Patent Application
20170147966
Retailers are known to allocate space to vendors and suppliers for display of inventory or product associated with the supplier. For example, suppliers, such as food vendors associated with manufacturers, distributors and/or produce companies may pay slotting fees to retailers, such as supermarkets, in order to have products displayed on retailer shelf space (e.g., supermarket shelf space). The suppliers may want to ensure that rented space allocated to the suppliers is properly stocked at all times. In instances in which the allocated shelf spaces are underutilized (e.g., empty or partially full), the suppliers may miss out on sales opportunities. The probability of customer defection to competing manufacturers may also increase with the decreased availability of items.
There are different ways that suppliers may prevent underutilization of allocated shelf space, increase customer acquisition and/or ensure higher levels of customer retention. However, these ways are often costly in terms of rented space and/or man hours. For example, the suppliers may increase the rented space to hold more inventory and/or increase the delivery frequency to ensure that the shelves are properly stocked.
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description is exemplary and explanatory only and is not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
Systems and/or methods described herein may provide an inventory management system. The inventory management system may include an inventory management server which may receive shelf inventory sensor data from one or more shelf inventory sensor devices via a wireless network. The shelf inventory sensor devices may be positioned to collect shelf inventory sensor data for shelf spaces and inventory stored on the shelves in a retail or distribution storage location. The shelf inventory sensor data may include camera images of the inventory, distance information for the inventory and shelf space, the types and numbers of items stored on each shelf, a location of the shelves, available space and the time that the items are viewed or monitored. The inventory management system may be used in warehouses, retail stores and any type of storage or display space within a confined area (e.g., supermarkets, home pantries, garage storage area, etc.).
The shelf inventory sensor devices may be grouped together in a shelf inventory monitoring strip or may be implemented as stand-alone devices. The shelf inventory sensor devices, whether grouped in shelf inventory monitoring strips of stand-alone, may be affixed to the shelves at a position to collect visual and other data (i.e., at a place, such as the top of the shelf overlooking the items, from which camera images and distance sensor data may be collected). Each of the shelf inventory sensor devices may include distance sensors, cameras and an associated shelf inventory controller that may connect to the inventory management server via the wireless network. A shelf inventory controller may be incorporated in each shelf inventory sensor device or may serve a single shelf inventory strip or multiple shelf inventory strips, which may be connected wirelessly or via a wired connection.
The shelf inventory sensor devices may obtain information regarding the current stock on each shelf The information may include shelf inventory sensor data, such as video (and/or still) images of monitored items, a store's location, a location of the shelf within the store's floor plan, identification of particular items, the number of each set of items, available shelf space, a duration that items have been stored at the location, etc. The shelf inventory controller may notify inventory managers (e.g., supermarket's vendors/suppliers) of low inventory on the allocated shelf spaces.
The inventory management server may support a dashboard application that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) on devices associated with suppliers. The dashboard application may enable suppliers to monitor inventory via the shelf inventory sensor devices. The inventory management server may process the shelf inventory sensor data and notify the suppliers systems (e.g., food manufacturers' systems) and the dashboard application of particular variances in the data. In some implementations, inventory management server may facilitate interaction between the dashboard application and the supplier's systems, for example to schedule and route shipments, and coordinate production and/or replenishment of stock. Inventory management server may provide business analytics of product demand via the dashboard application to devices associated with inventory suppliers.
As described herein, each shelf inventory sensor device 102 may include a device that monitors inventory stored on shelves (or other confined storage areas, such as a bin, compartment, etc.) via cameras and a digital sensor, such as described with respect to
A group of shelf inventory sensor devices 102 may be arranged in a shelf inventory monitoring strip 104 that may be positioned in relation to the monitored inventory items 108. The shelf inventory sensor devices 102 may be arranged at different positions on shelves relative to the monitored inventory items 108, such as on the ceiling of the shelf above the items 108, at the outside border of the shelf, or the back of the shelf. For example, the shelf inventory sensor devices 102 may be distributed evenly in a linear manner along the shelf inventory monitoring strip 104 or multiple parallel groups of shelf inventory sensor devices 102 (without a shelf inventory monitoring strip 104) may be placed on each shelf. Shelf inventory sensor devices 102 on a particular shelf inventory monitoring strip 104 may share an electrical supply and/or communication line (e.g., wired together as a single multi-sensor device). A group of shelf inventory sensor devices 102 may be attached to (or include) a shelf controller 106 that reads shelf inventory sensor data from the shelf inventory sensor devices 102 (i.e., distance sensors and cameras) and transmits the shelf inventory sensor data via the wireless network 130/140 to inventory management server 110 and/or user devices 120.
