Perpetual inventory on the basis of a modular storage space with compartments

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage module (10) for storing products (Px), comprising: - a storage space (12) for storing products (Px), comprising at least two weight sensors (26, 28, 54) which are each capable of providing weight information (126, 128); - a computing unit (20) configured to receive the weight information (126, 128) as input data, the storage module (10) being characterised in that it further comprises: - a removable separator (14); - a receiving element (16) for the separator (14), which is capable of receiving the separator (14) and holding it between the two weight sensors (26, 28, 54); - a detection element (18) for the separator (14), which is capable of providing information on the presence (114) of the separator, the computing unit (20) being further configured to receive the information on the presence (114) of the separator as input data, and to provide at least one piece of output data that represents the product inventory position as a function of the input data. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for determining an inventory position.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Permanent inventory of stocks from a modular storage space with compartments Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the automation of a permanent inventory of stocks by physical counting in a modular, compartmentalized and reconfigurable storage space.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a product storage module and a method for determining a corresponding product stock status. Technical background

[0003] Conducting an annual inventory is a legal requirement for retail businesses. In the case of large and fluctuating inventories, this inventory can be particularly time-consuming and therefore labor-intensive.

[0004] In the prior art, product storage spaces comprising weighing means are known. Such storage spaces make it possible to determine a product stock status automatically by dividing the total weight of products measured by the unit weight of the products.

[0005] However, since these storage spaces are fixed, they are not suitable for a varied and changing organization of stocks. In addition, since each storage space has its own dimensions, it would be too expensive to manufacture scales adapted to each space.

[0006] Document DE 20 2007 004399 U1 gives an example of a weighing surface system. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention proposes a product storage module comprising: - a product storage space comprising at least two weight sensors, each capable of providing weight information, - a calculation unit configured to receive the weight information as input data, the storage module being characterized in that it further comprises: - a removable separator, - a separator receiving element capable of receiving the separator and holding it between the two weight sensors, - a separator detection element capable of providing information on the presence of the separator, the calculation unit being further configured to receive as input data the presence information of the separator and to provide at least one output data representative of the state of the product stock based on the input data.

[0008] According to other characteristics of the invention: - the two weight sensors being placed in the same substantially horizontal plane P, the storage space comprises at least two product receiving surfaces, each receiving surface being placed on either side of the receiving element and resting respectively on one of the two weight sensors; - the storage module comprises at least one transverse rail and in that the weight sensors are carried by the same transverse rail, the transverse rail ensuring the electrical connection between the sensors and the calculation unit; - the storage module comprises at least two transverse rails aligned and electrically connected to each other; - the storage module comprises at least two transverse rails placed parallel to each other in the plane P, including: - a front rail comprising a first front sensor and a second front sensor, and - a rear rail comprising a first rear sensor and a second rear sensor, and in that among the two product receiving surfaces: - a first receiving surface rests on the first front sensor and the first rear sensor, and - a second receiving surface rests on the second front sensor and the second rear sensor, the computing unit being configured to provide: - first weight information from the weight measurements of the first front sensor and the first rear sensor, and - a second weight information from the weight measurements of the second front sensor and the second rear sensor; - the rail has recesses intended to receive the weight sensors; - each receiving surface has on a lower face a shaped protrusion to cooperate with the recess intended to receive the corresponding weight sensor in order to prevent any lateral movement of the receiving surface; - the storage module comprises a rear wall extending in the transverse and vertical directions forming a stop for the receiving surfaces and comprising the detection element of the separator; - the storage space has at least two rods fixed to a wall vertical, each rod being associated with a weight sensor and comprising: - a rod for receiving suspended products, the rod extending in a substantially longitudinal direction, and - a support plate forming an elbow with the receiving rod, the support plate extending vertically downwards and being applied against the weight sensor associated with the rod, and - an articulation around a transverse axis allowing the rod to be fixed to the vertical wall at the elbow.

[0009] The invention also relates to a method for determining a stock status of products arranged in the storage space of an inventory device according to the invention, the method comprising a step of receiving weight information in which: - the calculation unit receives information on the weight and presence of the separator, if the presence of the separator is not detected: - the calculation unit provides weight information corresponding to the combination of weights measured by the sensors if the presence of the separator is detected: - the calculation unit provides first weight information for the first sensor(s) and second weight information for the second sensor(s).

[0010] According to other characteristics of the invention: - the method includes a preliminary parameterization step in which: if the separator is not placed in the receiving element: - a product name and a unit weight of product are stored so as to be associated with all the sensors, and if the separator is placed in the receiving element: - a first product name and a first unit weight are stored so as to be associated with the first weight sensor(s), and - a second product name and a second unit weight are stored so as to be associated with the second weight sensor(s); - the process is such that: - an identification tag is placed on each receiving surface or each rod, and - the association between a product name or a unit weight and a sensor is made by means of the identification tag of the receiving surface or the rod which is in contact with the sensor; - the method includes an additional step of determining the total weight of each product in which for each stored product name, a total product weight is associated in the following manner: if the presence of the separator is not detected: - the weight information corresponding to the sum of the weights measured by the sensors is stored in the memory so as to be associated with the product name associated with the sensors, if the presence of the separator is detected: - the first weight information is stored in the memory so as to be associated with the first product name and the second weight information is stored in the memory so as to be associated with the second product name; the method comprises an additional step of determining the quantity of products in which a quantity of product is associated with each product name, the quantity of product being obtained by dividing the total weight of products by the unit weight of the product; the method comprises a rearrangement step in which: - if the separator was not placed in the receiving module, the separator is placed in the receiving module, or - if the separator was installed in the receiving module, the separator is removed from the receiving module, and - the parameterization step is carried out again; the method further comprises an intruder detection step in which if the quantity of products is not an integer, then an intruder detection alert is raised; the method comprises an order reception step in which the quantity of products placed in the storage space is compared to a quantity of products ordered; the method comprises a detection of an addition or removal of product triggering the following steps: - receiving weight information, - determination of the total weight of each product, - determination of product quantity; the method includes an additional step of triggering an alert when the quantity of products is less than a predetermined value; the method includes: - the creation of a database comprising at least one line per sensor and six columns: - filling in a first column in which the sensors are listed using identifiers specific to each of the sensors, - filling in a second column containing weight information provided by each sensor, - filling in a third column in which a receiving surface or rod identifier associated with each sensor is entered, - sorting the database according to the receiving surface or rod identifier, - filling in a fourth column containing the information on the presence of the separator upstream of the receiving surface or the rod identified in the third column, the information on the presence of the separator being for example “0” when the separator is detected and “1” when the separator is not detected, - in a fifth column intended to receive the name of the products, the combination of lines from a line containing a “0” in the fourth column to a line preceding the next “0” in the fourth column, - in a sixth column, the combination of the weight information from the second column from a line containing a “0” in the fourth column to a line preceding the next “0” in the fourth column to obtain data corresponding to the stock status of each product. Brief description of the figures

