1 A stock location system TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to a stock location system and method utilizing a touch screen, wireless signal and LED lights which directs the user to a specific location. BACKGROUND ART [0002] In modern retail stores products are arranged on the shelves according to the type of product, the field or market of the product as well as consumer shopping habits. For example, generally the consumable items are all located together in adjoining or adjacent shelves and aisles and the non-consumable items are located together in adjoining or adjacent shelves or aisles. Within this section of shelves, products are separated generally according to type; for example baking goods such as sugar, flour, spices etc will be located on adjacent or corresponding shelves in one aisle whilst snack foods such as confectionary, boxed chocolates and chewing gum will be located on adjacent or corresponding shelves in another aisle. Therefore the consumer or staff member, when looking for an item, can generally locate the correct aisle where the product may be found, however they still must search the shelves to locate the particular item. [0003] Usually, when unable to locate an item, a customer may ask a staff member to locate it for them. However, often staff members do not have an intimate knowledge of all the store's products and their exact location. Staff members are also often required to return stock to the shelves and this can be a time consuming process if they have difficulty finding the correct location. Many stores provide lists of product locations, however these lists usually only indicate which aisle the product may be found in and not the specific location. Such lists can often be confusing to customers given the volume of products listed and the need to locate the product within the list and identify the aisle number where the product can be found. The problem of finding the exact location of the item once the correct aisle has been located remains. It would be advantageous for a system to provide customers and staff members with the ability to visually identify not only the aisle in which the product may be found, but the specific 2 location of the product in the shelves within that aisle. Such a stock location system would also be useful in warehouses, the back storage areas of retail outlets or other locations in which stock is stored. [0004] It is not only products in the main store aisles and shelves which often require locating, but those items kept in the front of the store or point-of-sale area such as cigarettes. Usually a staff member, upon receiving a request to purchase a particular brand and type of cigarette packet, locates the item from the shelf through knowledge and identification of the particular branding on the packaging. For example, Benson & Hedges@ cigarettes are recognizable by their gold packaging and the brand name clearly displayed on the front of the packaging. [0005] From December 2012, new Australian laws came into effect enforcing plain packaging of cigarettes and requiring that cigarette packets are unadorned with only the brand name in plain text and no specific colour identification. The cigarette packages are also required to be kept out of immediate sight of the consumer, often in cabinets and cupboards behind roller doors. As such, the staff members may have difficulty locating not only the correct door to open to find the required brand, but will also have difficulty quickly locating the cigarette packet required without the aid of distinctive packaging. It would be advantageous for a system to provide staff members with the ability to visually identify not only the correct door within the cabinet to open, but also the specific location of the packet within that cabinet. [0006] It is also desirable for retail outlets to keep track of stocks such as cigarettes and other items, and use modern computer systems for the purposes of tracking and inventory of these products. It is advantageous for the user to be provided with information that identifies the amount of stock left on the shelf and the amount of stock left in storage, to alert the user when stock needs to be refilled and when stock need to be ordered. Currently there is no apparatus or method known to the Applicant which combines the identification and tracking of stock in one system.
3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Therefore, according to one aspect, the present invention provides a stock location system including: a user interface adapted to display data relating to a plurality of stock items and stock item locations, wherein said data includes at least a brand name of each item and at least one location identifier relating to each item; and at least one audible and/or visual indicator located at or adjacent each item location, said indicator adapted to receive a signal when the corresponding item is selected on the user interface, said signal operable to trigger said indicator and thereby enable the user to identify a location of the selected item. [0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented stock location method including: [0008] In an embodiment, each item has associated therewith a primary and a secondary indicator configured to enable the user to identify first a primary location of the item and then a secondary location of the item. [0009] In an embodiment, the primary location is a receptacle from a plurality of receptacles which stocks said item, and said secondary location is a shelf from a plurality of shelves in said receptacle which stocks said item. [0010] In an embodiment, the user interface is capable of transmitting said signal wirelessly, and each indicator is associated with a wireless receiver operable to receive the signal and appropriately trigger the one or more indicators when the signal is received. [0011] In an embodiment, computer-implemented stock location method including: selecting, on a user interface, a stock item which needs to be located; retrieving data relating to the selected item including location data relating to said item from a stock item location database; 4 transmitting an operable signal to at least one indicator adapted to receive the signal when a corresponding item is selected on the user interface, said signal operable to trigger said at least one indicator and thereby enable the user to identify the location of the selected item. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: [0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet for storage of stock such as cigarettes; [0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a user-interactive touch-screen with wireless capabilities; [0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a stock location system according to an embodiment, in use with a cabinet for storage of cigarettes, including LED lights and wireless communication; [0016] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a stock location system according to an embodiment, in use with a cabinet for storage of cigarettes, including LED lights and wireless communication; [0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tray housing according to an embodiment, adapted to be used with a stock location system; and [0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the various elements of a stock location system according to an embodiment.
