TW201246092A - On-shelf tracking (OST) system - Google Patents

Abstract

A system to be installed on a merchandising unit having one or more inventory zones, one or more units of product, one or more product sensors, a mounting structure, and an electromagnetic signal processor. The one or more inventory zones can present the one or more units of product in several different arrangements. The one or more product sensors, each at least associated operatively with one of the one or more inventory zones, converts a sensed quantity of the one or more units of product into a respective analog electromagnetic signal. The mounting structure secures the one or more product sensors to the merchandising unit relative to the one or more units of product so that the one or more product sensors sense a quantity of the one or more units of product. The electromagnetic signal processor in communication with the one or more product sensors can sample output from the one or more product sensors periodically and converts the analog signal into a digital signal.

Description

201246092 VI. Description of the invention:

[Ming. 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 FIELD OF THE INVENTION This disclosure relates to systems for tracking the interaction of consumers with retail products on merchandise display fixtures in real time.

L·J Background In view of the intense competition, lower profit margins and increasing operating costs, consumer packaged goods (CPG) retailers and manufacturers are increasingly operating under increasing pressure. Manufacturers and retailers operate in a fixed retail space and attempt to maximize space productivity to maximize costs while controlling costs. Retailers attempt to maximize total revenue by properly configuring high-performance existing inventory storage units (SKUs) to properly configure new SKUs and eliminate less productive SKUs. This typically places high demands on available shelf space and creates significant competition in the shelf space of CPG retail stores. Retailers and manufacturers are committed to optimizing space productivity with effective data collection and analysis. Now 'CPG manufacturers and retailers use a variety of product tracking technologies, including collecting scanned data from retailer systems, and by suppliers such as Nielsen® or Information Resources, Inc. (IRI®) Integrated information. There are two restrictions on the use of only scanned data, namely (1) summary and (2) time. In summary, scanned data is usually available to stores such as 201246092. Used by grade or national chain grades (eg Kroger®, and Safeway®) to use the 'typically' data for daily, weekly or monthly use of these two limits, testing new products or commodity configurations must be large It is performed for a long time (for example, weeks or months) to accurately detect the effects of changes. These limitations result in significant costs (for example, for a particular "unit" in a test, typically testing a new product or new product configuration requires more than 20 stores for 2-3 months) and restrictions can be enforced The number of test units. As a result, many valuable trials that can be implemented are eliminated due to cost considerations, slowing down the entire learning process for retailers and manufacturers and resulting in low space utilization. In general, current product tracking solutions do not provide sufficient resolution or timeliness and are not consistent and non-intrusive in product projects. Known techniques are generally not capable of tracking the intermittent interaction of consumers with products placed on a retailer's shelf. Retailers can benefit from the ability to easily collect and analyze information about these interactions in real time so that they can optimize the retailer's product classification, product configuration, and retailer's billing rate for this shelf space. It is believed that there is currently no effective way for manufacturers to test new products on a small and fast scale before full implementation without introducing large logistics, supply chain, advertising and promotional costs. In addition, it is believed that retailers and manufacturers do not have an efficient way to effectively understand how different types of customers (eg, different ethnic groups and shopping habits) are affected by product and merchandise display choices. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problems mentioned above and other problems encountered before. 201246092 I: SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A system mounted on a merchandise display unit has one or more inventory areas, one or more product units, one or more product sensors, a shelf structure, and an electromagnetic Signal processor. The one or more inventory areas may exhibit the one or more product units in one or more configurations: the one or more product units are configured in a container in one or more deep geometric patterns, the one or more A plurality of product units are loosely disposed in a container, or (iii) the one or more product units are hung on a hook. The one or more product sensors each operatively associated with at least one of the one or more inventory areas, converting the sensed quantity of the one or more product units into a respective analog electromagnetic signal. The shelf structure secures the one or more product sensors to the merchandise display unit relative to the one or more product units such that the one or more product sensors sense the number of the one or more product units . An electromagnetic signal processor in communication with the one or more product sensors periodically samples the output of the one or more product sensors and converts the analog signal into a digital signal. In some embodiments, a self-calibration system is in communication with the electromagnetic signal processor to detect background variability of the analog electromagnetic signal and thereby establish an activity threshold for each of the one or more product sensors . The activity threshold is a configurable multiple of background variability and represents the sensitivity of the associated product sensor. In addition, in some embodiments, when the variability of the respective analog signals exceeds the activity threshold, a pickup event detection system determines that an inventory event has started in one of the one or more 201246092 inventory areas . In such an embodiment, the pick event detection system temporarily stops self-calibration during an inventory event. Moreover, the pick event detection system identifies one or more other product sensors that cause the inventory event to be signaled prior to completion of the inventory event. In addition, the pick event detection system determines that the inventory event is terminated when the variability of each of the analog analog signals is restored below the activity threshold of each of the contributing product sensors. