Patent Application
20090268941
The present invention pertains generally to cashier monitoring and theft prevention devices and to methods of using such devices. More particularly, the present invention pertains to devices that make cashiers aware of merchandise carried on the lower trays of shopping carts at checkout locations. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a device that monitors a checkout location and compares an actual image of the lower tray of a shopping cart, at the checkout location, with a virtual image of a tray structure to determine whether merchandise is present on the tray.
Shoplifting continues to be a major issue for retailers. In fact, more than $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers in the U.S. each year, i.e., more than $25 million worth of goods per day. While shoplifting often connotes clandestine attempts to hide and carry goods out of the store, often goods are stolen in a more patent manner. Specifically, goods may be kept on the lower tray of a shopping cart during checkout, and then carried out of the store without being paid for. Due to the non-concealed nature of this act, the shoplifter can allege innocence if apprehended for theft. Further, cashiers at the checkout counter can purposely fail to scan goods on the bottom shelf of the shopping cart as a “sweetheart deal” for family and friends. This causes particular financial loss for the store when such thefts involve expensive goods; for example, baby formula.
In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for preventing non-payment for goods carried on the lower tray of a shopping cart to a checkout location. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that alerts a cashier at a checkout location to inspect the lower tray of a presumably empty shopping cart. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system that monitors the behavior of cashiers at check out locations. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system that captures an actual image of the lower tray of a presumably empty cart and compares it with a stored virtual tray structure to determine whether the tray is carrying goods. It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and system that is easy to implement, cost effective and simple to use.
In accordance with the present invention, a system is provided for determining whether merchandise has been loaded onto the lower tray of a shopping cart. This determination is made as the cart passes through a checkout aisle at a retail facility. In the system, the lower tray of each cart has a known physical structure. Further, in the system, a controller is provided with an embedded program that identifies a virtual structure substantially equivalent to the physical structure of the tray.
For purposes of the present invention, the system is provided with a sensor for establishing when the cart is at the checkout aisle. This sensor is electronically connected to the controller. Also, the system is provided with a camera at the checkout aisle for creating an image of the physical structure of the tray, and of any merchandise that has been loaded onto the tray. The camera is electronically connected to the controller to communicate the actual image of the tray (loaded or unloaded) to the controller. Moreover, the camera is connected to a display monitor (e.g. CRT) that provides a visual presentation of the actual image. Further, the system includes an activation mechanism to automatically instruct the embedded program in the controller to compare the actual image with the virtual structure and thereby determine whether merchandise is present on the tray. In one mode of operation, during the comparison, the controller effectively removes the virtual structure from the image to more clearly visualize the merchandise that has been loaded onto the tray.
During operation of an embodiment of the system of the present invention, a cart enters the checkout aisle causing the camera to capture an actual (real time) image of the tray. This actual image is then stored by the controller, and is marked with a date-time-location stamp. Further, at an appropriate time prior to completing the transaction at the checkout aisle, the controller compares the actual image to the virtual structure of the controller's embedded program. This comparison is used to determine whether any merchandise is on the tray. The controller may then activate an alarm if merchandise remains on the tray and is not paid or otherwise accounted for.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Referring initially to
Still referring to
In addition to the sensor 26 and camera 28, the system 10 includes a controller 32. Importantly, the controller 32 is electronically connected to both the sensor 26 and the camera 28. As a result, the controller 32 is notified when a shopping cart 14 is positioned at the checkout location 16. Further, the controller 32 receives the image 30 of the physical structure 18 of the tray 13 from the camera 28. As shown in
In
In addition to the virtual structure 36 substantially equivalent to the physical structure 18 of the tray 13, the embedded program 34 in the controller 32 may also be able to identify virtual entities (not necessarily shown) that may or may not be substantially equivalent to specific merchandise 12. As a result, the controller 32 can review the register record and determine whether any merchandise 12 remaining on the tray 13 needs to be accounted for. Also, because heavy merchandise 12 is often manually entered into the register for purchase, without being removed from the tray 13, the entry of such heavy merchandise 12 may be communicated to the controller 32. When an entry is communicated to the controller 32, the controller 32 may note that certain merchandise 12 on the tray 13 has been purchased. As shown, the controller 32 is connected to a memory 49 for recording all images and transactions. The memory 49 may be a record storage unit onsite or a server at a central location. Further, the controller 32 may communicate with the memory 49 through a direct connection, through a wireless communication or through an internet connection.
Referring now to
As shown in inquiry block 60, if no objects are present in the image 30 of the tray 13, then a record is created by the controller 32 indicating such (action block 62). In this case, there is no need to activate the display device 40. On the other hand, if an object is present on the tray 13, then it must be determined whether the object is merchandise 12 at inquiry block 64. If the object is determined to not be merchandise 12, then the controller 32 creates a record (action block 62). If the object is determined to be merchandise 12, then it may be necessary to determine whether payment for the merchandise 12 is required (inquiry block 66). If payment is required and has not been made, the controller 32 activates the alarm 42 (action block 68) and a record is created (action block 62). Further, the operation returns to inquiry block 66 until a payment has been made. When payment is made, the controller 32 creates a record of payment (action block 62).
When all merchandise 12 in the tray 13 has been accounted for, the records created at action block 62 are stored by the controller 32 or by a secondary storage or oversight system (action block 70). Such records may be marked by the controller 32 with a date-time-location stamp. Because records include a date-time-location stamp, the performance of a specific cashier 45 may be audited. In order to deactivate the alarm 42, the switch 44 is used to inform the controller 32 that the transaction has been completed. Further, the switch 46 is used to clear the display device 40 after payment for the merchandise 12.
While the particular Video Monitor for Shopping Cart Checkout as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.
