WO2022203520A1

WO2022203520A1 - Gravity feed display shelf dispenser system

Info

Publication number: WO2022203520A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2022/050031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Philip Glucina; David Gerard MULDER
Original assignee: Define Instruments Limited
Priority date: 2021-03-22
Filing date: 2022-03-17
Publication date: 2022-09-29

Abstract

A system configured to monitor retail stock inventory on a shelf, comprising a sensor configured to output data representing a quantity of retail items on a sloping shelf, and at least one processor module, wherein the processor module is configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicative of the quantity of retail items on the sloping shelf, associate the signal received from the sensor with a unique item identifier; determine the quantity of retail items on the shelf of the retail store based on the received sensor data and the unique identifier; and output the determined quantity of retail items to an inventory management system.

Description

GRAVITY FEED DISPLAY SHELF DISPENSER SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention described herein generally relates to inventory management of products in a retail facility. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for inventory management of retail products in a retail facility useful in identifying stocking levels.

BACKGROUND ART

In modern retail environments, there is a need to consistently maintain an adequate shelf inventory of retail products. As customers select items from a shelf for purchase, the shelf inventory is reduced. During peak or otherwise busy periods in the store, shelf inventory may quickly become reduced to the point that there is not enough of a specific retail product on the shelf to satisfy customers' needs. In many cases, store workers working in the area may be unaware of the reduced shelf inventory until alerted by a customer. Alternatively, a store worker may become aware of reduced or depleted shelf inventory when the worker walks directly in front of the shelf and can see the shelf inventory level for themselves. However, even when walking by a shelf, a busy store or otherwise distracted worker may not notice a reduced shelf inventory.

It is an aim of the invention to provide a system which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides the consumer with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one broad aspect of the invention, there is system configured to monitor retail stock inventory on a shelf, comprising: a sensor configured to output data representing a quantity of retail items on a sloping shelf, and at least one processor module, wherein the processor module is configured to: receive a signal from the sensor indicative of the quantity of retail items on the sloping shelf, associate the signal received from the sensor with a unique item identifier; determine the quantity of retail items on the shelf of the retail store based on the received sensor data and the unique identifier; and output the determined quantity of retail items to an inventory management system.

In some embodiments, the sensor is a displacement sensor configured to output data representing a sensor displacement caused by retail items at a lower region of the sloped retail shelf.

In some embodiments, the sensor is a force sensor configured to output data caused by retail items at a lower region of the sloped retail shelf, wherein the force of the retail items is determined by: product mass x gravitational constant x sine(Shelf Angle).

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to engage with a pivotable lever arm at a distance d2 from the pivot, and the retail items are configured to engage with the lever arm at a distance d1 from the pivot, and the total mass of retail items is determined by: (F2 x d1)/(gravitational constant x sine(shelf angle) x d2).

In some embodiments, the processor module is further configured to store a lookup table operable to map the quantity of retail items on the sloping shelf to sensor data provided from the sensor. In some embodiments, the processor module is configured to associate the signal received from the sensor with the unique identifier based on a unique processor hardware address.

In some embodiments, the processor module is further configured to store an alarm state parameter representing a low stock item threshold, and output the alarm state parameter based on a determined quantity of stock items on the shelf and the threshold.

In some embodiments, the inventory system is configured to output an alarm based on comparing the received determined quantity to a threshold.

In some embodiments, the inventory system is configured to output a restocking manifest based on comparing the received determined quantity to a threshold.

In some embodiments, the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor configured to represent different retail stock items, and the processor module is further configured to associate a unique item identifier with each signal received from each sensor.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of retail stores, and the processor module comprises a plurality of processor modules with at least one processor module located at each of the retail stores, and the inventory system comprises receiving retail item data from each of the processor modules in each of the stores.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is a method of determining the quantity of retail items on a sloping shelf in a retail system, the retail system comprising a sensor configured to output data representing a quantity of retail items on a sloping shelf, and at least one processor module, wherein the processor module is configured to undertake the steps of: receiving a signal from the sensor indicative of the quantity of retail items on the sloping shelf, associating the signal received from the sensor with a unique item identifier; determining the quantity of retail items on the shelf of the retail store based on the received sensor data and the unique identifier; and outputting the determined quantity of retail items to an inventory management system.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system configured to monitor retail stock levels, comprising: at least one sensor configured to output data representing retail stock levels on a sloping shelf, wherein the sensor comprises a unique identifier; a processor module configured to: associate the sensor data with one or more retail stock items based on the unique identifier; and determine the quantity of retail stock on the shelf based on the sensor data.