Inventory management server 110 may collect (e.g., request and/or receive) shelf inventory sensor data from shelf inventory sensor devices 102. Inventory management server 110 may allow the inventory suppliers to monitor inventory and generate and access business analytics of inventory rate of sales and demand via user devices 120, such as described herein below with respect to
User device 120 may provide a graphical user interface (GUI) in which a dashboard for inventory monitoring and management, supported by a dashboard application, may be displayed. The dashboard application may provide a capability for an inventory supplier to monitor and analyze inventory via inventory management server 110 and/or shelf inventory sensor devices 102, such as described below with respect to
User device 120 may include a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer (e.g., a smart watch), or other types of computation or communication devices. In an exemplary implementation, user device 120 may include any device that is capable of communicating over networks 130/140 and displaying a GUI that includes inventory management information to an end user.
Private network 130 may include, for example, one or more private IP networks that use a private Internet protocol (IP) address space. Private network 130 may include a local area network (LAN), an intranet, a private wide area network (WAN), etc. In one implementation, private network 130 may implement one or more Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for providing communication between, for example, any of shelf inventory sensor devices 102, inventory management server 110 and user device 120. Private network 130 may be protected/separated from other networks, such as public network 140, by a firewall. Although shown as a single element in
Public network 140 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), such as a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, a private WAN, or a combination of the Internet and a private WAN, etc. that is used to transport data. Although shown as a single element in
In implementations described herein, a system for managing inventory may be implemented based on shelf inventory sensor devices, inventory management servers, and user devices associated with inventory suppliers. The system may monitor inventory on retail and storage shelves and allow the inventory suppliers to analyze inventory movement, distribution and sales and to maximize the utilization of allocated retail spaces (e.g., rented supermarket shelves) based on supplier defined goals, such as immediate inventory turnover, introduction of new products, customer loyalty, etc. The inventory management system may allow inventory suppliers to properly restock products to avoid missed sales opportunities and reduce distribution cost.
Bus 210 may include a path that permits communication among the components of system 100. Processor 220 may include any type of single-core processor, multi-core processor, microprocessor, latch-based processor, and/or processing logic (or families of processors, microprocessors, and/or processing logics) that interprets and executes instructions. In other embodiments, processor 220 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or another type of integrated circuit or processing logic.
Memory 230 may include any type of dynamic storage device that may store information and/or instructions, for execution by processor 220, and/or any type of non-volatile storage device that may store information for use by processor 220. For example, memory 230 may include a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device, a read-only memory (ROM) device or another type of static storage device, a content addressable memory (CAM), a magnetic and/or optical recording memory device and its corresponding drive (e.g., a hard disk drive, optical drive, etc.), and/or a removable form of memory, such as a flash memory.
Although input device 240 and output device 250 are shown, the input and output of system 100 may be through any device/API/protocol communication/or protocol enhancement.
Input device 240 may allow an operator to input information into system 100. Input device 240 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a microphone, a remote control, an audio capture device, an image and/or video capture device, a touch-screen display, and/or another type of input device. In some embodiments, system 100 may be managed remotely and may not include input device 240. In other words, system 100 may be “headless” and may not include a keyboard, for example.
Output device 250 may output information to an operator of system 100. Output device 250 may include a display, a printer, a speaker, and/or another type of output device. For example, device 200 may include a display, which may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD) for displaying content to the operator. In some embodiments, system 100 may be managed remotely and may not include output device 250. In other words, device 200 may be “headless” and may not include a display, for example.
Communication interface 260 may include a transceiver that enables system 100 to communicate with other devices and/or systems via wireless communications (e.g., radio frequency, infrared, and/or visual optics, etc.), wired communications (e.g., conductive wire, twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, transmission line, fiber optic cable, and/or waveguide, etc.), or a combination of wireless and wired communications. Communication interface 260 may include a transmitter that converts baseband signals to radio frequency (RF) signals and/or a receiver that converts RF signals to baseband signals. Communication interface 260 may be coupled to an antenna for transmitting and receiving RF signals.
