WO2021176145A1 - Apparatus for tracking behaviour in store - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for tracking behaviour in a store, comprising a memory (2) and a controller (4) controlling operation of the apparatus. The memory (2) and the controller (4) are provided in a case (1) additionally comprising at least one detector unit (5) making a register entry in said memory (2) to indicate detection of a person when movement of the person is detected in a designated area, and making a register entry in said memory (2) to indicate detection of a product interest when behaviour of the detected person additionally fulfils a predetermined criterion, and a data transfer interface (3) for providing access to the register entries in said memory (2) to a data processing unit (7) providing statistical analysis of the tracked behaviour.

Description

APPARATUS FOR TRACKING BEHAVIOUR IN STORE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for tracking behaviour in a store. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of constant challenges in managing a store is to determine what products are displayed in which part of the store to draw customer’s attention. It is useful for a manager to know, if two or more similar products are displayed next to each other or in different part of the store, from which shelf the customer is most likely to take the product. Additionally, if the same product is displayed at several locations in the same store, it’s informative to know which location the customer would be more likely to choose the product. This knowledge can help the manager to reduce food waste by planning beforehand what food products are displayed in more popular parts of shelves to attract customers into choosing food products with closer upcoming expiry dates.

GPS (Global Positioning System) devices attached to shopping carts are used to track customer’s movement. A drawback with such solution is that it only indicates what route the customer has used. It does not detect which shelves are more popular in a certain time frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to solve above mentioned draw back and provide a new apparatus for tracking behaviour in the store. This object is achieved with an apparatus according to independent claim 1.

An apparatus utilising a detector unit, which detects movement when a person enters a designated area in a store and makes a register entry in a memory, and also when the person fulfils a predetermined criterion makes another register entry in the memory, makes it possible to provide registered entries to a processing unit which produces an output for statistical information of customer behaviour in said store.

With the statistical information, the store manager can estimate which shelves appeal to the consumers in order to display products with closer upcoming expiry dates on said shelves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the invention will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of an apparatus for detecting movement in a first embodiment; and Figure 2 illustrates a schematic of an apparatus for detecting movement in a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a first embodiment of an apparatus for tracking behaviour in a store and comprises a case 1 with a memory 2 con- nected to a data processing unit 7 via a data transfer interface 3, a controller 4 con nected to the memory 2 and the data transfer interface 3 and at least one detector unit 5 connected to the memory 2 and the controller 4. A fixing device 6 attaches the case 1 by using for example straps, screws, clips or magnets to a shelf or in the vicinity of the shelf in the store. The memory 2 is connected to the detector outputs for registering a reg ister entry in the memory 2 when movement of a detected person is detected in a designated area, such as an aisle between two shelves, and another register entry when a behaviour of the detected person fulfils a predetermined criterion. The memory 2 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory de vices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and remov able memory.

The controller 4 controls operation of the apparatus. All configuration regarding the detector unit 5 and data transfer interface 3 may be configured in the controller 4. The controller 4 may comprise one or more communication control circuitry, such as at least one processor, including one or more algorithms, such as a computer program code wherein the memory 2 and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the controller 4 to carry out any one of the exemplified functionalities described hereinafter. The data transfer interface 3, such as a modulator, a radio transmitter and receiver or a data transfer port, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), provides accessing, wirelessly or with a wire, to the register entries stored in the memory 2. The wireless access may be provided via a communication system utilising a GPRS (General Packet Radio Services), 4G or 5G mobile communication system or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or Bluetooth, for instance. The processing unit 7 can be utilised which can be part of a computer or other data processing device to ac cess the register entries in the memory 2.

At least one detector unit 5 makes a register entry in the memory 2 to indicate detection of a person in the designated area when movement of the person is detected, and makes another register entry in the memory 2 to indicate detection of a product interest in the designated area, when the detector unit 5 additionally detects a behaviour of the detected person that fulfils the predetermined criterion. The predetermined criterion in this connection may refer to at least one of the fol lowing but in some embodiments, it may refer to all the following described below. In one embodiment, the detector unit 5 comprises a door switch of a door or lid of a cold shelf or a freezer, for instance, detecting the person opening said door or lid, which is the behaviour that fulfils said predetermined criterion.