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0012] [Fig.l] is a block diagram which schematically represents a product storage module according to a first simple embodiment of the invention;

[0013] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view showing a product storage module according to a second embodiment of the invention which is more complex than the first;

[0014] [Fig.3] is a schematic top view showing a shelf of a storage module according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0015] [Fig.4] is an enlargement seen from above of a rail placed on the shelf of [Fig.3];

[0016] [Fig.5] is a front view of a rail of [Fig.3] showing the arrangement of the various elements shown;

[0017] [Fig.6] is a front view showing the rear wall placed behind the shelf of the [Fig.3] ;

[0018] [Fig.7] is a side view showing a rod of a storage module such as that shown in [Fig.2];

[0019] [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view showing a product storage module according to a fourth improved embodiment of the invention;

[0020] [Fig.9] is a schematic top view showing a shelf of the storage module of [Fig.8];

[0021] [Fig.10] is an enlargement seen from above of a rail placed on the shelf of [Fig.9] 5

[0022] [Fig.l 1] is a block diagram which schematically represents the different memories in which the tables described in the context of the fourth embodiment of the invention are stored. Detailed description of the invention

[0023] For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures, the longitudinal L and transverse T axes of which extend in a horizontal plane, will be adopted as a non-limiting example and without limiting reference to Earth's gravity. By convention, the longitudinal axis L is oriented from rear to front.

[0024] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

[0025] [Fig.l] illustrates the operation of a storage module 10 according to the invention. The storage module 10 comprises: - a storage space 12, - a removable separator 14, - a receiving element 16 of the separator, - a detection element 18 of the separator, - a computing unit 20, - a 22 memory, and - a 24 communication interface.

[0026] The storage space 12 comprises two weight sensors 26, 28 including: - a first weight sensor 26 providing first weight information 126, and - a second weight sensor 28 providing a second weight information 128.

[0027] The two weight sensors 26, 28 are aligned in the transverse direction T.

[0028] In the example, the two sensors 26 and 28 are placed in the same substantially horizontal plane P. The storage space 12 further comprises two surfaces S26 and S28 for receiving products PI and P2, including a first surface S26 resting on the weight sensor 26 and a second surface S28 resting on the weight sensor 28. The surfaces S26 and S28 are placed on either side of the receiving module 16.

[0029] In [Fig.l], the separator 14 is placed in the receiving element 16. In the example shown, the receiving element 16 comprises two studs 30 fixed on a flat rear wall 32 extending in the vertical V and transverse T directions. The two studs 30 are aligned transversely and spaced apart by the thickness of the separator 14 with a mounting clearance close to receive the separator 14 in the space which separates them. The transverse position of the receiving element 16 is located between the transverse position of the first weight sensor 26 and the transverse position of the second weight sensor 28. The separator 14 is shown in dotted lines in [Fig.l] to show that it can be removed from the receiving element 16.

[0030] The detection element 18 is positioned on the rear wall 32 between the pads 30. The detection element 18 of the separator 14 is capable of providing information 114 on the presence of the separator 14. The detection element 18 is for example a contactor which can be a push contactor, an optical contactor or a reed contactor for example.

[0031] The computing unit 20 is configured to receive as input data: - the first weight information 126 from the first sensor 26, - the second weight information 128 from the second sensor 28, and - the presence information 114 of the separator 14.

[0032] In the example shown, a first batch of products PI is arranged in the storage space 12 so as to weigh on the first sensor 26 and a second batch of products P2 is arranged in the storage space 12 so as to weigh on the second sensor 28. The first batch of products PI is separated from the second batch of products P2 by the separator 14 placed in the receiving element 16.

[0033] In the context of the example of [Fig.l], a method according to the invention will be described. The method is implemented by the calculation unit 20. The method can make it possible to update a database in which the total weights of products P1 and P2 are stored. The database is stored in the memory 22. An example of such a database is provided in Table 1 below.

[0034] [Tableauxl]

[0035] Table 1 shows an example of a database associated with the example in [Fig.l] in which the presence of the separator is detected.

[0036] Initially, for example when setting up the space storage 12, the database is created as a table. The table has a first row of column names then two other rows (i.e. one row per sensor), as well as six columns including: - a first “Sensor” column intended to contain the list of sensors, - a second column “Sensor Information” intended to contain the weight information provided by each sensor, - a third column “Support” intended to receive the identifier of the reception support based on the sensor identified in the first column, - a fourth column “Presence of the separator” containing information on the presence of the separator upstream of the reception surface identified in the third column, - a fifth column “Product name” intended to receive a product name stored on the reception surface identified in the third column, and - a sixth column “Total weight of the product” intended to contain the total weight corresponding to each product name.

[0037] Then, the calculation unit 20 fills the table as follows: - filling the first column in which the sensors are listed using identifiers specific to each of the sensors 26, 28, - filling the second column with the weight information 126, 128 provided by each sensor, - filling the third column with an identifier of the reception surface S26, S28 associated with each sensor, - filling the fourth column with the information of the presence of the separator upstream of the receiving surface, the information of the presence of the separator being for example “0” when the separator is detected and “1” when the separator is not detected. In table 1, the “1” in the line of the first sensor 26 shows the fact that there is no separator upstream of the surface S26 and the “0” in the line of the second sensor 28 shows the fact that there is a separator upstream of the surface S28. The information of the presence of the separator in the line of the second sensor 28 corresponds to the information 114.

[0038] The process then involves the following steps: - setting, - receiving weight information, - determination of the total weight of each product, - determination of product quantity (this step will be described in the example of [Fig.2]).

[0039] The process may also include the following steps: - Rearrangement of shelves, - Receiving orders and / or filling shelves, - Intruder detection, - Alert from a threshold to prevent a stock shortage.

[0040] The configuration step is a preliminary step in which the presence information 114 of the separator 14 conditions the action carried out in this step. Indeed, if the presence information 114 indicates that the separator 14 is not placed in the receiving module 16, then a product name and possibly a unit weight of the product are stored so as to be associated with all the sensors 26 and 28. In the opposite case, that is to say if the presence information 114 indicates that the separator is placed in the receiving module, then a first product name and possibly a first unit weight are stored so as to be associated with the first weight sensor 26, and a second product name and possibly a second unit weight are stored in the memory so as to be associated with the second weight sensor 28.