In another broad aspect there is a system comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is configured to output data representing retail stock levels on a sloping shelf located on one of a plurality of retail stores, wherein each sensor comprises a unique identifier; each retails store comprises a unique identifier; and one or more processor modules are configured to: associate data from each sensor with one or more retail stock items in the retail store based on the sensor unique identifier and store unique identifier; and determine the quantity of retail stock on the shelf of the retail store based on the sensor data.

In some embodiments, the sensor is a force sensor configured to output data caused by retail products at a downwardly disposed retail shelf region.

In some embodiments, the sensor is a displacement sensor configured to output data representing a sensor displacement caused by retail products at a downwardly disposed retail shelf region.

In some embodiments, the force of the retail items is determined by:

Product Mass x gravitational constant x sine(Shelf Angle).

In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to engage with a pivotable lever arm at a distance d2 from the pivot, and the retail items are configured to engage with the lever arm at a distance d1 from the pivot, and the total mass of retail items is determined by:

(F2 x d1)/(gravitational constant x sine(Shelf Angle) x d2).

In some embodiments, the number of retail items on the shelf is determined from the total mass of retail items.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a lookup table mapping the quantity of retail items on the sloping shelf to sensor data provided from the sensor

In some embodiments, the processor module is further configured to store an alarm state parameter, and change the alarm state parameter based on a determined quantity of stock items on the shelf.

In some embodiments, the processor module is configured to output at least one of sensor data, retail stock quantity and/or the alarm state parameter when the alarm state is changed.

In another broad aspect the invention consists in a method of determining quantity of retail stock on a sloping shelf comprising a plurality of sensors located at the bottom of the sloping shelf and associated with at least one retail stock type and configured to output a signal representative of the retail stock type quantity on the shelf, and at least one processor configured to receive the signal, the method comprising operating the processor to: attribute a unique identifier to sensor; receive the signal from the sensor; associate the sensor data with one or more retail stock items based on the unique identifier; and determine the quantity of retail stock on the shelf based on the sensor data.

This specification, including the claims, is intended to be interpreted as follows:

Embodiments or examples described in the specification are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the exact construction and operation described or illustrated, but only by the following claims.

The mere disclosure of a method step or product element in the specification should not be construed as being essential to the invention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated to be so or expressly recited in a claim.

The terms in the claims have the broadest scope of meaning they would have been given by a person of ordinary skill in the art as of the relevant date.

The terms "a" and "an" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

Neither the title nor the abstract of the present application is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope of the claimed invention.

Where the preamble of a claim recites a purpose, benefit or possible use of the claimed invention, it does not limit the claimed invention to having only that purpose, benefit or possible use.

In the specification, including the claims, the term “comprise”, and variants of that term such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are used to mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise, or unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.

The disclosure of any document referred to herein is incorporated by reference into this patent application as part of the present disclosure, but only for purposes of written description and enablement and should in no way be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of the present application where the present application, without such incorporation by reference, would not have failed to provide an ascertainable meaning. Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, constitute any endorsement or ratification of any statement, opinion or argument contained in any incorporated document.

Reference to any background art or prior art in this specification is not an admission such background art or prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the relevant field or is otherwise admissible prior art in relation to the validity of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses and methods pertaining to inventory management in a retail facility, e.g., by generating an alert which indicates low shelf inventory in the retail facility. This description includes drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows perspective view of an example of a retail shelf including multiple retail products.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the example of Figure 1 including the sensor mounted to the housing.

Figure 3 shows a diagram of an example the lever arm and torque considerations for a shelf surface sloped at an angle (theta).