In another embodiment, the predetermined criterion is fulfilled when the person approaches the apparatus and reaches a predetermined distance, such as the distance between the detector unit 5 and the shelf or makes a predetermined movement pattern. In this connection the term "predetermined movement pat tern" refers to comparison of a movement pattern a person makes with comparison data indicated by an algorithm stored in the memory 2. The algorithm is configured for a movement indicating that the person’s hand makes contact with the shelf, for instance, or that the person takes an object from the shelf. Detection of such move ment indicates an approach in the designated area. Along with the register, the time and distance of each detected movement is stored in the memory 2.

In yet another embodiment, the predetermined criterion is fulfilled when the person remains stationary in the designated area. In this connection the term "stationary" refers to comparison of a person staying at the same location for more than a predetermined time with comparison data indicated by an algorithm stored in the memory 2. The algorithm is configured for the person staying at the same location for more than one second, for instance, indicating that there’s a po tential for the product interest. Detection of such stationary movement indicates the potential in the designated area. Along with the register, the time of each de tected stationary movement is stored in the memory 2.

In yet another embodiment, the predetermined criterion is fulfilled when the person leaves from the designated area. Detection of such movement in dicates disinterest towards the designated area. Along with the register, the time of each detected movement is stored in the memory 2.

The at least one detector unit 5 comprises one or more sensors or cameras. The at least one detector unit 5 may comprise at least one infrared sensor using infrared wavelengths, which is sensitive to a person’s body temperature in contrast to the background at room temperature. When the person enters a desig nated area within the infrared sensor’s range, said sensor makes a register entry in the memory 2. This makes detecting the person entering and leaving the desig nated area very efficient. The infrared sensor has approximately 6 metres range in a 2 metres wide aisle. The range is longer if the width is wider. A pair of infrared sensors may be wired as opposite inputs which reduces false triggers, such as brief flashes of light. The at least one detector unit 5 can comprise at least one radar sensor to detect phase shifts in the reflected frequency when an object or a person moves toward or away from the receiver. These sensors can cover relatively large areas, but they can be configured to detect certain types of activity only in a close range, such as the predetermined movement pattern, and makes a register entry in the memory 2. Along with the register, the time and distance of each detected move ment is stored in the memory 2.

The at least one detector unit 5 can comprise at least one ultrasonic sen sor which emits ultrasonic wave, which is higher than a human ear can hear, and measures distance determining the length of time it takes for the reflected wave to return. The sensor can be configured to make a register entry in the memory 2 when the measured distance equals to any location of the shelf.

The at least one detector unit 5 can comprise at least one camera and a video processing device identifying movement of the person. Said identifying can be for instance an algorithm for the predetermined movement pattern and shelf location calculation which compares the current image with a reference image, such as an empty aisle. When the current image fits to the algorithm of the person entering the designated area or the predetermined criterion, it makes a register entry in the memory 2.

In some embodiments, the at least one detector unit 5 can comprise at least one voice recognition sensor, which may recognize certain food vocabulary words such as "bread" and "soya". The sensor is configured to make a register entry with said word in the memory 2, when the certain food vocabulary word is recog nized. This may give some insight to the manager which food products are more likely to be chosen and optimize the selection with those products with closer up- coming expiry dates.

The processing unit 7 can be a computer or other data processing device to access the register entries in the memory 2 via the data transfer interface 3. The processing unit 7 may also be part of the controller 4 inside the case 1. The pro cessing unit 7 is configured to register information detected by the at least one de tector unit 5 and processes the information of the registered entries to produce an output including statistical information about number of product interests includ ing approaches, potentials and disinterests separately shown in relation to number of detected persons by recording how many times and at what times persons have entered the designated area.

The processing unit 7 may also be configured to process the information provided from the memory 2 by calculating the distance of the detected detection to the apparatus, which may indicate how far away from the apparatus the ap proach was made.

With the output produced by the processing unit 7 and shown for ex ample in a display of a computer or mobile phone via a device specific URL (Uni form Resource Locator) link, the manager can receive detailed statistical infor mation about what part of the shelf and number of the approaches and potentials in relation to number of detected persons. The manager can use the information to plan beforehand what products to display on the shelf to attract customers. This knowledge can help the manager to reduce food waste by planning beforehand what food products are displayed in more popular parts of shelves to attract cus tomers into choosing the food products with closer upcoming expiry dates. For ex ample, shelves closer to the middle of the store may receive more register entries to fulfil the predetermined criterion than the shelves closer to the sides.

