data obtained from the load cells.

[0116] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes illuminating or extinguishing one or more LEDs as a signal to a user to display an alarm, confirm an action by the user, draw the user's attention to an action to be performed by the user, or a combination thereof. An advantage of using one or more LEDs is that user interaction with the shopping cart takes place. A greater advantage is obtained by using different colors of LEDs, allowing one or more notifications, operating statuses, actions, or a combination thereof to be indicated with a different signal color. Alternatively or additionally, the feedback as described herein can also be displayed via the one or more display screens.

[0117] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes taking or placing one or more energy storage units from or on a shopping cart. This step allows one or more energy storage units with a remaining low energy storage to be replaced by energy storage units with full energy storage. Removable energy storage units on shopping carts are advantageous because an energy storage unit with a remaining low energy storage can be quickly and easily replaced. Moreover, in the event of a defect or the need to replace an energy storage unit, the energy storage unit can be easily replaced with a new one.

[0118] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes connecting one or more energy storage units to a power supply system using one or more contact points, where one or more contact points are located on the longitudinal sides of the basket, allowing the one or more energy storage units to be charged. This is advantageous because when nesting the shopping carts, they can be nested for the time that the shopping carts are not in use, allowing the one or more energy storage units to be charged. Preferably, the interconnection of the shopping carts during nesting creates a series connection because the one or more contact points of the shopping carts are connected to each other. Preferably, the charging of the shopping carts according to this additional step takes place in a storage station for shopping carts, which comprises a charging rail and transformer module.

[0119] According to an additional step for a method according to the second or third aspect for identifying an item to be purchased, the step includes connecting one or more energy storage units to a power supply system using one or more contact points, where the one or more contact points are located on a front side of the basket, on the profile, near a handle, or a combination thereof. This is advantageous because the one or more contact points are easily accessible for a user or an employee of a material handling facility to connect one or more shopping carts to a power supply system. The power supply system is optionally a mobile charging station.

[0120] One skilled in the art will appreciate that a shopping cart according to the first aspect is preferably used by the method according to the second or third aspect.

[0121] A further independent inventive aspect of the invention concerns a shopping cart comprising a movable base, configured for moving the shopping cart through a store; a basket; two or more cameras for obtaining image data of an item to be purchased, wherein the cameras are attached to the basket, a processing module, which is electronically connected to the cameras, wherein the cameras are positioned and / or configured to define a field of view that is, preferably substantially, above the basket of the shopping cart, and wherein the shopping cart further meets one or more of the following features: the shopping cart comprises one or more barcode scanners for identifying a barcode provided on the item to be purchased, wherein the barcode scanners are attached to the basket, the movable base, or a combination thereof, wherein the barcode scanners are electronically connected to the processing module; the shopping cart comprises two or more load cells and / or weight sensors for detecting a weight and / or weight difference in and / or of the basket, wherein the load cells and / or weight sensors are attached to the basket, the movable base, or a combination thereof, and wherein the load cells and / or weight sensors are positioned in the vicinity of the movable base, and wherein the load cells and / or weight sensors are electronically connected to the processing module; the shopping cart comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0122] Further or other embodiments of the shopping cart according to this aspect concern embodiments as described in the first aspect, insofar as they are compatible.

[0123] In what follows, the invention is described by way of non-limiting drawings illustrating the invention, and which are not intended to and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0124] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0125] Figure la shows a shopping cart according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] A shopping cart (1) comprising a movable base (2), a basket (3), four cameras (4), two barcode scanners (5), three load cells (6), three weight sensors (7), a processing module (17). The movable base (2) is configured for moving the shopping cart (1) through a material handling facility. The movable base comprises a chassis (15) and four wheels (16). A profile (12) is connected to the movable base (2), more specifically the chassis (15), substantially in the height direction. A handle (13) is attached to the profile (12), in the form of a bar. A display screen (14) is attached to the handle (13) to which a processing module (17) is electronically connected. The basket (3) is configured for collecting items to be purchased. The basket (3) comprises a top surface (8), a front side (9), a rear side (10), and longitudinal sides (11). Two or more cameras (4) are attached to the basket (3) on at least two different edges of the top surface (8), and more specifically on the 4 corners of the top surface (8). The one or more barcode scanners (5) are configured for identifying a barcode provided on the item to be purchased, wherein the barcode scanners (5) are attached to the basket (3), the movable base (2), or a combination thereof. The two or more load cells (6), weight sensors, or a combination thereof are configured for detecting a weight, a weight difference, or a combination thereof of or in the basket (3), which load cells (6), weight sensors, or combination thereof are attached to the basket (3) and to the movable base (2), thus forming a connection between them. The processing module (17) is electronically connected with the cameras (4), the barcode scanners (5), the load cells (6), and / or the weight sensors, or combinations thereof, and is configured for analyzing data and signals obtained from the cameras (4), the barcode scanners (5), and the load cells (6). An energy storage unit (20) is attached to the movable base (2) and electronically connected to the processing module (17).

[0127] Figure IB shows a view of the handle (13) towards the basket (3), according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] On an edge of the top surface (8) and the rear side (10) of the basket (3), a barcode scanner (5) is attached to the basket (3). Cameras (4) are attached to the basket (3) at the corners of the top surface (8) where it meets the rear side (10) and the longitudinal sides (11).

