PDA Shopping in America (example)

This is a great little article where a system like mine has been implemented before, have a look.

http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/newsrelease/grocerypda.htm

PDA Shopping in America (example)

This is a great little article where a system like mine has been implemented before, have a look.

http://gtresearchnews.gatech.edu/newsrelease/grocerypda.htm

RFID

Radio Frequency Identification, An RFID tag is an object that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, barcode, or person, for the purpose of identification using radio waves. The tag's antenna picks up signals from an RFID reader or scanner and then returns the signal, usually with some additional data (like a unique serial number or other customized information).

The chip can be the even smaller than a grain of rice, many supermarkets implement in store with the chip embeeded in the barcode.

Many supermarkets use RFID tags in CDs and the most stolen item, Razor Blades, this use of technology has come under some arguement as some people see this as spying on customers.

"RFID tags in products, and on "smart" shelves, are able to tally the shelves' contents continually, and make more precise requests for inventory from suppliers.
The chips can also indicate when a CD is stored in the wrong shelf. This could mean that retailers have fewer empty shelves, and suppliers can eliminate wasteful overproduction of their goods, say supporters of RFID" www.bbc.co.uk

"The technology's supporters offer an idyllic image of a future where dangerous criminals can be 'tagged' and you could breeze through supermarkets and have the bill paid automatically by your debit card simply by walking past a scanner at the door without having to queue".

"Retailers see RFID as an ideal successor to the barcode for a number of reasons. First, the identification code is in digital format, meaning that each tag can have its own unique code, identifying not only what it is attached to but where it came from, how much it weighs and its date of production." www.vnunet.com

So maybe with this technology, RFID tags could be placed just in the shelf barcode allowing the users whilst on the PDA to locate the items with the use of an RFID scanner which is in the PDA.

tits

The Concept

Have you ever wanted to find the desired ingredients to make your favourite dish, but you have forgot your list? or cant remember when your doing your normal shopping? , well no need to worry as the Recipe finder is at hand.
At your fingertip you will have the ability to choose recipes based on your two favorite items of food which will definitely tantalize your taste buds. Your recipe item locations will be displayed in front of you on the screen in order as you begin your shop, so you can move around the store in a straight forward way straight to the till.
You don't even need to worry about cooking the meal, at the end of your shopping, simply plug the Recipe Finder into the Print desk in store and collect your recipe. When doing your normal shopping, you can add a little extra.
Cooking luxurious meals for yourself and others have never been so easy.

The Recipe Finder will be attached to the front of a section of trolley's as you enter the store, when you first start, you will be asked what type of recipe you would like to choose:

It is here where the user can choose which type of recipe they would like, either a quick and easy option, a low cost recipe, a medium recipe, a top quality recipe with ingredients from Tesco's finest for example, or a party/Buffet option, where the user can choose a selection of wide range of food that would be normally seen at a party.

Once the user chooses a type of recipe, then then get to type in their favorite food items into the PDA using the the keypad. The idea of the keypad is that it is set out just like a computer keyboard so users will be familiar with how it works and how they input information.
This is the screen where the user types in two key food items that they wish to include in their desired recipe.

Once the user inputs 2 key food items, the database of selected recipes on the PDA will bring up a selection of recipes to choose from. The Recipes selected will be based on the stock of the supermarket.
The users gets presented with this screen below where they can choose a type of recipe, they can look to see what ingredients are in the recipe and also have a look at a picture of the finished item.

The user will choose a recipe from the selection, they will then be shown a picture of how they recipe will look and a brief description:
The user the views the recipe by navigating the keypad joystick down to 'GO'
The user simple navigates the joystick down until 'GET' is selected. Once the recipe is selected then the ingredients will be marked out on each aisle in order as move around when doing your normal shopping. These item bar code's are attached with a RFID tag which is a device where the tag can be detected at any place. The detector will be located in the PDA which then detects the RFID signaling the item in the aisle which is then displayed on the PDA marked with a red square. The user position is also show on the PDA, which also has a RFID tag , so as you move around this green circle will follow you around so you know where you are all the time.
As each item is next approached, a description of what the item is and a price will be shown on the PDA screen.
As the user approaches each item a packaging picture will appear on the screen giving the user help in finding the correct item.
As item is put into the trolley pressing the green enter button on the PDA will remove it from the list, allowing the user to continue their shopping and find the next recipe.
Once all the recipe items are collected, then the user will continue to the checkout and pay for them items.
With the selected recipe stored onto the PDA, the user simply detaches the PDA from the trolley, and attaches it the the printing desk, where the users prints out the instructions on how to cook their desired recipe!!

Simple as that!! Please give me your suggestions