Machine Learning Algorithm for Shopping Cart Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shopping sessions in physical stores are inefficient due to long wait times for customers and idle time for cashiers, as well as the need for constant human presence, which can lead to customer frustration and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A virtual store tool that generates a virtual store layout and video feed from physical store cameras to emulate a shopping experience, allowing for a virtual shopping cart to be created and processed, which can be used to verify customer purchases and reduce the need for human cashiers during non-peak hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cashiers are used to process transactions, then customer service is provided, but customer wait time increases and cashier idle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated shopping cart verification. Sensors detect items placed in carts, the system automatically generates bills, and customers can complete transactions without cashier intervention. This eliminates waiting time while providing continuous service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cashier system with an automated detection and billing system. Sensors, processors, and display devices work together to automatically track items, calculate totals, and present bills, substituting human cashiers with an automated electronic system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cashiers are present in the store, then customer service coverage is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system provides universal service coverage throughout the store simultaneously. Multiple sensors and cameras monitor different areas at once, allowing the system to serve multiple customers across the entire store without requiring multiple human cashiers positioned at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Customers throughout the store can independently complete transactions using the automated billing system, eliminating the need for human cashiers to be physically present to assist with transactions. This reduces labor costs while maintaining comprehensive service coverage.
3Productivity
If algorithm automatically determines customer purchases, then processing speed is improved, but accuracy of purchase determination may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where customers can review detected items on display devices, confirm or correct the automated detection, and provide input on actual purchases. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain high processing speed while improving accuracy through customer verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the purchase determination process into separate functional components: item detection by sensors, data processing by algorithms, customer verification through displays, and final confirmation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall system accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a memory and processor. The memory stores a machine learning algorithm configured to decide whether to use a virtual shopping cart to verify all or a portion of a transaction performed with an algorithmic shopping cart. The processor receives feedback for a decision made by the algorithm, indicating whether the algorithmic and virtual carts match. The processor assigns a reward to the feedback. A first positive reward is assigned when the virtual shopping cart is not used for verification, and the feedback indicates that the carts match. A second positive reward is assigned when the virtual cart is used for verification, and the feedback indicates that the carts do not match. A first negative reward is assigned when the virtual shopping cart is not used for verification, and the feedback indicates that the carts do not match. A second negative reward is assigned when the virtual cart is used for verification, and the feedback indicates that the carts match. The processor uses the reward to update the algorithm.