Virtual Store Layout Simulation for Throughput Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing configurations of physical environments, such as stores, often lead to decreased throughput and efficiency due to isolated modifications that are not optimized, leading to suboptimal performance compared to the original configuration.

Innovation Solution

A system that integrates a simulation platform to generate virtual replications of a store based on real-time data, allowing for the simulation of various modifications and comparisons with actual production data to identify optimized configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If isolated modifications are made to the environment configuration based on user knowledge or experience, then the configuration can be customized, but throughput and efficiency decrease compared to optimized configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration customizationVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary simulation and optimization of environment configurations before implementation. Multiple candidate configurations are evaluated in advance using simulation models, and the optimal configuration is selected before being applied to the physical environment, thereby avoiding suboptimal decisions that would reduce throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from simulation results to iteratively improve configuration decisions. Production data and simulation outcomes are fed back into the optimization process, allowing the system to learn from previous configurations and continuously improve throughput while maintaining customization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If isolated modifications are made to the environment configuration, then specific changes can be implemented, but efficiency compared to original configuration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodification implementationVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary simulation and optimization of environment configurations before implementation. Multiple candidate configurations are evaluated in advance using simulation models, and the optimal configuration is selected before being applied to the physical environment, thereby avoiding suboptimal decisions that would reduce throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates virtual copies of the physical environment in simulation models. These digital twins allow for testing and evaluating modifications without affecting the actual environment, enabling efficient comparison of multiple configuration options before implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If standard designs and layouts are used for environment configuration, then setup is simplified, but performance may be suboptimal compared to optimized configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironment setupVSAvoidoperational performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary simulation and optimization of environment configurations before implementation. Multiple candidate configurations are evaluated in advance using simulation models, and the optimal configuration is selected before being applied to the physical environment, thereby avoiding suboptimal decisions that would reduce throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes specific parameters of the environment configuration such as layout dimensions, machine placement coordinates, and allocation ratios. By adjusting these parameters based on simulation results, the system transforms standard designs into optimized configurations that improve operational performance while maintaining ease of implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12468998B2System for configuring an environment based on modifications to simulated virtual environments

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 STARBUCKS CORPORATION

AI summary

The disclosure generally relates to a system for automating a process of determining a particular store layout and/or store configuration for a store. The system may obtain store data associated with a particular store. Based on the store data, the system can access a simulation platform for generating a virtual replication of the store based on the obtained store data. The virtual replication of the store and the store may produce the same or similar production data. Based on the production data of the store, the system can modify the store data to generate modified store data for generating a modified virtual replication of the store. Further, the system can compare the production data from the virtual replication of the store with the production data from the modified virtual replication of the store in order to determine store data that satisfies particular constraints.