5 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0019] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration. [0020] Turning now to the drawings there is illustrated in Figure 1 a storage and display cabinet 20 according to an embodiment used to house cigarette packets and cartons. It is to be understood that any type of products or goods can be so stored and used with the proposed system. In many retail establishments, several such cabinets are used for the storage and display of goods at the point of sale (POS) and usually within the sales kiosk or customer service desk. [0021] In an embodiment, the stock location system is adapted to be installed into existing features of a retail store and a standard cabinet 20 is illustrated in the drawings with outwardly opening left and right doors 22 and 24. Above each of these doors is an indicator housing 26 which may be made from plastic material and built into the cabinet (although other materials can be used, and the housings could alternatively be attachable to the cabinet) containing at least one indicator 28. In an embodiment, this indicator is an LED light, however it is to be understood that other lighting or indication apparatus can be used. [0022] In Figure 2 there is illustrated a touchscreen computer device 30 for user interface. In further embodiments of the invention this touchscreen can be a tablet device such as an Android tablet or iPad@, however, it is to be understood that any computer device can be used with the system. Alternatively, the system can be incorporated into existing touchscreen registers which many supermarkets utilise. In an embodiment of the invention, a specific software program is installed onto the device 30 for use with the system and can be updated to account for new variants of products, their location within the environment, and further applications such as out-of-stock 6 reporting and stock tracking and ordering. The software program may also be adapted to be customised to the particular user's needs, including customisation of icons, positions, descriptions, addition or deletion of brands. Such actions are by way of example only and it is to be understood that any customisation of the program could be made. It is also to be understood that such customisation can be made directly through the device 30 or alternatively achieved remotely through an online website. [0023] In an embodiment, the touchscreen device 30 through the installed program contains visual images of stock such as cigarette packaging. When a customer requests the item, the user can select that item from a pre-defined list and/or visual representation, or otherwise search for the item through the entry of keywords. In an embodiment, multiple items can be selected during the same action. Once the item is selected in the touchscreen, the device 30 may send a wireless signal to a control box 32 illustrated by way of example in Figure 3. In an embodiment, this control box 32 is connected to an external power source, however, it receives and transmits signals wirelessly. [0024] The control box may be wirelessly connected to an LED lighting system 34 which in an embodiment consists of a plurality of indicator housings containing LED lights which act as indicators. The primary housing 26 and indicator 28 identify the general location of the item, while the secondary housing 36 and indicators 38 identify the exact location of the item. In an embodiment of the invention, the primary indicator housing 36 is located at the top of the cabinet 20 above each one the doors 24, and a plurality of secondary indicator housings 36 are located on each shelf within the cabinet and below the stocked items. Again, the housings 36 could be built into the shelves or be detachable components. [0025] The wireless signal from the device 30 may include data regarding the exact location in the system of the physical item 40 by locating the correct primary housing 26 and the correct secondary housing 36. This information may be stored by the computer program which has access to one or more databases containing the location of all of the products within the cabinet 20 and the corresponding housings and indicators. Therefore, once the signal is received by the control box 32, it may firstly send a signal 7 to the specified primary housing 26 causing the associated indicator 28 to light up, and secondly may send a signal to the specified secondary housing and specified indicator 38, causing the indicator to light up. The user therefore firstly looks for the lit indicator 28 of a primary housing 26, which indicates the correct area or bay in which the item is located, and then looks for the lit indicator 38 of one of the secondary housings 36 to find the exact location of the item, which may be located just above the lit indicator 38 of a secondary housing 36. [0026] This is particularly useful when the cabinet doors 22 and 24 are closed, thereby concealing the products from view, as required by legislation. If the user does not have a good knowledge of the location of various brands of cigarettes or other goods, they would need to open the door in turn and search for the product manually which is time consuming and aggravating for the user and the customer. The advantage of the present invention is that it eliminates the need for searching, as the user simply chooses the desired product from a touchscreen device 30 and is immediately directed to the exact location of the product. A more detailed view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 4, wherein the signal is being received by the control box 32 and the LED light indicator 28 has been lit on the primary housing 26 above the right door 24 of the cabinet 20, and the LED light indicator 38 has been lit on the specified secondary housing 36 identifying the location of the item 40. [0027] Illustrated in Figure 5 is a perspective view of a secondary housing 36 according to an embodiment containing a