Anti-theft pusher with incremental distance detection

Abstract

A retail merchandise pusher configured to slide along a pusher assembly track. The pusher assembly is mountable to a retail merchandise shelf. The pusher includes a housing, a spring drum rotatably mounted within the housing, and a coil spring mounted to the spring drum. The coil spring is windable and unwindable as the spring drum rotates. A controller is coupled to a sensor arrangement within the housing. The sensor arrangement has a spring drum sensor for detecting rotation of the spring drum. A direction sensor detects a direction of rotation of the spring drum. An incremental distance sensor detects incremental movement of the pusher. The controller is configured to calculate a total distance and direction traveled by the pusher based on data from the sensor arrangement and generate an alert when the pusher travels more than a threshold distance in a predetermined period of time.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed on April 3, 2020, with application number 202080026829.2 and invention title "Anti-theft Pusher with Incremental Distance Detection". Technical Field

[0002] This invention generally relates to a retail product pusher, and more specifically, to a self-facing retail product pusher that incorporates anti-theft and inventory management technologies. Background Technology

[0003] Front-facing retail merchandise displays are well known in the art. Such displays typically include one or more pusher assemblies, which may be located, for example, on a retail shelf. A conventional pusher assembly comprises a pusher that rides along a narrow track. The track can be a single drop with a single pusher that slides along it; or it can be a structure defining multiple tracks for receiving the respective pushers. A spring connects the pusher and the leading edge of the track. The spring's function is to deflect the pusher forward along the track toward its leading edge. A given display can use multiple pusher assemblies arranged generally parallel to each other.

[0004] Users can retract the pusher from the leading edge of the track and place multiple retail items (also referred to as products) in a straight line on the track and the extended portion of the spring, between the leading edge of the track and the pusher. The bias force provided by the spring and applied to the pusher causes the straight line of retail items to shift forward, ultimately making the items "front face".

[0005] In other words, when a customer takes the first item from a linear row of merchandise, a spring pulls the pusher forward, indexing the item in that row so that the next item in the row is positioned aesthetically near the front edge of the track. This automatic front-facing mechanism eliminates the need for retail staff to manually advance merchandise, ultimately reducing labor costs for retail stores.

[0006] The aforementioned pusher system has been used in various retail display environments. One example is a retail shelf. Typically, multiple pusher bodies and their corresponding tracks are arranged side-by-side along the shelf. Each pusher and its corresponding track are separated by dividers to maintain multiple roughly straight rows of merchandise running from the front to the back of the shelf. As an example, this familiar configuration can be found in many retail stores that sell hygiene products such as deodorants.

[0007] In another configuration, the pusher system can be embodied as a stand-alone pusher tray. These trays may include means for mounting the trays, which serve as cantilever extensions from another structure, such as poles. These trays may also be located directly on retail shelves. Furthermore, these trays may include adjustable side panels to accommodate items of varying widths. Examples of such trays can be readily seen in U.S. Patents 9,254,049, 9,241,583, and 8,720,702, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0008] Preventing loss is an ongoing problem in the retail industry. Current anti-theft systems involve locking merchandise behind counters away from other related merchandise, or in safes close to where related merchandise is usually stored.

[0009] To date, there have been limited attempts to integrate anti-theft technology into the pusher system itself. While such attempts are sufficient for most loss prevention situations, they may not be able to detect very small movements of the pusher, such as when the pusher system contains very small items, in which case removing one or even a few items would create a very small movement within the pusher.

[0010] There are other challenges in front-of-store merchandise displays regarding inventory management. Because the items included in such displays are often high-volume purchases, such as deodorants, razor blades, and pharmaceuticals, it's not uncommon for one or more rows of displays to become completely empty for a period of time before restocking. Therefore, these displays must be regularly checked by store staff to ensure they have sufficient inventory levels. This check may often be overlooked when stores are understaffed or have sufficient staff but are busy. While such manual checks are necessary, they can distract store staff from other potentially more pressing activities, such as customer service.

[0011] Therefore, this technical field needs a retail merchandise pusher display, pusher components, and a system combining the pusher for retail stores to prevent theft and enhance inventory management of such displays. Summary of the Invention

[0012] On one hand, embodiments of the present invention provide a retail merchandise pusher configured to slide along a track of a pusher assembly, wherein the pusher assembly can be mounted to a retail merchandise shelf. The pusher includes a housing, a spring drum rotatably mounted within the housing, and a helical spring mounted to the spring drum. The helical spring can coil up and unwind as the spring drum rotates. A controller is coupled to a sensor device housed within the housing. The sensor device includes a spring drum sensor for detecting rotation of the spring drum. A direction sensor detects the direction of rotation of the spring drum, while an incremental distance sensor detects incremental movement of the pusher. The controller is configured to calculate the total distance and direction traveled by the pusher based on data from the sensor device, and is further configured to generate an alarm when the pusher travels more than a threshold distance within a predetermined time period.

