Device, system, and method for determining the status of checkout lanes
US9390596B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/70
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Customers would like to minimize the time waiting in checkout lines; however, it is often difficult to understand which checkout lane to choose. The present invention embraces a device, system, and method to help customers understand which checkout lanes are open and operating most efficiently. The invention utilizes Bluetooth-low-energy (BLE) transmitters located at each checkout lane to transmit updated information related to (i) the lane's status (e.g., open or in-use) and (ii) the lane's quality (e.g., throughput efficiency). Portable electronic devices used by customers may receive the BLE signals and understand (e.g., using augmented reality) which lane would be most likely to provide a quick checkout.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.