Laser Shelving Position Verification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual audits for determining the accuracy of modular shelving in retail stores are time-consuming and prone to human error, especially in large retail spaces with thousands of products.
Innovation Solution
A method using a laser system controlled by a computer processor to transmit a laser beam to shelving labels, determining their position based on angular information relative to a reference frame, and comparing it to planned positions from a planogram database to identify discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual audits are performed by retail associates to determine accuracy of shelf placement, then human error can occur, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical audit process with an automated optical measurement system. A laser system projects beams to detect the actual positions of shelves and products, while image capture devices record the positions. This substitution eliminates human error in measurement and significantly reduces the time required for audits compared to manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service auditing by automatically capturing images and calculating positions without requiring retail associates to manually measure and record shelf positions. The computer processor automatically compares measured positions with planogram specifications, providing autonomous verification of shelf placement accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If manual audits are performed in large retail stores with thousands of products, then comprehensive coverage can be achieved, but human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual auditing with automated optical measurement systems that use laser beams and image capture devices. This substitution allows comprehensive auditing of thousands of products while eliminating human error, as the system automatically detects and records positions with consistent precision across the entire retail space.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to universally audit all shelves and products in the retail store through standardized laser projection and image capture procedures. The same system can handle varying quantities of products and different shelf configurations, providing reliable automated measurement across the entire retail environment.
3Productivity
If automated laser measurement system is implemented, then time consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated laser measurement systems with image capture devices and computer processors to replace manual auditing. While this increases device complexity, it dramatically improves productivity by enabling rapid, automated verification of shelf placement accuracy without human intervention, processing multiple shelves and products simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediate components such as reflectors attached to shelves and products, which simplify the laser measurement process. These intermediaries reflect laser beams back to detection devices, enabling accurate position measurement without requiring complex direct measurement mechanisms, thus balancing device complexity with measurement capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides accurate and efficient determination of shelving position accuracy, reducing human error and time consumption in ensuring correct product placement according to planograms.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a laser beam from a laser system to a shelving system by pointing the laser beam towards at least one label attached to the shelving system
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam is transmitted from a laser system to a shelving system by pointing the laser beam towards at least one label attached to the shelving system, by a computer system, using angular information of the laser beam relative to a reference frame. An angle between the laser system on the ceiling of the store to the position of the shelving system is determined by the computer system using the position of the laser system and the position of the shelving system. The laser beam is then transmitted from the laser system to the shelving system and pointed using the determined angle between the laser system on the ceiling of the store to the position of the shelving system. The laser is aimed at the x, y location where a label should be displayed, for example, according to the planogram for the store layout. If the label is not detected at the specified location, the discrepancy may be noted, for example, with a visual or other notification.