[0129] Figure 2 shows a field of view (19) of a camera (4) positioned at a corner formed by the top surface (8), the front side (9), and a longitudinal side (11), according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] In the top surface of the basket, at least two cameras (4) are positioned at the corners of the top surface (8) and at least one barcode scanner (5), where a field of view (19) of a camera (4) is substantially above the top surface (8) with a maximum vertical angle of view (18) of 80°, and where the camera (4) is located near the front side (9) of the basket (3). The field of view (19) extends to a diagonal length of 1.6 m, reaching the opposite side of the basket (3), being the rear side (10).

[0131] In the figures, the following components are referenced:

[0132] 1. shopping cart

[0133] 2. movable base

[0134] 3. basket

[0135] 4. camera

[0136] 5. barcode scanner

[0137] 6. load cell and / or weight sensor

[0138] 7. bottom surface

[0139] 8. top surface

[0140] 9. front side

[0141] 10. rear side

[0142] 11. longitudinal side

[0143] 12. profile 13. handle

[0144] 14. display screen

[0145] 15. chassis

[0146] 16. wheel 17. processing module

[0147] 18. vertical angle of view

[0148] 19. field of view

[0149] 20. energy storage unit

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shopping cart (1) comprising:(a) a movable base (2), configured for moving the shopping cart (1) through a store;(b) a basket (3);(c) two or more cameras (4) for obtaining image data of an item to be purchased, wherein the cameras (4) are attached to the basket (3);(d) one or more barcode scanners (5) for identifying a barcode provided on the item to be purchased, wherein the barcode scanners (5) are attached to the basket (3), the movable base (2), or a combination thereof;(e) two or more load cells (6), weight sensors, or a combination thereof for detecting a weight and / or weight difference in and / or of the basket (3), wherein the load cells (6), the weight sensors, or a combination thereof are attached to the basket (3), the movable base (2), or a combination thereof;(f) a processing module (17), which is electronically connected with the cameras (4), the barcode scanners (5), the load cells (6), and / or the weight sensors, or combinations thereof, characterized in that the shopping cart comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and wherein the cameras (4) are positioned and / or configured to define a field of view (19) that is substantially above the basket (3) of the shopping cart (1), and / or wherein the load cells (6), weight sensors, or a combination thereof are positioned in the vicinity of the movable base (2).

2. The shopping cart (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two or more cameras (4) are positioned and / or configured to define a vertical angle of view (18) relative to at least one edge of the top surface (8) of the basket (3), which vertical angle of view (18) is between 0° and 80°.

3. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises four cameras (4) attached to the basket (3), preferably on at least two different edges of the top surface (8), more preferably on the four corners of the top surface (8).

4. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises at least two barcodescanners (5) attached to the basket (3), preferably on at least two different edges of the top surface (8), more preferably on two opposite edges of the top surface (8).

5. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises a communication module for sending, receiving, or a combination thereof, data to and / or from one or more databases, wherein the communication module is electronically connected with the processing module (17).

6. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises a data storage module for storing the image data, data obtained after analyzing it, data received from the one or more databases, or a combination thereof, wherein the data storage module is electronically connected with the processing module (17).

7. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-6, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises a profile (12) attached to the movable base (2), the profile (12) comprising a handle (13), wherein the profile (12) is separate from the basket (3).

8. The shopping cart (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises a profile (12), wherein the display screen (14) is attached to the profile (12), and wherein the display screen (14) is electronically connected with the processing module (17).

9. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the load cells (6), the weight sensors, or a combination thereof; are positioned at a distance from the movable base (2), where this distance is a maximum of 20% of the total height of the shopping cart (1).

10. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-9, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises three load cells (6), two of which are positioned opposite each other, substantially under each of the longitudinal sides (11) of the basket (3) nearthe movable base (2), and one where a third load cell (6) and / or weight sensor forms a triangle with the first and second load cells (6) and / or weight sensors.

11. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises three load cells (6), weight sensors, or a combination thereof, where a first and a second load cell (6), and / or weight sensor are positioned in a depth direction, each under a longitudinal side (11) of the basket (3), and where a third load cell (6), weight sensor, or a combination thereof is positioned in a transverse direction, under a rear side (10) of the basket (3).

12. The shopping cart (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-11, characterized in that the shopping cart (1) comprises one or more energy storage units (20), wherein the one or more energy storage units (20) are connected to the processing module (17).

13. A method for identifying an item to be purchased, comprising the steps of:(a) moving an item to be purchased into a field of view (19) of two or more cameras (4),(b) obtaining image data of the item to be purchased using the cameras (4),(c) detecting a weight, a weight difference, or a combination thereof using two or more load cells (6), weight sensors, or a combination thereof,(d) aggregating data obtained from one or more of the preceding steps (a) to(c) into an aggregated data packet using a processing module (17),(e) determining the identity and / or quantity of said item to be purchased based on this aggregated data packet using the processing module (17).

14. A method for identifying an item to be purchased, comprising the steps of:(a) moving an item to be purchased into a field of view (19) of two or more cameras (4),(b) obtaining image data of the item to be purchased using the cameras (4),(c) scanning a barcode provided on the item to be purchased using one or more barcode scanners (5),(d) detecting a weight, a weight difference, or a combination thereof using two or more load cells (6), weight sensors, or a combination thereof,(e) aggregating data obtained from one or more of the preceding steps (a) to(d) into an aggregated data packet using a processing module (17),(f) determining the identity and quantity of said item to be purchased based on this aggregated data packet using the processing module (17).

15. A method for identifying an item to be purchased according to any of the preceding claims 13 or 14 using a shopping cart according to any of the preceding claims 1-12.

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