[0013] In a particular embodiment, the alarm is at least one of a visual, auditory, or RF signal. The controller may be coupled to an output device housed in the housing, wherein the output device is configured to generate an alarm as a visual or auditory signal. Furthermore, the controller may be coupled to a transmitter housed in the housing, wherein the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit data to a remote receiver. The aforementioned data includes at least one of the following: alarm status, and the total distance and direction of the pusher's travel.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the controller is configured to respond to data transmission information from a sensor device, wherein the information includes the inventory status of the pusher component. As used herein, the term "inventory status" or "stock status" relates to the quantity of goods remaining in a particular pusher component. Movement of the pusher (which may indicate replenishment or removal of goods from the pusher component) typically results in a change in the inventory status of the pusher component. In a more specific embodiment, the controller includes a microprocessor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the spring drum sensor includes a pair of opposing electrical contacts and a protrusion extending from the spring drum that is rotatable with the spring drum, wherein the protrusion is arranged such that, with each complete rotation of the spring drum, one of the pair of opposing electrical contacts is offset to contact the other of the pair of opposing electrical contacts.

[0016] In other embodiments, the orientation sensor includes a first electrical contact, a common electrical contact, and a second electrical contact, with the common electrical contact located between the first and second electrical contacts. In a further embodiment, the distal end of the common electrical contact intermittently contacts a gear formed on the outer periphery of the spring drum, such that: when the spring drum rotates in a first rotational direction, the common electrical contact is offset by the gear teeth to contact the first electrical contact, and when the spring drum rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the common electrical contact is offset by the gear teeth to contact the second electrical contact.

[0017] In some embodiments, the incremental distance sensor includes a sensing gear in contact with a spring drum and a slotted disk mounted to the sensing gear. The incremental distance sensor also includes a light sensor device configured to generate and detect a light beam. In a further embodiment, an outer peripheral region of the slotted disk is movable through a sensing region through which the light beam extends. The outer peripheral region includes a plurality of slots formed therein, which sequentially pass through the sensing region as the sensing gear rotates, such that the light beam alternately passes through and is blocked by the slots. The light sensor device may include a light emitter located on a first side of the slotted disk and a light sensor located on a second side of the slotted disk opposite the first side, the light sensor being arranged to detect the light beam emitted by the light emitter.

[0018] In a more specific embodiment, the light emitter is arranged to emit a beam of light such that it is perpendicular to the plane of rotation defined by the slot. In other embodiments, a helical spring is configured to offset the housing toward one end of the track. Furthermore, the pusher can be configured to allow a user to set or adjust at least one of a threshold distance and a predetermined time period. In some embodiments, the pusher includes a reset control to set a zero position for the controller, indicating that no item is contained in the pusher assembly, thus positioning the pusher at one end of the track.

[0019] In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a pusher assembly configured for mounting on a retail shelf having a front and a rear section, wherein retail merchandise located near the front section of the shelf can be removed from the pusher assembly. The pusher assembly includes a track and a pusher mounted to the track. The pusher is slidable toward and away from the front section of the shelf. The pusher includes a controller coupled to a sensor device for detecting the movement and direction of travel of the pusher. The controller is configured to calculate the total distance traveled by the pusher along the track based on data from the sensor device. The controller is also configured to generate an alarm when the pusher travels more than a threshold distance within a predetermined time period.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the sensor device includes a spring drum sensor, a direction sensor, and an incremental distance sensor. In one embodiment, the spring drum sensor includes a pair of opposing electrical contacts and a protrusion extending from a rotatable spring drum of a pusher, the protrusion being rotatable with the spring drum, wherein the protrusion is arranged such that, with each complete rotation of the spring drum, one of the pair of opposing electrical contacts shifts to contact the other of the pair of opposing electrical contacts.

[0021] In another embodiment, the orientation sensor includes a first electrical contact, a common electrical contact, and a second electrical contact, with the common electrical contact located between the first and second electrical contacts. The incremental distance sensor may include a sensing gear in contact with a spring drum, the gear including a slotted disc mounted to the gear, and the incremental distance sensor also includes a light sensor device configured to generate and detect a light beam.