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in the scope of the application and are protected by the scope of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The system can be more completely understood with reference to the following figures and descriptions. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but instead focus on the principles of the system. The same reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in all the different views. Figure 1A depicts an exemplary component of an on-track (OST) system. FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary component of another exemplary ΟS T system. Figure 1C depicts an exemplary sliding sensor mount that can be adjusted to accommodate product containers of various sizes. Figure 1D depicts a sliding sensor mount that is adapted to accommodate Figure 1C of an exemplary product container. Fig. 1E is a view showing the sliding sensor mount of Fig. 1C adjusted to accommodate the container of the exemplary product of Fig. 1D. Figure 1F shows a sliding sensor mount that is adapted to accommodate a plurality of product containers, including the first embodiment of Figure 6 201246092 product container. Figure 1G is a side elevational view of the sliding sensor mount of Figure 1C adjusted to accommodate a plurality of product containers, including the product container of Figure 1F. FIG. 1H is an exploded view of the sliding sensor mount of FIG. 1C. Figure II is a front perspective view of an exemplary product sensor mount having a raised edge portion of the display surface. Figure 2A shows an example of an OST system configuration. Figure 2B shows an example of another OST system configuration. Fig. 2C is a diagram showing an exemplary electromagnetic signal processor of the OST system configuration of Fig. 2B. FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary pickup sensor placement system (also referred to as a product sensor placement system) having a pickup sensor (also referred to as a product sensor) and electromagnetic signal processing of FIG. 2C The connection between the devices. The left side of Fig. 2E shows a front view of the pickup sensor mounting system of Fig. 2D, and the right side shows a side view of the pickup sensor mounting system of Fig. 2D. Figure 2F illustrates an exemplary sensor that can be combined with an exemplary OST system, such as the ΟS T system of Figures 1A and 1B, to detect events depending on sound waves or light waves. Figure 2G depicts a side view of an exemplary spring loaded pick-up sensor for flat and lightweight items. Figure 2 shows the operation of a program management system that indicates the transition of the test unit. Figure 21 is a diagram depicting a pattern of electromagnetic signals generated by an inventory event versus a signal depicting the noise generated by the noise. 201246092 Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary method for determining when an inventory area event occurs. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary method for specifying an inventory area. Figure 5 depicts a demonstration inventory area event. Figure 6 shows an exemplary event log. Figure 7 illustrates various examples of inventory areas implemented in various sensor configurations. Figure 8 illustrates an example of an inventory area in which a sensor circuit set is arranged in a hexagonal array. Figure 9 illustrates an example of an inventory area having a sensor circuit set configured as a square or rectangular array. Figure 10 depicts an example of an inventory area without sensor circuitry disposed at the corner of each shelf layer. Figure 11 illustrates an example of an inventory area of a sensory person having a product display fixture. Figure 12 illustrates an example of an inventory area of a sensor circuit having a hook mount disposed on a wall. Figure 13 shows an example of an 'inventory area' of a sensor circuit placed below a mounting block. C embodiment; J. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Tracking on a shelf when a retail carton is placed on a sensor array mounted on or in close proximity to a retail display stand of a merchandise display fixture The (OST) system tracks activities related to consumers' individual retail product list 201246092 in the retail carton. The various product sensors of the OST system provide a means of determining when a consumer interacts with a retail product unit placed on a retailer's shelf, a description of the interaction, and information about the interaction as an event Stored in an event for later retrieval and analysis. The retail product unit is the minimum increase in retail products offered by a retailer (for example, 15 packs of Wrigley® Five Rain Chewing Gum). Retail cartons, also known as product containers, accommodate a standard number and configuration of retail product units (for example, 10 boxes (retail units) of Wrigley® Five Rain Chewing Gum). Commodity display fixtures present retail products to consumers in an attractive way. Demonstration merchandise display fixtures include a checkout bin, a hook, an aisle shelf, and a temporary cardboard display. In some embodiments, the product sensor converts the amount of product in the retail carton into a proportional electromagnetic property. Exemplary product sensors that may be implemented separately or in various combinations include a pressure sensing resistor (FSR) sensor disposed under a retail carton, an ultrasonic probe placed on a retail carton a capacitive sensor under a retail carton, an optical sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD) camera, and an image analyzer, or now known or later developed in a retail carton The number of products is converted into any other type of sensor that is proportional to the electromagnetic properties or digital signals. These sensors can be used alone or in multiples or in combination with one another, and in combination with other sensors known in the art. Moreover, in some embodiments, the 0ST system includes a racking system and merchandise display fixtures for physically placing the product sensor securely on the merchandise display