U.S. patent application number 15/061688 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-08 for shopping facility assistance systems, devices, and methods to facilitate responding to a user's request for product pricing information.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael D. Atchley, Donald R. High, David C. Winkle.
Application Number | 20160259344 15/061688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56849708 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160259344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
High; Donald R. ; et
al. |
September 8, 2016 |
SHOPPING FACILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS TO
FACILITATE RESPONDING TO A USER'S REQUEST FOR PRODUCT PRICING
INFORMATION
Abstract
A shopping facility assistance system comprises a plurality of
motorized transport units and a plurality of corresponding user
interface units. The central computer system wirelessly
communicates with those user interface units via a network
interface and controls movement of those motorized transport units
through a retail shopping facility while also receiving a voice
input from a user via a particular one of the user interface units
that is associated with a particular one of the motorized transport
units. The central computer system then determines, using voice
recognition, that the voice input comprises, at least in part, an
inquiry regarding product pricing. The central computer system then
responsively provides a voiced output via the corresponding user
interface that is responsive to the inquiry.
Inventors: |
High; Donald R.; (Noel,
MO) ; Atchley; Michael D.; (Springdale, AR) ;
Winkle; David C.; (Bella Vista, AR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56849708 |
Appl. No.: |
15/061688 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
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Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62129726 |
Mar 6, 2015 |
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62129727 |
Mar 6, 2015 |
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62138877 |
Mar 26, 2015 |
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62138885 |
Mar 26, 2015 |
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62152421 |
Apr 24, 2015 |
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62152465 |
Apr 24, 2015 |
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62152440 |
Apr 24, 2015 |
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62152630 |
Apr 24, 2015 |
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62152711 |
Apr 24, 2015 |
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62152610 |
Apr 24, 2015 |
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62152667 |
Apr 24, 2015 |
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62157388 |
May 5, 2015 |
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62165579 |
May 22, 2015 |
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May 22, 2015 |
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May 22, 2015 |
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Jun 5, 2015 |
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Jun 12, 2015 |
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Jun 19, 2015 |
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62185478 |
Jun 26, 2015 |
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62194131 |
Jul 17, 2015 |
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62194119 |
Jul 17, 2015 |
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62194121 |
Jul 17, 2015 |
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62194127 |
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Aug 7, 2015 |
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62205548 |
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62205555 |
Aug 14, 2015 |
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62205539 |
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62207858 |
Aug 20, 2015 |
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62214826 |
Sep 4, 2015 |
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62214824 |
Sep 4, 2015 |
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62292084 |
Feb 5, 2016 |
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62302547 |
Mar 2, 2016 |
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Mar 2, 2016 |
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Mar 3, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B07C 2501/0054 20130101;
B07C 2501/0063 20130101; B60P 3/06 20130101; G01S 2201/02 20190801;
G05D 1/0246 20130101; G06F 21/606 20130101; G06Q 30/016 20130101;
G01C 21/206 20130101; G05D 1/021 20130101; G06Q 10/02 20130101;
H04L 63/06 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; Y02W 90/00 20150501; Y10S
901/01 20130101; G06Q 10/1095 20130101; B66F 9/063 20130101; G05B
2219/23363 20130101; G08G 1/20 20130101; A47F 13/00 20130101; G05D
1/0016 20130101; Y02W 30/82 20150501; G05D 1/0297 20130101; G05D
1/0022 20130101; G05D 1/04 20130101; H04L 63/08 20130101; A47F
2010/005 20130101; G05D 1/0219 20130101; G06F 16/90335 20190101;
G06K 9/6256 20130101; G06Q 10/30 20130101; Y02P 90/02 20151101;
G06K 9/3208 20130101; G06Q 30/0619 20130101; H04B 10/116 20130101;
H04W 4/40 20180201; B60L 53/36 20190201; G05D 1/0027 20130101; G06K
9/00624 20130101; G05D 1/0061 20130101; G05D 1/0291 20130101; H02J
7/00034 20200101; H04W 4/029 20180201; G05D 1/0289 20130101; E01H
5/12 20130101; G06Q 50/30 20130101; H04L 63/0846 20130101; B60Y
2410/10 20130101; G06Q 30/0639 20130101; G05D 1/0088 20130101; G05D
1/0214 20130101; G05D 2201/0216 20130101; G06Q 30/0613 20130101;
G10L 15/22 20130101; G06T 2207/10028 20130101; G06Q 10/0631
20130101; H04W 4/021 20130101; B62B 5/0069 20130101; B65F 2210/168
20130101; G06Q 10/083 20130101; G06Q 30/0635 20130101; G05B 19/124
20130101; G06K 9/00791 20130101; G06Q 30/0633 20130101; H04N 5/77
20130101; H04W 4/02 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201; H04N 13/282
20180501; H04N 7/185 20130101; B07C 5/28 20130101; B07C 2501/0045
20130101; E01H 5/061 20130101; G05B 19/048 20130101; Y02T 90/12
20130101; G05D 1/0011 20130101; G01S 1/72 20130101; G06T 7/74
20170101; H02J 7/0071 20200101; H04L 67/143 20130101; G06F 3/017
20130101; G06K 9/00711 20130101; H04B 1/38 20130101; A47F 2010/025
20130101; A47L 11/4011 20130101; G06K 9/00671 20130101; G06K 9/18
20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 30/0617 20130101; G06Q
10/06315 20130101; A47F 3/08 20130101; B07C 5/3422 20130101; G05D
1/0276 20130101; G05D 1/028 20130101; G06Q 20/12 20130101; G05D
1/0234 20130101; G06K 9/78 20130101; G10L 2015/223 20130101; H02J
7/0013 20130101; H04N 7/183 20130101; G06K 7/1413 20130101; B62B
5/0026 20130101; G05B 2219/39107 20130101; G10L 17/22 20130101;
G01S 1/70 20130101; H04L 67/12 20130101; H04N 7/18 20130101; H04W
4/30 20180201; Y02T 10/7072 20130101; G06Q 30/0281 20130101; G01S
1/7034 20190801; G05D 1/0293 20130101; G06Q 10/06311 20130101; G06Q
30/0631 20130101; G06T 7/593 20170101; G06K 2009/00738 20130101;
B62B 5/0076 20130101; G01S 1/02 20130101; G06K 7/10297 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101; Y04S 10/50 20130101; G06K 9/00771 20130101;
A47F 10/04 20130101; B60L 53/63 20190201; B65F 3/00 20130101; G06Q
30/0641 20130101; G06Q 50/28 20130101; G06Q 30/0605 20130101; A47L
2201/04 20130101; G05D 1/0255 20130101; G06K 9/00208 20130101; H04W
4/33 20180201; G06K 9/00805 20130101; G01S 1/7038 20190801; G05D
2201/0203 20130101; G06K 7/10821 20130101; H02J 7/0027 20130101;
H04L 67/141 20130101; G10L 13/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05D 1/02 20060101
G05D001/02; G06Q 30/06 20060101 G06Q030/06; G10L 17/22 20060101
G10L017/22; G05D 1/00 20060101 G05D001/00; G10L 13/04 20060101
G10L013/04 |
Claims
1. A shopping facility assistance system comprising: a plurality of
motorized transport units located in and configured to move through
a retail shopping facility; a plurality of user interface units,
each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit; and a
central computer system having a network interface such that the
central computer system wirelessly communicates with the plurality
of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is
configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized
transport units through the retail shopping facility, and wherein
the central computer system is further configured to: receive a
voice input from a user via a particular one of the user interface
units that is associated with a particular one of the motorized
transport units; determine, using voice recognition, that the voice
input comprises, at least in part, an inquiry regarding product
pricing; providing a voiced output via the particular one of the
user interface units that is responsive to the inquiry.
2. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 1 wherein the
motorized transport units are each configured to detachably connect
to a movable item container and configured to move the movable item
container through the retail shopping facility.
3. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 2 wherein the
particular one of the motorized transport units is connected to a
movable item container when the voice input is received via the
particular one of the user interface units that is associated with
the particular one of the motorized transport units.
4. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 1 wherein the
inquiry comprises a request for a price as corresponds to a
specifically identified product and wherein the voiced output
comprises at least the price.
5. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 1 wherein the
inquiry comprises a request for a price as corresponds to a
generically-identified product and wherein the voiced output
comprises a plurality of prices for different specific products
that correspond to the generically-identified product.
6. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 5 wherein the
plurality of prices are provided beginning with one end of a
corresponding price range and concluding with an opposing end of
the corresponding price range.
7. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 1 wherein the
voiced output includes at least one question to prompt the user to
engage in a back and forth verbal discussion to more specifically
articulate a query regarding product pricing to which the central
computer system can provide a definitive answer.
8. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 1 wherein the
central computer system is further configured to: receive image
information from at least one of the particular one of the user
interface units and the particular one of the motorized transport
units; use the image information when forming the voiced
output.
9. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 8 wherein the
image information includes an image of a product regarding which
the user seeks product pricing.
10. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 9 wherein the
central computer system is further configured to, upon determining
that the central computer system lacks specific pricing information
for the product regarding which the user seeks product pricing:
autonomously develop a price for the product; provide to the user
via the voiced output the autonomously-developed price for the
product.
11. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 8 wherein the
image information includes an optical code corresponding to the
product regarding which the user seeks product pricing.
12. The shopping facility assistance system of claim 1 wherein the
voice input from the user pertains at least in part to a
competitor's advertisement and wherein the central computer system
is further configured to: match an advertised price for the product
as appears in the competitor's advertisement by responding with the
advertised price in the voiced output.
13. A method comprising: by a central computer system for a retail
shopping facility, the central computer system having a network
interface such that the central computer system wirelessly
communicates with a plurality of user interface units and wherein
the central computer system is configured to control movement of a
plurality of motorized transport units through the retail shopping
facility: receive a voice input from a user via a particular one of
the user interface units that is associated with a particular one
of the motorized transport units; determine, using voice
recognition, that the voice input comprises, at least in part, an
inquiry regarding product pricing; providing a voiced output via
the particular one of the user interface units that is responsive
to the inquiry.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the inquiry comprises a request
for a price as corresponds to a specifically identified product and
wherein the voiced output comprises at least the price.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the inquiry comprises a request
for a price as corresponds to a generically-identified product and
wherein the voiced output comprises a plurality of prices for
different specific products that correspond to the
generically-identified product.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the plurality of prices are
provided beginning with one end of a corresponding price range and
concluding with an opposing end of the corresponding price
range.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the voiced output includes at
least one question to prompt the user to engage in a back and forth
verbal discussion to more specifically articulate a query regarding
product pricing to which the central computer system can provide a
definitive answer.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising: receiving image
information from at least one of the particular one of the user
interface units and the particular one of the motorized transport
units; using the image information when forming the voiced
output.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the image information includes
an image of a product regarding which the user seeks product
pricing.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising, upon determining
that the central computer system lacks specific pricing information
for the product regarding which the user seeks product pricing:
autonomously developing a price for the product; providing to the
user via the voiced output the autonomously-developed price for the
product.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of each of the following
U.S. Provisional applications, each of which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety: U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/129,726, filed Mar. 6, 2015, Docket 8842-134158-US (587US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,727, filed Mar. 6, 2015,
Docket 8842-134268-US (615US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/138,877, filed Mar. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-134162-US (610US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/138,885, filed Mar. 26, 2015,
Docket 8842-134209-US (635US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,421, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134155-US (608US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,465, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134161-US (603US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,440, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134208-US (611US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,630, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134249-US (612US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,711, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134269-US (626US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,610, filed Apr. 24, 2015,
Docket 8842-134574-US (623US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/152,667, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134575-US (663US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/157,388, filed May 5, 2015,
Docket 8842-134573-US (606US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/165,579, filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134576-US (677US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/165,416, filed May 22, 2015,
Docket 8842-134589-US (624US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/165,586, filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134945-US (732US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/171,822, filed Jun. 5, 2015,
Docket 8842-134250-US (621US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/175,182, filed Jun. 12, 2015, Docket 8842-135963-US (726US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/182,339, filed Jun. 19, 2015,
Docket 8842-135961-US (749US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/185,478, filed Jun. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-136023-US (742US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,131, filed Jul. 17, 2015,
Docket 8842-135962-US (739US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/194,119, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-136020-US (728US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,121, filed Jul. 17, 2015,
Docket 8842-136022-US (740US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/194,127, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-136024-US (743US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/202,744, filed Aug. 7, 2015,
Docket 8842-135956-US (764US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/202,747, filed Aug. 7, 2015, Docket 8842-136021-US (734US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,548, filed Aug. 14, 2015,
Docket 8842-135959-US (751US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/205,569, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136123-US (680US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,555, filed Aug. 14, 2015,
Docket 8842-136124-US (741US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/205,539, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136651-US (919US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/207,858, filed Aug. 20, 2015,
Docket 8842-136508-US (854US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/214,826, filed Sep. 4, 2015, Docket 8842-136026-US (746US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/214,824, filed Sep. 4, 2015,
Docket 8842-136025-US (744US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/292,084, filed Feb. 5, 2016, Docket 8842-137833-US (925US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,547, filed Mar. 2, 2016,
Docket 8842-136125-US (748US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/302,567, filed Mar. 2, 2016, Docket 8842-138040-US (731US01);
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,713, filed Mar. 2, 2016,
Docket 8842-137834-US (932US01); and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/303,021, filed Mar. 3, 2016, Docket 8842-137831-US
(636US01).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] These teachings relate generally to shopping environments
and more particularly to devices, systems and methods for assisting
customers and/or workers in those shopping environments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In a modern retail store environment, there is a need to
improve the customer experience and/or convenience for the
customer. Whether shopping in a large format (big box) store or
smaller format (neighborhood) store, customers often require
assistance that employees of the store are not always able to
provide. For example, particularly during peak hours, there may not
be enough employees available to assist customers such that
customer questions go unanswered. Additionally, due to high
employee turnover rates, available employees may not be fully
trained or have access to information to adequately support
customers.
[0004] In some cases the customer's question may pertain to pricing
for a product that lacks marking or signage in these regards. An
inability to respond in a timely and satisfactory manner to such a
question can result in low customer satisfaction or reduced
convenience to the customer. With increasing competition from
non-traditional shopping mechanisms, such as online shopping
provided by e-commerce merchants and alternative store formats, it
can be important for "brick and mortar" retailers to focus on
improving the overall customer experience and/or convenience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The above needs are at least partially met through provision
of embodiments of systems, devices, and methods designed to provide
assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility, such
as described in the following detailed description, particularly
when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram of a shopping assistance
system as configured in accordance with various embodiments of
these teachings;
[0007] FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of a motorized transport
unit of the system of FIG. 1 in a retracted orientation and an
extended orientation in accordance with some embodiments;
[0008] FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations of the motorized transport
unit of FIGS. 2A and 2B detachably coupling to a movable item
container, such as a shopping cart, in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 4 comprises a block diagram of a motorized transport
unit as configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings;
[0010] FIG. 5 comprises a block diagram of a computer device as
configured in accordance with various embodiments of these
teachings;
[0011] FIG. 6 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance
with various embodiments of these teachings; and
[0012] FIG. 7 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance
with various embodiments of these teachings.
[0013] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
teachings. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present teachings. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general
principles of exemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this
specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar
language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment,"
and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0015] Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments,
systems, devices and methods are provided for assistance of persons
at a shopping facility. Generally, assistance may be provided to
customers or shoppers at the facility and/or to workers at the
facility. The facility may be any type of shopping facility at a
location in which products for display and/or for sale are
variously distributed throughout the shopping facility space. The
shopping facility may be a retail sales facility, or any other type
of facility in which products are displayed and/or sold. The
shopping facility may include one or more of sales floor areas,
checkout locations (i.e., point of sale (POS) locations), customer
service areas other than checkout locations (such as service areas
to handle returns), parking locations, entrance and exit areas,
stock room areas, stock receiving areas, hallway areas, common
areas shared by merchants, and so on. Generally, a shopping
facility includes areas that may be dynamic in terms of the
physical structures occupying the space or area and objects, items,
machinery and/or persons moving in the area. For example, the sales
floor area may include product storage units, shelves, racks,
modules, bins, etc., and other walls, dividers, partitions, etc.
that may be configured in different layouts or physical
arrangements. In other example, persons or other movable objects
may be freely and independently traveling through the shopping
facility space. And in another example, the persons or movable
objects move according to known travel patterns and timing. The
facility may be any size of format facility, and may include
products from one or more merchants. For example, a facility may be
a single store operated by one merchant or may be a collection of
stores covering multiple merchants such as a mall.