[0022] In some embodiments, the alarm is at least one of a visual, audible, or RF signal, and the controller is coupled to a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit data to a remote receiver. The aforementioned data includes at least one of: alarm status, and the total distance and direction of the pusher's travel. The pusher may also be configured to allow a user to set or adjust at least one of a threshold distance and a predetermined time period, and includes a reset control to set a zero position for the controller. This zero position indicates that the pusher assembly is empty, thus the pusher is located at one end of the track. The controller may be configured to provide the inventory status of the pusher assembly based on data from sensor devices.

[0023] In another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a retail merchandise display system that presents retail merchandise in front of the consumer. The retail merchandise display includes a shelf and at least one pusher assembly mounted to the shelf. The at least one pusher assembly includes a track and a pusher that can slide along the track. The pusher assembly includes a controller coupled to a sensor device. The controller is configured to calculate a large-range motion and an incremental motion of the pusher based on data from the sensor device, wherein the controller is configured to generate a local alarm when the total distance traveled by the pusher is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, wherein the total distance is equal to the sum of the large-range motion and the incremental motion. The pusher includes a transmitter operable to wirelessly transmit the total distance traveled by the pusher. A receiver is remotely located away from the pusher and configured to receive wireless signals from the transmitter and to generate a remote alarm that interacts with the local alarm.

[0024] In some embodiments, the local and remote alarms are at least one of a visual or auditory alarm. In other embodiments, at least one pusher component includes a plurality of pusher components, each of which wirelessly communicates with a receiver. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the receiver includes an RF receiver, an audio speaker, and a Wi-Fi module configured to transmit data received from the pusher. Additionally, the wireless signal may be an RF signal.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sensor device includes a spring drum sensor, a direction sensor, and an incremental distance sensor. Furthermore, the receiver can be configured to transmit data received from the pusher to a computer or mobile device, thereby allowing the computer or mobile device to display information about the pusher components. Additionally, the information about the pusher components may include at least one of the following: alarm status, inventory status, and the location of the pusher.

[0026] Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this description, depict several aspects of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary retail merchandise display system incorporating a pusher component constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of a retail merchandise display system; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operational layout of a retail merchandise display system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a pusher component according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a side view of a pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of its outer casing removed; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of its outer casing removed; Figure 7 This is another perspective view of a pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of its outer casing removed; Figure 8 This is a partial front view of the incremental distance sensor of a pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9This is a flowchart of the motion detection and alarm function of a pusher according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] While the invention will be described in conjunction with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit it to these embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a retail merchandise display system incorporating a pusher component. This pusher component includes a pusher that incorporates novel and innovative sensor devices for detecting and calculating relatively small movements of the pusher. Such a configuration is highly advantageous for loss prevention and inventory management purposes, particularly for the loss prevention and inventory management of relatively small products.

[0031] In practice, the high resolution of the pusher's distance detection enables accurate calculation of the number of products removed from a retail merchandise display within a single movement cycle or a given time period. For example, a movement cycle reflecting a relatively long distance traveled by the pusher (i.e., continuous movement of the pusher) indicates that several products were removed in a single movement of the pusher. As another example, a large number of individual movement cycles within a relatively short time period also indicates that several products were removed from the display. In either of these cases, each indicates a potential theft event. The system described herein is operable to generate one or both local and remote alarms when such potential theft conditions are met. Furthermore, the system described herein also communicates the information it collects about the pusher's movement for the purpose of managing the inventory of that particular pusher component.

[0032] Special reference Figure 1 The illustration depicts an exemplary embodiment of a retail merchandise display system 20 (also referred to herein as display 20). Display 20 includes one or more pusher assemblies 22 mounted to a shelf 24. Each pusher assembly 22 includes a pusher 26 slidable along a track 28. Each pusher 26 houses a helical spring, either directly attached to the shelf 24 or, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, attached to an external structure that is in turn mounted to the shelf 24, such as a mounting rail 30. The pusher 26 is deflected by the helical spring 80 toward one end of the track 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the pusher 26 is deflected by the helical spring 80 toward the mounting rail 30, i.e., from the rear of the shelf 24 toward the front of the shelf 24.

[0033] As described in more detail below, pusher 26 houses a sensor device operable to calculate the distance traveled by pusher 26 along track 28 and determine the direction of this travel, such as from the rear to the front of shelf 24, or from the front to the rear of shelf 24. Once such movement indicates a potential theft, pusher 26 can also be operated to generate a local alarm at pusher 26 and / or a remote alarm at receiver 40 of display 20 (which is remotely located relative to the rest of display 20). The term “alarm” as used herein should be understood to mean any auditory or visual cue designed to draw attention to display 20, such as a buzzing sound, tone, pre-recorded message, flashing or continuous light, etc., but is also intended to include any electronic signal that can be used as a warning. This remote alarm capability is particularly advantageous because receiver 40 can be positioned alongside security personnel or other personnel who can respond quickly to a potential theft. The remote alarm generated by receiver 40 can occur simultaneously with and coordinate with the local alarm generated by pusher 26.

