Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for procuring items from a store that is capable of providing assistance to users during shopping by identifying and collecting items, verifying product quality, organizing items based on type and automating billing, ensuring an efficient, accurate, and quality-enhanced shopping experience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Nowadays, the process of shopping in physical stores has become more complex due to increased product variety, personalized preferences, and time constraints faced by customers. Shoppers often require better organization and faster methods to find and collect desired items efficiently. Consumers also look for more control over spending and wish to receive real-time feedback on their purchase decisions. Additionally, the demand for checking product quality before purchase, such as freshness or nutritional value, is increasing.

[0003] Traditionally, users rely on handwritten or mobile shopping lists and manually search for products across store aisles. They assess product quality based on appearance or expiry dates and perform price comparisons either through tags or mobile apps. Items are usually placed into carts without systematic organization. Once shopping is completed, billing is done manually at counters, which may result in long queues. The entire process is time-consuming and subject to human error, such as forgetting items, exceeding budgets, or selecting poor-quality goods. Existing shopping methods lack integration between item selection, quality assessment, personalized information, and billing. There is minimal automation involved in placing items in carts or providing real-time updates on the cart's content.

[0004] US20220157134A1 discloses an automated physical shopping cart involving receiving image data for items in the cart, detecting a change in a weight of items in the cart and, determining whether a correlated item was identified in the image data. If no correlated item was identified, a message is displayed indicating that no correlated item was detected and a user can be prompted. A user system may be used to scan items and display messages for the cart. Items may be scanned using image recognition to determine item information. An item weight may be determined based on the change in the weight of items in the cart and priced accordingly to weight. A notification for an item in the cart may be provided to an inventory or a shopping list application indicating that the correlated item was added to the cart.

[0005] US20160300455A1 discloses a shopping system wherein a self-contained shopping vehicle allows for both physical and electronic interface by the consumer with the shopping vehicle to both execute and complete a shopping transaction at the shopping vehicle of the shopping system.

[0006] Conventionally, many system and devices have been developed to improve the shopping experience by introducing automated carts, item detection systems, and digital interfaces. However, these existing systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to their inability to integrate all stages of the shopping process, do not assess product quality automatically, and lack compartmentalized organization of purchased goods that limits their usability in dynamic retail environments.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of streamlining shopping process by enabling quality inspection of items in real time, and facilitating organized placement of accepted and rejected items, along with assisting users in locating items within the store, monitoring budget adherence, and generating instant billing to improve overall customer satisfaction.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of facilitating a smart and efficient shopping experience by assisting users in identifying and collecting the required items from a store.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of monitoring and performing real-time verification of items during shopping process, if user picks excess or incorrect products, providing enhanced accuracy.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that automates handling of items after selection, including organization of the items correctly based on type, thus saving effort and reducing chances of misplacement or damage.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of segregating expired, spoiled, or substandard products by assessing each item before it is confirmed, thereby improving product quality assurance for the end user.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that aautomates and simplifies the checkout and billing process by generating accurate purchase summaries, ensuring a seamless and error-free billing experience, thus reducing the dependency on manual scanning.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to a system for procuring items from a store that is capable of easing shopping experience of a user by guiding in item selection, and simplifies checkout through automated billing, thus offering a seamless, accurate, and user-friendly shopping process with reduced errors and improved product assurance.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for procuring items from a store is disclosed, comprising an image identifying unit for recognizing a user through facial recognition and transmitting associated data from a linked database, a shopping cart with a plurality of designated compartments having a communication module connected to the database, a touch enabled display panel for displaying a shopping list entered by the user, a budget, real-time item information, billing information, shopping status, and customized messages, a sliding flap with a proximity sensor that opens when the user brings an item near it, a horizontal platform within the cart to place the item, integrated with a weight sensor to measure the weight and send a customized message to the display panel.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises of an articulated robot arm attached at one end to the cart and at the other end to an inspection unit for checking item quality and generating signals accordingly, an internal flap that provides access to a container for storing rejected items and opens upon receiving a signal from the inspection unit, a translating unit for transferring accepted items to their designated compartments, a navigation unit operably connected to the database for guiding the user towards items in the store, a printing unit for generating a bill once the user updates the shopping status on the display panel, the system optionally includes a projection unit for displaying 3D item data, and an inspection unit with an infrared camera, electronic nose, and chemical composition analyzing sensor to ensure product quality before acceptance.