[0041] To facilitate the configuration step, an identification tag T26, T28 is placed on each receiving surface S26, S28. Thus, a first tag T26 is placed on the first surface S26 and a second tag T28 is placed on the second surface S28. Similarly, the products also include an identification tag T1, T2. The tags can be barcodes, QR codes, RFID tags or any other means of identification.

[0042] The association between a product name or a unit weight and a sensor is carried out by means of the identification tag of the receiving surface S26, S28 which is in contact with the sensor. Thus, during the installation of the storage space 12, an operator uses a scanner in a “configuration” mode and scans the first tag T26 present on the first surface 26 then he scans the tag T1 present on a first product PL In a second step, he scans the second tag T28 present on the second surface 28 then he scans the tag T2 present on a second product P2. This operation makes it possible to associate respectively a product name NI, N2 with a sensor 26; 28. According to a particular embodiment, the link between the tag of a product and the product itself can be carried out by means of an article code listed in an article table.

[0043] In the scenario illustrated by table 1, the detection element 18 detects the presence of the separator 14 and therefore provides presence information 114 equal to “0” indicating that the separator 14 is placed in the reception module 16. Consequently, a first name NI of products PI is associated with the first sensor 26 in the table and a second name N2 of products P2 is associated with the second sensor 28.

[0044] Another example database is provided in Table 2 below corresponding to the removal of separator 14.

[0045] [Tables 2]

[0046] Table 2 shows an example of a database associated with the example in [Fig.l] in which the presence of the separator is not detected.

[0047] In the scenario illustrated by table 2, the detection element 18 does not detect the presence of the separator 14 and therefore provides presence information 114 equal to “1” indicating that the separator 14 is absent from the reception module 16. Consequently, the first product name NI PI is associated with the first sensor 26 and the second sensor 28 in the table.

[0048] In the step of receiving weight information, the calculation unit 20 receives the weight information 126, 128 and the presence of the separator 114.

[0049] Then, the calculation unit 20 determines the total weight of each product based on the presence of the separator 14.

[0050] If the presence of the separator is detected as illustrated in Table 1, the calculation unit provides the first weight information 126 for the first sensor 26 and the second weight information 128 for the second sensor 28. Thus, in Table 1, the first weight information 126 is stored so as to be associated with the first product name NI and the second weight information 128 is stored so as to be associated with the second product name N2.

[0051] If the presence of the separator 14 is not detected as illustrated in Table 2, the calculation unit provides weight information corresponding to a combination of the weights measured by the sensors 26 and 28. In the example, the combination of weights corresponds to the sum of the weights. Thus, in Table 2, the weight information corresponding to the sum of the weights measured by the sensors 26 and 28 is stored so as to be associated with the product name NI.

[0052] [Fig. 2] shows a storage space 12 larger than that of [Fig. 1] having 34 sensors. The storage space 12 has an upper shelf 34, a row 36 of rods and a lower shelf 38.

[0053] The upper shelf 34 has seven AG product receiving surfaces. The upper shelf 34 is partitioned into three sections by two separators 14, one of which is a separator 14 between surfaces B and C and one of which is a separator 14 between surfaces D and E. A batch of products P3 is placed on the first section containing surfaces A and B, a batch of products P4 is placed on the second section containing surfaces C and D and a batch of products P5 is placed on the third section containing surfaces E, F and G.

[0054] Row 36 of rods comprises six HM rods for receiving products. Row 36 is divided into three sections by two separators 14, one of which is a separator 14 between rods I and J and one of which is a separator 14 between rods L and M. A batch of product P6 is suspended from rods H and I of the first section, a batch of product P7 is suspended from rods J, K and L of the second section and a batch of product P8 is suspended from rod M of the third section.

[0055] The lower shelf 38 has seven NT product receiving surfaces. The lower shelf 38 is partitioned into five sections by four separators 14 including a separator 14 between the surfaces N and O, a separator 14 between the surfaces P and Q, a separator 14 between the surfaces R and S and a separator 14 between the surfaces S and T. A batch of products P9 is placed on the first section containing the surface N, a batch of products PI 0 is placed on the second section containing the surfaces O and P, a batch of product Pl 1 is placed on a third section containing the surfaces Q and R, a batch of products PI 2 is placed on a fourth section containing the surface S and the fifth section corresponding to the surface T is left empty.

[0056] The AG and NT surfaces each rest on two sensors, one front sensor and one rear sensor. The HM rods are each associated with a sensor called a weight sensor since it is capable of giving the weight of the products suspended from the rod as detailed in [Fig.7].

[0057] A database shown in Table 3 is created when installing storage space 12 of [Fig.2].

[0058] [Tables 3]

[0059] Table 3 shows an example of a database associated with the example in [Fig.2].

[0060] The following columns are analogous to those described in [Fig.l]: - “Sensor” column, - “Sensor Information” column, - “Support” column, - “Presence of separator” column, - “Product Name” column, and - “Total product weight” column.

[0061] The additional column “Weight on support” takes into account the fact that the AG and NT surfaces each rest on two sensors and therefore that the weight of products resting on each surface corresponds to the sum of the weight information provided by the front sensor and the rear sensor positioned under the surface concerned.

[0062] Furthermore, in the example in Table 3, a product quantity determination is performed. To do this, a unit weight Ux was previously recorded for each product Px in the “Product Unit Weight” column during the configuration step. During the product quantity determination step, a product quantity Qx is associated with each product name Nx, the product quantity Qx being obtained by dividing the total product weight Wx by the product unit weight Ux. The resulting product quantity Qx is recorded in the “Product Quantity” column.

[0063] It is clear that in Table 3, the combination of sensors is materialized by merging the lines. Thus, from the fourth column "Weight on the support", there remains only global weight information for each support.

[0064] Similarly, from the sixth column onwards, there is only one row per product. Thus, based on the information about the presence of the separator, the rows are merged. More specifically, for the columns "Product name", "Unit weight of product", "Total weight of product" and "Quantity of product" the rows are merged. sioimées from a line containing a "0" in the "Separator Presence" column to the line preceding the next "0" in the "Separator Presence" column.

[0065] In addition, the method described in the context of Figures 1 and 2 may include a rearrangement step. The rearrangement consists of enlarging or shrinking the storage space for one or more products. This is the compartmentalized and modular aspect of the storage space of the invention. In this step, for at least one separator: - if the separator was not placed in the receiving module, the separator is placed in the receiving module, or - if the separator was installed in the receiving module, the separator is removed from the receiving module.

[0066] In this case, a new table is created and the configuration step is performed again. This step typically takes place when there is a change in the organization of the storage space 12.