Figure 4 shows a first exemplary diagram of a local system configured to monitor retail stock.

Figure 5 illustrates a varied embodiment including numerous subsystems of sensors. Figure 6 shows one exemplary method of determining the quantity of items on a retail shelf. Figure 7 shows another exemplary method of generating an alert based on determined retail stock quantity.

Figure 8 shows an exemplary method intended to alert a retailer, store worker or manufacturer to low stock levels.

Figure 9 shows data representing lost sales derived from the stock monitoring sensor system.

Figure 10 shows exemplary data of retail stock quantities across several stores derived from the stock monitoring sensor system.

Figure 11 shows exemplary data derived from the stock quantity sensing system. Figure 12 shows exemplary data of near real-time stock levels derived from the stock monitoring sensor system.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. However, the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described below with reference to schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams block or blocks.

The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatuses, systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).

Various embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided which relate to inventory management in a retail facility. Embodiments may include: a control circuit communicatively coupled to a sensor, a unique identifier associated with the sensor, a processing device configured to determine a measure of stock, an alerting device for alerting a store worker to shelf inventory levels, and a database for storing inventory data, and optionally, sales data and location data. Some embodiments may include one or more shelf inventory sensors for detecting the shelf inventory level of the one or more retail products. In such a case, the sensor and a control circuit may determine that the shelf inventory quantity of the one or more retail products is below the predetermined threshold based on data obtained from the one or more shelf inventory sensors. In some embodiments, the control circuit may determine that the shelf inventory level of the one or more retail products is below the predetermined threshold by comparing a number of retail products previously shelved to at least one of a number of retail products sold and a number of retail products in stock.

The sensor is configured to measure at least one of force or displacement caused by retail product on a retail shelf. The sensor may be positioned in a predetermined location in proximity to one or more retail products in a shopping area so as to detect force or displacement in proximity to the one or more retail products. To facilitate force or displacement of the sensor, the retail shelf is provided with a slope operable to cause retail stock on the shelf to slide to the front of the shelf. The sensor is further configured at the front of the shelf to engage with load created by the retail product on the sloping shelf. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to directly engage with the retail product. In other embodiments, the sensor is configured to engage indirectly with the retail product. For example, one or more coupling mechanisms may be used, such as coupling arm or lever engaging at one region by the retail product, and engaging with the sensor at another region.

The retail shelf is sloped to cause the retail product to slide to the front of the shelf.

This is important from a retail perspective to ensure retail product is continuously on display to consumers, rather than hiding at the back of a shelf. It is also important to ensure engagement of the retail product with the sensor. To further promote engagement of the retail product with the sensor, the shelf may be provided with one or more adaptations to lower the friction of the shelf surface. One such adaptation is a low friction coating or liner applied to the shelf surface, another is an air cushion - where numerous vents adapted for pressurised air to pass to partially lift the bottom surface of the retail product. The air vents may be arranged in a particular pattern. Another such adaptation is a vibration device such as a rotating eccentric weight that can be affixed to the shelf liner or the shelf to vibrate the shelf and allow items to slide more freely. Another such adaptation is a series of rollers built into the liner tray to allow items to slide towards the lowest point. Many other adaptations are possible such that gravitationally assisted engagement of the retail product with sensor is caused. Further, combinations of any of the above adaptations may be applied as desired.

Each sensor is configured to output a signal representative of a measure of stock of a retail product on a shelf. The signal is operatively coupled to the input of a measuring device, such as a microprocessor or analogue signal processing circuit. In some embodiments, there is a microprocessor configured to receive the load signal, compare the signal to one or more thresholds, and output an alert when the threshold is met.

The alert may be configured to inform a user of such instances such as a change in the quality of a retail product on a retail shelf, or the quantity of a retail product being indicative of needing ordering or restocking.

In some embodiments, sensor signals are accompanied by a unique identifier. In this way, received signals are operatively associated with a particular product on a retail shelf. The unique identifier is linked to a retail product in, for example, an inventory database. In some embodiments, the unique identifier may be associated with a retail product by a system including a processor with an input configured to record data received from the sensors, and store the unique identifier associated with the processor input. Other methods of associating the unique identifier with the sensor are possible. In some embodiments, each shelf region where retail product resides comprises a visual code, such as a barcode or QR code, and each sensor input is linked to a retail product using the visual code.