The statistical information also shows what time of the day and week registered entries are made. Some shelves might register more entries during the mornings compared to the evenings. Additionally, some other part of the store might be more popular during the weekdays compared to the weekends. For ex ample, during mornings the register entries at the cold shelf end are registered more often compared to the middle section, which might be result of people being in hurry on their way to work and just want to quickly grab something for lunch. If the manager wants to speed up salad bowls sales, displaying them on the shelf end could attract working people’s attention to take them.

A protective case 1, such as a plastic box, carrying the apparatus is con figured with a fixing device 6 for easy attaching and detaching to the shelf or in the vicinity of the shelf. The case 1 can also be attached above the shelf. This enables the case 1 to be moved easily from one location to another and thus reusable. In the embodiment of Figure 1, only one detector detecting movement is utilised. Alternatively, different detectors in one detection unit 5 may be utilised.

Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the apparatus for tracking behaviour in the store. The embodiment of Figure 2 is very similar to the one ex- plained in connection with Figure 1. Therefore, the embodiment of Figure 2 is in the following mainly explained by pointing out differences.

In Figure 2, a fixing device 6 attaches the case 1 by using for example straps, screws, clips or magnets to the shelf or in the vicinity of the shelf in the store.

A battery 8, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, may be arranged removably in said case 1 and used to power the apparatus. The apparatus can fur ther comprise multiple led lights 9 indicating remaining battery life, such as indi cating full battery when all lights are on and low battery when only one light is on. The data transfer interface 3, such as the USB port, can also provide for charging the battery 8 without removing it from the case 1. Additionally, the apparatus may comprise a tracking device (not shown in the Figure) to help locate said apparatus. This can be done by using network- based techniques such as multilateration of radio signals between cell towers of the network and the apparatus, or simply using GPS.

With the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, one apparatus can detect movement in one designated area but using multiple apparatuses large sections or even the whole store can be covered. With recorded register entries the manager can estimate which shelves appeal to the consumers and which part of shelves in the store are best for displaying particular products in order to reduce food waste.

Claims

1. An apparatus for tracking behaviour in a store, comprising: a memory (2), a controller (4) controlling operation of the apparatus, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the memory (2) and controller (4) are provided in a case (1) addition ally comprising: at least one detector unit (5):

-making a register entry in said memory (2) to indicate detection of a person in a designated area when movement of the person is detected, and

-making a register entry in said memory (2) to indicate detection of a product interest in the designated area, when the detector unit (5) additionally de tects a behaviour of the detected person that fulfils a predetermined criterion, and a data transfer interface (3) for providing access to the register entries in said memory (2) to a data processing unit (7) providing statistical analysis of the tracked behaviour.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) comprises a door switch detecting the person opening a door of a shelf which is the behaviour that fulfils said predetermined criterion.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) detects that the predetermined criterion is fulfilled when the person ap proaches the apparatus and reaches a predetermined distance or makes a prede termined movement pattern.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) is a motion detector detecting the predetermined movement pattern when the person takes the object from a shelf.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) detects that the predetermined criterion is fulfilled when the person re- mains stationary in the designated area.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) detects that the predetermined criterion is fulfilled when the person leaves from the designated area.

7. An apparatus according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) comprises one or more sensors or cameras.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) comprises at least one infrared sensor.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one de tector unit (5) comprises at least one radar sensor.

10. An apparatus according to one of claims 7-9, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor.

11. An apparatus according to one of claims 7-10, wherein the at least one detector unit (5) comprises at least one camera and a video processing device identifying movement of the person.

12. An apparatus according to one of claims 7-11, wherein at least one detector unit (5) comprises at least one voice recognition sensor.

13. An apparatus according to one of claims 1-12, wherein the pro cessing unit (7) is configured to access register entries from the memory (2) in the case (1) via the data transfer interface (3) and process the register entries to pro duce an output including statistical information about number of product interests in relation to number of detected persons.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the data transfer inter face (3) provides wireless access to the register entries in the memory (2) to the processing unit (7).

15. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the data transfer inter- face (3) is a data transfer port providing access to the register entries in the memory (2) to the data processing unit (7).

16. An apparatus according to one of claims 1-15, wherein the appa ratus further comprises a fixing device (6) attaching the case (1) to the shelf or in the vicinity of the shelf in the store.

17. An apparatus according to one of claims 1-16, wherein the appa ratus further comprises a rechargeable battery (8) arranged in the case (1).