[0016] Generally, the system makes use of automated, robotic mobile
devices, e.g., motorized transport units, that are capable of
self-powered movement through a space of the shopping facility and
providing any number of functions. Movement and operation of such
devices may be controlled by a central computer system or may be
autonomously controlled by the motorized transport units
themselves. Various embodiments provide one or more user interfaces
to allow various users to interact with the system including the
automated mobile devices and/or to directly interact with the
automated mobile devices. In some embodiments, the automated mobile
devices and the corresponding system serve to enhance a customer
shopping experience in the shopping facility, e.g., by assisting
shoppers and/or workers at the facility.
[0017] In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance
system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located
in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a
plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a
respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective
motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a
network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly
communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized
transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein
the central computer system is configured to control movement of
the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping
facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user
interface units.
[0018] System Overview
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates
embodiments of a shopping facility assistance system 100 that can
serve to carry out at least some of the teachings set forth herein.
It will be understood that the details of this example are intended
to serve in an illustrative capacity and are not necessarily
intended to suggest any limitations as regards the present
teachings. It is noted that generally, FIGS. 1-5 describe the
general functionality of several embodiments of a system, and FIGS.
6 and 7 expand on some functionalities of some embodiments of the
system and/or embodiments independent of such systems pertaining to
shopping facility assistance systems, devices, and methods to
facilitate responding to a user's request for product pricing
information.
[0020] In the example of FIG. 1, a shopping assistance system 100
is implemented in whole or in part at a shopping facility 101.
Generally, the system 100 includes one or more motorized transport
units (MTUs) 102; one or more item containers 104; a central
computer system 106 having at least one control circuit 108, at
least one memory 110 and at least one network interface 112; at
least one user interface unit 114; a location determination system
116; at least one video camera 118; at least one motorized
transport unit (MTU) dispenser 120; at least one motorized
transport unit (MTU) docking station 122; at least one wireless
network 124; at least one database 126; at least one user interface
computer device 128; an item display module 130; and a locker or an
item storage unit 132. It is understood that more or fewer of such
components may be included in different embodiments of the system
100.
[0021] These motorized transport units 102 are located in the
shopping facility 101 and are configured to move throughout the
shopping facility space. Further details regarding such motorized
transport units 102 appear further below. Generally speaking, these
motorized transport units 102 are configured to either comprise, or
to selectively couple to, a corresponding movable item container
104. A simple example of an item container 104 would be a shopping
cart as one typically finds at many retail facilities, or a rocket
cart, a flatbed cart or any other mobile basket or platform that
may be used to gather items for potential purchase.
[0022] In some embodiments, these motorized transport units 102
wirelessly communicate with, and are wholly or largely controlled
by, the central computer system 106. In particular, in some
embodiments, the central computer system 106 is configured to
control movement of the motorized transport units 102 through the
shopping facility space based on a variety of inputs. For example,
the central computer system 106 communicates with each motorized
transport unit 102 via the wireless network 124 which may be one or
more wireless networks of one or more wireless network types (such
as, a wireless local area network, a wireless personal area
network, a wireless mesh network, a wireless star network, a
wireless wide area network, a cellular network, and so on), capable
of providing wireless coverage of the desired range of the
motorized transport units 102 according to any known wireless
protocols, including but not limited to a cellular, Wi-Fi, Zigbee
or Bluetooth network.
[0023] By one approach the central computer system 106 is a
computer based device and includes at least one control circuit
108, at least one memory 110 and at least one wired and/or wireless
network interface 112. Such a control circuit 108 can comprise a
fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a partially or
wholly programmable platform, such as a microcontroller, an
application specification integrated circuit, a field programmable
gate array, and so on. These architectural options are well known
and understood in the art and require no further description here.
This control circuit 108 is configured (for example, by using
corresponding programming stored in the memory 110 as will be well
understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or more of
the steps, actions, and/or functions described herein.
[0024] In this illustrative example the control circuit 108
operably couples to one or more memories 110. The memory 110 may be
integral to the control circuit 108 or can be physically discrete
(in whole or in part) from the control circuit 108 as desired. This
memory 110 can also be local with respect to the control circuit
108 (where, for example, both share a common circuit board,
chassis, power supply, and/or housing) or can be partially or
wholly remote with respect to the control circuit 108 (where, for
example, the memory 110 is physically located in another facility,
metropolitan area, or even country as compared to the control
circuit 108).
[0025] This memory 110 can serve, for example, to non-transitorily
store the computer instructions that, when executed by the control
circuit 108, cause the control circuit 108 to behave as described
herein. (As used herein, this reference to "non-transitorily" will
be understood to refer to a non-ephemeral state for the stored
contents (and hence excludes when the stored contents merely
constitute signals or waves) rather than volatility of the storage
media itself and hence includes both non-volatile memory (such as
read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatile memory (such as an
erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).)
[0026] Additionally, at least one database 126 may be accessible by
the central computer system 106. Such databases may be integrated
into the central computer system 106 or separate from it. Such
databases may be at the location of the shopping facility 101 or
remote from the shopping facility 101. Regardless of location, the
databases comprise memory to store and organize certain data for
use by the central control system 106. In some embodiments, the at
least one database 126 may store data pertaining to one or more of:
shopping facility mapping data, customer data, customer shopping
data and patterns, inventory data, product pricing data, and so
on.
[0027] In this illustrative example, the central computer system
106 also wirelessly communicates with a plurality of user interface
units 114. These teachings will accommodate a variety of user
interface units including, but not limited to, mobile and/or
handheld electronic devices such as so-called smart phones and
portable computers such as tablet/pad-styled computers. Generally
speaking, these user interface units 114 should be able to
wirelessly communicate with the central computer system 106 via a
wireless network, such as the wireless network 124 of the shopping
facility 101 (such as a Wi-Fi wireless network). These user
interface units 114 generally provide a user interface for
interaction with the system. In some embodiments, a given motorized
transport unit 102 is paired with, associated with, assigned to or
otherwise made to correspond with a given user interface unit 114.
In some embodiments, these user interface units 114 should also be
able to receive verbally-expressed input from a user and forward
that content to the central computer system 106 or a motorized
transport unit 102 and/or convert that verbally-expressed input
into a form useful to the central computer system 106 or a
motorized transport unit 102.
[0028] By one approach at least some of the user interface units
114 belong to corresponding customers who have come to the shopping
facility 101 to shop. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing
or in combination therewith, at least some of the user interface
units 114 belong to the shopping facility 101 and are loaned to
individual customers to employ as described herein. In some
embodiments, one or more user interface units 114 are attachable to
a given movable item container 104 or are integrated with the
movable item container 104. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or
more user interface units 114 may be those of shopping facility
workers, belong to the shopping facility 101 and are loaned to the
workers, or a combination thereof.
[0029] In some embodiments, the user interface units 114 may be
general purpose computer devices that include computer programming
code to allow it to interact with the system 106. For example, such
programming may be in the form of an application installed on the
user interface unit 114 or in the form of a browser that displays a
user interface provided by the central computer system 106 or other
remote computer or server (such as a web server). In some
embodiments, one or more user interface units 114 may be special
purpose devices that are programmed to primarily function as a user
interface for the system 100. Depending on the functionality and
use case, user interface units 114 may be operated by customers of
the shopping facility or may be operated by workers at the shopping
facility, such as facility employees (associates or colleagues),
vendors, suppliers, contractors, etc.
[0030] By one approach, the system 100 optionally includes one or
more video cameras 118. Captured video imagery from such a video
camera 118 can be provided to the central computer system 106. That
information can then serve, for example, to help the central
computer system 106 determine a present location of one or more of
the motorized transport units 102 and/or determine issues or
concerns regarding automated movement of those motorized transport
units 102 in the shopping facility space. As one simple example in
these regards, such video information can permit the central
computer system 106, at least in part, to detect an object in a
path of movement of a particular one of the motorized transport
units 102.
[0031] By one approach these video cameras 118 comprise existing
surveillance equipment employed at the shopping facility 101 to
serve, for example, various security purposes. By another approach
these video cameras 118 are dedicated to providing video content to
the central computer system 106 to facilitate the latter's control
of the motorized transport units 102. If desired, the video cameras
118 can have a selectively movable field of view and/or zoom
capability that the central computer system 106 controls as
appropriate to help ensure receipt of useful information at any
given moment.
