Retail Unit Imaging Module for Automated Assortment Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring item display in retailer shops are inefficient, relying on human inspections and lacking automated verification of product placement as agreed upon with suppliers.
Innovation Solution
A retail unit equipped with a display module, a pivotable door module, and an imaging module comprising first and second imaging sensors that acquire images of the display module, which are then processed and transmitted to a remote center for analysis against predefined assortment rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human inspection visits are used to monitor item display, then verification of product placement can be performed, but efficiency is low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human inspection with an automated imaging system consisting of cameras mounted on retail units. The imaging module captures images of product displays, and a processing system automatically analyzes compliance with predefined assortment rules, eliminating the need for human inspectors to physically visit stores and manually check product placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the retail display through imaging modules mounted on retail units. These images are transmitted to a processing system that analyzes product assortment compliance, replacing the need for human inspectors to directly observe and verify product placement in person.
2Extent of automation
If automated imaging systems are installed in retail units, then monitoring efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging module mounted on the retail unit door serves multiple functions: it captures images of product displays for compliance monitoring, and can potentially serve other retail operations. The processing system handles multiple tasks including image reception, analysis against predefined rules, and compliance determination, consolidating functions that would otherwise require separate systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging sensors are used to capture display module images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple imaging sensors (first imaging sensor and second imaging sensor) that can be positioned at different locations on the retail unit door. Each sensor captures images from its specific viewpoint, and the processing system receives and analyzes images from both sensors to comprehensively assess product assortment compliance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a retail unit comprising: a display module capable of accommodating one or more retail items; a door module configured to pivot away from the display module; and an imaging module coupled to the door module and configured to allow imaging of the display module.