GB2461875A

GB2461875A - Stock level alerting device utilizing RFID tag

Info

Publication number: GB2461875A
Application number: GB0812841A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Chadbourne; Philip Sykes
Original assignee: Intellident Ltd
Current assignee: Intellident Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-14
Filing date: 2008-07-14
Publication date: 2010-01-20
Also published as: GB0812841D0

Abstract

An automatic stock level alerting device comprises a collapsible display associated with the stock, and a remote identification means. The collapsible display has a collapsed state and a deployed state and is resiliently biased towards the deployed state. It further includes a signal blocking means for preventing detection of the remote identification means when the display is in its collapsed state. The remote identification means is preferably an RFID tag and a metal paint or foil layer is provided to block radio frequency signals. The collapsible display may comprise a foldable wedge with means to bias it into an erected configuration. The display may include an information sign when in the deployed state. A detector is provided for detecting signals from unblocked remote identification means and communicating the detection to a computer, e.g. a remote server.

Description

Article Stocking Level Alert Device and Monitoring System

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an article stocking level alert device and monitoring system for remote monitoring of item stocks and the like.

Background to the Invention

Maintaining stock levels within a store is a difficult and time consuming exercise.

Most current stores rely on a computer-based logistics system in which the number of items shipped or sold is decremented from that known to be held in stock. Once the stock level reduces below a certain level then the item is re-stocked. Another alternative is for a visual inspection of stock levels by personnel. Where large numbers of different items are stocked, particularly if they are spread out in different displays across a store, this is time consuming and also error-prone. However, in the case of stores where not all stock is placed out on shelves, this is a much easier way of maintaining store front stock levels than trying to rely on a computer-based logistics system because you do not have to rely on a computer system guessing how much stock is out in the store as opposed to within a warehouse or the like.

A more recent development in this area is that of intelligent shelving systems.

Such shelving systems incorporate tag readers such as radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag readers that are able to interrogate tags on articles placed on the shelves. Such systems can then be used to provide an inventory of the items held on the shelves and can be used to identify where restocking is required.

A particular problem with intelligent shelving systems is that of the expense and inconvenience of replacing the existing shelving with new shelving that includes the tag readers and also providing the necessary cabling infrastructure and the like for the tag readers to communicate with some central node. Understandably, most small to medium sized businesses are reluctant to replace shelving systems that are otherwise perfectly fit for use and these systems therefore have not been particularly popular.

Statement of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an article stocking level alert device as claimed in claim 1.

Preferably, the remote identification means comprises an RFID tag. Most preferably, it comprises is a passive RFID tag that can be adhered or otherwise secured to the surface of a shelf or the like.

In use, a collapsible display is secured to the surface of a shelf (where it may optionally be built into the surface of a shelf) and then items are placed onto the shelf over the collapsible display. A detector is cited remotely of the collapsible displays. The display includes a signal blocking means that prevents detection of the remote identification means by the detector when the collapsible display is collapsed (which will be the case whilst there is stock placed on top of it). It will be appreciated that it cold be at the bottom of a stack or simply placed under the last item of stock on the shelf or display stand.

In this manner, it is possible to identify when certain stocked items are no longer present on a shelf or the like and trigger an appropriate response.

Brief Descrirtion of the Drawings An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article stocking level alert device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and, Figures 2a-2e are photographs of the embodiment of Figure 1 when in use.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article stocking level alert device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The perspective view of an article stocking level alert device 10 is shown in a deployed configuration. It includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag 20 fixed to, or integrated within, a collapsible display 30.

The collapsible display 30 has a collapsed state (not shown) and a deployed state (shown). Whilst one or more articles of produce or the like are placed on top of the collapsible display 30, it remains in its collapsed state. However, the collapsible display 3Ois resiliently biased towards its deployed state and as soon as there are no articles of produce on top of it, it returns to the deployed state.

In the deployed state, an appropriate sign 31 such as "sorry, this item is out of stock" is visible.

The RFID tag 20 is positioned on the collapsible display 30 such that when the collapsible display 30 is in the collapsed state, the RFID tag 20 is sandwiched between surfaces 31, 32 of the collapsible display 30. The material of the collapsible display 30 is selected such that the sandwiching surfaces 31, 32 inhibit passage of radio waves of at least the frequency used by the RFID tag 20. Alternatively, an additional layer of material such as metallic paint or a metal foil may be applied to the sandwiching surfaces 31, 32 before the RFID tag 20 is attached. In this manner, when the collapsible display 30 is in the collapsed state, the sandwiching layers 31, 32 block RF signals reaching the RFID tag 20 rendering the tag 20 substantially undetectable. Once the collapsible display 30 enters its deployed state, the sandwiching layers 31, 32 no longer block RF signals and the RFID tag 20 and the RFID tag 20 becomes detectible.

In order to keep the RFID tag as small as possible, it is preferred that it is a passive tag. As such, it needs no power source and obtains power to operate from a received signal.

The collapsible display 30 preferably includes adhesive or mounting means (not shown) on its base for adhesion or mounting to shelves or displays.

In one implementation, a simple RFID tag detector may be installed diagonally opposite the collapsible display 30 (in the ceiling, top of a display cabinet or somewhere else with a substantially un-obscured line of sight of the RFJD tag 20 when the collapsible display 30 is in its deployed state.