[0032] In some embodiments, a location detection system 116 is
provided at the shopping facility 101. The location detection
system 116 provides input to the central computer system 106 useful
to help determine the location of one or more of the motorized
transport units 102. In some embodiments, the location detection
system 116 includes a series of light sources (e.g., LEDs
(light-emitting diodes)) that are mounted in the ceiling at known
positions throughout the space and that each encode data in the
emitted light that identifies the source of the light (and thus,
the location of the light). As a given motorized transport unit 102
moves through the space, light sensors (or light receivers) at the
motorized transport unit 102, on the movable item container 104
and/or at the user interface unit 114 receive the light and can
decode the data. This data is sent back to the central computer
system 106 which can determine the position of the motorized
transport unit 102 by the data of the light it receives, since it
can relate the light data to a mapping of the light sources to
locations at the facility 101. Generally, such lighting systems are
known and commercially available, e.g., the ByteLight system from
ByteLight of Boston, Mass. In embodiments using a ByteLight system,
a typical display screen of the typical smart phone device can be
used as a light sensor or light receiver to receive and process
data encoded into the light from the ByteLight light sources.
[0033] In other embodiments, the location detection system 116
includes a series of low energy radio beacons (e.g., Bluetooth low
energy beacons) at known positions throughout the space and that
each encode data in the emitted radio signal that identifies the
beacon (and thus, the location of the beacon). As a given motorized
transport unit 102 moves through the space, low energy receivers at
the motorized transport unit 102, on the movable item container 104
and/or at the user interface unit 114 receive the radio signal and
can decode the data. This data is sent back to the central computer
system 106 which can determine the position of the motorized
transport unit 102 by the location encoded in the radio signal it
receives, since it can relate the location data to a mapping of the
low energy radio beacons to locations at the facility 101.
Generally, such low energy radio systems are known and commercially
available. In embodiments using a Bluetooth low energy radio
system, a typical Bluetooth radio of a typical smart phone device
can be used as a receiver to receive and process data encoded into
the Bluetooth low energy radio signals from the Bluetooth low
energy beacons.
[0034] In still other embodiments, the location detection system
116 includes a series of audio beacons at known positions
throughout the space and that each encode data in the emitted audio
signal that identifies the beacon (and thus, the location of the
beacon). As a given motorized transport unit 102 moves through the
space, microphones at the motorized transport unit 102, on the
movable item container 104 and/or at the user interface unit 114
receive the audio signal and can decode the data. This data is sent
back to the central computer system 106 which can determine the
position of the motorized transport unit 102 by the location
encoded in the audio signal it receives, since it can relate the
location data to a mapping of the audio beacons to locations at the
facility 101. Generally, such audio beacon systems are known and
commercially available. In embodiments using an audio beacon
system, a typical microphone of a typical smart phone device can be
used as a receiver to receive and process data encoded into the
audio signals from the audio beacon.
[0035] Also optionally, the central computer system 106 can
operably couple to one or more user interface computers 128
(comprising, for example, a display and a user input interface such
as a keyboard, touch screen, and/or cursor-movement device). Such a
user interface computer 128 can permit, for example, a worker
(e.g., an associate, analyst, etc.) at the retail or shopping
facility 101 to monitor the operations of the central computer
system 106 and/or to attend to any of a variety of administrative,
configuration or evaluation tasks as may correspond to the
programming and operation of the central computer system 106. Such
user interface computers 128 may be at or remote from the location
of the facility 101 and may access one or more the databases
126.
[0036] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one
motorized transport unit (MTU) storage unit or dispenser 120 at
various locations in the shopping facility 101. The dispenser 120
provides for storage of motorized transport units 102 that are
ready to be assigned to customers and/or workers. In some
embodiments, the dispenser 120 takes the form of a cylinder within
which motorized transports units 102 are stacked and released
through the bottom of the dispenser 120. Further details of such
embodiments are provided further below. In some embodiments, the
dispenser 120 may be fixed in location or may be mobile and capable
of transporting itself to a given location or utilizing a motorized
transport unit 102 to transport the dispenser 120, then dispense
one or more motorized transport units 102.
[0037] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one
motorized transport unit (MTU) docking station 122. These docking
stations 122 provide locations where motorized transport units 102
can travel and connect to. For example, the motorized transport
units 102 may be stored and charged at the docking station 122 for
later use, and/or may be serviced at the docking station 122.
[0038] In accordance with some embodiments, a given motorized
transport unit 102 detachably connects to a movable item container
104 and is configured to move the movable item container 104
through the shopping facility space under control of the central
computer system 106 and/or the user interface unit 114. For
example, a motorized transport unit 102 can move to a position
underneath a movable item container 104 (such as a shopping cart, a
rocket cart, a flatbed cart, or any other mobile basket or
platform), align itself with the movable item container 104 (e.g.,
using sensors) and then raise itself to engage an undersurface of
the movable item container 104 and lift a portion of the movable
item container 104. Once the motorized transport unit is
cooperating with the movable item container 104 (e.g., lifting a
portion of the movable item container), the motorized transport
unit 102 can continue to move throughout the facility space 101
taking the movable item container 104 with it. In some examples,
the motorized transport unit 102 takes the form of the motorized
transport unit 202 of FIGS. 2A-3B as it engages and detachably
connects to a given movable item container 104. It is understood
that in other embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102 may not
lift a portion of the movable item container 104, but that it
removably latches to, connects to or otherwise attaches to a
portion of the movable item container 104 such that the movable
item container 104 can be moved by the motorized transport unit
102. For example, the motorized transport unit 102 can connect to a
given movable item container using a hook, a mating connector, a
magnet, and so on.
[0039] In addition to detachably coupling to movable item
containers 104 (such as shopping carts), in some embodiments,
motorized transport units 102 can move to and engage or connect to
an item display module 130 and/or an item storage unit or locker
132. For example, an item display module 130 may take the form of a
mobile display rack or shelving unit configured to house and
display certain items for sale. It may be desired to position the
display module 130 at various locations within the shopping
facility 101 at various times. Thus, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may move (as controlled by the central computer
system 106) underneath the item display module 130, extend upward
to lift the module 130 and then move it to the desired location. A
storage locker 132 may be a storage device where items for purchase
are collected and placed therein for a customer and/or worker to
later retrieve. In some embodiments, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may be used to move the storage locker to a
desired location in the shopping facility 101. Similar to how a
motorized transport unit engages a movable item container 104 or
item display module 130, one or more motorized transport units 102
may move (as controlled by the central computer system 106)
underneath the storage locker 132, extend upward to lift the locker
132 and then move it to the desired location.
[0040] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate some embodiments of a motorized
transport unit 202, similar to the motorized transport unit 102
shown in the system of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the motorized
transport unit 202 takes the form of a disc-shaped robotic device
having motorized wheels (not shown), a lower body portion 204 and
an upper body portion 206 that fits over at least part of the lower
body portion 204. It is noted that in other embodiments, the
motorized transport unit may have other shapes and/or
configurations, and is not limited to disc-shaped. For example, the
motorized transport unit may be cubic, octagonal, triangular, or
other shapes, and may be dependent on a movable item container with
which the motorized transport unit is intended to cooperate. Also
included are guide members 208. In FIG. 2A, the motorized transport
unit 202 is shown in a retracted position in which the upper body
portion 206 fits over the lower body portion 204 such that the
motorized transport unit 202 is in its lowest profile orientation
which is generally the preferred orientation for movement when it
is unattached to a movable item container 104 for example. In FIG.
2B, the motorized transport unit 202 is shown in an extended
position in which the upper body portion 206 is moved upward
relative to the lower body portion 204 such that the motorized
transport unit 202 is in its highest profile orientation for
movement when it is lifting and attaching to a movable item
container 104 for example. The mechanism within the motorized
transport unit 202 is designed to provide sufficient lifting force
to lift the weight of the upper body portion 206 and other objects
to be lifted by the motorized transport unit 202, such as movable
item containers 104 and items placed within the movable item
container, item display modules 130 and items supported by the item
display module, and storage lockers 132 and items placed within the
storage locker. The guide members 208 are embodied as pegs or
shafts that extend horizontally from the both the upper body
portion 206 and the lower body portion 204. In some embodiments,
these guide members 208 assist docking the motorized transport unit
202 to a docking station 122 or a dispenser 120. In some
embodiments, the lower body portion 204 and the upper body portion
are capable to moving independently of each other. For example, the
upper body portion 206 may be raised and/or rotated relative to the
lower body portion 204. That is, one or both of the upper body
portion 206 and the lower body portion 204 may move toward/away
from the other or rotated relative to the other. In some
embodiments, in order to raise the upper body portion 206 relative
to the lower body portion 204, the motorized transport unit 202
includes an internal lifting system (e.g., including one or more
electric actuators or rotary drives or motors). Numerous examples
of such motorized lifting and rotating systems are known in the
art. Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not
provided here for the sake of brevity.
