System for inventory management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory management systems in retail stores face challenges such as high manual labor costs for inventory counting, product theft detection, inaccurate tracking of product movements, and inefficient stock level monitoring, leading to excess inventory and unsatisfactory product displays.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a control module with a microcomputer and a light assembly to detect and communicate the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf, using an indicia strip and sensor assembly to automatically track product levels and detect deviations, enabling real-time inventory updates and theft detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inventory counting is performed, then inventory levels can be determined, but significant manual labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors detect the presence and position of products on shelves, automatically transmitting data to a central computer that calculates inventory levels, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The inventory system performs self-monitoring through sensors that automatically detect product levels and transmit data without human intervention. The system serves itself by continuously tracking inventory status and generating alerts when products need restocking, freeing staff from manual counting tasks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If in-store cameras are used to monitor theft, then theft detection is attempted, but cameras do not observe theft clearly enough to catch or prosecute the thief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that detect product removal events and transmit data to a central computer. This intermediary system provides clear, actionable data about product movements, enabling precise identification of potential theft cases without relying on模糊 camera observations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors product positions and provides immediate feedback when products are removed from shelves. This real-time feedback mechanism allows security personnel to respond promptly to potential theft events with precise location and product information, improving detection effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If security personnel are deployed, then theft monitoring is attempted, but personnel are rarely in the correct position to observe a thief in action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human security personnel with an automated sensor network that continuously monitors all shelves. The system immediately detects and reports product removal events, eliminating the time lag associated with human observation and positioning, and providing continuous coverage without fatigue or distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system operates continuously without interruption, maintaining constant surveillance of all product locations. This uninterrupted monitoring ensures that no theft event goes undetected, regardless of when it occurs, providing continuous security coverage that human personnel cannot match.
4Quantity of substance
If scanner systems are used to track product sales, then legitimate purchases are counted, but product removals that are not purchased cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary detection devices positioned at shelf locations to directly monitor product presence and movement. These sensors provide direct observation of all product removal events, whether purchased or stolen, filling the detection gap left by scanner systems that only record point-of-sale transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to inventory tracking by placing sensors at multiple shelf locations throughout the store. This multi-dimensional monitoring network captures product movements at their source locations, providing comprehensive detection of all removal events regardless of whether they occur at the checkout counter.
5Reliability
If more inventory is maintained on shelves to ensure adequate stocking, then shelves remain stocked, but valuable shelf space is wasted and excess inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors product levels and provides real-time feedback to inventory management. This feedback enables precise control of inventory replenishment, ensuring shelves are stocked to optimal levels without excessive inventory, maximizing shelf space utilization while maintaining product availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic inventory level parameters based on actual product demand and shelf capacity. The system adjusts recommended inventory levels and restocking triggers according to specific product characteristics and sales patterns, optimizing the balance between availability and space utilization for each product.
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
Reduces manual labor costs, improves inventory accuracy, detects theft promptly, and optimizes stock levels, ensuring shelves are adequately stocked without excess inventory, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
The light transceiver may transmit a light signal to the pusher assembly. The light transceiver may receive the light signal reflected from the pusher assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
A system for detecting and communicating a position of a pusher (825) on a shelf comprises a pusher (825), a floor configured to receive product, a plurality of sensing devices (814, 815, 816, 817, 818) mounted above or below the pusher (825); and a processor being configured to receive information regarding an interaction between the pusher (825) and the plurality of sensing devices (814, 815, 816, 817, 818), to determine an approximate number of products on the shelf based on the interaction between the pusher (825) and the plurality of sensing devices (814, 815, 816, 817, 818), and to determine a movement of the pusher (825) and a rate of change in a product level. A method for approximating an amount of product on a shelf having a pusher (825).