plurality of indicators 38. In an embodiment, the housing 36 contains plastic clips 42 on the underside to allow attachment to another item such as a shelf and wherein the indicators 38 align with each of the products on that shelf. Alternatively the shelves for trays in the cabinet 20 can be replaced entirely with a new drawer front comprising a thicker dimension and the housing 36. In a further alternate embodiment of the invention, the housing 36 could also include a panel indicating electronic pricing which can be uploaded and changed through software updates of the device 30 or remotely via an external website. [0028] The indicators 38 are located within as recess 44 along the housing and may be moveable horizontally along the recess 44. This allows the location of the indicators to 8 be moved to align with the products on the shelf as required. In an embodiment, the indicators 38 may also be removable to allow for adaptation to shelves which do (not?) contain as many products and less indicators 38 are required. In an embodiment of the invention, the housings 26 and 36 may contain batteries which provide power for the indicators 28 and 38 and provide the system with wireless functionality. [0029] In an embodiment of the invention, each type of item on the shelf if within its own stock keeping unit (SKU) chute 46, separating each type of product from the others and aligning with the indicators 38. Alternatively, the SKU chute 46 can also be the shelf containing the items. [0030] Figure 6 illustrates an entire system according to a further embodiment and an associated method of the system. The system may be fitted into existing or new cabinets 20 for the purpose of storage and display of stock. When a request for a particular brand of cigarettes is made by a customer, the user may select this particular item from their touchscreen device 30. A wireless signal is sent to the control box 32, which is connected to the primary housings 26 and secondary housings 36. The control box 32 interprets the signal to identify the location of the physical item 40 within the cabinet 20, with the primary location identified by the indicator 28 in the correct primary hosing 26 lighting up, and the exact location identified by the indicator 38 in the correct secondary housing also lighting up. It is, however, to be understood that the invention can also work with only one housing system if warranted rather than a primary and secondary housing system. For example, if the area housing the cigarettes is not large or if they are not concealed behind doors, only the secondary housings on the shelves beneath the stock may be needed to identify location. [0031] Once the item has been located, the indicators 28 and 38 may turn off via another wireless signal from the device 30 and control box 32, on input from the user to the device 30. Alternatively the system can be pre-set to automatically turn off after a selected period of time. [0032] Therefore this invention provides an improvement over current systems and methods in that it enables the clear identification of a desired product without the need 9 of the user to learn the location of particular brands and packets of cigarettes, therefore increasing efficiency and reducing the time the customer has to wait for the item to be collected and scanned. This provides a further advantage with the introduction of plain packaging, and avoids the user physically searching through the cigarette packets to locate the correct item. With the proposed location system, they simply need to select the item in question from the touchscreen, and will immediately be guided to the exact location of the physical item which they are only required to remove from the shelf and scan. [0033] The system is also advantageous in that it would not require any extensive further training of staff members, as those working in a retail environment and particularly in supermarkets already use touchscreen technology and systems to look up and select items, such as fruits or vegetables. Therefore, any operator who already has a working knowledge of existing touch screen systems would be able to use the current invention. [0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the system can be used to locate stock products in the retail area by consumers or staff members, for example the location of a specific item in a supermarket aisle and shelf. The touchscreen device 30 may be available to the consumer or staff member, who would be able to search through the device by keywords or visual representation of items. On selecting the desired item, a primary housing 26 and indicator 28 would indicate the aisle or particular bay of shelves to direct the user to the correct area, and a secondary housing 36 and indicator 38 would direct the user to the exact location of the stocked item. This is particularly advantageous in that a desired item can be located easily by a staff member or customer, increasing customer service and satisfaction. [0035] In retail stores, particularly supermarkets, there is also a frequent need for the staff members to return stock to the shelves, for example if customers have left such items around the store or in the POS areas. This can be a very time consuming process, as it may be difficult for the staff member to find the location of each individual item of stock. Whilst many staff members are aware of the aisle number or general location of a type of item, they are not aware of the exact location of every particular 10 brand or individual item in the store. Therefore, such work takes time away from the staff members other duties. The present invention is therefore advantageous in its ability to increase the efficiency of stock return. In an embodiment of the invention, the user would be able to carry the device 30 around with them, for example use of a tablet computer such as an Android tablet or iPad@, allowing them to quickly search and locate stocked items. [0036] In a