Shopping environment including detection of unpaid items in proximity to an exit
US7647248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07G3/003
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A shopping environment includes a server and a shopping device for broadcasting a wireless signal that identifies the identity of a shopper associated with the device. A network infrastructure conveys the wireless signal information to the server. A verification system is configured to detect the shopping device being in proximity to an exit of the shopping environment and to initiate precautionary action in response thereto. The shopping device may be enabled to permit the user to indicate purchase of an item and, responsive thereto, to communicate a purchase to the server as part of maintaining a virtual shopping cart of items selected for purchase by the shopper. The verification apparatus initiates the precautionary action if the shopper has not made payment arrangements. The verification apparatus is further enabled to display the number of items in the virtual shopping cart and the amount of time spent on the shopping trip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.