Communication Enabled Container for Real-Time Checkout Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inventory management systems at merchant locations face challenges in efficiently tracking and processing items in real-time, leading to increased checkout times and costs, while also affecting customer satisfaction and inventory accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A real-time identification sensor system integrated into communication-enabled containers that communicate with user devices and inventory systems to identify items, manage inventory, and facilitate transactions by linking with a competitive proposal system to determine the best payment resources, allowing for seamless checkout without traditional kiosks or lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional checkout kiosks or lines are used, then transaction completion can be verified, but checkout time increases and customer satisfaction decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout timeVSAvoidtransaction verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service checkout by having customers place items in communication-enabled containers that automatically scan and identify products. The inventory system processes transactions automatically when containers pass through gates, eliminating the need for manual checkout assistance while maintaining accurate transaction verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical checkout processes with automated electronic identification systems. Communication-enabled containers with identification sensors substitute for manual scanning, and automated gate systems replace manual transaction verification, significantly reducing checkout time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual inventory tracking is used, then inventory accuracy can be maintained, but labor costs and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory processing efficiencyVSAvoidlabor requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The inventory system performs self-tracking by automatically detecting when items are placed in or removed from communication-enabled containers. The system autonomously updates inventory records, manages stock levels, and triggers restocking processes without requiring manual intervention or additional labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual inventory tracking is replaced with automated electronic identification and communication systems. The system uses identification sensors, wireless communication, and automated database updates to track inventory in real-time, eliminating the need for manual counting and reducing labor requirements while improving processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If real-time item identification is implemented, then checkout speed increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication-enabled containers serve multiple functions: they act as product holders, automatic scanners, identification devices, and communication nodes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex systems into a single integrated device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high checkout speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges identification, communication, inventory management, and transaction processing functions into an integrated system. By combining these functions in communication-enabled containers and gates, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving real-time identification and fast checkout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10846637B2Identification sensor for communicable linkage with competitive proposal system

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for an identification sensor system providing real-time item negotiation information and merchant inventory communication and management. A user selects items at a merchant location and positions them inside a communication enabled container communicably linked with a user device and a merchant inventory system. Information related to the items positioned within the container such as resource amount for the item, offers associated with the item, and manufacturer information associated with the item is extracted from the inventory system and relayed to the user. Upon the container passing through a communication enabled merchant gate device, the identification sensor system transmits collected information related to the items within the container, triggers a communicable linkage to determine a preferred resource to provide a total resource amount required by the merchant, and requires the transmission of the preferred resource to the merchant.