Retail shelf supply monitoring system
US8676377B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2032 |
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 shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. 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. 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.