Visual Graphics for Retail Product Location Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customer-facing retail environments, such as grocery stores, are not designed to facilitate voice workflow applications that require explicit identification of product locations through verbal means, making it difficult to provide precise oral directions for locating products.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using visual graphics and store decorations as location identifiers and check digit symbols, allowing workers to describe visual symbols to confirm product location, rather than relying on numerical codes, and utilizing a headset with voice recognition to convert oral communications into text for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If numerical codes and verbal location descriptors are used in retail environments, then precise product location identification is achieved, but the shopping experience is degraded and worker training becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/verbal system of numerical codes and location descriptors with a visual communication system using projected images and icons. Workers wear headsets with cameras that capture images of product locations, which are then processed and communicated back visually, eliminating the need for workers to memorize or verbally communicate complex location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of product locations through projected images and icons that represent physical product positions. These visual copies serve as substitutes for the actual products, allowing workers to identify and locate items through visual recognition rather than numerical code memorization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional planogram designs are used in retail environments, then product placement is optimized for shopper experience, but voice workflow applications cannot efficiently identify product locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dual-purpose system where the visual projection technology serves both traditional retail functions (displaying product information to shoppers) and voice workflow functions (enabling automated product location identification). The same visual infrastructure supports multiple applications without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary visual communication layer between the product location data and the worker. Instead of direct verbal communication of location codes, the intermediary system captures, processes, and returns visual information that bridges the gap between traditional retail layout and modern voice workflow requirements.
3Ease of operation
If visual graphics and store decorations are used as location identifiers, then the shopping environment becomes more visually appealing, but the complexity of the identification system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service location identification where the worker's headset camera automatically captures and processes location images without requiring manual input or complex system configuration. The worker simply points the camera at the product location, and the system autonomously identifies and communicates the location back.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms location identification from a parameter-based system (numerical codes, aisle numbers) to an image-based system. By changing the fundamental parameter from text/numbers to visual patterns and recognition, the system simplifies worker interaction while managing complexity through automated image processing algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of product location identification includes receiving an indication of a product to be located in a retail environment; identifying a product location using the product as a key; determining associated visual symbols from the product location; and communicating the associated visual symbols to a worker to guide the worker to the product location.