[0041] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate some embodiments of the motorized
transport unit 202 detachably engaging a movable item container
embodied as a shopping cart 302. In FIG. 3A, the motorized
transport unit 202 is in the orientation of FIG. 2A such that it is
retracted and able to move in position underneath a portion of the
shopping cart 302. Once the motorized transport unit 202 is in
position (e.g., using sensors), as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the
motorized transport unit 202 is moved to the extended position of
FIG. 2B such that the front portion 304 of the shopping cart is
lifted off of the ground by the motorized transport unit 202, with
the wheels 306 at the rear of the shopping cart 302 remaining on
the ground. In this orientation, the motorized transport unit 202
is able to move the shopping cart 302 throughout the shopping
facility. It is noted that in these embodiments, the motorized
transport unit 202 does not bear the weight of the entire cart 302
since the rear wheels 306 rest on the floor. It is understood that
in some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 202 may be
configured to detachably engage other types of movable item
containers, such as rocket carts, flatbed carts or other mobile
baskets or platforms.
[0042] FIG. 4 presents a more detailed example of some embodiments
of the motorized transport unit 102 of FIG. 1. In this example, the
motorized transport unit 102 has a housing 402 that contains
(partially or fully) or at least supports and carries a number of
components. These components include a control unit 404 comprising
a control circuit 406 that, like the control circuit 108 of the
central computer system 106, controls the general operations of the
motorized transport unit 102. Accordingly, the control unit 404
also includes a memory 408 coupled to the control circuit 406 and
that stores, for example, operating instructions and/or useful
data.
[0043] The control circuit 406 operably couples to a motorized
wheel system 410. This motorized wheel system 410 functions as a
locomotion system to permit the motorized transport unit 102 to
move within the aforementioned retail or shopping facility 101
(thus, the motorized wheel system 410 may more generically be
referred to as a locomotion system). Generally speaking, this
motorized wheel system 410 will include at least one drive wheel
(i.e., a wheel that rotates (around a horizontal axis) under power
to thereby cause the motorized transport unit 102 to move through
interaction with, for example, the floor of the shopping facility
101). The motorized wheel system 410 can include any number of
rotating wheels and/or other floor-contacting mechanisms as may be
desired and/or appropriate to the application setting.
[0044] The motorized wheel system 410 also includes a steering
mechanism of choice. One simple example in these regards comprises
one or more of the aforementioned wheels that can swivel about a
vertical axis to thereby cause the moving motorized transport unit
102 to turn as well.
[0045] Numerous examples of motorized wheel systems are known in
the art. Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not
provided here for the sake of brevity save to note that the
aforementioned control circuit 406 is configured to control the
various operating states of the motorized wheel system 410 to
thereby control when and how the motorized wheel system 410
operates.
[0046] In this illustrative example, the control circuit 406 also
operably couples to at least one wireless transceiver 412 that
operates according to any known wireless protocol. This wireless
transceiver 412 can comprise, for example, a Wi-Fi-compatible
and/or Bluetooth-compatible transceiver that can communicate with
the aforementioned central computer system 106 via the
aforementioned wireless network 124 of the shopping facility 101.
So configured the control circuit 406 of the motorized transport
unit 102 can provide information to the central computer system 106
and can receive information and/or instructions from the central
computer system 106. As one simple example in these regards, the
control circuit 406 can receive instructions from the central
computer system 106 regarding movement of the motorized transport
unit 102.
[0047] These teachings will accommodate using any of a wide variety
of wireless technologies as desired and/or as may be appropriate in
a given application setting. These teachings will also accommodate
employing two or more different wireless transceivers 412 if
desired.
[0048] The control circuit 406 also couples to one or more on-board
sensors 414. These teachings will accommodate a wide variety of
sensor technologies and form factors. By one approach at least one
such sensor 414 can comprise a light sensor or light receiver. When
the aforementioned location detection system 116 comprises a
plurality of light emitters disposed at particular locations within
the shopping facility 101, such a light sensor can provide
information that the control circuit 406 and/or the central
computer system 106 employs to determine a present location and/or
orientation of the motorized transport unit 102.
[0049] As another example, such a sensor 414 can comprise a
distance measurement unit configured to detect a distance between
the motorized transport unit 102 and one or more objects or
surfaces around the motorized transport unit 102 (such as an object
that lies in a projected path of movement for the motorized
transport unit 102 through the shopping facility 101). These
teachings will accommodate any of a variety of distance measurement
units including optical units and sound/ultrasound units. In one
example, a sensor 414 comprises a laser distance sensor device
capable of determining a distance to objects in proximity to the
sensor. In some embodiments, a sensor 414 comprises an optical
based scanning device to sense and read optical patterns in
proximity to the sensor, such as bar codes variously located on
structures in the shopping facility 101. In some embodiments, a
sensor 414 comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag
reader capable of reading RFID tags in proximity to the sensor.
Such sensors may be useful to determine proximity to nearby
objects, avoid collisions, orient the motorized transport unit at a
proper alignment orientation to engage a movable item container,
and so on.
[0050] The foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative and
are not intended to convey an exhaustive listing of all possible
sensors. Instead, it will be understood that these teachings will
accommodate sensing any of a wide variety of circumstances or
phenomena to support the operating functionality of the motorized
transport unit 102 in a given application setting.
[0051] By one optional approach an audio input 416 (such as a
microphone) and/or an audio output 418 (such as a speaker) can also
operably couple to the control circuit 406. So configured the
control circuit 406 can provide a variety of audible sounds to
thereby communicate with a user of the motorized transport unit
102, other persons in the vicinity of the motorized transport unit
102, or even other motorized transport units 102 in the area. These
audible sounds can include any of a variety of tones and other
non-verbal sounds. These audible sounds can also include, in lieu
of the foregoing or in combination therewith, pre-recorded or
synthesized speech.
[0052] The audio input 416, in turn, provides a mechanism whereby,
for example, a user provides verbal input to the control circuit
406. That verbal input can comprise, for example, instructions,
inquiries, or information. So configured, a user can provide, for
example, a question to the motorized transport unit 102 (such as,
"Where are the towels?"). The control circuit 406 can cause that
verbalized question to be transmitted to the central computer
system 106 via the motorized transport unit's wireless transceiver
412. The central computer system 106 can process that verbal input
to recognize the speech content and to then determine an
appropriate response. That response might comprise, for example,
transmitting back to the motorized transport unit 102 specific
instructions regarding how to move the motorized transport unit 102
(via the aforementioned motorized wheel system 410) to the location
in the shopping facility 101 where the towels are displayed.
[0053] In this example the motorized transport unit 102 includes a
rechargeable power source 420 such as one or more batteries. The
power provided by the rechargeable power source 420 can be made
available to whichever components of the motorized transport unit
102 require electrical energy. By one approach the motorized
transport unit 102 includes a plug or other electrically conductive
interface that the control circuit 406 can utilize to automatically
connect to an external source of electrical energy to thereby
recharge the rechargeable power source 420.
[0054] By one approach the motorized transport unit 102 comprises
an integral part of a movable item container 104 such as a grocery
cart. As used herein, this reference to "integral" will be
understood to refer to a non-temporary combination and joinder that
is sufficiently complete so as to consider the combined elements to
be as one. Such a joinder can be facilitated in a number of ways
including by securing the motorized transport unit housing 402 to
the item container using bolts or other threaded fasteners as
versus, for example, a clip.