[0034] Still refer to Figure 1 The illustration shows two pusher assemblies 22. However, illustration 20 may use fewer or more pusher assemblies. In fact, in the case of smaller products, a relatively large number of pusher assemblies 22 may be located on the shelf 24. In addition, illustration 20 may optionally include a plurality of dividers 32, as shown, for keeping adjacent rows of products confined from each other. As shown, each divider 32 may also include its own integrated front guard 34 for preventing forward movement of the product when it is deflected by the pusher 26. Alternatively, the front guard may be mounted directly to the shelf 24 (or formed by the shelf itself) or alternatively mounted to the mounting rail 30. With the foregoing description, it is readily apparent that the mounting rail 30, dividers 32, and front guard 34 are optional components that may take different forms or may be omitted entirely within the scope of the invention described herein.

[0035] Turn now Figure 2 The pusher component 22, particularly the pusher 26, is operable to shift the product 42 forward, i.e., in Figure 2The product 42 is offset in direction 50 as shown. As shown, the product 42 in front can be removed from display 20. In a potential theft incident, multiple or even all of the products 42 can be removed in a single action or in multiple rapid, consecutive actions. In either case, the pusher 26 will move forward a relatively large distance in direction 50. As described above and below, the pusher 26 is operable to determine the distance it has traveled and generate an appropriate alarm when the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold. As discussed herein, the alarm can be a visual alarm, an audible alarm, or an electronic signal such as a wireless or RF signal, which can be used as a warning to the system user. Furthermore, the alarm can be any combination or all of the types described above.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 The pusher 26 incorporates a novel and innovative sensor device to achieve the aforementioned functions. Figure 3 The layout shown depicts the sensor device and the additional components necessary to realize the functionality described herein. Specifically, the sensor device includes a spring drum sensor 62, a direction sensor 64, and an incremental distance sensor 66, which together determine the distance and direction of travel of the pusher 26. Each of the aforementioned components of the sensor device is operatively in communication with a controller 60. The controller 60 may be, for example, a microprocessor, or any other firmware, hardware, or software necessary to realize the functionality described herein.

[0037] Controller 60 is connected to local power supply 68 and output device 70. Local power supply 68 provides power to the controller and / or sensor devices to enable the operation described herein. Output device 70 generates the local alarm described above, and therefore can be any device capable of generating such an alarm. As will be explained in more detail below, controller 60 is configured to calculate the total distance and direction of travel of pusher 26 based on data from sensor devices, and to generate an alarm when pusher 26 travels beyond a threshold distance within a predetermined time period. As will be explained below, pusher 26 may include controls to allow a user to adjust the threshold distance and the predetermined time period.

[0038] The controller 60 also communicates with the transmitter 72, which wirelessly transmits travel distance and direction information, alarm status, and any other information collected by the controller 60 to the receiver 40, such as... Figure 3The diagram is schematically shown. As used in this application, the term "alarm status" refers to whether the controller 60 is triggering or has triggered an alarm. This wireless communication can use any known radio frequency (RF) communication protocol. Data transmitted from the controller 60 to the receiver 40 may include at least one or all of the following: inventory status, alarm status, and the total distance and direction of travel of the pusher 26. In at least one embodiment of the invention, there are a plurality of pusher components 22, each of which wirelessly communicates with the receiver 40. In some embodiments, the receiver 40 includes at least one of an RF receiver, an audio speaker, and a Wi-Fi module, configured to wirelessly transmit data received from the pusher 26 (e.g., as an RF signal).

[0039] Go to Figure 4 The image shows a partially exploded view of the pusher 26. The pusher 26 includes a housing 76, which has been partially removed to expose the internal components of the pusher 26. The pusher 26 includes a helical spring 80. The helical spring 80 is mounted on a spring drum 82. In a particular embodiment, the spring drum 82 is rotatable about an axis 84 to allow the extended portion of the helical spring 80 to be extended or retracted through an opening 86 formed in the housing 76.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the spring drum 82 includes gear teeth 90a, 90b formed at opposite outer peripheral edges of the spring drum 82. As described below, gear teeth 90a are used to repeatedly drive a portion of the direction sensor 64. As shown, gear teeth 90b mesh with the sensing gear 92 of the incremental distance sensor 66. As described in more detail below, the sensing gear 92 includes a grooved disc 94 mounted to or integrally formed with the sensing gear 92.