[0018] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a system for procuring items from a store.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0023] The present invention relates to a system for procuring items from a store that enables users to locate items, assess quality, organize them by category, reject spoiled products, and complete purchases by generating billing in an automated manner, thereby enhancing the overall shopping journey with speed, accuracy, and reduced manual involvement.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a system for procuring items from a store is illustrated, comprises of a system 100 having a cart 101 with multiple designated compartments 102, an image identifying unit 103 installed outside a store, a touch-enabled display panel 104 integrated with a projection unit 105, a sliding flap 106 on top of the cart 101, a horizontal platform 107 within the cart 101, an articulated robot arm 108 with an inspection unit 109, comprising an infrared camera 109a, and an electronic nose 109b , a waste container 110 configured within the cart 101, a translating unit 111 with an X-Y gantry 111a and a gripper 111b attached to the inside surface of cart 101 near the platform 107, and a thermal printing unit 112 installed on the cart 101.

[0025] The present invention includes a shopping cart 101 present within a store to facilitate organized storage and handling of multiple items. The cart 101 body is constructed from durable, lightweight materials to ensure easy maneuverability and long-lasting use. The cart 101 herein is designed as a convention shopping cart 101 having a body, a handle for allowing the user to hold the cart 101 and plurality of wheels for allowing manual navigation of the cart 101. Within the cart 101, there are a plurality of designated compartments 102, each specifically sized and shaped to accommodate various categories or types of items, ensuring systematic separation and preventing damage or mixing of goods.

[0026] The system 100 includes an image identifying unit 103 that is installed outside the store that is pre-activated to identify a user via facial recognition and transmit data from a linked database. The database includes the information of user profile, product pricing detail, location of product in the store. When the user approaches, the identifying unit 103 captures the user’s facial image using an integrated camera. The captured image is processed using facial recognition protocol that analyzes key facial features such as the distance between the eyes, nose 109b shape, and jawline, and compares them with stored data in the database.

[0027] If a match is found, the system 100 authenticates the user's identity and retrieves associated information from the database. This information includes the user's profile (such as name, shopping history, and preferences), product pricing details (such as ongoing offers or discounts applicable to the user), and the location of products inside the store. Once this data is retrieved, it is transmitted to the cart’s communication module, which then uses the data to display the user’s personalized shopping list, guide navigation, and facilitate other automated functions throughout the shopping process.

[0028] The user access and presses a push button arranged on the cart 101 to activate the system 100 for associated processes of the system 100. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the system 100 for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the linked components.

[0029] The cart 101 is installed with touch-enabled display panel 104, which provides the user with interactive access to a shopping list inputted by the user, a pre-set budget, real-time information about items, and billing information. The display panel 104 functions by allowing users to interact directly with the screen through touch input. The display panel 104 is typically made up of a display and a touch-sensitive layer. The touch-sensitive layer uses capacitive or resistive technology to detect touch by the user, which then sends signals to the panel’s 104 processor. Once the display panel 104 detects touch, sends a signal to the microcontroller that processes the input to execute commands.

[0030] The display panel 104 is an integrated part of a projection unit 105, whereby the projection unit 105 is mounted on the cart 101 for displaying 3D projection of the items along with a data. The data includes information of nutrients’ percentage, and alternative item having same nutrients’ percentage. The 3D projection unit 105 uses interference patterns of light to create realistic three-dimensional images in mid-air. It typically consists of a laser source, beam splitters, mirrors, and a projection surface. The projection unit 105 projects light onto a surface from multiple angles, using the interference of light waves to produce 3D images visible from different perspectives. In an educational setting, this allows the students to view complex experimental setups, models, or simulations in three dimensions. By interacting with the holographic projections, students are able to better understand spatial relationships, experiment processes, and visualize scientific concepts that are otherwise difficult to demonstrate information of the items physically.

[0031] A proximity sensor is embedded on the flap to detect the presence of an item near the flap. The proximity sensor emits infrared rays towards the flap and receives the bounced back rays from the item and convert the detected data into an electric signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the proximity sensor in order to monitor presence of the item near the flap.

[0032] A sliding flap 106 is attached on the top portion of the cart 101 to allow the items to be stored within the cart 101. When the proximity sensor senses an object within its detection range, it sends a signal to the microcontroller or central control unit integrated within the cart 101. Upon receiving the signal, the microcontroller activates a small motor connected to the sliding flap 106. This motor retracts or slides the sliding flap 106open along a guided track, creating an opening through which the user places the item onto the horizontal platform 107 inside the cart 101. Once the item is placed and no further movement is detected near the sliding flap 106 for a short period, the microcontroller commands the motor to return the sliding flap 106 to its original closed position.

[0033] A horizontal platform 107 is arranged just beneath the flap, within the cart 101 where the item is placed. The platform 107 is integrated to a weight sensor to measure the weight of the item. The weight sensor is based on strain gauge. When an item is placed on the platform 107, its weight exerts a downward force on the sensor. This force causes a small mechanical deformation in the sensor’s internal structure, which alters its electrical resistance. The change in resistance is converted into an electrical signal proportional to the weight of the item. This signal is transmitted to the microcontroller or processing unit within the cart 101, which then calculates the actual weight value.