[0055] These teachings will also accommodate selectively and
temporarily attaching the motorized transport unit 102 to an item
container 104. In such a case the motorized transport unit 102 can
include a movable item container coupling structure 422. By one
approach this movable item container coupling structure 422
operably couples to a control circuit 202 to thereby permit the
latter to control, for example, the latched and unlatched states of
the movable item container coupling structure 422. So configured,
by one approach the control circuit 406 can automatically and
selectively move the motorized transport unit 102 (via the
motorized wheel system 410) towards a particular item container
until the movable item container coupling structure 422 can engage
the item container to thereby temporarily physically couple the
motorized transport unit 102 to the item container. So latched, the
motorized transport unit 102 can then cause the item container to
move with the motorized transport unit 102. In embodiments such as
illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3B, the movable item container coupling
structure 422 includes a lifting system (e.g., including an
electric drive or motor) to cause a portion of the body or housing
402 to engage and lift a portion of the item container off of the
ground such that the motorized transport unit 102 can carry a
portion of the item container. In other embodiments, the movable
transport unit latches to a portion of the movable item container
without lifting a portion thereof off of the ground.
[0056] In either case, by combining the motorized transport unit
102 with an item container, and by controlling movement of the
motorized transport unit 102 via the aforementioned central
computer system 106, these teachings will facilitate a wide variety
of useful ways to assist both customers and associates in a
shopping facility setting. For example, the motorized transport
unit 102 can be configured to follow a particular customer as they
shop within the shopping facility 101. The customer can then place
items they intend to purchase into the item container that is
associated with the motorized transport unit 102.
[0057] In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102
includes an input/output (I/O) device 424 that is coupled to the
control circuit 406. The I/O device 424 allows an external device
to couple to the control unit 404. The function and purpose of
connecting devices will depend on the application. In some
examples, devices connecting to the I/O device 424 may add
functionality to the control unit 404, allow the exporting of data
from the control unit 404, allow the diagnosing of the motorized
transport unit 102, and so on.
[0058] In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102
includes a user interface 426 including for example, user inputs
and/or user outputs or displays depending on the intended
interaction with the user. For example, user inputs could include
any input device such as buttons, knobs, switches, touch sensitive
surfaces or display screens, and so on. Example user outputs
include lights, display screens, and so on. The user interface 426
may work together with or separate from any user interface
implemented at a user interface unit 114 (such as a smart phone or
tablet device).
[0059] The control unit 404 includes a memory 408 coupled to the
control circuit 406 and that stores, for example, operating
instructions and/or useful data. The control circuit 406 can
comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wired platform or can comprise a
partially or wholly programmable platform. These architectural
options are well known and understood in the art and require no
further description here. This control circuit 406 is configured
(for example, by using corresponding programming stored in the
memory 408 as will be well understood by those skilled in the art)
to carry out one or more of the steps, actions, and/or functions
described herein. The memory 408 may be integral to the control
circuit 406 or can be physically discrete (in whole or in part)
from the control circuit 406 as desired. This memory 408 can also
be local with respect to the control circuit 406 (where, for
example, both share a common circuit board, chassis, power supply,
and/or housing) or can be partially or wholly remote with respect
to the control circuit 406. This memory 408 can serve, for example,
to non-transitorily store the computer instructions that, when
executed by the control circuit 406, cause the control circuit 406
to behave as described herein. (As used herein, this reference to
"non-transitorily" will be understood to refer to a non-ephemeral
state for the stored contents (and hence excludes when the stored
contents merely constitute signals or waves) rather than volatility
of the storage media itself and hence includes both non-volatile
memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatile memory
(such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).)
[0060] It is noted that not all components illustrated in FIG. 4
are included in all embodiments of the motorized transport unit
102. That is, some components may be optional depending on the
implementation.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram that may
generally represent any number of various electronic components of
the system 100 that are computer type devices. The computer device
500 includes a control circuit 502, a memory 504, a user interface
506 and an input/output (I/O) interface 508 providing any type of
wired and/or wireless connectivity to the computer device 500, all
coupled to a communication bus 510 to allow data and signaling to
pass therebetween. Generally, the control circuit 502 and the
memory 504 may be referred to as a control unit. The control
circuit 502, the memory 504, the user interface 506 and the I/O
interface 508 may be any of the devices described herein or as
understood in the art. The functionality of the computer device 500
will depend on the programming stored in the memory 504. The
computer device 500 may represent a high level diagram for one or
more of the central computer system 106, the motorized transport
unit 102, the user interface unit 114, the location detection
system 116, the user interface computer 128, the MTU docking
station 122 and the MTU dispenser 120, or any other device or
component in the system that is implemented as a computer
device.
[0062] Additional Features Overview
[0063] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the shopping assistance
system 100 may implement one or more of several different features
depending on the configuration of the system and its components.
The following provides a brief description of several additional
features that could be implemented by the system. One or more of
these features could also be implemented in other systems separate
from embodiments of the system. This is not meant to be an
exhaustive description of all features and not meant to be an
exhaustive description of the details any one of the features.
Further details with regards to one or more features beyond this
overview may be provided herein.
[0064] Tagalong Steering: This feature allows a given motorized
transport unit 102 to lead or follow a user (e.g., a customer
and/or a worker) throughout the shopping facility 101. For example,
the central computer system 106 uses the location detection system
116 to determine the location of the motorized transport unit 102.
For example, LED smart lights (e.g., the ByteLight system) of the
location detection system 116 transmit a location number to smart
devices which are with the customer (e.g., user interface units
114), and/or on the item container 104/motorized transport unit
102. The central computer system 106 receives the LED location
numbers received by the smart devices through the wireless network
124. Using this information, in some embodiments, the central
computer system 106 uses a grid placed upon a 2D CAD map and 3D
point cloud model (e.g., from the databases 126) to direct, track,
and plot paths for the other devices. Using the grid, the motorized
transport unit 102 can drive a movable item container 104 in a
straight path rather than zigzagging around the facility. As the
user moves from one grid to another, the motorized transport unit
102 drives the container 104 from one grid to the other. In some
embodiments, as the user moves towards the motorized transport
unit, it stays still until the customer moves beyond an adjoining
grid.
[0065] Detecting Objects: In some embodiments, motorized transport
units 102 detect objects through several sensors mounted on
motorized transport unit 102, through independent cameras (e.g.,
video cameras 118), through sensors of a corresponding movable item
container 104, and through communications with the central computer
system 106. In some embodiments, with semi-autonomous capabilities,
the motorized transport unit 102 will attempt to avoid obstacles,
and if unable to avoid, it will notify the central computer system
106 of an exception condition. In some embodiments, using sensors
414 (such as distance measurement units, e.g., laser or other
optical-based distance measurement sensors, digital cameras, and so
forth), the motorized transport unit 102 detects obstacles in its
path, and will move to avoid, or stop until the obstacle is
clear.
[0066] Visual Remote Steering: This feature enables movement and/or
operation of a motorized transport unit 102 to be controlled by a
user on-site, off-site, or anywhere in the world. This is due to
the architecture of some embodiments where the central computer
system 106 outputs the control signals to the motorized transport
unit 102. These controls signals could have originated at any
device in communication with the central computer system 106. For
example, the movement signals sent to the motorized transport unit
102 may be movement instructions determined by the central computer
system 106; commands received at a user interface unit 114 from a
user; and commands received at the central computer system 106 from
a remote user not located at the shopping facility space.
[0067] Determining Location: Similar to that described above, this
feature enables the central computer system 106 to determine the
location of devices in the shopping facility 101. For example, the
central computer system 106 maps received LED light transmissions,
Bluetooth low energy radio signals or audio signals (or other
received signals encoded with location data) to a 2D map of the
shopping facility. Objects within the area of the shopping facility
are also mapped and associated with those transmissions. Using this
information, the central computer system 106 can determine the
location of devices such as motorized transport units.
[0068] Digital Physical Map Integration: In some embodiments, the
system 100 is capable of integrating 2D and 3D maps of the shopping
facility with physical locations of objects and workers. Once the
central computer system 106 maps all objects to specific locations
using algorithms, measurements and LED geo-location, for example,
grids are applied which sections off the maps into access ways and
blocked sections. Motorized transport units 102 use these grids for
navigation and recognition. In some cases, grids are applied to 2D
horizontal maps along with 3D models. In some cases, grids start at
a higher unit level and then can be broken down into smaller units
of measure by the central computer system 106 when needed to
provide more accuracy.
[0069] Calling a Motorized Transport Unit: This feature provides
multiple methods to request and schedule a motorized transport unit
102 for assistance in the shopping facility. In some embodiments,
users can request use of a motorized transport unit 102 through the
user interface unit 114. The central computer system 106 can check
to see if there is an available motorized transport unit. Once
assigned to a given user, other users will not be able to control
the already assigned transport unit. Workers, such as store
associates, may also reserve multiple motorized transport units in
order to accomplish a coordinated large job.