As described herein, device 200 may perform certain operations in response to processor 220 executing machine-readable instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory 230. A computer-readable medium may be defined as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device may include space within a single physical memory device or spread across multiple physical memory devices. The machine-readable instructions may be read into memory 230 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 260. The machine-readable instructions contained in memory 230 may cause processor 220 to perform processes described herein. Alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with machine-readable instructions to implement processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.
Shelf inventory sensor device 102 may include distance sensing components (e.g., machine readable instructions and/or physical components, such as an infrared (IR) distance detector) and camera components (e.g., a digital camera) that are assembled in a manner to allow monitoring of inventory on a shelf. Shelf inventory sensor device 102 may include a casing that may be affixed (or fastened/positioned) with a shelf inventory monitoring strip 140 (or individually) on the shelf at a position to monitor shelf inventory.
Camera control module 310 may control cameras (e.g., digital video cameras) that may be used to obtain visual information of inventory stored on each shelf. Camera control module 310 may include machine readable instructions that allow lens adjustment and (in some instances) control of servomotors that may allow repositioning of the camera, the lens within the camera housing, and/or the entire shelf inventory sensor device 102 along a shelf inventory monitoring strip 104 (e.g., via an associated servomotor).
Distance sensor module 320 may monitor distances within the shelf area including a distance between the shelf inventory sensor device 102 and inventory items 108. Distance sensor module 320 may read distance sensor information and compile the distance sensor information with pictures of the shelf collected by camera control module 310. Distance sensor module 320 may include a proximity sensor such as a thermal, infrared, sonar, or other sensor. Distance sensor module 320 may, in conjunction with camera control module 310 and inventory management server 110, determine available space within the shelf area. The available space may be measured based on volumes within which additional items may be positioned (e.g., in square inches or square centimeters, etc.).
Shelf inventory controller module 330 may include machine-readable instructions that control a single shelf inventory sensor device 102 or alternatively a group of shelf inventory sensor devices 102 (e.g., a group of shelf inventory sensor devices 102 that are arranged in a shelf inventory monitoring strip(s) 104 on a particular shelf (or particular shelves)). Shelf inventory controller module 330 may communicate with inventory management server 110 to receive instructions and transmit collected shelf inventory sensor data. Shelf inventory controller module 330 may receive camera images collected by camera control module 310. Shelf inventory controller module 330 may collect pictures of the shelf and use a wireless network 130/140 to upload the pictures to the inventory management server. Shelf inventory controller module 330 may collect distance sensor data (e.g., vertical and horizontal distances) for spatial analysis that may be used by inventory management server 110 to determine cubic areas within the shelf area.
Shelf inventory controller module 330 may compile the information from the sensors and cameras into shelf inventory sensor data and use the network(s) 130/140 to transmit the shelf inventory sensor data to inventory management server 110 and user devices 120 associated with suppliers (e.g., over a cloud based infrastructure). Shelf inventory controller module 330 may perform image analysis, such as item recognition, prior to sending the camera image data to inventory management server 110.
According to an embodiment, shelf inventory sensor device 102 (or shelf inventory monitoring strip 104) may include a visual indicator or display, such as a light emitting diode (LED). Shelf inventory controller module 330 may provide a visual indication based on thresholds or communication from user devices 120 and/or inventory management server 110. For example, an LED may blink in response to inventory levels decreasing below a predetermined threshold or based on a signal from a user device 110 associated with a supplier (e.g., in instances in which supplier personnel are delivering items).
Inventory management server 110 may be located in a provider network (e.g., private network 130) and may interact with user device 120 and shelf inventory sensor devices 102 via a wireless network 140. Inventory management server 110 may store and analyze the shelf inventory sensor data (including pictures and distance sensor information) to determine the types, numbers and percentage of inventory on each shelf relative to other items and/or total volume.
Monitor module 410 may perform real-time monitoring of inventory storage shelves (e.g., supermarket shelves) and stored items or products, such as described herein below with respect to
Analytics module 420 may perform trend analysis of product availability to optimize distribution cost and rented shelf space, such as described herein below with respect to
Dashboard module 430 may support inventory management on user devices 120 via a dashboard application, such as described herein below with respect to
Camera control logic 510 may control camera functions in shelf inventory sensor devices 102. Camera control logic 510 may adjust images, pan different views and provide instructions for servomotors to direct the positioning and/or orientation of cameras. Camera control logic 510 may coordinate with user devices 120 and shelf inventory sensor devices 102 to allow suppliers to monitor supermarket shelves visually in real time throughout locations in the networks 130/140.
