Smart Shelf Weight and RFID Detection for Dynamic Retail Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retail environments, manually updating prices on merchandise displayed on shelves is cumbersome and inefficient, as it requires physical changes to price tags and does not allow for dynamic pricing based on real-time factors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a shelf with a weight measurement device and an electromagnetic field reader that wirelessly receives identifier data from tags on merchandise, coupled with a computing system to determine and display dynamic pricing information to consumers, including price adjustments based on weight, inventory, location, time, and consumer behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual price tag updates are used, then pricing information can be displayed, but updating prices is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical price tag updating with an automated electronic system. Sensors detect merchandise placement, RFID readers identify products, and electronic displays automatically show pricing information. This eliminates the need for manual price tag changes while maintaining accurate price display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service pricing updates through automated detection and identification mechanisms. When merchandise is placed on the shelf, the weight sensor detects the weight change, the RFID reader automatically identifies the product, and the electronic display updates the price without human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously managing price information display.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static price tags are used, then pricing information is displayed, but dynamic pricing based on real-time factors is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static pricing into dynamic pricing by implementing real-time detection and adjustment mechanisms. Weight sensors continuously monitor merchandise presence, RFID readers track product identification, and electronic displays update pricing information dynamically based on detected factors such as inventory levels, time of day, and consumer behavior patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where sensor data from weight detection and RFID reading is continuously fed back to the control system, which then adjusts pricing information on electronic displays. This feedback mechanism enables adaptive pricing that responds to real-time conditions while maintaining system coordination through centralized or distributed control.
3Productivity
If paper price tags are used, then prices can be displayed, but updates require physical changes and are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical paper price tags with electronic display systems. Instead of manually attaching and detaching paper tags, the system uses electronic screens that can change pricing information instantly through digital signals. This substitution eliminates the time required for physical tag changes while maintaining clear price visibility for consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of pricing information that can be replicated and updated instantly across multiple display locations. Instead of physically reproducing and replacing paper tags, the electronic system generates digital representations of price data that can be distributed and updated simultaneously throughout the retail environment.
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
Enables efficient and dynamic pricing updates, reducing manual effort and costs, while providing consumers with relevant and timely information about merchandise, and allowing for real-time inventory management and consumer engagement strategies.
Implementation Method 1
a weight measurement device coupled to the shelf. The weight measurement device may be configured to measure a weight of the merchandise supported by the shelf
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic field reader coupled to the shelf. The electromagnetic field reader may be configured to wirelessly receive identifier data of the merchandise supported by the shelf from tags coupled to the merchandise
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include obtaining a weight of merchandise supported by a shelf and obtaining identifier data of the merchandise supported by the shelf. The identifier data may be wirelessly received from tags associated with the merchandise. The method may also include determining information for presentation to a consumer regarding the merchandise based on the weight of the merchandise and the identifier data of the merchandise. The method may also include providing the information for presentation to the consumer of the merchandise when the consumer is proximate the merchandise that is supported by the shelf.