Preferably, the transmission power of the detector is controlled such that it is on'y able to detect the collapsible display 30 when there is an un-obscured line of sight between the detector and collapsible display 30. Optionally, a number of power settings may be provided for the detector such that it is able to detect a collapsible display 30 in the presence of a limited, predetermined obstruction.

In use, the detector is installed remotely of collapsible displays 30. In a typical scenario, it may be ceiling-mounted or positioned on top of an opposite facing shelving system.

Preferably, the collapsible displays 30 are arranged to identify themselves to the detector. For example, they may modulate the received signal in a predetermined way as is known in the RFID arts.

Once an RFID tag 20 has been found by the detector and identified, the detector can communicate this information to another system such as a stock control system or alternatively trigger an alert to a restocking terminal to prompt a member of staff to restock the particular articles associated with the collapsible display.

Although collapsible displays have been discussed purely with reference to RFID tags, it will be appreciated that other technologies are equally applicable. Similarly, although only collapsible displays that are adhered or otherwise mounted to shelves or the backs of shelving systems have been discussed, it will be appreciated that such collapsible displays could be integrated within a shelving system.

In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible display 30 is a folding structure (made of cardboard or other low-cost material) that has a mechanism to allow it to expand when no weight is placed upon it. This expansion creates a wedge shaped sign that provides the customer with an "out of stock" message.

When items are in stock (sandwiches, drinks, etc.), they are placed on top of the collapsible display 30, forcing the wedge to collapse and conceal the "out of stock" message, however, the backing of the message contains a metallic paint or foil layer which, when compressed next to the tag (which is in the lower section of the collapsible display 30) causes the RF signals to be blocked -hence the tag will not be reported.

Therefore a label that only reports it's "presence" when no objects are placed on top of it -i.e. out of stock.

Low cost readers are preferably placed in the ceiling diagonally opposite the shelf to collect data from tags that are able to transmit. Each tag is preferably programmed with information that can be used to identify about what product should be on top of it.

Using this concept, a whole range of shelves could be equipped for stock-out notifications at very low cost.

Data reported from the collapsible displays can be fed to the external systems for processing and collating or to existing in store systems.

S Out of stock notifications obviously allow staff to quickly replenish items once sold, however, collating the notifications wUl provide a valuable set of marketing data to retailers on the buying habits of their customers, and therefore aid in their servicing, production, targeted-marketing, etc. The system is so low-cost that retailers could easily afford one system per store.

In one implementation, the system is installed at little or no charge to the retailer and data is reported to a central processing system that can provide the marketing data discussed above at a premium charge to customers.

Combining this system with other systems such as video based people counter could allow provision of a range of statistical reports for each store.

The unit could optionally be provided in different sizes and tensions to allow for different weights of object.

The collapsible displays will preferably need securing to the shelf to prevent movement. This could simply be via low/medium-tack double-sided tape -thus allowing it to be removed when necessary.

Claims

Claims 1. An article stocking level alert device including a collapsible display and a remote identification means, wherein the collapsible display has a collapsed state and a deployed state and is resiliently biased towards the deployed state, the article stocking level alert device including signal blocking means for preventing detection of the remote identification means when the collapsible dispiay is in the collapsed state.
2. An article stocking level alert device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote identification means comprises a Radio Frequency Identification, RFID, tag.
3. An article stocking level alert device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the collapsible display includes an information sign arranged to be visible in the deployed state.
4. An article stocking level alert device according to any preceding claim, wherein the signal blocking means comprises a signal blocking surface arranged to be positioned over the remote identification means when the collapsible display is in -20 the collapsed state and arranged to be remote of the remote identification means when the collapsible display is in the deployed state.
5. An article stocking level alert device according to claim 4, wherein the surface is metallic.
6. An article stocking level alert device according to claim 4, wherein the surface includes a metal paint or metal foil layer.
7. An article stocking level alert device according to any preceding claim, wherein the collapsible display comprises a folded wedge in the collapsed state and a wedge in the deployed state.
8. An intelligent merchandising system comprising a detector and one or more An article stocking level alert devices as claimed in any preceding claim, the detector being installable remotely of the article stocking level alert devices and being arranged to detect the remote identification means of one of the respective article stocking level alert devices when the collapsible display of the respective device is in its deployed state.
9. A merchandising system comprising a merchandising display including one or more surfaces for carrying merchandise, the merchandising display further comprising one or more of the article stocking level alert devices as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 integrated into, secured onto or adhered to one of the surfaces a surface of the merchandising display; and, a detector installabie remotely of the collapsible displays and being arranged to detect the remote identification means of one or more of the respective article stocking level alert device when the collapsible display of the respective article stocking level alert device is in the deployed state.
1O.A merchandising system as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a remote server operative to communicate with said detector and receive and collate data on detected remote identification means.
11.A method of monitoring merchandise levels comprising: installing, on or in one or more merchandise carrying surfaces of a merchandising display, one or more article stocking level alert devices as claimed in any of claims I to 7; mounting a detector remotely of the merchandising display including aligning a field of detection of the detector with the one or more article stocking level alert devices; operating said detector to detect the remote identification means of any of the article stocking level alert devices and communicate said detection.
12.An article stocking level alert device as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
13.A method as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.