Projected Image Planogram System for Retail Display Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current process for setting retail planograms is time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors due to manual recreation in retail locations, which can lead to incorrect placement of fixtures and merchandise, resulting in increased labor costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The Projected Image Planogram System (PIPS) uses a camera, projector, code reader, and specialized computer program to create and communicate planograms, utilizing QR codes to ensure accurate recreation of the planogram design by projecting images and highlighting fixture and merchandise locations, reducing human error and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual methods are used to recreate planograms in retail locations, then employees can physically set up displays, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses projected images to create a visual copy of the corporate planogram directly on the retail store display surface. The projection system overlays the approved planogram design onto the physical display area, allowing employees to replicate the exact layout without manual measurement or interpretation, thereby improving accuracy while reducing setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera and projection system as an intermediary between the corporate planogram design and the retail display setup. The camera captures the corporate planogram, and the projector transfers it to the retail location, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct manual recreation and reduces both time and errors
2Productivity
If employees manually count peg holes to determine fixture placement, then they can recreate the display layout, but the process increases labor costs and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of counting peg holes with an automated optical system. The camera captures the display surface and the projection system automatically maps fixture locations based on the planogram image, eliminating the need for employees to manually count and measure, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-capturing the corporate planogram with the camera and pre-calculating fixture placements before arriving at the retail location. The projection system then directly displays the prepared layout, allowing employees to simply follow the projected guide rather than performing complex measurements and calculations on-site
3Reliability
If paper planograms are distributed to stores, then employees receive instructions, but errors in placement are not detected until near completion, requiring rework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by projecting the planogram image directly onto the display surface, allowing employees to continuously compare their work against the projected guide in real-time. This immediate visual feedback enables error detection and correction during the setup process rather than after completion, improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary verification by capturing the corporate planogram with the camera and processing it through the system before projection. This preliminary action ensures the planogram data is accurate and complete before being transferred to the retail location, preventing errors from propagating through the setup process
Data Source
AI summary
An automated projected image display planning and implementation system used in planogramming. Embodiments include a camera, projector, bar code reader, and software to store planograms as designed, communicate these planograms to retail locations, and provide an easy-to-use system insuring that the planograms are recreated as originally conceived. Embodiments create a unique QR code for storing and communicating fixture and merchandise data information as well as the relative placement location within the planogram. Embodiments are configured to project the image of the finished planogram on the display, and further, to illuminating the exact location within the planogram of merchandise and fixtures displayed on the planogram.