In some embodiments, the sensor is connected to a processor by way of a wired interface. However, wireless interfaces may also be used. In some embodiments, a group of sensors is connected to a bus, and a single signal representing a group of sensors is sent from the bus for reception by the processor.

Figure 1 shows perspective view of an example of a retail shelf 110 including multiple retail products 100. In this case, the shelf 110 has two columns of retail products separated by a divider 120. The shelf surface 110 is sloped such that the retail product 100 is gravitationally assisted toward the downward end of the shelf. Located at the downwardly disposed end of the retail shelf is a sensing apparatus comprising a lever arm 200 and a sensor within a housing 220. The lever arm is adapted to rotate about a pivot 210 and transfer force from the retail products to the sensor.

The sensor apparatus can be repositioned to allow different arrangements and sizes of items on the display shelf.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the example of Figure 1 including the sensor 230 mounted to the housing 220. The lever arm 200 rotates about the pivot 210 to transfer force from the retail product to the sensor. The shelf further comprises a stop plate 130 which may also provide a mounting surface for the sensor 230.

Figure 3 shows a diagram of an example the lever arm and torque considerations for a shelf surface 110 sloped at an angle (theta). A first force F1 is applied to the lever arm 240 at a point 250 located at a distance d1 from the pivot 210. The sensor 240 is adapted to engage with another point 260 of the lever arm with a force F2 at a lesser distance d2 from the pivot 210.

Various forms of force sensors which convert a force such as tension, compression, pressure, or torque into an electrical signal may be used. For example, one common form of force sensor is a strain gauge load cell which converts a force applied change in electrical resistance to a change in voltage across the resistance. The load cell may take on many configurations as may be applicable for convenient places for the sensor to be mounted, and for the sensor to be acted upon. This includes the sensor being supported in two outer ends and acted on in the middle such as shown in Figure 3. However, the sensor may instead be supported at one end, and acted on at any convenient place distal from that end.

Other sensors for measurement of force include, but are not limited to, piezoelectric based force sensors, a load cell such as a Wheatstone bridge circuit, and optical force sensors such as interferometric devices. Particular sensors for measurement of displacement include potentiometers. Displacement sensors may be further assisted by application of a resilient body such as a spring to provide a consistent force to oppose the force of the retail product on the sensor.

Further, the sensor is shown as engaging with the lever arm 210 which is configured to multiply the torque applied to the sensor. A torque multiplier may, in some embodiments, be desirable so as to increase the resolution of a given sensor. Other considerations include that there may be, in some circumstances, an arm shape which is particularly suited for engagement with a particular product on the shelf. In some embodiments, the arm is removable and replaced with an arm of alternative form. In some embodiments, the system is configured to receive an input indicative of an arm type in use, and further configured to store any calibration information which may other wise alter force measurements between types.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that high precision sensors incur more cost than a low precision sensor. Therefore, the torque multiplier creates mechanical amplification of the force applied by the retail products, and thereby improves the resolution of a given sensor. This in turn allows for lower cost sensors to be utilised.

An algorithm for estimating the combined weight of all items in the column is provided by the following relationship:

• F1 = Product Mass x gravitational constant x sine(Shelf Angle (theta))

• Product Mass = (F2 x d1)/(gravitational constant x sine(Shelf Angle) x d2)

An estimated quantity of retail product on the shelf is derived from the measured item weight. It should be noted that the above mathematical relationship between force applied to a sensor, and the shelf angle may take many mathematical forms which are functionally equivalent. Further, in some embodiments, a lookup table is used in place of an algorithm. The lookup table may in some cases be populated from a range of measured results, or simulated results of an algorithm.

In preferred forms, the sensor apparatus is contained within the housing which may also include a processor configured to receive and process the sensor signal. Further, in some embodiments, the sensor is configured to transmit the processed sensor data together with data representing the particular sensor (within a group of sensors) and/or data representing the retail product. In such forms, a replaceable power source such as a battery is provided housing for powering the processor and other electronic components contained in the housing.

