Retail Display Space Valuation Using Sensor-Based Traffic Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining the value of display space in different regions of a retail store is challenging due to the lack of reliable, accurate, and unbiased methods, making it difficult to quantify the value of display space based on customer traffic.

Innovation Solution

Measuring traffic density in retail store regions using sensors that capture spatial information, including customer presence, interaction time, and product engagement, to provide a quantitative metric for determining the value of display space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods are used to estimate display space value, then the process is simple, but the reliability and accuracy of the value determination is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of display space value determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual estimation methods with sensor-based automated measurement systems. Sensors detect customer presence, movement, and interaction with display spaces, converting physical behaviors into digital data for accurate traffic density calculation and display space valuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between customers and the display space valuation system. These sensors act as mediators that collect spatial information about customer behavior and transmit it to the processing system, enabling objective and accurate measurement without direct human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sensor-based traffic density measurement is implemented, then the accuracy of display space valuation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of display space value determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functional sensors that can detect multiple aspects of customer behavior (presence, movement, interaction) simultaneously. This universal approach allows a single sensor system to gather comprehensive data for traffic density calculation, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system automatically performs data collection, processing, and analysis without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the entire measurement process from detecting customer spatial information to calculating traffic density and determining display space values, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive spatial information is collected from sensors, then the accuracy of traffic density measurement is improved, but the quantity of data to be processed increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of traffic density measurementVSAvoidvolume of spatial data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential spatial information features needed for traffic density calculation from the comprehensive sensor data. By selectively extracting relevant parameters such as customer presence duration, movement patterns, and interaction frequency, the system maintains high measurement precision while reducing the volume of data requiring processing and storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If manual estimation of customer traffic value is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the objectivity and unbiased nature of the measurement is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of display space valuationVSAvoidobjectivity of traffic density measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor-based system automatically performs all measurements and calculations without requiring human operators. The system self-collects spatial data, processes it through predefined algorithms, and generates objective traffic density values, eliminating subjective biases while maintaining ease of operation through automated workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor data continuously informs the traffic density calculation and display space valuation. This closed-loop system provides real-time, objective feedback based on actual customer behavior, ensuring unbiased measurements while simplifying operation through automated decision-support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3916665B1Systems and methods for measuring traffic density in a region
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SHOPIFY INC
  • EP3916665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3916665B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3916665B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Computer-implemented systems and methods for determining the value of display space in a retail store are provided. These values of display space are determined based on measured traffic densities in the retail store. Traffic density is used as a metric for real-world customer activity and customer patterns in the retail store. To determine traffic density, measurements are obtained from one or more sensors in the retail store, where the measurements include spatial information pertaining to a region of the retail store. Traffic density can provide a quantitative, accurate and unbiased metric with which to determine a value associated with displaying products in a region of the retail store.