fixture associated with the retail carton to enable 0ST Production of the system 201246092. The repeatability and reproducibility of the measurement are maximized. The racking system can also include a spacer attached to the FSR, a hook fulcrum, and/or any other now known having a two-dimensional array of sensors or allowing the sensor to be in contact with or in proximity to the product. A flexible pad configured in a sensor body that is developed in the future. An inventory area refers to contacting or approaching a retail carton with a retail carton (eg, a tray that is implemented to include one or more sensory benefits, or a flexible pad having a two-dimensional array of sensors). And a set of product sensors assigned to the retail carton. The OST system includes a proximity sensor that detects the presence of actual and potential consumers within the configurable proximity of the merchandise display unit. The proximity sensor can be implemented as one or more ultrasonic distance sensors, infrared motion sensors, or any other set of proximity sensors now known or developed in the future, one of which detects one of the merchandise display units configurable The existence of actual and potential consumers in the vicinity. The sensor network transmits and/or transfers signals from the sensor to an electromagnetic signal processor, such as an analog to digital converter. The sensor network can be implemented by cabling or over a wireless network, or any other network now known or developed in the future. The 0ST system can include one or more sensor signal multiplexer/demultiplexers that assist in transmitting and/or transferring signals from a plurality of sensors to an electromagnetic signal processor through a minimum number of wires and bandwidths, Such as Texas

Instruments (Texas Instruments) 8cd74HC4〇5 1-EP analog multiplexer / solution multiplexer. The electromagnetic signal processor converts the electromagnetic signal output by the sensor into a digitizable property (eg, voltage, current, or frequency). The electromagnetic signal processor can be implemented as an analog-to-digital converter, a frequency encoder/decoder, a digital nickname processor, or any other now known or later developed 10 201246092 capable of placing an electromagnetic and/or optical A signal (eg, obtained from a CCD camera that implements an image analyzer) is converted to another analog or digital signal. The OST system can also include a data acquisition system, a proximity signal processing, a data recording system, a memory, a processor, and an OST system command stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The data acquisition system converts the digitizable properties or signals output by the sensor into digital signals and then ultimately converts them into readable data. A microcontroller or computer can be used to implement the data acquisition system. The proximity signal processor converts a signal corresponding to an object close to the ost system (hereinafter referred to as a proximity signal) into a digital signal, and this function can be implemented using a microcontroller or a computer. The data logging system converts the digital signal into an active log and can be implemented using a computer or microcontroller. The processor of the OST system performs a data processing operation that generates an activity log. The processor of the OST system can be implemented using a computer and/or microcontroller. The OST system instructions specify the operations that the processor can perform. As an example, OST system instructions may include code segments that exist in C or any other programming language, DAQFactory 8, LabView®, MATLAB®, or microcontroller code. The 0ST system includes calibration data for each sensor, sensor assignments for the inventory area, and product-configurable configurable parameters. The activity log generated by the 〇ST system provides a permanent product and proximity event record for the merchandise display fixture shelf. The activity log can be stored on a removable SD card and/or stored in the memory of the data recording system and can be periodically transmitted and/or downloaded via WiFi or a wired LAN connection. Optionally, the 0ST system can include a consumer camera, a 201246092 cashier belt camera, an image analyzer, a retail activation system, and/or a coupon printer, either alone or in any A combination method. A consumer camera (e.g., a 10-megapixel CCD camera) produces a photo of a consumer interacting with a merchandise display unit. A cashier belt camera (e.g., a 10-megapixel CCD camera) produces a photo of the consumer's total collection of purchases. The image analyzer produces biometric recognition from consumer camera data, which can include gender, age, height, and weight. The image analyzer can also automatically detect some or all of the items purchased by the customer by the cashier belt camera. The retail activation system provides a sensory blend in response to consumer presence or interaction with the display shelf of the merchandise display fixture. The coupon printer prints coupons as required by the interactive system on the shelf. FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary component of an exemplary on-rack tracking (OST) system inventory area implementation 100. When the retail carton 104 is placed on a sensor inventory area (eg, 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d, 106e), an on-site tracking (OST) system tracks and retail products in a retail carton 104 The consumer activity associated with the unit (e.g., unit 102a, unit 102b) is mounted on a retail display shelf 108 on one of the merchandise display fixtures 110. The 0ST system includes a racking system (including portions, for example, portions 114a, 114b) for securely positioning product sensors (eg, 112a and 112b) relative to the retail carton 104 to the merchandise display fixture 110 114c) and the merchandise display fixture 110 to maximize the repeatability and reproducibility of the product measurement of the OST system. The racking system can be implemented, for example, as a custom-fitted edge of the retail carton 104, having FSRs with a spacer attached to the top, a hook fulcrum, and/or a 12-flex pad with a hexagonal sensor array. 