[0041] As shown, the tray 94 includes a plurality of slots 96 formed in its outer peripheral region. As the sensing gear 92 rotates, these slots continuously block the light beam of the incremental distance sensor 66. This action generates a series of light pulses, which are detected by the incremental distance sensor 66 and used to measure the distance traveled by the pusher 26 at high resolution.

[0042] As shown, each of the spring drum sensor 62, orientation sensor 64, and incremental distance sensor 66 is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 98 to achieve... Figure 3The layout structure is shown. Additionally, a reset control 102 (which may be a button, switch, or dial) and a threshold distance control 104 are also connected to the PCB 98 to achieve the functions described herein. Therefore, an embodiment of the pusher 26 includes a reset control 102 to set a zero position for the controller 60, indicating that no item is contained in the pusher assembly 22, such that the pusher 26 is located at the front end of the track 28.

[0043] refer to Figure 5 When a portion of the helical spring 80 is unwound and then rewinds onto the spring drum 82 by movement in direction 120, the spring drum 82 rotates in direction 110 as shown. The movement of the helical spring 80 in direction 120 indicates that the pusher 26 is moving towards the front of the shelf 24 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 This indicates that one or more products are being removed from display 20 42.

[0044] Due to the contact between the spring drum 82 and the sensing gear 92, this causes the sensing gear 92 and its associated slotted disc 94 to rotate in direction 116, as shown. Conversely, as shown, the movement of the spring 80 in direction 122 causes the spring drum 82 to rotate in direction 112. The movement of the helical spring 80 in direction 122 indicates that the pusher 26 is moving toward the rear of the shelf 24 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 This indicates that one or more products 42 are being restocked in display 20. This, in turn, causes the sensing gear 92 and the slot 94 to rotate in direction 114.

[0045] Now go to Figure 6 The operation of the spring drum sensor 62 and the orientation sensor 64 will be described in more detail below. First, let's consider the spring drum sensor 62, as shown, which includes a pair of opposing electrical contacts 134, 136. Contact 134 is connected to the PCB 98 via a housing 130. Similarly, contact 136 is connected to the PCB 98 via a housing 132. Each electrical contact 134, 136 is typically flexible so that it can be easily moved to engage and disengage with the other contact.

[0046] As the spring drum 82 rotates, the radially protruding protrusion 140 of the hub 142, which is mounted to the spring drum 82, also rotates. With each full revolution of the spring drum 82, the protrusion 140 offsets the contact portions 134 and 136 together. Figure 6 In the illustration, the spring drum 82 is rotating in direction 110, so the protrusion 140 has shifted the contact portion 134 to contact the contact portion 136.

[0047] The controller 60 is operable to detect when the electrical contacts 134 and 136 come into contact with each other and to record this information. Two consecutive contacts between the electrical contacts 134 and 136 represent a full revolution of the spring drum 82, which corresponds to the linear movement of the spring 80 and therefore to the linear movement of the pusher 26.

[0048] The orientation sensor 64 is used to orient the rotation direction of the spring drum 82 when motion is detected. In fact, although the two consecutive contacts of electrical contacts 134, 136 provide an indication of the linear distance of the pusher 26's movement, these contacts do not provide an indication of the direction of the pusher 26's movement during that time. The operation of the orientation sensor 64 is therefore used to correlate the direction with the detected motion.

[0049] The orientation sensor 64 includes a first electrical contact 150, a second electrical contact 152, and a common electrical contact 154 located between the first and second electrical contacts. The common electrical contact 154 is elastically movable to contact any one of the first and second electrical contacts 150 and 152. Each of these contacts 150, 152, and 154 is insulated from each other by a housing 156 and is connected to a PCB 98.

[0050] For example, when the spring drum 82 rotates in direction 110 as shown, the distal end of the common electrical contact 154 is intermittently but repeatedly contacted by the teeth of the gear teeth 90a, and repeatedly contacts the first electrical contact 150. Conversely, when the spring drum 82 rotates in direction 112 (see...), Figure 5 The common electrical contact 154 repeatedly contacts the second electrical contact 152. The controller 60 is operable to confirm that continuous contact between the common electrical contact 154 and the first electrical contact 150 indicates that the pusher 26 is moving toward the front of the shelf 24 (see, for example, see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Conversely, the controller 60 can also be operated to confirm that continuous contact between the common electrical contact 154 and the second electrical contact 152 indicates that the pusher 26 is moving toward the rear of the shelf 24 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0051] However, it will be recognized that the spring drum sensor 62 can only detect the large-range motion of the pusher. As used herein, "large-range motion" refers to the motion of the pusher 26 corresponding to one full revolution of the spring drum 82. To determine the incremental motion of the pusher 26, an incremental distance sensor 66 is used. As used herein, "incremental motion" of the pusher 26 refers to motion smaller than the large-range motion. In fact, in a single motion cycle (i.e., the continuous motion of the pusher 26), the pusher 26 may move a certain distance before and / or after two consecutive contacts of the contacts 134, 136 (which represent one large-range motion). The incremental distance sensor 66 is therefore used to determine this additional distance.

