Stocking level indication apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail stores face challenges in accurately determining the stock level of products on shelves, requiring manual counting and restocking, which can lead to inaccuracies and stockouts.
Innovation Solution
A shelving assembly with a compression member that visually indicates the stock level through weight accumulation, combined with an electronic imaging device to capture images and estimate product quantity without removing items, using a control circuit to analyze images and determine stock levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting of products is performed to determine stock levels, then accurate inventory counts can be obtained, but associates must remove all products from shelves and restock them, resulting in loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting process with an optical imaging system. Electronic imaging devices capture images of products on shelves, and control circuits automatically analyze these images to determine stock levels, eliminating the need for associates to manually count and restock products while maintaining accurate inventory measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of products through electronic imaging. Instead of physically handling products for counting, the system captures images that serve as digital representations, allowing automated analysis of stock levels without removing products from shelves, thus maintaining both accuracy and productivity
2Measurement precision
If associates manually count products on shelves, then inventory accuracy can be ensured, but the process is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with automated optical imaging and image processing. Electronic imaging devices continuously or periodically capture shelf contents, and control circuits automatically analyze the images to determine product quantities, providing accurate counts without the time investment required for manual counting by associates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of stock levels through automated imaging systems. Instead of periodic manual counting that interrupts workflow, the system continuously or frequently captures images and analyzes them, maintaining accurate inventory information without stopping store operations or requiring associate time away from customer service
3Measurement precision
If products are removed from shelves for counting, then accurate stock levels can be determined, but stockouts may occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical product handling with non-contact optical imaging. Electronic imaging devices capture images of products remaining on shelves without requiring removal of items for counting. The control circuit analyzes these images to determine accurate stock levels while products remain in place, ensuring continuous availability and preventing stockouts during the measurement process
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
Provides an accurate visual indication of stock levels without manual counting, enabling timely restocking and preventing stockouts by estimating product quantities based on compression distances and weight, improving inventory management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The compression member can be configured to visibly compress in response to one or more products being stocked on the upper shelf member to provide a visual indication of the number of products stocked on the upper shelf member
Implementation Method 2
The compression member can be configured to visibly compress in response to one or more products being stocked on the upper shelf member
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses, and methods are described herein including a shelf assembly that utilizes the accumulated weight of products stocked thereon to compress a compression member disposed within the assembly. An electronic imaging device can be mounted proximate to the assembly and can be oriented to capture an image of the compression member to determine whether a particular shelf needs to be restocked and avoid having to manipulate or remove products from a shelf to determine a current stock level.