Implementation of Wireless Sensor Network Architecture for Interactive Shopping Carts to Enable Context-Aware Commercial Areas

An interactive shopping cart to enable context-aware environments within large commercial areas is presented. A wireless sensor network was designed with specific nodes embedded within the shopping carts and infrastructure nodes in the shopping area. Due to the complexity of wireless propagation, given the large amount of obstacles and the inclusion of users, an in-house deterministic method based on 3D ray launching was employed, providing results in terms of adequate transceiver deployment to minimize interference, energy consumption, and maximize data throughput. The proposed system was tested in a real commercial scenario, with the implementation of an ad-hoc monitor shopping application, exhibiting successful detection rates in the order of 99%. The proposed systems provide an interactive shopping experience for users as well as for commercial managers.