[0067] The method may also include an intruder detection step that is triggered when a product is replaced in a storage space outside the modes that allow a product addition. Indeed, outside the modes that allow a product addition, i.e., the rearrangement, installation and order reception modes, the only “normal” actions consist of removing products from the storage spaces. If the calculation unit 20 detects an addition of weight outside the modes that allow a product addition, it means that a product has been returned to a storage space, the risk then being that the returned product is incorrectly stored. The intruder detection step is based on the unit weight of the product to alert. In the intruder detection step, the calculation unit checks whether the quantity of products Qx is an integer. There are then two possibilities: - the product delivered has the same unit weight as the products stored in the space in question, then the calculation unit 20 notes that the quantity of products Qx is an integer. In this case, it is a suspicion of an intruder and an operator must check the space, correctly store the intruder if necessary and turn off the alert. - if the delivered product has a unit weight different from that of the products stored in the space considered, then the calculation unit 20 detects that the quantity of products Qx is not an integer, then an intruder detection alert A is notified.

[0068] Alerts can be relayed on a screen and / or by sending an SMS by the computing unit 20 so that an operator can remove the intruder from the incorrect location, store it correctly if necessary and raise the alert.

[0069] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the method may comprise a step of receiving an order in which the calculation unit 20 compares each quantity of products Qx placed in the storage space 12 to a quantity of products commanded Cx received from the central control unit 40.

[0070] Advantageously, the method, in nominal mode, may include detection of an addition or removal of product. The nominal mode may include the following steps: - receiving weight information, - determination of the total weight of each product, - determination of product quantity.

[0071] The method may then include an additional step of triggering an order for Bx products when the quantity of products is less than or equal to a predetermined value. An alert to trigger an order for Bx products is sent by the calculation unit 20 to the central control unit 40. The control unit 40 is conventionally integrated into the customer's information system. The calculation unit 20 may send an alert via the communication interface 24 when the replenishment threshold is reached. The threshold is set by the customer according to their own criteria (order book, promotions, etc.)

[0072] Figures 3 to 7 show particular embodiments of storage modules according to the invention.

[0073] Figures 3 to 6 relate to a storage module whose storage space 12 comprises a shelf 42 on the model of shelves 34 and 38 of [Fig.2].

[0074] As shown in [Fig. 5], the shelf 42 comprises an upper surface 44 extending in a substantially horizontal plane P. The storage module 10 comprises three rows 46 of rails 48 fixed to the upper surface 44. The rails 48 extend in a main direction of transverse elongation between a first end 50 on the left of the figures and a second end 52 on the right of the figures.

[0075] Each row 46 comprises several rails 48 aligned with each other so that the second end 52 of a first rail 48 is electrically and geometrically connected to the first end 50 of a second rail 48. Thus, the three rows 46 of rails extend parallel to each other in the transverse direction T.

[0076] [Fig. 4] represents a rail 48. The rail 48 comprises fourteen strain gauges 54 which can be likened to the weight sensors 26 and 28 of [Fig. 1]. The strain gauges 54 are positioned in a staggered pattern on the rail 48 in two parallel rows, including a front row 56 and a rear row 58. The rail 48 has a Z shape imposed by the location of the strain gauges 54. It is this particular Z shape which, associated with male and female CAN bus connectors (acronym for the English expression "Controller Area Network" designating a serial system bus), makes it possible to fit the rails together and thus obtain the desired length whatever it may be. The fact that all the rails are identical makes it possible to have a standard basic element to simplify the creation of a new storage space and reduce costs thanks to a scale effect.

[0077] Indeed, within a row 46 of rail 48, the spacing δ / between the stress gauges 54 in the transverse direction T is constant. A row 46 of rail 48 is sectioned between two consecutive stress gauges 54 of the same row and in particular halfway between the two consecutive stress gauges 54.

[0078] The first end 50 of the rail 48 has a first left edge 60 extending longitudinally and marking the start of the front row 56. The first strain gauge 54 of the front row 56 is located at a distance δ / 2 from the first left edge 60. The first end 50 of the rail 48 then has a second left edge 62 extending longitudinally and marking the start of the rear row 58. The first strain gauge 54 of the rear row 58 is located at a distance δ / / 2 from the second left edge 62. The second left edge 62 is connected to the first left edge 60 by a left connecting edge 64 extending in the transverse direction T. The left connecting edge 64 has a length equal to δ / / 2. The second left edge 62 is aligned longitudinally with the first gauge of the front row 56.

[0079] Symmetrically, the second end 52 of the rail 48 has a first straight edge 66 extending longitudinally and marking the end of the front row 56. The last strain gauge 54 of the front row 56 is located at a distance δ / / 2 from the first straight edge 66. The second end 52 of the rail 48 then has a second straight edge 68 extending longitudinally and marking the end of the rear row 58. The last strain gauge 54 of the rear row 58 is located at a distance δ / / 2 from the second straight edge 68. The second straight edge 68 is connected to the first straight edge 66 by a straight connecting edge 70 extending in the transverse direction T. The straight connecting edge 70 has a length equal to δ / / 2. The first straight edge 66 is aligned longitudinally with the last gauge of the rear row 58.

[0080] The offsets made by the connecting edges 64 and 70 give the rail 48 its Z shape. This Z shape makes it possible to geometrically connect the second end 52 of a first rail to the first end 50 of a second rail 48. Indeed, when two consecutive rails 48 are juxtaposed, the first right edge 66 of the first rail 48 adjoins the first left edge 60 of the second rail 48 and the same applies to the second edges 68 and 62 and the connecting edges 70 and 64.

[0081] In addition, each rail 48 comprises a male connector 72, here positioned on the second right edge 68. The male connector 72 is intended to be connected to a female connector 74 of a consecutive rail 48, the female connector 74 being here positioned on the second left edge 62. The connection between the male connector 72 of a rail 48 and the female connector 74 of the consecutive rail 48 makes the electrical connection between two consecutive rails. The rails 48 are then connected at the end of rank 46 at calculation unit 20.

[0082] Each rail 48 comprises at least one microcontroller 76 capable of receiving measurements made by the strain gauges 54 connected to it. The microcontroller 76 is also capable of being interrogated by the calculation unit 20 and of transmitting weight information to it from the measurements made by the strain gauges 54.

[0083] As shown in [Fig.3], the rows 46 of rail 48 are positioned parallel so as to provide longitudinal alignment between: - a strain gauge 54 of the front row 56 of the front row, - a strain gauge 54 of the front row 56 of the intermediate row, and - a strain gauge 54 of the front row 56 of the rear row. This alignment also requires a longitudinal alignment of the strain gauges 54 of the rear rows 58.