Distance sensor logic 520 may analyze a distance between the objects and shelf space available. Distance sensor logic 520 may also identify the density of packing of objects (e.g., stacks of cans). Distance sensor logic 520 may control an angle at which the distance sensors are oriented. Distance sensor logic 520 may read distances and coordinate mapping information (e.g., based on a blue print or floor plan) for the allocated space.
Product identification logic 530 may identify particular products based on information such as bar codes or other visual indicia of a product, such as product labeling.
Product identification logic 530 may also identify products based on a size of a product in instances in which the product is obscured by other products (e.g., an inference of a number of cans on the inside of a stack of cans). In these instances, product identification logic 530 may indicate that the number of a particular product is estimated based on the arrangement. In a particular embodiment, product identification logic 530 may review a number of items in instances in which the inventory items 108 are placed on the shelf (e.g., during a stocking process).
Product identification logic 530 may uniquely track each item and determine a duration that each item has been on the shelf. Product identification logic 530 may track items based on real time monitoring and archived footage of the item. Product identification logic 530 may determine with a specific time that a particular item has been on a shelf. Additionally, product identification logic 530 may include a motion sensor and alert camera control logic 510 (if these functions are dormant or at a reduced capacity) and distance sensor logic 520 to collect data in instances in which the items are moved (e.g., at a restocking event).
Inventory alert logic 540 may process shelf inventory sensor data and notify the food manufacturers' systems (and user devices 120) in instances in which a condition for sending a notification is met. For example, inventory alert logic 540 may notify user devices 120 or the manufacturer systems about the inventory level on the shelves when the inventory level for a particular item falls beneath a predetermined threshold. Inventory alert logic 540 may also send alerts in the instance of a restocking event. Additionally, inventory alert logic 540 may send a notification when the utilized volume of the shelf falls below another predetermined threshold.
Sales data logic 610 may receive sales information from sources associated with retailers, vendors or suppliers, such as cash registers and other point of sale systems and aggregated sales information (e.g., from sales reports and external systems). Sales data logic 610 may compile sales data from external sources (e.g., similar products) and normalize the variables for particular settings (e.g., adjusting for a demographic mix at a particular location, promotional periods, etc.).
Inventory trend logic 620 may generate trend analysis of product availability over a designated time period (e.g., weekly, daily, hourly, etc.) to optimize distribution cost and rented shelf space. Inventory trend logic 620 may enable suppliers to properly restock their products to avoid missed sales opportunities, improve customer retention and reduce distribution cost. Inventory trend logic 620 may perform trend analysis across different demographics and different stores and based on different areas (in the store) in which the shelves are located.
Inventory analysis logic 630 may determine an optimum frequency of delivery and mix of products to maximize particular goals, such as current profit, product or brand penetration, etc. Inventory analysis logic 630 may analyze the movement of inventory based on current inventory movement (e.g., products moved from the shelf in a particular time frame), sales data (such as compiled by sales data logic 610), and historical inventory data. Inventory analysis logic 630 may determine volume of stock and turnover and optimum mix of stock across shelves and incorporate profitability trend analysis. Inventory analysis logic 630 may also perform security functions by comparing stock depletion against sales records.
Inventory analysis logic 630 may provide business analytics to the manufacturers to identify trends and optimize delivery and rented space. Inventory analysis logic 630 may also perform analysis of inventory based on seasonal trends, sales promotions, production, warehouse storage, shipping and other factors outside of retail store activity. For example, inventory analysis logic 630 may perform analytics on marketing initiatives, such as different labeling, etc. inventory analysis logic 630 may determine the relative effectiveness of different packaging, labeling, positioning, etc.
GUI generation logic 710 may include instructions to generate a dashboard in the GUI of user devices 120 associated with suppliers and provide visual components that are used in the dashboard. GUI generation logic 710 may provide multiple items in the dashboard showing product availability that may be accessible through web interfaces and mobile devices (such as user devices 120) authenticated and authorized in association with the supplier. GUI generation logic 710 may provide a capability for user devices 120 to download machine-readable instructions associated with the dashboard application from a service provider network (e.g., via uniform resource locator (URL) or hyperlink, etc.) or inventory management server 110.
Live inventory view logic 720 may coordinate with shelf inventory sensor devices 102 to provide real time pictures of the inventory on shelves to compare with the availability reported by other systems associated with the supplier. Live inventory view logic 720 may display live streams from shelf inventory sensor devices 102 in the dashboard of user devices 120. Live inventory view logic 720 may utilize current truck and shipping schedules to provide projected inventory levels in the dashboard.