[0070] Locker Delivery: In some embodiments, one or more motorized
transport units 102 may be used to pick, pack, and deliver items to
a particular storage locker 132. The motorized transport units 102
can couple to and move the storage locker to a desired location. In
some embodiments, once delivered, the requestor will be notified
that the items are ready to be picked up, and will be provided the
locker location and locker security code key.
[0071] Route Optimization: In some embodiments, the central
computer system automatically generates a travel route for one or
more motorized transport units through the shopping facility space.
In some embodiments, this route is based on one or more of a user
provided list of items entered by the user via a user interface
unit 114; user selected route preferences entered by the user via
the user interface unit 114; user profile data received from a user
information database (e.g., from one of databases 126); and product
availability information from a retail inventory database (e.g.,
from one of databases 126). In some cases, the route intends to
minimize the time it takes to get through the facility, and in some
cases, may route the shopper to the least busy checkout area.
Frequently, there will be multiple possible optimum routes. The
route chosen may take the user by things the user is more likely to
purchase (in case they forgot something), and away from things they
are not likely to buy (to avoid embarrassment). That is, routing a
customer through sporting goods, women's lingerie, baby food, or
feminine products, who has never purchased such products based on
past customer behavior would be non-productive, and potentially
embarrassing to the customer. In some cases, a route may be
determined from multiple possible routes based on past shopping
behavior, e.g., if the customer typically buys a cold Diet Coke
product, children's shoes or power tools, this information would be
used to add weight to the best alternative routes, and determine
the route accordingly.
[0072] Store Facing Features: In some embodiments, these features
enable functions to support workers in performing store functions.
For example, the system can assist workers to know what products
and items are on the shelves and which ones need attention. For
example, using 3D scanning and point cloud measurements, the
central computer system can determine where products are supposed
to be, enabling workers to be alerted to facing or zoning of issues
along with potential inventory issues.
[0073] Phone Home: This feature allows users in a shopping facility
101 to be able to contact remote users who are not at the shopping
facility 101 and include them in the shopping experience. For
example, the user interface unit 114 may allow the user to place a
voice call, a video call, or send a text message. With video call
capabilities, a remote person can virtually accompany an in-store
shopper, visually sharing the shopping experience while seeing and
talking with the shopper. One or more remote shoppers may join the
experience.
[0074] Returns: In some embodiments, the central computer system
106 can task a motorized transport unit 102 to keep the returns
area clear of returned merchandise. For example, the transport unit
may be instructed to move a cart from the returns area to a
different department or area. Such commands may be initiated from
video analytics (the central computer system analyzing camera
footage showing a cart full), from an associate command (digital or
verbal), or on a schedule, as other priority tasks allow. The
motorized transport unit 102 can first bring an empty cart to the
returns area, prior to removing a full one.
[0075] Bring a Container: One or more motorized transport units can
retrieve a movable item container 104 (such as a shopping cart) to
use. For example, upon a customer or worker request, the motorized
transport unit 102 can re-position one or more item containers 104
from one location to another. In some cases, the system instructs
the motorized transport unit where to obtain an empty item
container for use. For example, the system can recognize an empty
and idle item container that has been abandoned or instruct that
one be retrieved from a cart storage area. In some cases, the call
to retrieve an item container may be initiated through a call
button placed throughout the facility, or through the interface of
a user interface unit 114.
[0076] Respond to Voice Commands: In some cases, control of a given
motorized transport unit is implemented through the acceptance of
voice commands. For example, the user may speak voice commands to
the motorized transport unit 102 itself and/or to the user
interface unit 114. In some embodiments, a voice print is used to
authorize to use of a motorized transport unit 102 to allow voice
commands from single user at a time.
[0077] Retrieve Abandoned Item Containers: This feature allows the
central computer system to track movement of movable item
containers in and around the area of the shopping facility 101,
including both the sale floor areas and the back-room areas. For
example, using visual recognition through store cameras 118 or
through user interface units 114, the central computer system 106
can identify abandoned and out-of-place movable item containers. In
some cases, each movable item container has a transmitter or smart
device which will send a unique identifier to facilitate tracking
or other tasks and its position using LED geo-location
identification. Using LED geo-location identification with the
Determining Location feature through smart devices on each cart,
the central computer system 106 can determine the length of time a
movable item container 104 is stationary.
[0078] Stocker Assistance: This feature allows the central computer
system to track movement of merchandise flow into and around the
back-room areas. For example, using visual recognition and captured
images, the central computer system 106 can determine if carts are
loaded or not for moving merchandise between the back room areas
and the sale floor areas. Tasks or alerts may be sent to workers to
assign tasks.
[0079] Self-Docking: Motorized transport units 102 will run low or
out of power when used. Before this happens, the motorized
transport units 102 need to recharge to stay in service. According
to this feature, motorized transport units 102 will self-dock and
recharge (e.g., at a MTU docking station 122) to stay at maximum
efficiency, when not in use. When use is completed, the motorized
transport unit 102 will return to a docking station 122. In some
cases, if the power is running low during use, a replacement
motorized transport unit can be assigned to move into position and
replace the motorized transport unit with low power. The transition
from one unit to the next can be seamless to the user.
[0080] Item Container Retrieval: With this feature, the central
computer system 106 can cause multiple motorized transport units
102 to retrieve abandoned item containers from exterior areas such
as parking lots. For example, multiple motorized transport units
are loaded into a movable dispenser, e.g., the motorized transport
units are vertically stacked in the dispenser. The dispenser is
moved to the exterior area and the transport units are dispensed.
Based on video analytics, it is determined which item containers
104 are abandoned and for how long. A transport unit will attach to
an abandoned cart and return it to a storage bay.
[0081] Motorized Transport Unit Dispenser: This feature provides
the movable dispenser that contains and moves a group of motorized
transport units to a given area (e.g., an exterior area such as a
parking lot) to be dispensed for use. For example, motorized
transport units can be moved to the parking lot to retrieve
abandoned item containers 104. In some cases, the interior of the
dispenser includes helically wound guide rails that mate with the
guide member 208 to allow the motorized transport units to be
guided to a position to be dispensed.
[0082] Specialized Module Retrieval: This feature allows the system
100 to track movement of merchandise flow into and around the sales
floor areas and the back-room areas including special modules that
may be needed to move to the sales floor. For example, using video
analytics, the system can determine if a modular unit it loaded or
empty. Such modular units may house items that are of seasonal or
temporary use on the sales floor. For example, when it is raining,
it is useful to move a module unit displaying umbrellas from a back
room area (or a lesser accessed area of the sales floor) to a
desired area of the sales floor area.
[0083] Authentication: This feature uses a voice imprint with an
attention code/word to authenticate a user to a given motorized
transport unit. One motorized transport unit can be swapped for
another using this authentication. For example, a token is used
during the session with the user. The token is a unique identifier
for the session which is dropped once the session is ended. A
logical token may be a session id used by the application of the
user interface unit 114 to establish the session id when user logs
on and when deciding to do use the system 100. In some embodiments,
communications throughout the session are encrypted using SSL or
other methods at transport level.
Further Details of Some Embodiments
[0084] In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now
provided for one or more of these and other features. In
particular, some approaches to employing a shopping facility
assistance system to facilitate responding to a user's request for
product pricing information will be described.
[0085] By one approach, such a shopping facility assistance system
comprises a plurality of motorized transport units as described
above and a plurality of user interface units (also as described
above) that each corresponds to a respective motorized transport
unit. The aforementioned central computer system wirelessly
communicates with those user interface units via a network
interface and is configured to control movement of those motorized
transport units through the retail shopping facility while also
receiving a voice input from a user via a particular one of the
user interface units that is associated with a particular one of
the motorized transport units. The central computer system then
determines, using voice recognition, that the voice input
comprises, at least in part, an inquiry regarding product pricing.
The central computer system then responsively provides a voiced
output via the corresponding user interface that is responsive to
the inquiry.
[0086] By one approach, when the aforementioned inquiry comprises a
request for a price as corresponds to a specifically identified
product, the voiced output can comprise at least the price. By
another approach, when the inquiry comprises a request for a price
as corresponds to a generically-identified product the voiced
output can comprise a plurality of prices for different specific
branded products that correspond to the generically-identified
product. In that case, if desired, the plurality of prices can be
provided beginning with one end of a corresponding price range
(such as a least expensive end of the price range) and concluding
with an opposing end of the corresponding price range (such as a
most expensive end of the price range).