201246092 metal tray. Inventory area (eg, l〇6a, l〇6b, l〇6c, l〇6d, 106e) refers to a set of product sensors assigned to a retail carton (eg, implemented to have a sense of rectangle) A flexible pad of the detector array). The ST system uses a product sensor to provide a description of how the consumer interacts with a retail product unit placed on the retail shelf 108, and stores the information about the interaction as an event. The event is for later retrieval and analysis. The retail product unit is the smallest increment of retail product offered by a retailer (for example, 15 packs of Wrigley® Five Rain Chewing Gum). The retail carton 1〇4, also known as the product container, contains a standard number and configuration of retail product units (for example, 1 box of Wrigley® Five Rain gum). Commodity display fixtures show retail products to consumers in an appealing way. The demonstration merchandise display fixture includes a checkout shelf, a hook, an aisle shelf, and a temporary cardboard display and a beverage container. The product sensor converts the number of products in the retail carton 1 〇 4 into a proportional electromagnetic property. Exemplary product sensors that can be implemented individually or in various combinations include a pressure sensing resistor (FSR) sensor disposed under a retail carton, an ultrasonic probe disposed on a retail carton, A capacitive sensor under a retail carton, a CCD camera and image analyzer, or now known or later developed to convert the number of products in a retail carton into a proportional electromagnetic property Any other type of sensor. 1B illustrates an exemplary assembly 150 of another exemplary 5j5T system that can be implemented to adjust spacers, such as M6a and 166b, to secure products, such as 152a and 152b, and product containers, such as 154. These components can be mounted on a merchandise display unit by An 13 201246092 and can assist in the design of one or more inventory areas, such as areas 156A, 156B, 156C, 156D and 156E, wherein in the inventory area, the stock area is as follows: A plurality of configurations to display one or more product units: the one or more product units are disposed in a container in one or more deep geometric patterns, and/or the one or more product units are loosely disposed In a container. Product sensors, such as 162a and 162b, are also depicted, each product sensor being operatively associated with at least one of the one or more inventory areas, and the one or more products to be sensed The number of cells is converted into a separate analog electromagnetic signal. Generally depicted is a shelf structure 160 that secures one or more product sensors to a merchandise display unit relative to the one or more product units such that the one or more product sensors sense Measure the number of one or more product units. Also depicted is a shelf 158 that supports the shelf structure of the above components. Further depicted are actuators, or components that direct the weight of the product at predetermined points of the product sensor, such as actuators 164a and 164b.

Referring to Figures 1C-1G, and as set forth above, the shelf structure can be modular, and positioning the one or more product sensors or corresponding circuits includes the one or more product sensors or The corresponding circuit is disposed in the spacer or in a parallel strip adjacent to the spacer. The divider significantly increases measurement accuracy by maintaining the load in a fixed position relative to the product sensor. Without the divider, the product will move laterally relative to the product sensor due to normal consumer activity, and this will result in a large amount of misreading. Moreover, the dividers may be part of a rack structure or rack structure, such as a portion of a rack system 170/180, such as a rack, frame, or rail, such as the rails of the 172/188C 14 t 201246092. / or L separator, such as L separator 176a / 188a and T separator 176b / 188b. The one or more product sensors, such as 173a, 173b, and 173c', are attached to one of the upwardly facing surfaces of the shelf structure or to the spacer to align the one or more sensors to contact the one or more sensors One or more product units, such as product units 184 and 186 or a container that houses the one or more product units, such as a fixed and reproducible position on the underside of one of the containers 182. Moreover, the 'rack structure can be adjusted to accommodate one or more product units of any width or containers containing such products. For example, Figure 1C depicts an exemplary sliding sensor mount/separator that can be adjusted to accommodate product containers of various sizes (where the double arrow depicts the direction in which the mount/spacer can be adjusted). The first block diagram illustrates adjustment/sliding (depicted by an arrow 185) to accommodate the sliding sensor mount/separator 188b of the product container 182. Figure 1E illustrates a sliding sensor mount that is adjusted to accommodate the first embodiment of the exemplary product container 182. Figure 1F illustrates a sliding sensor mount that is adapted to accommodate a plurality of product containers, including product container 182 and containers 182a and 182b. The first (} diagram depicts a side view of the sliding sensor mount that is adapted to accommodate a plurality of product containers, including the product container of Figure 1F. Moreover, the rack structure can include assistance in adjusting the rails A slide rail at the position of the upper or slat divider, in the absence of a hardware tool, the slide rail is also easily fixed to the rack structure or the self-rack structure is unwound. Moreover, the adjustment or separation The position of the piece can be easily accomplished without a hardware tool. Further, the slid can be configured to form a channel - wherein the channel can be made to fit any size of the shelf. Also, with the - or more The wires associated with the sensor may extend within the channel to conceal the wires. And 'the wires may terminate a connector on an edge of the shelf structure 15 201246092, which wires are thereby further wired to the electromagnetic signal In addition, the one or more product sensors can be secured to respective portions of the rails that allow adjustment of the respective positions of one of the one or more product sensors. Further, in order to improve the rails Modular, partitions can accommodate The ground is attached to or uncoupled from a corresponding portion of the track (see Figure 1H). Moreover, in some embodiments, the one or more product sensors may comprise piezoelectric One or more of a sensor, a pressure sensor, and a pressure sensing resistor. These types enable each type of sensor to concentrate the load of one or more product units to the one or more One of the product sensors is reinforced by one or more raised actuators on the load-sensitive portion. Such an actuator, for example, is depicted in the 1C-1G diagram, such as actuator 174a. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors can be configured to cover a complete area of one of the shelves of the merchandise display unit, and a respective one of each of the one or more sensors The circuit is one or more of the following circuit shapes: a honeycomb circuit shape, a square circuit shape, and a circular circuit shape. In such an embodiment, the shelf structure can be spread out to the merchandise display unit. One of the flexible printed circuit boards that displays the appropriate location on the face. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, a racking system 193 of the product sensors 196a and 196b can respectively position the sensors on the display surface edge projections 195a perpendicular to the display surfaces 19a and 194b and 195b. In such an embodiment, an angle of inclination of the display surface may exceed a configurable display surface tilt angle threshold. The threshold may be that the sensors 196a and 196b are sensed to be placed on the edge protrusion 16 201246092 out portion 195a And the required tilt of the product weight on 195b. Figure 2A illustrates an example of an OST system 200 configuration. In addition to the OST system configuration component described in Figure 1A, the OST system 200 also includes a proximity sensing. The proximity sensor 202 detects the presence of one of the merchandise display units configurable in the vicinity of the actual and potential consumers. The proximity sensor can be implemented as an ultrasonic distance sensor, an infrared motion sensor, or any other actual and potential consumer within a configurable proximity of one of the currently known or future developed inspection product display units. The presence of proximity sensors. A sensor network 206 transmits or transfers signals from a sensor to a sensor signal processor 208. The sensor network 206 can be implemented by wiring or through a wireless network, or any other sensor network now known or developed in the future. A sensor signal multiplexer and demultiplexer 210 assists in transmitting or transferring signals from a plurality of sensors (e.g., sensor 212) through a minimum number of wires and bandwidths. A Texas Instruments 8 CD74HC4051-EP analog multiplexer/demultiplexer can be used as the sensor signal multiplexer and demultiplexer 210. The sensor signal processor 208 converts the electromagnetic signal output by the sensor into a digitizable property or signal. The sensor signal processor 208 can be implemented as an operational amplifier, a frequency encoder, or a digital signal processor. The OST system 200, as shown in FIG. 2A, further includes a data acquisition system 210, a proximity signal processor 212, a data recording system 214, a memory 216, a processor 218, and an OST system executable by the processor 218. Instruction 220. Data acquisition system 210 converts the digitizable properties or signals into a digital signal. The data acquisition system 210 can be implemented using a type of comparison digital converter, a micro 201264492 controller or a computer. The proximity signal processor 212 converts a proximity signal (e.g., an ultrasonic signal, an infrared signal) into a digitizable signal and can be implemented using a type of analog to digital converter, microcontroller or computer. The data logging system 214 converts the digit signals into an activity log 226 and can be implemented using a computer or microcontroller. Processor 218 of OST system 200 performs a data processing operation that generates activity log 224. The processor 218 of the 〇ST system can be implemented using a computer or microcontroller. The 〇St system instruction 220 specifies the operations that the processor can perform. As an example, the 〇ST system command 220 can include a code segment' or a microcontroller code that exists in DAQDactory Express®, LabView®, MATLAB®. The ST system 200 includes configurable parameters 222 containing calibration data for each sensor, sensor designation, and product designation for the inventory area. The 0ST system 200 generates a permanent activity log 226 that provides a product display of the merchandise display fixture and adjacent event records. The activity log 224 can be stored on a removable SD card and/or stored in the memory of the data recording system and can be periodically transmitted and/or downloaded via WiFi. Optionally, the OT system 200 can include a consumer camera 230, a cashier conveyor camera 232, a video analyzer 234, a video display 248, an audio system 246, other multimedia components 244, and a coupon print. An on-board interactive system 240 of the machine 242. A consumer camera 230 (e.g., a 10-megapixel CCD camera) produces a photo of the consumer interacting with the merchandise display unit. The cashier belt camera 232 (e.g., a 10-megapixel CCD camera) produces a photo of the consumer's entire collection of purchases. The image analyzer 234 generates biometrics from the consumer camera data, including gender, age, height, weight, and mood, and automatically detects certain items purchased by the customer. The on-shelf interactive system 2 4G provides interactive advertising and promotions in response to the activities of the display racks of the merchandise display fixtures. The coupon printer prints the coupons on demand in response to the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the QSH2GG. Figure 2B depicts another example of a different ST system configuration, which may be independent or combined with Figure ST of Figure 1A. The figure (4) _ pickup sensor placement system 253 - or a plurality of product sensors 254 communication _ electromagnetic signal processing ϋ 255, which is carefully sampled - or the output of multiple product sensors (5) will - The analog signal is converted into a digital signal. Moreover, the self-calibration system 2S6 can communicate with the electromagnetic signal processor 255 to detect the background variability of the analog electromagnetic signal and thereby establish an activity threshold for each of the product sensing fats 4. The activity threshold is the background variability-configurable multiple and represents the sensitivity of the associated product sensor. - The pick event detection system 257 is also coupled to the processor 255, and when the variability of the respective