[0052] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The incremental distance sensor 66 includes the aforementioned sensing gear 92 and slotted disk 94, which are rotatable about an axis defined by shaft 144 when the spring drum 82 rotates accordingly. The incremental distance sensor 66 also includes a light sensor device comprising a light emitter 160 aimed at a light receiver 162 for detecting the presence or absence of a light beam emitted from the emitter 160. As shown, the emitter 160 and receiver 162 are mounted on a housing 164. The housing 164 includes a slot 164 defining a sensing area. The outer peripheral region of the slotted disk 94 rotates through this sensing area. The slot 94 thus continuously interrupts the light beam from the emitter 160.

[0053] As a result, receiver 162 detects light pulses. Due to the equidistant and regular arrangement of slots 96, each of these pulses corresponds to a small linear movement of pusher 26. In other words, the pulses can be summed at controller 60 to determine the total distance moved by pusher 26 in any given motion cycle. Due to this very fine measurement, the distance measurement of pusher 26 has relatively high resolution. Therefore, even very small movements of pusher 26 (e.g., corresponding to the removal of a very thin product 42) can be detected. It will be appreciated that incremental distance sensor 66 thus functions as a rotary encoder for linear distance measurement.

[0054] Below is an example of the distance measurement function of pusher 26. In this particular example, the gear ratio between spring drum 82 and sensing gear 92 is 1:4. The outer diameter of spring drum 82 is 13.5 mm. As a result, one full revolution of spring drum 82 detected by spring drum sensor 62 corresponds to 84.8 mm (i.e., 2...). pi 13.5). Similarly, in this example, 40 slots 96 are formed on the slotted disk 94. Therefore, one full revolution of the slotted disk 94 generates 40 optical pulses. Due to the aforementioned 1:4 gear ratio, one full revolution of the spring drum 82 results in four full revolutions of the slotted disk 94, thus generating 160 optical pulses for each full revolution of the spring drum 82. Dividing the circumference of the spring drum 82 by this total number of pulses (i.e., 84.8 mm / 160 pulses), each pulse corresponds to a linear motion of 0.53 mm.

[0055] For the purposes of this example, assume that the pusher 26 travels 200 mm in a motion cycle. In this cycle, from the starting point to the ending point, the pusher 26 will first travel a certain distance before the contacts 134, 136 make their first contact. These contacts 134, 136 will then make a second contact after the spring drum 82 completes one full revolution (i.e., one revolution measured by the first and second contacts of the contacts 134, 136). The contacts 134, 136 will then make a third contact after another full revolution of the spring drum 82 (i.e., measured by the third contact of the contacts 134, 136 that occurs after the aforementioned second contact). After this third contact, the pusher will then travel a certain distance.

[0056] During the aforementioned movement, the incremental distance sensor 66 senses light pulses. In this example, assuming 15 pulses are detected before the first contact between contacts 134 and 136, then the distance portion is related to 15... The distance is related to 0.53mm or 7.95mm. Furthermore, assuming in this example that 42 pulses are detected after the third contact of contacts 134 and 136, this distance is related to 42... The distance is related to 0.53mm or 22.26mm. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, a total of three contact events were detected between contacts 134 and 136, which corresponds to two full revolutions of the spring drum 82, and is related to a distance of 169.6mm. Adding these distances together, the total travel distance detected was approximately 200mm.

[0057] For loss prevention, the user can use a threshold distance control 104 to set an alarm threshold distance, which can be a button, switch, dial, or any similar suitable device for setting the alarm threshold distance. This threshold distance is the distance observed by the pusher 26 during a motion cycle at which an alarm will be generated. The pusher 26 may include a control similar to the threshold distance control 104, allowing the user to adjust a time period during which the alarm threshold distance must be exceeded to generate an alarm. All distance measurements and alarm conditions can be transmitted to the receiver 40. Furthermore, the receiver 40 may communicate with or include inventory management software, enabling each pusher component 22 to transmit information about its inventory status, etc., in addition to loss prevention. Therefore, the receiver 40 may be integrated with or communicate with a user interface for inputting alarm thresholds and / or product depth, as described below. Generally, the ability to measure high-resolution distances can be used for both theft prevention and inventory management functions.