Inventory control tools logic 730 may provide tools to analyze inventory and control movement of inventory. Inventory control tools logic 730 may provide a capability to coordinate inventory movement with supplier logistics systems. Inventory control tools logic 730 may transmit instructions to inventory supplier logistics handlers and delivery trucks to coordinate distribution across multiple sales locations over extended times. Inventory control tools logic 730 may determine optimum number of units to be shipped for each product based on analysis and shipping quantities. Inventory control tools logic 730 may also display billing information for the inventory analysis system from the service provider to the supplier.
As shown in
Inventory management server 110 may allow a supplier to visually monitor the inventory by sending video camera data to user devices 120 associated with the supplier for the inventory. Inventory management server 110 may allow the supplier to select between views from different shelf inventory sensor devices 102, and, in some instances, to view and compare stored footage (or statistics) from the shelf inventory sensor devices 102 at different times.
Inventory management server 110 may receive distance sensor data from shelf inventory sensor devices 102 (block 820). For example, inventory management server 110 may receive distance sensor data from distance sensors in each shelf inventory sensor device 102. inventory management server 110 may determine distance between items and the distance sensor and distances between items on the shelf and across the shelf
At block 830, inventory management server 110 may determine items 108 stored on the shelves. For example, inventory management server 110 may access information identifying each of the items stored on the shelves. Inventory management server 110 may compare the images from the shelf inventory sensor devices 102 with a database of information that identifies the items, such as bar codes, images, etc.
At block 840, inventory management server 110 may identify a number of items based on the images viewed from shelf inventory sensor devices 102. For example, inventory management server 110 may analyze a number of items 108 that include particular bar codes. inventory management server 110 may perform spatial analysis based on images to determine (or estimate) a number of items within groups of items 108. The spatial analysis may also be utilized to determine available space for items based on the shapes of prospective items that may be stored in the open space (e.g., based on vertical and horizontal measurement of the space and the object to be stored).
Inventory management server 110 may identify a current used volume of the shelf based on shelf inventory sensor data from the shelf inventory sensor devices 102 (block 850). For example, inventory management server 110 may determine the current used volume based on camera images and distance sensor data. Inventory management server 110 may also determine the total volume of the shelf area.
At block 860, inventory management server 110 may identify instances in which the utilized volume of the shelf area is (or decreases) beneath a threshold volume. For example, inventory management server 110 may receive a value indicating a threshold percentage of the shelf area or minimum occupied shelf area (e.g., input by a supplier via a user device 120, predetermined, etc.). Inventory management server 110 may compare the current utilized shelf area versus the value or predetermined threshold and provide an alert to user devices 120 associated with the supplier in instances in which the volume is beneath the threshold.
Inventory management server 110 may send a notification to user device 120 associated with the supplier of inventory items 108 in instances in which a volume of a particular item (or group of items) falls beneath a threshold. Inventory management server 110 may also provide alerts when items stored at the shelf spaces are not associated with the supplier (e.g., in instances in which a competitor's product is stored in the shelf space).
Inventory management server 110 may perform analysis of inventory distribution and shelf utilization (block 870). For example, identify support analysis of inventory items 108 on user devices 120. Inventory management server 110 may support analysis by the supplier of inventory movement based on historical values and computations of profitability across multiple locations and product types.
Systems and/or methods described herein may allow monitoring of inventory on retail and storage shelves and allow the inventory suppliers to analyze inventory movement, distribution and sales and to maximize the utilization of allocated retail spaces.
In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. For example, while series of blocks have been described with respect to
It will be apparent that different aspects of the description provided above may be implemented in many different forms of machine-readable instructions, firmware, and hardware in the implementations illustrated in the figures. The actual machine-readable instructions or specialized control hardware used to implement these aspects is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of these aspects were described without reference to the specific machine-readable instructions—it being understood that machine-readable instructions and control hardware can be designed to implement these aspects based on the description herein.
Further, certain portions of the invention may be implemented as a “component” or “system” that performs one or more functions. These components/systems may include hardware, such as a processor, an ASIC, or a FPGA, or a combination of hardware and machine-readable instructions.
Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one other claim, the disclosure of the invention includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.
No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” and “one of” is intended to include one or more items. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.