[0034] The measured weight is used for various purposes, such as comparing with standard product weight from the database, generating customized messages like “add more” or “remove excess,” and updating the user interface. The entire process happens in real-time, enabling immediate feedback to the user through the display panel 104 mounted on the cart 101.

[0035] An articulated robot arm 108 is installed within the cart 101 near platform 107, where one end is fixed to the inner side of the cart 101 and the other end is connected to an inspection unit 109. The arm 108 consists of a series of linked segments connected through rotary joints, each powered by servo motors. When the system 100 is activated, the microcontroller sends electrical signals to the motors, which then move the joints of the arm 108 in a coordinated sequence. The articulation provides multiple degrees of freedom in vertical and horizontal directions, allowing the arm 108 to adjust its reach and angle as required.

[0036] Once the item is finalized, the arm 108 positions the inspection unit 109 in vicinity of the item to assess the quality of the food. The inspection unit 109 includes an infrared camera 109a to detect mold or spoilage, an electronic nose 109b to sense foul odors, and a chemical composition analyzing sensor to measure levels of sugar, gluten, fat, and moisture.

[0037] The infrared camera 109a functions by capturing thermal radiation emitted by the surface of the food item. All objects emit infrared energy, and spoiled or moldy areas on food typically emit different levels of thermal energy compared to fresh areas. The camera 109a detects these variations and forms a thermal image, where discrepancies in temperature patterns indicate mold growth or internal spoilage. The data is transmitted to the microcontroller, which interprets the image to identify any quality defects.

[0038] The electronic nose 109b simulates the human sense of smell using an array of gas sensors. These sensors detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by food items. Spoiled or decaying food emits specific types of VOCs, such as sulphur compounds or amines, which the electronic nose 109b detects. The sensors convert the presence and concentration of these gases into electrical signals. These signals are analysed by the microcontroller to determine whether the odor indicates spoilage or freshness.

[0039] This sensor uses near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze the surface or sample of the food item. It measures the reflection or absorption of specific wavelengths of light that correspond to known chemical compounds. By analysing the light spectrum, the sensor determines the levels of sugar, gluten, fat, and moisture in the item. The data is sent to the processor, which uses pre-stored profiles to assess if the chemical composition falls within acceptable ranges for freshness and nutritional content.

[0040] Upon detection of a defective item, the inspection unit 109 generates a signal which triggers an internal flap attached to the cart 101. This flap opens to provide access to an attached container 110 designed to store rejected items, thereby preventing low-quality products from being collected.

[0041] If the item is found to be good in quality, a translating unit 111 attached near the platform 107, gets activated by means of the microcontroller for transferring the item into the designated compartment 102 of the cart 101. The translating unit 111 comprising a X-Y gantry 111a and a gripper 111b with laser guided sensor for picking up the item and place into designated compartment.

[0042] The gantry 111a consists of two linear rails, one aligned along the X-axis and the other mounted perpendicularly on a moving carriage for Y-axis movement. A motor, controlled by the microcontroller, drive each axis using belts. When the microcontroller receives a signal that the item has passed the quality inspection, it calculates the exact coordinates of the target compartment 102 and sends movement commands to the motors. The X-axis motor moves the gantry 111a to the correct lateral position, while the Y-axis motor moves it forward or backward accordingly.

[0043] The gripper 111b and the laser-guided sensor helps the system 100 to detect the exact location and orientation of the item on the platform 107. Once aligned, the microcontroller commands the gripper 111b to lower, close around the item, and lift it securely. The gantry 111a then navigates to the designated compartment’s location. Once positioned, the gripper 111b releases the item gently into the compartment. The entire operation is monitored and adjusted in real-time to ensure accuracy, avoid collisions, and maintain stability, allowing efficient and automated item placement within the cart 101.

[0044] The compartments 102 are linked with the system’s 100 communication module and microcontroller, allowing automatic updates on item placement and status to be sent to the user interface. This structured organization not only helps users keep their selected products neatly arranged but also enables the translating unit 111 and robotic arm 108 to efficiently place items into the correct compartments 102 without manual intervention, contributing to a streamlined and automated shopping experience.

[0045] To assist the shopper further, the system 100 is equipped with a navigation unit connected to the database, which directs the user toward the required products in the store based on the product location data stored within the database, streamlining the shopping process. When the user is shopping, the system 100 will actively monitor and check the items being added to the shopping feed list in real-time and continuously analyze the items the user is selecting or placing into their shopping cart 101. Based on the detection and recognition of the products being added, the system 100 will then provide clear and precise directions or guidance to the user via the attached holographic projection unit 105. These holographic instructions may include visual cues such as arrows, labels, or step-by-step guidance, which help the user easily locate and reach the desired products within the store or shopping environment.