analog signals exceeds the activity threshold, the pick event detection system 257 determines that the -inventory event is initiated in the one or more inventory areas The n-pick event detection system 257 can temporarily suspend the self-calibration in the inventory event, and can identify a signal that causes the inventory event to be signaled before the inventory event is completed - or a plurality of other product sensing flaws. In addition, 'in the respective analog electromagnetic signals When the variability of each of the responsiveness returns to below the activity threshold of each of the contributing product sensors, the picking event detection system 257 determines that the inventory event is also connected to the proximity sensor mounting system 251 - or A plurality of proximity sensors, the - or more proximity sensors 252 are operatively associated with - or a plurality of measurements of the presence of a person, a distance of a person from the sensor, and a two-dimensional coordinate of a person within the range And adjacent regions of any one of the movements of any of the movements. 201246092 The proximity sensor placement system 253 associated with the plurality of proximity sensors 254 is operatively associated with the one or more proximity Sensing The device is fixed to or near the merchandise display unit and aligned with the field of view of the one or more proximity sensors. A proximity event detection system is associated with such a sensor and is also coupled to the processor 255, the detection The system detects proximity events occurring when an electromagnetic 彳 § number output by one or more proximity sensors 254 exceeds a configurable threshold. A sensor identification and event classification system, such as a sensor identification and event The classification system 259 is coupled to a processor of a qst system, or as shown in FIG. 2B, 'connected to the pickup event detection system 257, which is configured to execute the program described below. First, the sensor identification and event The classification system may determine one or more inventory event metrics from analog electromagnetic signals, digital signals, or derivatives thereof, of the type of inventory event, including: start time, end time, start load, end load, difference between start and end loads, Maximum load, minimum load, difference between maximum and minimum load, maximum variable, and cumulative variable for an inventory event. Second, sensor identification and event classification system Determining the function of each of the one or more product sensors involved in the inventory event relative to one or more of the one or more inventory event metrics. The 'sensor identification and event classification system may Identifying each of the one or more product sensors that signal the inventory event, and based on one or more of the one or more inventory event metrics, may specify an inventory event type 'includes: one or more times Picking one or more product units, one or more product units returned one or more times, one or more product units being touched one or more times, a container refilling event 'and a container removal event. And 'a data record A system, such as data logging system 260, is coupled to one of the processors of the OST system, or as shown in FIG. 2B, to the sensor identification and event classification system 259, which is recorded by an inventory event and Information derived from a digital signal of one or more of a neighboring region event. Moreover, the data recording system can store information about each of the one or more events into a database, including: a unique identifier; a start time; an event duration: an event initiation; signaling the event One or more sensors; one or more categories of events, including the type of inventory event, if applicable; and any one or more inventory event metrics. Further, a transmitter of the data recording system can transmit information about each of the one or more events to a local display device, a remote display device, a local memory device, and/or a Remote memory device. Moreover, an anomaly detection system, such as anomaly detection system 261, is coupled to a processor of a 0ST system, or as shown in Figure 2B, to a data logging system 260 that detects anomalies in the respective analog electromagnetic signals. The anomaly detection system can detect many anomalies, including unusual high variability of a signal, deactivation, or a sudden large change. After detecting an anomaly, the anomaly detection system provides an abnormal notification via a local or remote alert, such as an audible, visual, vibratory, and/or tactile alert. Moreover, a retail activation system, such as retail activation system 262, is coupled to a processor of an OST system, or as shown in FIG. 2B, to data record system 260, which can generate or execute one or more of the following Sensory stimuli, including visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory stimuli; product sampling; coupon generation; and electronic signage. In some embodiments, particularly where more than one merchandise display unit may perform multiple trials in parallel, an OST system may include a program management system for handling, manipulating, and manipulating trials. A program management system, such as a program management system 2 63, can select one or more records or recorded fields from the above database. It can then be determined by the - or multiple records or records in the database whether the predetermined number of customers have passed more than one merchandise display unit to meet the statistically valid threshold, for example, the representative system must observe to provide the desired level of confidence. The threshold for the minimum number of customers for each test data. Moreover, it can be configured by a direct user of the system via an electronic message to perform an experimental configuration locally or remotely to manage the experimental configuration and/or by comparing one or more records in the database or recording the data in the location block with the auditor The results and changes to the calibration parameters used to detect an inventory event gradually increase the calibration of the unit. Moreover, in some embodiments, an OFDM system can include a 〇ST system-or multiple repeat-to-turn (10) systems. This _transition system, for example, the conversion system 264' can be configured in accordance with a historical state and/or current state of the 〇ST system. Moreover, the