further embodiment, to prevent confusion if a multitude of consumers or staff members are making use of the system in the same area, the LED lights could be of different colours which would match the corresponding touchscreen. As such, the consumer would merely have to look for a particular coloured light unique to their touchscreen and would not be confused by another user identifying a product in the same area. [0037] In a further alternate embodiment of the invention, the system could be adapted into a software application which the user could download to their internet -capable mobile device or tablet device. The user can then access the system from their personal devices without needing to use the establishment's device. [0038] In a further alternate embodiment of the invention, the system can be adapted for use in warehouses, back docks or any other storage facility to locate items. [0039] It is a further embodiment of the invention that the system may also contain functionality which enables the user to keep track of stock on the shelves for the purposes of re-filling or re-ordering. The housing 36 may be adapted to contain an infrared light system using the indicators 28 and 38 and sensors which sense when the correspondence part of the shelf is empty, and therefore when the product is "out of stock." The data is relayed through the control box 32 back to the device 30 which displays a notification to the user that the item is out of stock and requires re-filling. The user can then arrange for the stock to be re-filled by selecting the item and the precise location of the item is indicated as described above. Once the item has been re stocked, the infrared sensors receive a signal indicating that the item has been restocked and the notification is removed from the device 30.
11 [0040] In an embodiment, a sensor pad and barcode system is incorporated with the device 30. When an item is emptied a sensor records the product name/type (for example, Winfield Blue) and the Winfield Blue logo on the touchscreen device 30 may illuminate, alerting staff that this particular item needs to be re-stocked. Once the item is re-stocked the sensors on each push feed (inside each product) chute 46 may record how long it was empty and when it was re-filled. The sensor pads may know the correct product by the barcode and therefore cannot be filled with the incorrect stock in that particular chute 46. [0041] The software program uploaded on the device may control stock level, every time the products are selected, and removed from the chute 46. This may be sensor activated when the item is removed, and recorded as not present in the system when scanned through the POS. This will assist in stock level and also control of stock. For example, if the retailer cannot find any Winfield Blue and says they are out of stock and leaves the chute 46 empty, the stock control will confirm whether there is still stock in storage so they know there is still the item available. This may be an issue in busy retail outlets when all cartons are the same colour, and the proposed invention eliminates the possibility that stock can be missed or misplaced without the system recording it. [0042] In an embodiment, stock control levels and the re-ordering of products can be easily incorporated online via a ordering program. When a stock level falls under a required minimum holding stock level, which is pre-set, then this may trigger the sending of an electronic message to the retailer or site manager alerting them of the need to either reorder with their tobacco representative or order online on the touch panel or via another device. By way of example, once the user has selected a packet of Winfield Blue and the device 30 indicates there are only 4 cartons of Winfield Blue left, then this signals an order request to the manager and notifies them this product needs to be ordered. Usually this re-ordering system is done manually by the staff member or manager, who counts the number of cartons left and extrapolates how many need to be ordered. This system eliminates the need for manual stock control as the program calculates the required number.
12 [0043] The sensor pads at the front of each push feed on each chute 46 could have a sensor that when re-stocking requires the stock to be filled in date order. It is standard practice in retail environments to fill new stock from the back so the front item doesn't get replaced when re-filled, which increases the chance of having out of date stock. If a product is incorrectly re-filled and put in front of an older dated stock then this sends a signal to the device 30 and lets the retailer know which brand it is and the retailer will have to stock correctly. [0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the software program on the device 30 would allow the retailer, manager, owner or supplier the ability to log on and get a detailed sales history for every chute 46. Such data could include the total daily, weekly, monthly sales numbers of each product and total sales history (price, time of sales, amount of sales, busy periods). All this data can be potentially very beneficial for suppliers, owners and retailers. Full reports downloadable from the touch panel and kept by managers/tobacco companies to accurately record data and measure the reduction of out of stocks is a key reporting functionality and therefore streamlined through the present invention. This would mean that when a packet of cigarettes is sold, data is stored on the device 30 through the sensor pads and POS scanning system which will keep this valued information stored and readily available. [0045] Whilst the examples given in the summary of the invention have been directed to cigarette products and location of said products, it is to be understood that the invention can include any and all storage environments or retail stores and any products or items. [0046] In the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.