3D Virtual Cube Stock Mapping for Flexible Store Inventory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stock management systems fail to provide a specific method for converting absolute physical positions of warehoused packages into relative logical positions for effective stock management.
Innovation Solution
A management apparatus that divides a three-dimensional space into unit virtual cubes, assigns sequence numbers to these cubes, and associates them with object positions and movements to manage stocks using a virtual space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If real-space stock management methods are used, then stock management can be performed, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot easily adapt to store layout changes or promotional displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional space that copies and mirrors the real store layout. This virtual model can be easily modified to reflect promotional displays or layout changes without physically reconfiguring the real store, thus providing adaptability while keeping the physical system simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional plan views to three-dimensional virtual space representation. This dimensional enhancement allows for more intuitive visualization and easier adaptation to layout changes, as the virtual 3D model can dynamically reflect real-time store configurations without complex physical modifications.
2Measurement precision
If detailed stock tracking is implemented, then stock accuracy improves, but the time and computational resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical stock tracking methods with an automated image recognition system using cameras and AI processing. This substitution maintains high measurement precision for stock tracking while dramatically reducing the time and human resources required, as the system automatically detects and records stock movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual three-dimensional space automatically updates itself by receiving image data from cameras and processing it through AI algorithms. The system performs self-updating of stock information without requiring manual intervention, thus achieving both high accuracy and time efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual stock management is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but labor costs and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical store environment that automatically mirrors real-world stock positions. This copying mechanism eliminates human error by using machine vision and AI to accurately track stock, while the virtual model remains simple to implement and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cameras and image processing algorithms as intermediaries between the physical stock and the management system. This intermediary layer automatically captures and processes stock information, eliminating manual data entry errors while keeping the overall system architecture simple and modular.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To manage stocks using a virtual space. [Solving means] A control unit divides a predetermined space (a shop in the embodiment discussed herein) into units previously set in unit three-dimensional virtual cube master data to set relative position coordinates (unit three-dimensional virtual cubes), issues numbers (unit three-dimensional virtual cube sequence numbers) identifying the position coordinates, and creates a stock information management table T2 that associates the position coordinates ((shop)VM(1)SNg), the identification information (item sequence number) of an item existing at the position coordinates, and the presence or absence (delivery flag) of movement of the item with each other.