[0084] For each alignment of three sensors mentioned above, the storage space 12 comprises a slat or surface 78 for receiving products covering the three strain gauges 54 of the same alignment. The product receiving surfaces 78 are similar to the surfaces S26, S28 as well as AG and NT described in the context of figures 1 and 2. Each slat or surface 78 completely covers all the strain gauges 54 of the alignment on which it rests. The weight supported by a slat or surface 78 corresponds to the combination of the measurements provided by the three strain gauges 54 of the same alignment. For example, to obtain the weight supported by a slat or surface 78, the calculation unit performs the sum of the measurements provided by the three strain gauges 54 positioned under the slat or surface 78 considered.

[0085] The surfaces 78 are positioned parallel to each other and extend in a longitudinal elongation direction L. The surfaces 78 are spaced from each other so as to allow the insertion of a separator 14 between them. The spacing between two consecutive surfaces 78 is greater than or equal to the thickness of a separator 14.

[0086] [Fig. 5] shows a front view of a row 46 of rails 48 of [Fig. 3]. The rails 48 have a thickness e R between an upper face 80 and a lower face 82 of the rails 48. Each rail 48 has recesses 84 intended to each receive a strain gauge 54. The recesses 84 have a shape complementary to that of the strain gauges 54. The recesses 84 are made so as to provide lateral holding edges for the strain gauges 54.

[0087] Each receiving slat or surface 78 has on a lower face 86 a protrusion 88 shaped to cooperate with the recess 80 in order to prevent any lateral movement of the receiving slat or surface 78. In the front view of [Fig.5], the receiving slat or surface 78 thus has a T shape at least locally.

[0088] The rail 48 has a longitudinal groove 90 forming a guide for the separator 14.

[0089] [Fig. 6] shows a rear wall 32 similar to that of [Fig. 1]. The rear wall 32 comprises a succession of vertical slots 92 arranged between two partitions 94 orthogonal to the rear wall 32. Each slot 92 is intended to receive a rear vertical edge of a separator 14. Each slot 92 comprises a detection element 18 for detecting the presence of a separator 14 in the slot 92.

[0090] The partitions 94 have a lower edge 96 positioned at a distance from the plane P greater than the sum of the thickness e R of rail 48 and thickness e s of the slat or surface 78 to which a clearance is added. The thickness E S of the slat or surface 78 corresponds to the distance between the lower face 86 and an upper face 87 of the slat or surface 78.

[0091] The rear wall 32 and the lower edges 96 of the partitions 94 form a double stop for the receiving surfaces 78. Thus, the slats or surfaces 78 cannot move in the horizontal plane in the longitudinal direction towards the rear, nor in the vertical direction thanks to a stop placed on the rear wall 32. A set of front stops can complete the storage module in order to prevent the surfaces 78 from moving vertically at their front end and longitudinally towards the front.

[0092] The rear wall 32 is electrically connected to a rail 48 via a male connector 98 fixed to the rear wall 32 and cooperating with a female connector 100 fixed to the rail 48.

[0093] The rear wall 32 is geometrically connected to a rail 48 by means of a male clip 102 fixed to the rear wall 32 and cooperating with a female clip 104 fixed to the rail 48.

[0094] [Fig. 7] relates to a storage module whose storage space 12 comprises a row 36 of rods 106 similar to the row of rods HM of [Fig. 2]. [Fig. 7] represents a rod 106 fixed to a rear wall 32.

[0095] Rod 106 includes: - a 108 rod, - a 110 support plate, - a 114 joint, - a 118 support.

[0096] The rod 108 allows the reception of suspended products. The rod 108 extends in a substantially longitudinal direction L.

[0097] The support plate 110 forms an elbow 112 with the receiving rod 108. The support plate 110 extends vertically downward and is applied against a strain gauge 54 associated with the rod 106.

[0098] The articulation 114 provides a pivot connection around a transverse axis 116 between the elbow 112 and support 118.

[0099] The support 118 is applied against the rear wall 32 and allows the rod 106 to be fixed to the rear wall 32.

[0100] When products are suspended from the rod 108, then the rod 108, elbow 112 and plate 110 assembly pivots slightly about the axis 116 so that the plate 110 exerts a pressure on the strain gauge 54 proportional to the weight of the suspended products. Thus, the strain gauge 54 makes it possible to provide a representative measurement of the weight of the suspended products and the strain gauge 54 behaves as a weight sensor.

[0101] An improved embodiment will be presented in the following.

[0102] Figures 8 to 9 represent a storage space 12 corresponding to a storage surface. This surface is compartmentalized using dividers.

[0103] As shown in [Fig.9], the storage space 12 is composed of rails 48. As shown in [Fig.10], each rail 48 is provided with fourteen strain gauges 54 regularly spaced apart. These rails 48 and their strain gauges 54 constitute the base of a scale. Each rail 48 also has a male connector 72 on one side and a female connector 74 on the other. The connectors make it possible to connect several rails together and thus to place them end to end in order to obtain the desired length in the transverse direction T. The rails 48 abutted and connected to each other constitute a row of rails 46. To adapt to the storage surface in the longitudinal plane, it is sufficient to space the rows of rails 46 between them and / or to add some as shown on the right of the figure for the deep shelf 43 which comprises 4 rows of rails instead of three rows of rails for the shelf 42 on the left of [Fig.9].Finally, to create the storage surface, slats or surfaces 78 are placed perpendicular to the rails on the strain gauges 54. Their length can be adapted along the longitudinal axis L according to requirements. As many of them are juxtaposed along the transverse direction as necessary to cover the storage surface. The slats or surfaces 78 are parallel to each other and extend along the longitudinal direction L. They constitute the scales. It is the arrangement of these different elements (rails, slats) that allows the invention to adapt to any storage surface. In order to be identified, each slat has a unique tag T26. In this way, each slat or surface 78 rests on at least 2 strain gauges, each on a different row of rails 46.

[0104] Each 48 rail is equipped with two CAN 2.0A microcontrollers. Thus, the 48 rails are connected to each other via a CAN 2.0A bus well known in automobiles. Each microcontroller has a unique identifier and each is capable of identifying each of the strain gauges 54 connected to it. Thus, it is possible to assign a unique number to each strain gauge 54. By placing a slat for both to create a storage surface and form the platform of a scale, we create a matrix.

[0105] In its operation, the invention is based on three tables which are connected to each other as shown in [Fig.11]. The three tables are: - a table of measures 122, - a central table 124, and - a table of articles 128.

[0106] An example of a table of 122 measures is shown in Table 4.