In some embodiments, the sensor housing comprises attachment means configured to couple the sensor housing to a retail shelf. Some retail shelves have a recess for locating a price or information tag. The attachment means may in some cases comprise tines arranged for reception in the shelf recess. Many other configurations are possible.

Many of the functional units herein described in this specification are labelled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit specialized circuits, gate arrays, purpose specific semiconductors such as preprogramed for function microprocessors, logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components, or a combination of these components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or other similar devices.

Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Further, an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

A module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. Where a module or portions of a module are implemented in software, the software portions are stored on one or more computer readable storage media.

Any combination of one or more computer readable storage media may be utilized. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific (non- exhaustive) examples of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc, an optical storage device, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a magnetic storage device, integrated circuits, other digital processing apparatus memory devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, but would not include propagating signals. In the context of this specification, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Python, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on a user computer, partly on a user computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on a user computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, a remote computer may be connected to a user’s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer, for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider.

Further, the term network is generally used to describe a means through which data is transported from one location or module to another. In this context, the network may equally include the transportation of data by writing that data to a transportable form of computer readable storage media, and relocating that storage from one physical location to another.

Figure 4 shows an exemplary diagram of a local system 340 configured to monitor retail stock levels which may be in turn monitored at an output device module 330 located remote from the local system 330. In particular, a server module 320 includes a processor module 300 and a storage module 310. The server module 320 is connected to a number of sensor modules 240a-c. In some embodiments, the sensors are connected to the server 320 by way of the aforementioned wired or wireless interface. However, in some embodiments, the sensors are connected to the server by way of a gateway to the server.

In some embodiments, the local processor is configured to store an alarm state parameter, and change the alarm state parameter based on a determined quantity of stock items on the shelf. In some embodiments, the local system stores the current stock level and alarm state data. In some embodiments, the processor 300 is configured to transmit at least one of sensor data, retail stock quantity and/or the alarm state parameter to the server when the alarm state is changed.

In some embodiments, a remote server is configured to store hold history and be used for historical analysis. In some embodiments, the local processor is configured to connect to the remote server to facilitate access to real time data. In some embodiments, the remote server is configured to display historical and/or real time data from the local system in the event of a communication failure with the remote server, or if this implementation is more appropriate to the requirements of the retail store.

Figure 5 shows another exemplary system 340 configured to monitor retail stock levels which may be in turn monitored at an output device module 330 located remote from the local system 330. In this embodiment, shelf sensors 240a-c are each connected directly to a process module 300a-c respectively. In this embodiment, each processor module is configured to receive a sensor signal, interpret that signal accordingly and output such data to an exemplary gateway device 350. The gateway device 350 is configured to transmit multiple sensor data to a common server for further processing or data analysis.

Each processor 300a-c is configured to receive the sensor data, which is typically an analogue signal, digitize that signal and combine identifier data with the signal data. That combined data is then transmitted via a data bus 305 to a central location. In this way, each processor is able to be associated directly to a product on a retail shelf, and the sensor which outputs a signal indicative of the stock levels.

Each processor may further interface with one or more identification devices, such as RFID, NFC, BlueTooth, or other form of close proximity identification or data transmission devices. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each processor is configured to communication with one or more other retail devices, such as a smart phone or application specific device. In some embodiments, there is a retail device configured to receive data from a retail product, such as bar code data, and receive information from the processor 300a-c, and associate that data together. In this way, the retail product data and shelf sensor data can be correlated. A retail device may further facilitate fast and easy association of discrete processors and retail products within a retail environment where there may be many sensors and retail products requiring capture.

Other arrangements are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the retail device is configured to record product data from a retail product, such as a barcode, and further transmit data representing that captured retail product data to the physically associated sensor 300. In this way, the processor 300 is provided with a data association between the retail product and received force sensor signal. In such embodiments, the processor is configured to transmit data representing the sensor data and the retail product identification to a remote location, such as a central server 320, for further analysis and display on an exemplary output device 330.

