Methods for assigning traceability information to and retrieving traceability information from a store shelf
US8210430B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/087
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A shelf code in a machine readable format, such as on a QR code on a printed card, is provided where bulk merchandise displayed in a bin. When the bin is stocked from a case bearing a case code, the case code is associated with the shelf code. Lot-specific and lot-independent information previously associated with the case code is then linked to the shelf code. Consumers scan the shelf code with a mobile device to establish a communication channel to access the linked information. Retailers and producers use the channel to reach the consumer, and to solicit feedback from the consumer at a known time and location. A mobile device can also be used to associate quality assessments of merchandise to the shelf code. Analysis of consumer ratings and quality inspection assessments that are tied to time and location can provide valuable insights to both producers and retailers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.