[0107] [Tables 4]

[0108] The measurement table 122 is used to feed the central table 124. The measurement table 122 is stored in the measurement interface 120. The measurement table 122 is for example stored in an Ethernet controller. The measurement interface is equipped with a controller which itself has a memory, both to store the computer code which manages it and the measurement table 122. In addition to its Mac Address (of English: "Media Access Control", physical address stored in a network card or a network interface), the measurement interface 120 sends, via a Wifi network and ethernet 2 frames, the contents of the measurement table 122 to the calculation unit 20 which will record the values ​​received in the central table 124. It contains the identifiers of each microcontroller connected to this measurement interface and the weight values ​​measured by each gauge. Thanks to the Mac Address, microcontroller identifier and gauge number combination, the system is able to store the correct weight value in the correct line of the central table 124.

[0109] The 122 measurement table has five columns.

[0110] The first two columns, "Id pC request" and "Id pC data," correspond to the identifiers of each microcontroller. There are two for each microcontroller. The first identifier is for being queried or programmed, the second identifier is for transmitting its data. This is a particularity of the CAN 2.0A technology used in the invention. These values ​​are pre-recorded in the factory in each measurement interface and will be assigned, in order, to each microcontroller when they are connected to the communication interface.

[0111] A third column corresponds to the microcontroller channel. Each has eight. The first, channel 0, is dedicated to receiving the position information 114 of the separators 14 associated with each strain gauge 54 which are connected to its 7 other channels. The value 114 corresponds to the sum of powers of 2 ranging from 0 to 7. For example, if a separator 14 is positioned between gauges 3 and 4, its value is associated with strain gauge 54 n°4 connected to channel n°4. Its value will be 2 4 =16. Thanks to a simple algorithm, the calculation unit 20 will be able to place the correct value of the separator in the correct line of the central table 124.

[0112] A fourth “value” column which receives the information from the strain gauges 154 which are the values ​​measured by the strain gauges 54 or the information on the presence of the separator 114.

[0113] A fifth “active” column which indicates to the measurement interface controller whether the codes in the first two columns have already been assigned or not.

[0114] Table 5 shows an example of a central table 124.

[0115] [Tables 5]

[0116] The central table is stored in memory 22. It can be clearly seen that the surface SA is associated with the slats or surfaces 78 whose tags are ABC21 and ABC22. Similarly, the surface SB is associated with the slats or surfaces 78 whose tags are ABC23, ABC24 and ABC25.

[0117] We also see that the slat with the tag ABC21 rests on the strain gauge n°1 of the rail lines 1, 2 and 3. To return to [Fig.9], we can say that the slat T26 rests on the strain gauges n°1 of the three rows of rails 46.

[0118] Each row of rails 46 is connected to a measurement interface 120 which will transmit the information to the calculation unit 20 in order to be correctly stored in the central table 124 of table 5.

[0119] The contactor 18 returns the value 0 and is associated with the strain gauge 54 of the first row of rails 46 corresponding to the rails 48 located at the bottom of the storage space on the longitudinal axis L.

[0120] To know the total weight stored in a location delimited between two separators, the calculation unit 20 will add each weight returned by each gauge, from the first value 114 at 0 of the separator 14, up to the next value at 0 excluded.

[0121] Initially, for example when installing the storage space 12, the central table 124 is created in the form of a table such as those shown in table 5. The table has a first row of column names and then as many rows as there are sensors. The number of rows is equal to the number of rails multiplied by the number of sensors per rail (here fourteen) and multiplied by the number of rows. The table has thirteen columns including: - a first column “Department” intended to contain the reference assigned to the storage space

[0122] - a second “module” column intended to contain the reference information attributed to the measurement interface, - a third column “Mac Address” intended to receive the unique identifier of the measurement interface,

[0123] - a fourth “floor” column intended to identify the floor number of the storage area in its shelving

[0124] - a fifth “line” column intended to know the number of the row of rails. They are numbered from 1 to n in the longitudinal direction. Row 1 corresponds to the lowest row in the storage space. It is this row number 1 which receives the bottom stop and the values ​​of the separators.

[0125] - a sixth column “section” corresponding to the number of the rail in its row. The rails are installed from left to right.

[0126] - the seventh and eighth columns “pC request” and “pC data” are the unique identifiers assigned to the CAN 2.0A microcontrollers in transmission and reception.

[0127] - a ninth “gauge” column intended to receive the number of sensor 54 on the rail. They are numbered from 1 to 14 from left to right. Thanks to all the columns described above, we are able to identify each of the gauges distinctly. - a tenth “separator” column containing information on the presence of the separator upstream of the gauge on the same row. Each separator is associated with the gauge immediately to its right. The separators are only on row no. 1.

[0128] - an eleventh “weight” column whose value is the information from the strain gauge 154 which is the measurement recorded by the strain gauge 54 of this rank by the microcontroller and transmitted to the communication interface 24 to be recorded in memory.

[0129] - a twelfth column “slat number” which will receive the T26.x identifier of each slat thanks to its tag.

[0130] - a thirteenth column “Product code” intended to receive the product code by means of its tag Tl, T2.

[0131] An example of a 128-item table is shown in Table 6.

[0132] [Tableauxô]

[0133] The articles table 128 is shared with the customer and with the customer information system 126 via the communication interface 24. It is linked to the central table 124 by the article code. This table is composed of as many rows as there are article or product references and nine columns.

[0134] A first column “designation” which contains the designation of the product as the customer named it.

[0135] A second column, "unit weight," corresponds to the weight of a single product. This value will be the divisor of the total weight to obtain the number of products stored.

[0136] A third column “total weight”. This information comes from the addition in the central table 124 of the weights of the lines of this same product.

[0137] A fourth column “initial number”. This is the number of products in stock before receiving goods.

[0138] A fifth column "final number". This is the number of products in stock at time t. This is always the number that is displayed and / or sent to the customer information system as the stock status at time t.

[0139] A sixth column "number received". This number is obtained by performing the operation "final number" minus "initial number". It is used in automatic reception mode to automatically know what quantity of product has been added and therefore received.

[0140] A seventh column, "item code," which, as its name suggests, is used to reference a product. It is this item code that links the item table 128 to the central table 124.

[0141] An eighth “pre-alert” column which corresponds to the pre-alert threshold before rupture. This threshold is optional and is set by the customer.

[0142] A ninth column, "alert," corresponds to the alert threshold for placing an order for this product. This threshold is also set by the customer.

[0143] The following describes the setup and initial filling of the shelves. Before any ins- In the installation of the invention, a plan of the storage areas is produced in situ in order to assign references to the racks, measure each dimension (L + T) for each shelf and thus be able to predict the device that will be installed. This operation then allows the system to determine the number of measurement interfaces required, the number of rows of 46 rails per shelf level, the number of 48 rails per level and therefore to automatically create the database with the correct number of lines and to enter the values ​​in the columns "shelf - module - level - line - gauge number - separator". It should be noted that at this stage, all the separator values ​​are at 1.