Figure 6 shows another exemplary system whereby sensors 240a-c comprise a subsystem of sensors. The group of sensors 240 in the first subsystem-A 340a are grouped by way of a processor 300. The processor 300 may be configured to group the sensor signals by way of digitizing and multiplexing the sensor data, or by other methods including discretionary polling of sensor outputs as desired, or based on other circumstances such as a determination of a change in the sensor output (indicating a change in the quantity retail product on the display shelf) or similar.

The processor 300 is configured to send multiple sensor data to a remote server 320, for example, by use of a gateway. In some embodiments, the server is configured to receive sensor data from multiple sensor subsystems such as the depicted subsystems A-C, 340a-c. The processor may be further configured to associate the sensor data with one or more retail products, as may be stored on the local storage 310.

Each subsystem may represent a group of sensors in one geographical location, and geographical locations might be, for example, a group of sensor in one retail store and another group of sensors in another store, and/or a group of sensors in one location of a store, and another group of sensors in another location of the same store, or any combination of these options. In this way, a central server receives all stock information, thereby facilitating the remote monitoring of stock levels across multiple locations from a single location. In some embodiments, the remote server 320 is configured to output sensor data to an output device. In some embodiments, the output device is a monitor showing inventory, in other embodiments, the output device is an alert system configured to notify retailer of stock levels, and in particular if stock levels are in need of particular attention, or when restocking may be required. In a system such as this, the subsystems may be at one physical location or may be a network of installation sites that are geographically separate. In all cases the central cloud server has the capability to store and analyse data from all sites in one unified database.

In some embodiments, the processor 300 is configured to transmit at least one of sensor data, retail stock quantity and/or the alarm state parameter to the server when the alarm state is changed. In one exemplary embodiment, the processor is configured to transmit only an alarm notification to the server representing a determined stock quantity level has reached a minimum threshold. In this way, the alarm notification represents a restocking indicator.

Figure 7 shows an exemplary method of determining the quantity of items on a retail shelf. The steps of the exemplary method may be conducted by hardware, or software, or both. In some embodiments, the above described processor 300 or server module is configured to undertake the exemplary steps of the method.

The steps of the method include, obtaining sensor data from at least one of the sensors. Each sensor comprises a unique identifier and as such, the data derived from each sensor is associated with the sensor based on the unique identifier. The sensor output data may include information including the unique identifier, or the sensor data may be associated with the unique identifier based on, for example, a processor pin, or gateway address which the sensor may be connected to. The sensor data may be obtained, for example, by sampling an input pin of a microprocessor, or reading a gateway register, or similar. The sensor data is used to determine a measure of the number of items on the display shelf through the use of an expression provided above. Optionally, the quantity of retail items may be displayed on a monitor, or stored in a database for later recollection.

Figure 8 shows another exemplary method intended to alert a retailer, store worker or manufacturer, for example, of a change in stock level, or other functions such as a minimum stock level being reached. The steps include, obtaining sensor data from at least one of the sensors. As above, each sensor comprises a unique identifier and as such, the data derived from each sensor is associated with the sensor based on the unique identifier.

The sensor data, representing a force applied by retail items on the shelf is compared to a predetermined force. The unique identifier is used to associate the received sensor data with any predetermined force data which is also associated with the sensor. Alternatively, the sensor data is used to determine the number of retail items on the shelf, and the number of items if compared to a predetermined number of items.

The steps further include generation of an alert when any number of conditions are met. For example, one condition may be that a minimum number of retail items on a shelf has been reached. In another example, another condition is a minimum force on the sensor is being applied by the retail items on the shelf, indicating a minimum number of items remains present on the shelf. One outcome of the alert is that more retail products will be dispensed to the shelf. Numerous other conditions will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figures 9-12 show exemplary data derived from the product sensor and associated unique identifier data. In particular, shown are measures indicative of retail stock levels, retail product sales rates and other measures.

