Retail shelf supply monitoring system
US8260456B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47F1/126
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.