[0144] Once this table has been created and pre-populated, the system determines the order in which the physical elements are placed, following its central table 124. So we will start at the first shelf.

[0145] As seen previously, the "module" column designates the reference of the measurement interface. The measurement interface, once powered on, transmits its Mac address. This will be stored in the central table 124 on the first line in the "Mac Address" column and then replicated in each line as long as we are on measurement interface 1. And so on for the following ones.

[0146] Then we connect the first rail of row 1. The CAN 2.0A microcontrollers then send a generic identifier recorded in the factory and the measurement interface assigns it the first free identifiers in its measurement table 122.

[0147] Once each row of shelving rails is installed and the rails are powered, an operator can place the slats and scan their T26 tags one by one from left to right. The system will then populate the "slat" column with each tag value.

[0148] From then on, it is possible to start storing your products and installing the dividers in the chosen locations to delimit the storage areas allocated to each product.

[0149] To store items, while the system is in installation mode, simply scan the product tag, then the tag of one of the slats of the storage surface on which you want to store it. Then, from this tag T26, the system will search for the first slat with a separator on its left, then on its right and it will assign the product code to all the lines of the central table 124 included between these two separators.

[0150] This principle of separators with recognition by the system is, according to the invention, what makes it possible to make any storage space 12 compartmentalized in slats or surfaces 78.

[0151] Advantageously, when the article table 128 is incomplete or if the article does not exist, the invention makes it possible to complete it in terms of “designation”, “article code” and “unit weight”.

[0152] In the step of receiving weight information, the calculation unit 20 receives the weight information of all the strain gauges 54 of a given measurement interface and the presence of the separator 14 from the separator detection elements connected to this same interface. The calculation unit 20 will then store this information in the central table 124 in the right places thanks to the unique reference of each measurement interface, each strain gauge and each separator. For the record, this unique reference is made up of the MAC address of the measurement interface that is unique in the world, the identifier of the CAN 2.0A microcontroller that is unique on each rail row, and the number of the gauge 54 that is connected to it.

[0153] Then, the calculation unit 20 determines the total weight of each product based on the presence of the separator 14.

[0154] Then, the calculation unit 20 will perform the Total weight / unit weight operation and thus determine the number of products physically stored on each sub-surface SA and SB. The number of items is stored in the “final number” column.

[0155] Another example of a central table 124 is given in Table 7.

[0156] [Paintings?]

[0157] This central table 124 is associated with the storage module of [Fig.2]. For simplicity, only surfaces A to G are listed.

[0158] In the central table 124 of table 7, the calculation unit 20 adds the weight values ​​of each strain gauge 54 from a first separator value 114 equal to 0 up to the next one excluded. Then the calculation unit 20 positions itself on the article code of the article table 128 corresponding to the sum that it has just made, then will store this sum in the article table 128 of table 6 in the “total weight” column. The unit weight Ux was previously recorded in the article table 128 for each product Px in the “Unit weight of the product” column during the configuration step. During the product quantity determination step, a product quantity Qx is associated with each product name Nx, the product quantity Qx being obtained by dividing the total weight of products Wx by the unit weight of the product Ux. The product quantity Qx obtained is recorded in the “Final number” column.

[0159] Table 8 shows another example of a center table 124 for rods.

[0160] [Tables 8]

[0161] Table 9 shows an example of table items 128 associated with the central table 124 of Table 8.

[0162] [Tables 9]

[0163] Tables 8 and 9 show an alternative way of managing the rods in the tables. In the central table 124 of table 8, each separator value is always equal to 0 as if each rod were equipped with a separator. According to the same process as previously, the calculation unit will not have to make any addition but will store the value of the total weight in the article table 128 on the correct article reference. If one wishes to store the same product Pn on several rods 106, during configuration or rearrangement, the calculation unit 20 will add a letter to its article code both in the central table 124 and in the article table 128. To know the total quantity of this same article stored on several rods 106, the calculation unit 20 will add them when transmitting to the customer information system. This association will be made thanks to the identical designation in the table articles 128. Taking the example of [Fig.2], we see that rods H, I have the same product “PDT1” and rods J, K, L the same product “PDT2” while rod M is the only one to store the product “PDT3”. Furthermore, each rod 106 receives a unique tag. The value of the tag is stored in the central table 124 in the “slat number” column.

[0164] Thus, for example, the product whose code is “PDT1 A” and “PDT1 B” receives the same designation “AA batteries” which allows the calculation unit 20 to add the quantities of “AA batteries” products from the item table 128 in order to send the sum to the customer information system.

[0165] The storage modules according to the invention make it possible to carry out a stock inventory by physical counting in an automated manner and in real time.

[0166] The storage space is modular in that it can include: - a variable number of shelves or rows of rods, - it can include shelves or rods, - the shelves can have variable lengths and widths thanks to the assembly of rails, the rails can be placed in series or in parallel.

[0167] The storage space can also be reconfigured thanks to the mobile nature of the divider.

[0168] Legend

[0169] Product price Nx product names Px Ux unit weight of product X Wx total weight of product X Qx quantity of product X Tx tag of product X Bx order of product X Cx quantity of product X ordered 10 storage module 12 storage spaces 14 separator 114 separator presence information 16 receiving element 18 detection element 20 computing unit 22 memory 24 communication interface 26 first weight sensor 126 first weight information S26 first surface T26 first tag 28 second weight sensor 128 second weight information S28 second surface T28 second tag 30 plot 32 rear wall 34 top shelf 36 rows of rods 38 lower shelf Intruder detection alert 40 central control unit 42 shelf 43 deep shelf 44 upper surface 46 rail row 48 rail 50 first end 52 second end 54 strain gauge 154 strain gauge information 56 front row 58 back row 60 first left edge 62 second left edge 64 left connecting edge 66 first right edge 68 second right edge 70 straight connecting edge 72 male rail connector 74 female rail connector 76 microcontroller 78 surface 80 upper face of the rail 82 underside of the rail 84 recess 86 lower face of the surface 87 upper face of the surface 88 growth 90 groove 92 slot 94 partition bottom edge male connector back wall female connector back wall male clip female clip rod rod plate elbow joint axis support measurement interface measurement table central table customer information system table articles

Claims

Claims

1. Storage module (10) for products (Px) comprising: - a storage space (12) for the products (Px) comprising at least two weight sensors (26, 28, 54) each capable of providing weight information (126, 128), - a calculation unit (20) configured to receive as input data the weight information (126, 128), the storage module (10) being characterized in that it further comprises: - a removable separator (14), - a receiving element (16) for the separator (14) capable of receiving the separator (14) and holding it between the two weight sensors (26, 28, 54), - a detection element (18) of the separator (14) capable of providing information on the presence (114) of the separator, the calculation unit (20) being further configured to receive as input data the information on the presence (114) of the separator and to provide at least one output data representative of the state of the stock of products as a function of the input data.