[0058] Let's look back for now. Figure 1 In terms of inventory management, the data transmitted by each pusher 26 is also associated with a unique location identifier for each pusher. This allows the inventory management software to distinguish between different pushers 26 in the system and monitor the inventory of each pusher 26. Therefore, the user can also define the product size (i.e., depth) for a single product in the pusher component 22. The pusher 26 can then correlate the distance it has traveled with the number of products removed from the pusher component 22, either locally at the controller 60, remotely at the receiver 40, or remotely at any inventory management software integrated with or communicating with the receiver 40. For example, the user can indicate that a single item has a depth of one inch. Therefore, traveling ten inches corresponds to ten products being removed. The user can set this minimum product depth using a threshold distance control 104, or they can set the depth at the receiver 40 or at the inventory management software embedded therein or associated with it. The threshold distance control 104 can be a dial, button, switch, or any suitable device for setting the minimum product depth.

[0059] Now go to Figure 9 This describes the basic control logic for each pusher component 22. Starting at step 200, when no product 42 is loaded in the pusher 26, i.e., when the coil spring 80 has pulled the pusher 26 as close as possible to the front of the shelf 24, each pusher 26 must be "reset" by activating its reset control, such as a switch, dial, or button. This is recorded as the zero position in step 202. Thereafter, the pusher 26 remains in sleep mode in step 204 until movement is detected at 206. After this detection, the pusher 26 exits sleep mode and in step 210 uses the aforementioned sensor device to monitor and calculate the distance it has moved.

[0060] In step 212, it is also determined whether the pusher 26 is moving upwards (i.e., toward the front of the shelf 24) or downwards (i.e., toward the rear of the shelf 24). If it moves downwards, the process loops back to step 204. If it moves upwards, the process continues to step 214, where it is determined whether a first rotation marker (i.e., contact of contacts 134, 136) has been detected. If so, this information is updated in step 216. After step 216, or if no contact of contacts 134, 136 is detected, the process proceeds to step 218 and records the distance moved forward. This distance is then analyzed in step 220 to see if it is greater than a first threshold, i.e., a "buzzing" threshold (where only a temporary alarm is generated). If it is not greater than the threshold, in step 260, the transmitter 72 then sends RF data corresponding to the original position of the pusher 26, the distance the pusher 26 has moved, the direction of the pusher 26's movement, and the alarm status.

[0061] However, if in step 220 the distance of movement warrants the generation of a temporary alarm, a check is performed in step 222 to confirm whether the distance is large enough to approve a full alarm. If so, the alarm state is saved in step 226, and an alarm lasting five seconds is generated in step 228. If it is determined in step 222 that the alarm threshold has not been reached, an additional check is performed in step 224 to determine whether the threshold set in step 220 has been exceeded within a ten-second time period. If not, the temporary alarm state is saved in step 230, and only a temporary alarm is generated in step 232. At the end of step 228 or 232, an RF message is sent in step 260.

[0062] If the check at step 220 is negative, or if either step 228 or 232 is completed, the process then proceeds to step 240 to determine if the pusher is in its previously set zero position. If yes, the preceding steps are repeated as needed as the pusher 26 moves. If not, the process continues to step 242, where the pusher 26 returns to sleep mode. The pusher 26 exits sleep mode at step 246, and at step 248, the distance it has moved is monitored and calculated. A determination is made at step 250 to determine whether the pusher is moving up or down, in the same manner described above relative to step 212. If it is moving up, the process proceeds to step 218 and continues as described above. If it is moving down, the distance is recorded at step 252. Then, at step 254, it is determined whether the pusher 26 has returned to its zero position. If yes, at step 256, the pusher is recorded as being in its zero position, and the process continues to step 220. If not, nothing is recorded, and the process continues to step 220.

[0063] All references cited herein, including publications, patent applications and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent that each reference is individually and explicitly stated to be incorporated by reference and is listed in full herein.

[0064] In the context of describing this invention (particularly in the context of the following claims), the terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” and similar designations, should be interpreted to cover both singular and plural forms, unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”). Unless otherwise stated herein, descriptions of numerical ranges are intended only as a concise way of expressing a separate reference to each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into this description as if it were separately referenced herein. Unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise stated, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in this description should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element essential to the implementation of the invention.

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described herein, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to employ these variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend to practice the invention in ways different from those specifically described herein. Therefore, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims, where permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, any combination of the foregoing elements in all possible variations is included in the invention.

[0066] All references cited herein, including publications, patent applications and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent that each reference is individually and explicitly stated to be incorporated by reference and is listed in full herein.