In particular, Figure 9 shows data representing lost sales. Lost sales data may be derived from detecting an out of stock condition, where the sensor indicates the retail shelf is deleted of a particular product, and a sales rate based on predetermined product sales data. The sales data can be derived from point of sale transaction data, or directly from the retail shelf stock level data. The latter is typically more useful, since any retail location may have stock, but that stock may not be displayed on the retail shelf in circumstances where it is instead residing in a stock room. Point of sale data therefore does not directly indicate whether a product is available for purchase by a consumer. When an output device 330 is configured to determine and display the lost sales data, a business can quantify lost sales data, and act accordingly to mitigate future lost sales.

Figure 10 shows exemplary data of retail stock quantities across several stores. A high level store summary included data indications of occasions where out of stock conditions have arisen. Additionally, rate of sale data derived from the shelf sensor can be used to estimate losses due to lost sales.

Figure 11 shows exemplary data derived from the stock quantity sensing system, including a near real time view of stock level, a range timer display which is based on historic rate of sale data and stock levels to predict when an out of stock condition might occur, and other information such as Last Decrease, Last Restock, and a rate of sale figure. In some embodiments, the system is configured to generate a pick list from the available data. The pick list contains stock types and quantities informative to a shop keeper to ensure adequate retail stock remains on the shelf and out of stock circumstances are substantially mitigated.

Figure 12 shows exemplary data of near real-time stock levels. In particular, rate of sale behaviour can be visualised for any particular product. Out of stock times are able to be predicted based on the rate of sale data, and new inventory prepared and shipped to a store in advance of an out of stock condition arising. In this way, loss of sales revenue is mitigated or avoided.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the skilled reader from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may reside in any combination of features described herein, or may reside in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents to given features. Modifications and variations of the example embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departure of the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system configured to monitor retail stock inventory on a shelf, comprising: a sensor configured to output data representing a quantity of retail items on a sloping shelf, and at least one processor module, wherein the processor module is configured to: receive a signal from the sensor indicative of the quantity of retail items on the sloping shelf, associate the signal received from the sensor with a unique item identifier; determine the quantity of retail items on the shelf of the retail store based on the received sensor data and the unique identifier; and output the determined quantity of retail items to an inventory management system.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is a displacement sensor configured to output data representing a sensor displacement caused by retail items at a lower region of the sloped retail shelf.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a force sensor configured to output data caused by retail items at a lower region of the sloped retail shelf, wherein the force of the retail items is determined by: product mass x gravitational constant x sine(Shelf Angle).

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to engage with a pivotable lever arm at a distance d2 from the pivot, and the retail items are configured to engage with the lever arm at a distance d1 from the pivot, and the total mass of retail items is determined by:

(F2 x d1)/(gravitational constant x sine(shelf angle) x d2).

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processor module is further configured to store a lookup table operable to map the quantity of retail items on the sloping shelf to sensor data provided from the sensor.

6. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor module is configured to associate the signal received from the sensor with the unique identifier based on a unique processor hardware address.

7. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor module is further configured to store an alarm state parameter representing a low stock item threshold, and output the alarm state parameter based on a determined quantity of stock items on the shelf and the threshold.

8. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inventory system is configured to output an alarm based on comparing the received determined quantity to a threshold.

9. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inventory system is configured to output a restocking pick list based on comparing the received determined quantity to a threshold.

10. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, each sensor configured to represent different retail stock items, and the processor module is further configured to associate a unique item identifier with each signal received from each sensor.

11. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the system comprises a plurality of retail stores, and the processor module comprises a plurality of processor modules with at least one processor module located at each of the retail stores, and the inventory system comprises receiving retail item data from each of the processor modules in each of the stores.

12. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the sensor is configured to output the unique identifier with the signal.

13. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the processor module is configured to assign the unique identifier to the sensor signal based.

14. A method of determining the quantity of retail items on a sloping shelf in a retail system, the retail system comprising a sensor configured to output data representing a quantity of retail items on a sloping shelf, and at least one processor module, wherein the processor module is configured to undertake the steps of: receiving a signal from the sensor indicative of the quantity of retail items on the sloping shelf, associating the signal received from the sensor with a unique item identifier; determining the quantity of retail items on the shelf of the retail store based on the received sensor data and the unique identifier; and outputting the determined quantity of retail items to an inventory management system.