conversion system can be easily swapped for the ST system, and/or components of the conversion system can be easily swapped for corresponding components of the OST system. Moreover, the components of the conversion system and the OST system can be manually and/or automatically exchanged via a movable merchandise display device, such as a rotating device or a device having a conveyor belt, and the program management system or an end user can be remotely located. Or locally control the movable merchandise display device. Moreover, in some embodiments, an OST system can include a sales analysis system (SAS), such as sales analysis system 265, configured to perform various measurements and quantifications related to sales of product units. For example, SAS can measure the mode of the customer's economy within a certain distance of the merchandise display unit. Moreover, 'SAS can quantify the number of customers who conduct-stock events 22 201246092 the ratio of the total number of customers entering a predetermined area surveyed by the system; all other factors that will affect the sales rate in the correction, including The value of a particular area on a merchandise display unit (hotspot) after the demand for a particular item and the influence of the merchandise display surface; and the additional merchandise display surface of a particular item added to any location of the merchandise display unit Extra sales. Moreover, SAS quantifies the extent to which a customer's purchase decision is affected by a particular item's pricing change, including the effect of the item itself and all other items on the item display unit; the lock-and-sell performance of an item is determined by the store where the item is displayed. The impact of a location or a specific location within the store; sales of the item are increased by placing promotional prints, advertisements, or display materials (point of sale materials) on or near the merchandise display unit; the sales of an item are displayed The impact of the design of the merchandise display unit; the different merchandise locations in the store affect the total sales of an item; the sales of an item or items are designed to stimulate the customer's senses, including auditory interference (shelf speakers), audiovisual displays, The impact of retail activation technology on the olfactory system and vibration devices (low frequency noise); customer interest in an item varies over the course of a day, including the likelihood of a customer touching an item, and the likelihood of purchase; activation through the use of retail Technology and point of sale materials, the possibility of purchase may increase And when a new product is introduced into a specific store or location of goods incremental contribution to the total sales volume. In addition, SAS can determine: the competitive effect of the sales of the item itself and the sales of other items of the same display, the price point at which the incremental contribution of the product to the total sales is maximized; and a product display unit The location on the merchandise display unit where the best location within the store or the sales performance of a new product is maximized. Moreover, taking into account the sales performance of one item, the sales of other 23 201246092 items (the effect of competing food) decreased, and the sales of other items (monthly halo effect) increased, SAS can straighten out a total of one item to total sales. Incremental contribution (incremental); and items that identify the least total contribution to sales within a product line ("tail J") to remove them from the product line, creating additional space for better performing items Moreover, SAS can quantify the incremental nature of direct and indirect competitor products included in the sale of the blend; and increase or decrease the extent to which the total number of items displayed affects total sales performance ("scope"). Regarding the OST sensor, connection, multiplexer, and input/output, FIG. 2C illustrates an OST system configuration, such as an exemplary electromagnetic signal processor of the OST system configuration of FIG. 2B. As shown, the input/output of the stock areas 1, 2, and N are selected via multiplexers 273a, 273b, and 273c, respectively. The selected input finds the path to a class of analog to digital converter 275 and then finds the path to digital input/output 276 of processor 255. In the analog to digital converter 275, the respective digital information of the sensed inventory event is converted by the analog signal. For proximity events, no analog to digital conversion is required. As shown, the inputs/outputs of adjacent areas 1, 2 and L are selected via micro-controllers 274a, 274b and 27, respectively. The selection inputs of the neighboring regions then find the path to the subsystem of the 〇ST system via processor 255. Finally, the digital information is transmitted to various subsystems of the OST system, such as self-calibration system 256, pickup event detection system 257, and proximity event detection system 258. Regarding the 2D figure, an exemplary pickup sensor placement system (also referred to as a product sensor set 24 201246092 rack system) having a pick-up sensor (also referred to as a product sensor) and a 2C are illustrated. The connection between the electromagnetic signal processors of the figure. In particular, the figures depict multiplexers 273a, 273b, 273c that assist in selecting analog signals generated by a sensor placement system, such as the racking system 170 80 of the 1C_1G map. In addition, another actuator 17 is depicted and the respective product sensors are coupled to the wires and/or a control busbar to the connectors 175a and 175b of the electromagnetic signal processor 255. In other aspects, the left side of FIG. 2E shows a front view of the pick-up sensor mounting system of the 2D figure, and the right side shows a side view of the pick-up sensor mounting system of FIG. 2D. . Moreover, Figure 2F illustrates exemplary proximity sensors 282b and 282a that can be combined with an OST system, such as the OST system of Figures 1A and 1B, to detect events depending on sound waves or light waves. As shown, proximity sensors 282a and 28沘 identify an inventory event by a customer's hand moving into an energy curtain 820 in front of one or more inventory areas, adjacent to the sensor, or In other embodiments, the distance sensing sensor measures the distance of the customer's hand from each of the one or more product sensors associated