(Click here for larger image)According to Fujitsu Transaction Solutions, the U-Scan Shopper offers the following advantages to customers:
- Self-scanning in aisle -- costumers can scan and bag items while shopping to get a running basket total and eliminate waiting time at checkout
- Mobile price-checker -- provides immediate price lookups for shoppers if shelf labels are missing or not clearly visible
- Pick-up notification -- place in-store orders, such as deli or pharmacy requests; U-Scan Shopper will alert the customer when the order is ready for pickup
- Store directory -- provides detailed item location and availability
The company even suggests that customers might upload a shopping list to the store's website before leaving home, and then download the list to the shopping cart upon arriving at the store.
For retailers, the U-Scan offers what Fujitsu calls "true 1:1 marketing" that enables customized, personalized in-store ad campaigns that are relevant both to shoppers' preferences and to their location in the store. Location is determined by shelf-mounted, battery-powered infrared transmitters with programmable ID. The transmitters are good for 12 months of battery life, according to the company.
Typical U-Scan Shopper screen(Click image for larger view)
Fujitsu lists the following key features and specifications for the U-Scan Shopper:
- Processor -- 400 MHz Intel XScale
- Memory -- 64 or 128 MB SDRAM; 32 MB Flash
- Display:
- 6.5-inch reflective TFT LCD with VGA resolution
- CCFL backlight with software controls
- Temperature-based contrast compensation
- Wireless -- 802.11b or g; built-in 2.4 GHz antenna
- Scanning -- 2D imager
- Power:
- Main -- 2 6V, 7.2 aH sealed lead acid batteries in locked case
- Backup -- rechargeable lithium ion
- Piezo motion sensor implements power standby mode
Unlike most portable or handheld devices, the U-Scan Shopper does not have a touchscreen that a toddler in the child seat could tamper with. User input is via four navigation buttons -- up, down, back, and select.
Fujitsu says the U-Scan Shopper's software seamlessly integrates with the company's U-Scan self-checkout systems and all major self-checkout and POS applications, such as IBM's Supermarket Application and SurePOS ACE. Fujitsu is a member of Microsoft's "Smarter Retailing Initiative",
launched last year to help retailers leverage current investments to deliver new retail experiences.
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