2. Product storage module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the two weight sensors (26, 28, 54) being placed in the same substantially horizontal plane P, the storage space (12) comprises at least two product receiving surfaces (S26, S28, 78), each receiving surface (S26, S28, 78) being placed on either side of the receiving element (16) and resting respectively on one of the two weight sensors (26, 28, 54).

3. Product storage module (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one transverse rail (48) and in that the weight sensors (26, 28, 54) are carried by the same transverse rail (48), the transverse rail (48) ensuring the electrical connection between the sensors (26, 28, 54) and the calculation unit (20).

4. Product storage module (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two transverse rails (48) aligned and electrically connected to each other.

5. Product storage module (10) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises at least two transverse rails (48) placed parallel to each other in the plane P, including: - a front rail (48) comprising a first front sensor and a second front sensor, and - a rear rail (48) comprising a first rear sensor and a second rear sensor, and in that among the two product receiving surfaces (S26, S28, 78): - a first receiving surface (S26, S28, 78) rests on the first front sensor and the first rear sensor, and - a second receiving surface (S26, S28, 78) rests on the second front sensor and the second rear sensor, the computing unit (20) being configured to provide: - first weight information from the weight measurements of the first front sensor and the first rear sensor, and - a second weight information from the weight measurements of the second front sensor and the second rear sensor.

6. Product storage module (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the rail (48) comprises recesses (84) intended to receive the weight sensors (26, 28, 54).

7. Product storage module (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that each receiving surface (S26, S28, 78) comprises on a lower face a protrusion (88) shaped to cooperate with the recess (84) intended to receive the weight sensor (26, 28, 54) corresponding to it in order to prevent any lateral movement of the receiving surface (S26, S28, 78).

8. Storage module (10) for products according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a rear wall (32) extending in the transverse and vertical directions forming a stop for the receiving surfaces (S26, S28, 78) and comprising the detection element (18) of the separator.

9. Product storage module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage space (12) comprises at least two rods (106) fixed to a vertical wall, each rod (106) being associated with a weight sensor (54) and comprising: - a rod (108) for receiving suspended products, the rod (108) extending in a substantially longitudinal direction, and - a support plate (110) forming an elbow with the receiving rod (108), the support plate (110) extending vertically downwards and being applied against the weight sensor (54) associated with the rod (106), And - an articulation (114) around a transverse axis allowing the rod (106) to be fixed to the vertical wall at the elbow.

10. Method for determining a stock status of products arranged in the storage space of an inventory device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of receiving weight information in which: - the calculation unit (20) receives weight and presence information (114) of the separator, if the presence of the separator is not detected: - the calculation unit (20) provides weight information corresponding to the combination of the weights measured by the sensors (26, 28, 54) if the presence of the separator is detected: - the calculation unit (20) provides first weight information for the first sensor(s) (26, 54) and second weight information for the second sensor(s) (28, 54).

11. Method for determining a product stock status according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a preliminary parameterization step in which: if the separator (14) is not placed in the receiving element (16): - a product name (Px) and a unit weight (Ux) of product are stored so as to be associated with all the sensors, and if the separator is placed in the receiving element (16): - a first product name (Px) and a first unit weight (Ux) are stored so as to be associated with the first weight sensor(s) (26, 54), and - a second product name (Px) and a second unit weight (Ux) are stored so as to be associated with the second weight sensor(s) (28, 54).

12. Method for determining a product stock status according to claim 11, characterized in that: - an identification tag (T26, T28) is placed on each receiving surface (S26, S28, 78) or each rod (106), and - the association between a product name (Px) or a unit weight (Ux) and a sensor (26, 28, 54) is carried out by means of the identification tag (T26, T28) of the receiving surface (S26, S28, 78) or of the rod (106) which is in contact with the sensor (26, 28, 54).

13. Method for determining a product stock status according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it comprises an additional step of determining the total weight of each product in which for each stored product name (Px), a total product weight (Wx) is associated in the following manner: if the presence of the separator is not detected: - the weight information corresponding to the sum of the weights measured by the sensors (26, 28, 54) is stored in the memory so as to be associated with the product name (Px) associated with the sensors (26, 28, 54), if the presence of the separator is detected: - the first weight information is stored in the memory (22) so as to be associated with the first product name and the second weight information is stored in the memory so as to be associated with the second product name.

14. Method for determining a product stock status according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises an additional step of determining the quantity of products in which a quantity of product (Qx) is associated with each product name (Px), the quantity of product (Qx) being obtained by dividing the total weight of products (Wx) by the unit weight of the product (Ux).

15. Method for determining a product stock status according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a rearrangement step in which: - if the separator (14) was not placed in the receiving module, the separator (14) is placed in the receiving module, or - if the separator (14) was placed in the receiving module, the separator (14) is removed from the receiving module, and - the configuration step is performed again.

16. Method for determining a product stock status according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises an intruder detection step in which if the quantity of products (Qx) is not an integer, then an intruder detection alert is raised.

17. Method for determining a product stock status according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises an order reception step in which the quantity of products (Qx) placed in the storage space (12) is compared to a quantity of products ordered.

18. Method for determining a stock status of products according to the resale- indication 14 characterized in that it includes detection of an addition or removal of product triggering the following steps: - receiving weight information, - determination of the total weight of each product, - determination of product quantity.

19. Method for determining a product stock status according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises an additional step of triggering an alert when the quantity of products is less than a predetermined value.

20. Method for determining a product stock status according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises: - the creation of a database comprising at least one line per sensor and six columns: - filling in a first column in which the sensors are listed using identifiers specific to each of the sensors, - filling in a second column containing the weight information provided by each sensor, - filling in a third column in which a receiving surface or rod identifier associated with each sensor is entered, - sorting the database according to the receiving surface or rod identifier, - filling in a fourth column containing the information on the presence of the separator upstream of the receiving surface or the rod identified in the third column, the information on the presence of the separator being for example “0” when the separator is detected and “1” when the separator is not detected, - in a fifth column intended to receive the name of the products, the combination of lines from a line containing a “0” in the fourth column to a line preceding the next “0” in the fourth column, - in a sixth column, the combination of the weight information from the second column from a line containing a “0” in the fourth column to a line preceding the next “0” in the fourth column to obtain data corresponding to the stock status of each product.

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