[0087] By one approach, in combination with the foregoing or in
lieu thereof, the voiced output can include at least one question
that serves to prompt the user to engage in a back and forth verbal
discussion to more specifically articulate a query regarding
product pricing. Using this approach the central computer system
can garner additional information to thereby permit the central
computer system to provide a definitive answer to the user's
inquiry.
[0088] In addition, if desired, the central computer system can be
further configured to receive image information from the user
interface unit and use that image information when forming the
voiced output. Useful examples in these regards include an image of
a product regarding which the user seeks product pricing and/or an
optical code that corresponds to the product.
[0089] By one approach, in combination with the foregoing or in
lieu thereof, upon determining that the central computer system
lacks specific pricing information for a product regarding which
the user seeks product pricing, the central computer system can be
configured to autonomously develop a price for the product and
provide that autonomously-developed price for the product to the
user. The central computer system can convey that information to a
checkout system to facilitate automatically honoring that
autonomously-developed price if and when that user presents that
item for purchase at a checkout station.
[0090] These teachings are highly flexible in practice and will
accommodate a wide variety of modifications as desired. So
configured, a shopping facility assistance system can efficiently,
timely, and accurately provide pricing information to a customer
regardless of whether a facility associate is presently available
or not.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 6, a process 600 that accords with the
foregoing teachings will be described. It will be presumed for the
sake of this illustrative example that the aforementioned central
computer system 106 for a given retail shopping facility 101
carries out the activities that comprise this process 600.
[0092] At block 601 the central computer system 106 receives a
voice input from a user via a particular user interface unit (in
this case, for example, the aforementioned audio input 416) that is
associated with a particular motorized transport unit. By one
approach, this voice input can comprise a digital representation of
the original voice input. These teachings will also accommodate
accompanying, preceding, or following the transmission of this
voice information via the aforementioned network interface 112 with
additional content including, for example, one or more codes to
indicate that the voice input represents an inquiry as versus, for
example, a command or response.
[0093] If desired, this process 600 will also accommodate, at
optional block 602, receiving image information from a user
interface unit such as when the user interface unit includes the
aforementioned motorized transport unit sensor 414 comprising a
digital camera. That image information could comprise, for example,
an image of a product regarding which the user seeks product
pricing. As another example, the image information can include an
optical code (such as the well-known Universal Product Code (UPC))
as corresponds to the product for which the user seeks product
pricing.
[0094] At block 603 the central computer system 106 determines,
using voice recognition, that the voice input comprises, at least
in part, an inquiry regarding product pricing. This determination
can be further informed, if desired, by decoding any accompanying
code that indicates, directly or indirectly, that the voice input
comprises, at least in part, an inquiry regarding product pricing.
By one approach the central computer system 106 conducts such voice
recognition entirely using local resources. By another approach, if
desired, the central computer system 106 conducts part or all of
the voice recognition activity using one or more remote resources
(for example, an external resource such as a third-party voice
recognition service that the central computer system 106 accesses
via the Internet).
[0095] At block 604 the central computer system 106 provides a
voiced output via a corresponding user interface unit (such as the
aforementioned audio output 418) as corresponds to the motorized
transport unit 102, which voiced output is responsive to the
inquiry. If desired, and as illustrated at optional block 605, the
central computer system 106 can also use the optionally-provided
previously-mentioned image information when forming the voiced
output. For example, the image information may permit the central
computer system 106 to determine the particular product in
question, and even the size of the product when size contributes to
pricing differences.
[0096] Accordingly, when the inquiry from the user comprises a
request for a price as corresponds to a specifically identified
product, that voiced output can comprise at least the price for
that product. For example, if the specifically identified product
is a bottle of ketchup of a particular brand and size having a
retail price of $1.58, the voiced output can comprise a message
such as, "The price for that bottle of ketchup is $1.58."
[0097] In some cases the user may, for whatever reason, not
identify the product so specifically. For example, a customer might
simply ask the question, "How much is a bottle of ketchup?" When
the inquiry comprises a request for a price as corresponds to a
generically-identified product, the voiced output can comprise a
plurality of prices for different specific products (such as
different branded products) that correspond to the
generically-identified product. For example, when the retail
shopping facility 101 stocks three brands of ketchup in each of two
sizes, the voiced output could comprise a response such as, "There
are three brands of ketchup in each of two sizes available, ranging
in price from 98 cents to $2.42."
[0098] By one approach, when the voiced output is to comprise a
plurality of prices for a plurality of products that correspond to
the user's inquiry, the plurality of prices can be provided
beginning with one end of a corresponding price range and
concluding with an opposing end of the corresponding price range.
For example, the voiced output can begin with a lowest price and
proceed sequentially until reaching the highest price. An example
of this is a voiced output comprising, "A 20 ounce bottle of brand
A ketchup costs $0.68; a 20 ounce bottle of brand B ketchup costs
$0.88; a 32 ounce bottle of brand A ketchup costs $1.40; and a 32
ounce bottle of brand B ketchup costs $1.89."
[0099] It is possible that a user's inquiry is sufficiently
nonspecific that it may be unduly cumbersome or even impossible to
provide the user with a definitive answer. For example, instead of
asking, "How much is a bottle of ketchup?" the user might ask, "How
much is the stuff you put on a hamburger?" To accommodate such a
circumstance, if desired, the voiced output can include at least
one question to prompt the user to engage in a back and forth
verbal discussion to more specifically articulate a query regarding
product pricing to which the central computer system 106 can
provide a definitive answer.
[0100] As an illustrative example in these regards, in response to
the inquiry, "How much is the stuff you put on a hamburger?" the
central computer system 106 could answer, "Are you referring to one
or more of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or relish?" Such a process
can continue until the user provides a response to which the
central computer system 106 can provide a definitive answer. By one
approach, if a threshold number of back-and-fourth exchanges of
this sort occur without reaching that more-specific inquiry, the
central computer system 106 can dispatch an associate of the
shopping facility 101 to meet personally with this user in order to
foster a better understanding of the user's inquiry and possibly
provide a cogent response.
[0101] It is possible that the central computer system 106 is
provided with sufficiently-specific information regarding the
product for which the user seeks product pricing but is
nevertheless unable to locate a clear answer. To accommodate such a
situation, this process 600 will accommodate having the central
computer system 106 autonomously develop a price for the product.
FIG. 7 provides an illustrative example in these regards.
[0102] In this example, the central computer system 106 determines
product pricing by first determining (at decision block 701)
whether product pricing for the product in question is available.
When such is the case, at block 702 the central computer system 106
uses that available information as the aforementioned voiced
output.
[0103] When such is not the case, however, at block 703 the central
computer system 106 autonomously develops a price for the product.
This can comprise, by one approach, accessing information regarding
comparable pricing 704. As an illustrative example, if the user
seeks pricing information for a particular size and brand of
ketchup, and there is no available information in those regards,
the central computer system 106 can consider the pricing of
comparable products in comparable sizes (such as the pricing of
this product in the same size for other brands).
[0104] The central computer system 106 could then employ one or
more rules to develop a corresponding price. For example, the
central computer system 106 could select the lowest available price
as the price for the current product, or the highest available
price as the price for the current product, or, for example, the
average price of all available prices for the current product in
the current size. Other rules could of course be utilized as
desired. For example, when pricing a house brand, the central
computer system 106 could autonomously develop a price for a
particular house brand of product by simply reducing the lowest
comparable price for a name-brand product by a particular
percentage.
[0105] At block 705 the central computer system 106 then provides
to the user via the aforementioned voiced output the
autonomously-developed price for the product. If desired, the
central computer system 106 could also then communicate this
autonomously-developed price to the checkout system for the retail
shopping facility 101 to ensure that this price is utilized if the
user decides to purchase this product.
[0106] These teachings are highly flexible in practice and will
accommodate a variety of modifications or further embellishments.
As one example in these regards, the voice input from the user may
pertain at least in part to a competitor's advertisement. For
example, the user may verbally inform the central computer system
106 about a competitor's price for a given product or may even
provide an image of that advertisement to the central computer
system 106 as the aforementioned image information. The central
computer system 106 may then respond accordingly. For example, the
central computer system may match the advertised price for the
product as appears in the competitor's advertisement by responding
with the advertised price in the voiced output.
[0107] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with
respect to the above described embodiments without departing from
the scope of the invention, and that such modifications,
alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the
ambit of the inventive concept.
* * * * *