Claims

1. A retail merchandise pusher configured to slide along a track of a pusher assembly, the pusher assembly being mountable to a retail merchandise shelf, the pusher comprising: case; A spring drum wheel that is rotatably mounted within the housing; A helical spring is mounted to the spring drum, which can be coiled up and uncoiled when the spring drum rotates; as well as A controller is connected to a sensor device housed within the housing, the sensor device comprising: A spring drum sensor is used to detect the rotation of the spring drum. A direction sensor is used to detect the rotation direction of the spring drum; and An incremental distance sensor is used to detect the incremental movement of the pusher; The controller is configured to: calculate the total distance and direction of the pusher's movement based on data from the sensor device, and generate an alarm when the pusher travels beyond a threshold distance within a predetermined time period. And the helical spring is configured to offset the housing toward one end of the track.

2. The retail product pusher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm is at least one of a visual signal, an auditory signal, or an RF signal.

3. The retail product pusher according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is connected to an output device housed in the housing, the output device being configured to generate the alarm as a visual or audible signal.

4. The retail product pusher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is coupled to a transmitter housed in the housing, the transmitter being configured to wirelessly transmit data to a remote receiver, the data including at least one of the following: alarm status, and the total distance and direction of travel of the pusher.

5. The retail product pusher according to claim 4, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: based on data transmission information from the sensor device, wherein the information includes the inventory status of the pusher component.

6. The retail product pusher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller includes a microprocessor.

7. The retail product pusher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orientation sensor includes a first electrical contact, a common electrical contact, and a second electrical contact, wherein the common electrical contact is located between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

8. The retail product pusher according to claim 7, characterized in that, The distal end of the common electrical contact intermittently contacts the gear teeth formed on the outer periphery of the spring drum, such that when the spring drum rotates in a first rotational direction, the common electrical contact is offset by the gear teeth to contact the first electrical contact, and when the spring drum rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the common electrical contact is offset by the gear teeth to contact the second electrical contact.

9. The retail product pusher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The incremental distance sensor includes a sensing gear in contact with the spring drum and a slotted plate mounted to the sensing gear. The incremental distance sensor also includes a light sensor device configured to generate and detect a light beam.

10. The retail product pusher according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer peripheral region of the slotted disk is movable through the sensing region, and the light beam extends through the sensing region. The outer peripheral region includes a plurality of slots formed therein, wherein the plurality of slots pass sequentially through the sensing region as the sensing gear rotates, such that the light beam alternately passes through the plurality of slots and is blocked by the plurality of slots.

11. The retail product pusher according to claim 10, characterized in that, The optical sensor device includes a light emitter located on a first side of the tray and an optical sensor located on a second side of the tray opposite to the first side, the optical sensor being configured to detect the light beam emitted by the light emitter.

12. The retail product pusher according to claim 11, characterized in that, The light emitter is arranged to emit the light beam such that the light beam is perpendicular to the plane of rotation defined by the slot.

13. The retail product pusher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pusher is configured to allow users to set or adjust at least one of the threshold distance and the predetermined time period.

14. The retail product pusher according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pusher includes a reset control to set a zero position for the controller, the zero position indicating that no item is contained in the pusher assembly, thereby positioning the pusher at one end of the track.

15. A pusher assembly configured for mounting on a retail shelf having a front and a rear section, wherein, Retail goods located near the front of the shelf can be removed from the pusher assembly, which includes: track; A pusher mounted to the track, the pusher being slidable toward and away from the front of the shelf, the pusher including a controller coupled to a sensor device for detecting the movement and direction of travel of the pusher, the controller being configured to calculate the total distance traveled by the pusher along the track based on data from the sensor device, and the controller being further configured to generate an alarm when the pusher travels more than a threshold distance within a predetermined time period. The sensor device includes a spring drum sensor, a direction sensor, and an incremental distance sensor. The orientation sensor includes a first electrical contact, a common electrical contact, and a second electrical contact, wherein the common electrical contact is located between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

16. The pusher component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The incremental distance sensor includes a sensing gear in contact with the spring drum, the gear including a slotted disc mounted to the gear, and the incremental distance sensor also includes a light sensor device configured to generate and detect a light beam.

17. The pusher component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The alarm is at least one of a visual signal, an auditory signal, or an RF signal, and the controller is coupled to a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit data to a remote receiver, the data including at least one of the following: alarm status, and the total distance and direction of travel of the pusher.

18. The pusher component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The pusher is configured to allow a user to set or adjust at least one of the threshold distance and the predetermined time period, and includes a reset control to set a zero position for the controller, the zero position indicating that no goods are contained in the pusher assembly, so that the pusher is located at one end of the track.

19. The pusher component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The controller is configured to provide the inventory status of the pusher component based on data from the sensor device.

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