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 inventory 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 from the shelves, using a control circuit to analyze images and send low stock signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual counting of products is performed to determine stock levels, then inventory accuracy can be ensured, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting process with an automated electronic imaging and image analysis system. The imaging device captures images of products on shelves, and a processor automatically analyzes these images to determine stock levels, eliminating the need for manual counting while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the physical product inventory and analyzes this copy to determine stock levels. By working with image data rather than physical products, the system achieves rapid, automated inventory assessment without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If all products are removed from shelves for accurate counting, then inventory accuracy is improved, but productivity and product availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of removing and recounting products with an electronic imaging system that can assess inventory accuracy while products remain on shelves. This substitution allows continuous product availability while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging and analysis of product inventory before any removal or restocking operations are needed. This allows the store to maintain accurate inventory knowledge in advance, eliminating the need to remove products for counting purposes.
3Device complexity
If manual inventory monitoring is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of stock level determination worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual observation with an electronic imaging and automated image analysis system. This substitution increases measurement precision and reliability while keeping the overall system relatively simple through the use of standard imaging components and automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service inventory monitoring by automatically capturing images and analyzing stock levels without human intervention. The electronic imaging device and processor work autonomously to provide accurate, continuous inventory assessment.
4Reliability
If frequent manual restocking is performed to prevent stockouts, then product availability is improved, but labor requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the electronic imaging device continuously monitors stock levels and provides data to determine when restocking is needed. This automated feedback loop improves product availability by ensuring timely restocking while reducing operational complexity through systematic monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of stock levels through imaging and analysis, allowing restocking to be scheduled in advance before stockouts occur. This proactive approach improves reliability while streamlining operations by planning restocking based on predicted needs rather than reactive responses.
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
This solution provides an accurate visual indication of stock levels without manual counting, reducing inventory inaccuracies and ensuring timely restocking, thereby maintaining optimal product availability on shelves.
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.