Projected Image Planogram System for Retail Fixture Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process of setting planograms in retail stores is time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors due to the manual recreation of complex layouts, which can lead to misinterpretation and labor-intensive corrections.
Innovation Solution
The Projected Image Planogram System (PIPS) uses a camera, projector, marker code reader, and specialized computer program to create unique marker codes for fixtures and merchandise, allowing for accurate and efficient recreation of planograms by projecting images and illuminating specific locations for correct placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual recreation of planograms is used, then flexibility in implementation is maintained, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses projected images as visual copies of the corporate planogram to guide store employees in recreating the display. The projection system creates a visual replica of the desired layout directly on the store fixtures, allowing employees to follow the image placement without manual measurement or interpretation, thus reducing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (measuring, calculating positions, physical layout planning) with an optical projection system. The projector automatically displays the planogram layout on the store fixtures, substituting human cognitive and manual work with automated optical guidance, thereby reducing labor time and costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual counting of peg holes is used, then precise fixture placement is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The projected image serves as a visual template that directly shows where fixtures should be placed on the pegboard. Instead of manually counting peg holes to determine positions, employees simply align fixtures with the corresponding positions indicated in the projected image, maintaining precision while dramatically improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system acts as an intermediary between the corporate planogram design and the physical store implementation. It translates the digital planogram into a visual guide that directly indicates fixture positions on the physical pegboard, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation while ensuring accurate placement.
3Loss of information
If paper planograms are distributed, then corporate design intent is communicated, but misinterpretation and errors occur during implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system creates a visual copy of the corporate planogram that is displayed directly in the store. This visual replica eliminates the need for employees to interpret paper drawings or digital images, as the projection itself serves as the implementation guide, ensuring that the design intent is communicated accurately without misinterpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The corporate planogram is pre-processed into a projected image format that directly indicates fixture and merchandise placement positions. This preliminary transformation of the design into a visual guide format ensures that all implementation details are prepared in advance, eliminating errors during the actual setting process.
4Measurement precision
If errors are discovered near the end of planogram setting, then comprehensive review is possible, but corrective actions require stripping and re-setting merchandise
Solution Approach 1:
The projected image provides continuous visual guidance throughout the entire planogram setting process, allowing employees to verify their work at any stage by comparing physical placement with the projected template. This preliminary and ongoing visual verification prevents errors from accumulating, and if mistakes are made, they can be corrected immediately by referring to the projection rather than discovering them only at the end.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a planogram for a retail display. The method includes selecting a merchandise item having a merchandise identifier; selecting a fixture associated with the merchandise item, the fixture having a fixture identifier; determining a display location for the fixture or for the merchandise item, the display location being one of a plurality of display locations of a merchandise display structure, the merchandise display structure being configured to receive the fixture and to display the merchandise item; generating a marker code based on the merchandise identifier and the fixture identifier, the marker code identifying the merchandise item and the fixture; and generating a planogram data file, the planogram data file including data corresponding to the marker code and the display location, the marker code identifying the merchandise and fixture.