Shelf Occupancy Tracking Using Angle-Adjusted Weight Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for optimizing shelf space allocation in retail environments are manual, prone to errors, inefficient, and costly, particularly in warehouses with large numbers of stock keeping units (SKUs), leading to operational expenses and potential product outages due to inaccurate inventory tracking.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising weight sensors that measure the force of items on a shelf, adjusted for the shelf angle, and an occupancy determination processor to calculate the occupied surface area, along with a database for SKU slot assignments and alarm generation for inventory management, enabling accurate and efficient tracking of shelf occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection methods are used for shelf space allocation, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and productivity are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated sensor-based system that uses weight sensors, light sensors, and processors to detect and calculate shelf occupancy. This substitution of mechanical/manual methods with automated sensing technology directly resolves the contradiction by providing precise measurements without requiring complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the shelf monitoring function to serve itself through automated sensor detection and processing. The weight sensors and light sensors automatically detect occupancy status, and the processor autonomously calculates occupancy rates, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining system simplicity through self-contained operation.
2Productivity
If manual counting of SKUs is performed in warehouses, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual SKU counting with automated sensor systems that continuously monitor shelf occupancy. Weight sensors detect item placement and removal, while light sensors provide additional verification. The processor automatically tracks inventory levels, dramatically improving productivity and eliminating time loss associated with manual counting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of shelf occupancy through constantly active sensors. Rather than periodic manual counts, the weight sensors and light sensors operate continuously to detect occupancy changes in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted inventory tracking and eliminating downtime associated with manual inventory assessment.
3Reliability
If manual inventory tracking is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but reliability and accuracy of inventory data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces error-prone manual inventory tracking with automated sensor-based detection systems. Weight sensors provide objective measurement of item presence, light sensors offer additional verification through optical detection, and processors automatically calculate occupancy rates. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining reliability through automated, consistent data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors detect occupancy status and provide real-time data to the processor. The processor continuously updates inventory records based on sensor feedback, ensuring data accuracy through ongoing verification and adjustment. This feedback mechanism maintains high reliability by constantly comparing actual occupancy with recorded data.
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
The system provides precise and efficient tracking of shelf occupancy, reducing operational costs and minimizing product outages by automating the inventory management process, allowing for real-time monitoring and replenishment requests.
Implementation Method 1
the weight sensors detect a change in capacitance caused by the weight of the physical items
Implementation Method 2
the shelf angle determination device comprises an inclinometer for measuring a downward angle of the shelf
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining an amount of shelf space comprises: a plurality of weight sensors at a region of a shelf that directly measure a force related to a weight of physical items positioned on the shelf and generates a weight result, the shelf positioned at an angle from a horizontal axis; the shelf positioning the physical items at the angle; a shelf angle determination device that determines the angle of the shelf; wherein the weight sensors generates the weight result adjusted for the determined shelf angle; and an occupancy determination processor that determines an amount of surface area of the shelf occupied by the physical items from the adjusted weight result.