Automated Inventory Pre-Counting via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conducting a complete and accurate inventory in large stores is time-consuming and challenging, especially for items stored in difficult-to-count locations, often requiring off-hours work or third-party assistance, and pre-counts may not accurately reflect inventory changes due to intermediate sales and counting difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A system that schedules and automates pre-count tasks for specific products based on store type, product location, and fixture type, using a processor to identify which items require pre-counting, transmit task assignments, and receive pre-count inventory amounts, with rules and machine learning to determine if re-counts are needed, and cloud-based processing to manage data efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If pre-count inventory is performed manually by store associates, then inventory data can be collected before full inventory, but human error and inaccuracy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting processes with automated image capture and processing systems. Cameras mounted in storage units automatically capture images of inventory items, and image processing algorithms analyze these images to determine item counts, replacing the mechanical human counting process and eliminating associated human errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the physical inventory items through automated camera capture. These image copies are then processed to extract counting information, allowing the system to work with replicated visual data rather than directly manipulating physical items, thereby improving accuracy and efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If complete inventory is performed in large stores, then accurate inventory data is obtained, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and requires off-hours work or third-party assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary inventory counting actions continuously in the background before the full inventory deadline. Storage units with integrated cameras capture images of items as they are placed or removed, building up a pre-count database that significantly reduces the workload and time required for the final comprehensive inventory count.
Solution Approach 2:
The inventory system is divided into autonomous segments (individual storage units or sections), each equipped with its own imaging and processing capabilities. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple inventory sections simultaneously, dramatically increasing overall inventory speed and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If items in end-caps, sidekicks, stack bases, or bins are counted manually, then these difficult-to-reach items can be inventoried, but the time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage units are equipped with self-service inventory capabilities through integrated cameras and processing systems. These units automatically capture and analyze their own inventory contents without requiring human intervention, enabling items in difficult-to-reach locations to be counted automatically as part of the normal storage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system acts as an intermediary between the physical inventory items and the counting process. Instead of requiring human counters to physically access and count items in difficult locations, the camera intermediary captures images that can be analyzed remotely and automatically, eliminating the time-consuming physical access requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for providing adequate instructions to conduct an inventory of a store, and specifically a pre-inventory of difficult to count items. As store are selected for performing an inventory, instructions to perform pre-counts of specific items are sent. As the pre-count begins, videos, text, or other materials needed to perform a complete pre-count are distributed to the store associate performing the pre-count task. If the pre-count is outside pre-defined thresholds, an additional task to re-count the item may be assigned. Based on these actions, the set of rules used to identify when the re-count should occur can be modified.