Portable Device Inventory Depth Detection Using Signal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retail environments, it is challenging to visually determine inventory levels on shelves due to products being pushed forward, making it time-consuming and costly to use existing automated systems that require specialized equipment and complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A portable device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is used to transmit signals to measure product depth by analyzing reflected signals, allowing for quick and efficient inventory determination without the need for expensive, shelf-integrated depth measuring devices, using acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized automated inventory systems with sensors and positional backers are deployed, then inventory measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and capital expenditure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inventory measurement function from complex shelf-integrated systems and relocates it to a portable device. The portable device independently transmits signals and analyzes reflections to determine product depth, eliminating the need for specialized sensors, positional backers, and networking infrastructure while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a portable device to copy the measurement functionality of expensive automated systems. Instead of deploying specialized sensors and infrastructure, the portable device replicates the depth measurement capability using standard components and signal transmission, providing the same measurement accuracy without the complexity
2Measurement precision
If shelf-integrated sensors and positional backers are installed, then inventory determination accuracy is improved, but setup time and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device performs self-calibration and automatic measurement without requiring external calibration equipment or complex setup procedures. The device transmits signals, analyzes reflections, and determines product depth autonomously, eliminating the need for technician calibration and reducing setup time to minimal device positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the calibration and setup infrastructure from the measurement system. Instead of requiring calibrated sensors and positional backers that need alignment and configuration, the portable device performs measurements directly by transmitting signals and analyzing reflections, eliminating setup time entirely
3Device complexity
If manual inventory assessment is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated signal transmission and analysis. The portable device transmits acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic signals and automatically analyzes reflections to determine product depth, eliminating the need for manual assessment while maintaining system simplicity and significantly increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device copies the manual assessment function but automates it through signal transmission and analysis. Instead of requiring a person to visually evaluate inventory levels, the device automatically measures product depth by analyzing signal reflections, providing the same information faster and more accurately
4Measurement precision
If automated inventory systems with multiple components are deployed, then measurement capability is improved, but operating costs and maintenance expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from expensive automated systems with multiple components and relocates it to a portable device with standard components. By eliminating specialized sensors, positional backers, wiring, and networking infrastructure, the system reduces capital expenditure, operating costs, and maintenance expenses while preserving measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile specialized equipment with a durable portable device that uses standard components. The portable device can be moved between different shelves and locations, providing measurement capability without the need for permanent installation of expensive infrastructure, reducing both initial investment and ongoing operating costs
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
Enables accurate and efficient inventory measurements by determining product depth on shelves, even when products are pushed forward, using readily available portable devices, reducing setup time and costs compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmit signals to measure product depth by analyzing reflected signals
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for inventory determinations using portable devices are disclosed. One disclosed example apparatus includes a detector of a portable device to determine one or more of an orientation or a position of a portable device relative to a product or a shelf storing the product, where the portable device is independent of the shelf. The disclosed example also includes a transmitter of the portable device, where the transmitter is to transmit a signal towards a rear surface of the shelf, and where the rear surface faces toward the product. The disclosed example also includes a receiver of the portable device to receive a reflected signal corresponding to the transmitted signal, where the reflected signal reflected from the rear surface of the shelf. The disclosed example also includes a processor of the portable device to enable the transmitter based on the detected orientation or position of the portable device, and to determine inventory information about the product on the shelf based on the reflected signal.