[0046] When the shopping is completed, the total bill is generated automatically, and a payment option appears directly on the user’s computing unit, allowing for instant checkout. Before generating the bill, the panel 104 shows a customized message for confirming the completion of the shopping status by showing “continue” and “stop” over the panel 104. If the user selects “stop”, the bill is generated, If the user selects “continue”, the system 100 activated again to continue the shopping. Alternatively, a QR code is displayed on the panel 104, which the user scans using any payment related user-interface to complete the transaction seamlessly.

[0047] Finally, the system 100 incorporates a printing unit 112 connected to the display panel 104 that prints the bill for the user once the shopping status is updated on the display panel 104, thereby facilitating quick and efficient checkout. The printing unit 112 operates using a thermal printing assembly. Inside the printer, the microcontroller sends itemized billing data, such as item names, quantities, weights, prices, total cost, tax, and timestamp, formatted as a bill layout. This data is sent to the printer’s internal processor, which converts it into printable signals.

[0048] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system 100 to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system 100.

[0049] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the present invention includes the cart 101 constructed of durable, lightweight material with multiple designated compartments 102 for item organization. The image identifying unit 103 installed outside the store captures the user's face using the camera, processes it via facial recognition software, and retrieves associated data from the linked database including the user profile, product pricing, and item location. This data is transmitted to the communication module on the cart 101 and displayed through the touch-enabled display panel 104 integrated with the projection unit 105 capable of showing 3D projections of items, nutrient data, and alternatives. The push button activates the Arduino microcontroller, which controls all components. The sliding flap 106 on top of the cart 101, equipped with the proximity sensor, opens automatically when the item is detected. Beneath the flap, the horizontal platform 107 with the weight sensor measures item weight, transmitting data to the microcontroller to generate real-time feedback such as “add more” or “remove excess.” The articulated robot arm 108 with the inspection unit 109, comprising the infrared camera 109a, the electronic nose, and the chemical composition analysing sensor, assesses item quality. Defective items are rejected via the internal flap into the waste container 110. If accepted, the translating unit 111 with the X-Y gantry 111a and the gripper 111b with the laser-guided sensor picks and places the item into the correct compartment. The navigation unit guides the user within the store using the holographic projections. Upon completion, the display panel 104 prompts for shopping status; the bill is generated, with optional QR code payment, and printed through the thermal printing unit 112 for user checkout.

[0050] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1. A system for procuring items from a store, comprises:
 an image identifying unit 103 disposed in the system 100 for identifying a user via facial recognition and transmit data from a linked database;
 a shopping cart 101 with a plurality of designated compartments 102 having a communication module connected to said database, wherein the cart 101 contains;
 a touch enabled display panel 104 for displaying a shopping list fed by user, a budget, a real-time item information, billing information, shopping status, and customized messages,
 a sliding flap 106 attached to the cart 101 having a proximity sensor, wherein the flap opens when the user brings an item near the flap,
 a horizontal platform 107 disposed in the cart 101 to place the item, wherein the platform 107 is integrated to a weight sensor to measure the weight of the item and send the customized message to said display panel 104,
 an articulated robot arm, wherein first end of the arm 108 is attached to an inner side of the cart 101 and second end is attached to an inspection unit 109 for inspecting quality of the item and generates signal accordingly,
 an internal flap attached to the cart 101 for providing an opening to an attached container 110 for storing rejected item, wherein said flap opens on receiving the signal from the inspection unit 109;
 a translating unit 111 to get activated for transferring the item into the designated compartment 102 of the cart;
 a navigation unit attached to the cart 101, and operably connected to the database, wherein the navigation unit directs the user toward needed item in the store based on the information stored in the database,
 a printing unit 112 connected to the display panel 104, wherein a bill is printed to the user, when the user updates shopping status in display panel 104.

2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, the database includes the information of user profile, product pricing detail, location of product in the store.

3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the customized message is instruction of “add more” or “remove excess”.

4. The system 100 for procuring item from a store as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inspection unit 109 comprises:
 an infrared camera 109a to inspect the product for mold or spoilage;
 an electronic nose 109b for smelling the foul odor; and
 a chemical composition analysing sensor to analyses sugar, gluten, fat, and moisture.

5. The system 100 for procuring item from a store as claimed in claim 1, wherein the translating unit 111 comprising a X-Y gantry 111a and a gripper 111b with laser guided sensor for picking up the item and place into designated compartment.

6. The system 100 for procuring item from a store as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shopping status include instruction of “continue” and “stop”.

7. The system 100 for procuring item from a store as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display panel 104 is an integrated part of a projection unit 105, whereby the projection unit 105 is mounted on the cart 101 for displaying 3D projection of the items along with a data.

8. The system 100 for procuring item from a store as claimed in claim 7, wherein the data includes information of nutrients’ percentage, and alternative item having same nutrients’ percentage.