Systems and methods of objectively confirming customer self-scanning of products in a retail store
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail self-scanning systems are often inaccurate due to RFID tag interference and require customers to pass through choke points, limiting their ability to confirm scanned products effectively and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A retail store automated product confirmation system utilizing a grid of RFID tag readers, a scan compiling circuit, and a scan confirmation circuit that associates scanned product information with customers without the need for choke points, allowing for accurate detection and confirmation of products as customers move through the store, using multiple RFID tag readers to cross-check and generate a consistent product listing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If customers use self-scanning systems with RFID tag readers, then product detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to RFID tag interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple independent RFID tag readers distributed throughout the store, each reading tags from different angles and positions. This segmentation of the detection function allows the system to overcome individual reader limitations and reduce interference effects through multiple independent readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by comparing products detected by RFID readers with products scanned by customers. When discrepancies are found, the system provides real-time notifications to customers through mobile devices or store staff, enabling corrective action to maintain scanning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If choke points are implemented for product confirmation, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to customer flow restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the product confirmation function from centralized choke points and distributes it throughout the store using multiple RFID tag readers. This allows continuous monitoring of customer shopping carts without requiring customers to stop or pass through restricted areas, maintaining both accuracy and flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces RFID technology as an intermediary between customers and product confirmation. Instead of direct human inspection at choke points, RFID readers automatically detect and verify products in customer carts, eliminating the need for physical choke points while maintaining confirmation accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple RFID tag readers are deployed throughout the store, then reliability is improved through cross-checking, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes each RFID tag reader multi-functional by having them perform both product detection and interference pattern creation. The same readers that detect products also generate the RFID signals that create interference, eliminating the need for separate test equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the RFID readers automatically perform cross-checking and verification without requiring additional manual intervention. The readers continuously monitor and compare product detections, automatically identifying and reporting discrepancies, which reduces the need for complex centralized control systems.
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
This system provides accurate and efficient product confirmation without the need for choke points, reducing interference and improving the shopping experience by allowing customers to exit the store without passing through a checkout area once accuracy thresholds are met, while also tracking customer accuracy and providing personalized benefits based on historical scanning data.
Implementation Method 1
receive product identifying information of products detected by at least two different RFID tag readers
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to confirm customer scanning of products. Some embodiments provide retail store automated product confirmation systems, comprising: a plurality of RFID tag readers; a scan compiling circuit communicatively coupled with a plurality of portable product scanning systems and configured to associate the scanned identifying information with the customer and create a purchase list; and a scan confirmation circuit configured to: receive product identifying information detected by two RFID tag readers and associated with the customer without the customer having to travel through a choke point, generate an RFID detected product listing, determine a current level of accuracy between the RFID detected product listing and the purchase list, and direct an action be taken based on the determined level of accuracy.