Reusable Bag with Integrated Wireless Tag for Automated Checkout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers often forget their phones when shopping, which hinders the use of automated shopping services that require mobile applications, and there is a growing need for environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable plastic bags.
Innovation Solution
A reusable shopping bag with an integrated wireless identifier, such as an RF, NFC, or BLE tag, that allows for contactless payment processing and automated transaction management, eliminating the need for a mobile device and reducing plastic usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If consumers use mobile applications with phones for automated shopping services, then shopping automation and convenience are improved, but consumers may forget their phones or leave them at home, causing loss of access to the service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mobile application functionality directly into the reusable shopping bag by integrating a wireless identifier (NFC, RFID, or BLE tag) with the bag itself. This combination eliminates the need for consumers to carry separate phones while maintaining full access to automated shopping services, as the bag serves as both the shopping container and the authentication device.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable shopping bag is transformed into a multi-functional device that serves both as a shopping container and as a wireless identifier for automated checkout. The integrated wireless tag enables the bag to perform the additional function of authentication and payment processing, eliminating the need for separate mobile devices.
2Ease of operation
If disposable plastic bags are used for shopping, then convenience and ease of use are improved, but environmental harm and plastic waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from disposable plastic to reusable alternative materials (such as cloth, canvas, or biodegradable materials). This parameter change eliminates plastic waste while maintaining the convenience of shopping bags, as the reusable material can be washed and used multiple times without degrading functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding plastic bags after single use, the patent implements a recovery system for reusable bags. The bags are designed to be washed, reused, and maintained over time, eliminating the need for continuous production of disposable plastic bags and reducing environmental harm.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If reusable bags without integrated identifiers are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but automated payment processing and contactless shopping experiences cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless identifier technology with the reusable bag structure, combining environmental sustainability with automated payment capabilities. The integrated NFC, RFID, or BLE tag enables contactless communication with checkout systems while the bag itself remains made from eco-friendly reusable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable bag is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an eco-friendly shopping container and simultaneously acts as a wireless identifier for automated checkout. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices while maintaining both environmental and technological benefits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless, contactless shopping experiences without the need for a mobile device, promoting environmental sustainability by eliminating the use of disposable plastic bags and ensuring secure, automated payment processing.
Implementation Method 1
A unique identifier is received from a wireless tag integrated into a bag during a transaction at a transaction terminal
Implementation Method 2
A reusable shopping bag with an integrated wireless identifier, such as an RF, NFC, or BLE tag
Implementation Method 3
A reusable shopping bag with an integrated wireless identifier, such as an RF, NFC, or BLE tag
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless tag is integrated into a reusable bag. The tag is registered to a payment account. During a transaction, a unique identifier for the tag is wirelessly acquired from the bag and linked to the payment account. When checkout for the transaction is required, the transaction price for the transaction is charged against the linked account without requiring any additional payment screens or payment interfaces at a transaction terminal where the transaction is being processed. In an embodiment, custom use, price, item type, store type, and/or weight restrictions with respect to the transaction and registered with the tag are enforced during checkout by the transaction terminal.