with the inventory area. Based on the measured distance, the 〇ST system can find the coordinates of the customer's hand and identify the relevant inventory area and inventory events. Such sensors 2821? and 2823 can also detect items that are not necessarily directly above an inventory area. For example, can sensor e282b and 282a detect a customer or a basket? , carts, bags, or (4) other items used to carry the single 7L are close to the 〇ST system ^ and when one or the next proximity sensing II has been used for a predetermined period of time, the 〇ST system can be switched to _ power saving Operating mode. Moreover, in some embodiments, the system may further include one or more video cameras that survey one or more of: one customer, to identify 25 201246092 other biometric and demographic information, including approximate age. , gender, mood and ethnicity; and merchandise display unit 'to perform remote monitoring of the merchandise display unit, including recording whether the customer purchased. In addition, the 0ST system can include a peripheral inventory area that communicates with the electromagnetic (four) processor via a network, wherein the one or more peripheral inventory areas are not located in the merchandise display unit. Moreover, in some embodiments, the (10) system can include a connection to a ridge or a blast to a body to detect - removal or addition of a lightweight product - or a plurality of product sensations. Such lightweight products can include flyers, business cards, and any other lightweight products. For the implementation of such a spring loaded product sensor, see Figure 2G. Regarding the program management system, the 2H diagram shows the operation of the program management system indicating the transition of the test unit. In this figure, the test unit represents a region set β of a plurality of conversion systems. Figure 21 depicts a diagram depicting the electromagnetic signals generated by the inventory event and a diagram depicting the signals generated by the noise. From these outputs, the OST system can detect any number of inventory area events, including setup events, touch events, single item pickup events, multiple item pickup events, single item return events, multiple item return events, re-care events , and error events. For example, the third circle depicts a demonstration method that determines the occurrence of a storage area event. Method_ (eg, represented by the 〇ST instruction) may include using a standard deviation calculation calculated over a plurality of polling cycles to detect - library surface events (four) and stop, and then based on the W from the event to the event After stopping, (iv) the size and direction of the change, 26 201246092 The type of inventory area event is determined. Although the following example describes the use of voltage values output by the sensor to determine when an inventory area event occurs 'various other electromagnetic properties output by the sensor circuit can be used (eg, current, and frequency) to determine - inventory When does the regional event occur. The following initial_voltage value and termination-voltage value refer to the first output value and the _th output value output by the salt current circuit during the first and second time periods. The OST system validates a particular sensor by comparing a sensed or calculated value (eg, a standard deviation of sensor circuit output over a plurality of time periods) with a configurable threshold, such as at steps 904, 908, or 910 The active period of the circuit. In an embodiment, when the threshold is exceeded, the 〇ST system determines that the inventory area event has occurred and specifies the -start_voltage value for the last period before the inventory area event begins, and the period after the end of the inventory area event Specifying a termination-voltage value; and by examining the difference between the start voltage and the termination-voltage, the OST system then determines the type of inventory area event that has occurred, such as at step 912 or 914. The type of inventory area event that has occurred in the 〇ST system is determined, for example, after step 912 or 914, for example, the negative sloping event detected at step 916 increases or decreases the inventory count. Eight bodies. The 〇ST system can determine that a single item picking event has occurred, such as at step 912. This determination may be configurable at a difference between the start-voltage and the termination voltage exceeding 'for example, the one-piece item threshold determined at step 9G8, but not exceeding, for example, equal to the sensor circuit item value determined at step 91 — Multiply - multiple item thresholds occur. When the difference between the start-voltage value and the end voltage value exceeds - e.g., the multi-item value determined in step 914, the OST system determines that a plurality of item pick-up events have occurred. 27 201246092 Regarding - load zone events, such as restocking, when the start-to-electric waste spot termination_voltage value exceeds the threshold value of the number of items used to fill the container determined by the_container identifier, The 〇ST system can determine that a reserve event has occurred 'eg, at step 922). For example, in FIG. 3, method 900 again determines at step 918. Whether the item loading area event has occurred, and then at step 92G, it is determined whether the plurality of items that may be taken out of the container are equal to the last remaining items in the container, and if both of the conditions are met, the method is in step 922. The re-insurance of the inspection has occurred. With respect to the product assignment to the inventory area, when the container is placed on the first subset of sensor circuits, the OST system can initially assign a subset of the sensor circuits to - based on the force applied to the subset of the controller circuits. container. In this way, the number of parts of the inventory area can be easily assigned to multiple different product containers. As seen in some embodiments, the fourth time indicates that the __stock area is assigned to the -inventory or multiple parts of the plurality of product containers. Method 1_ starts from 1〇〇2, and in step 4, the product load area is: loaded: a product display surface. Next, at step 1008, it will be produced. . The female device is placed on the load area, and then in step 1〇1〇, the sensor circuit subset (10) is placed in the product container, and in step (4) 12, the operating system specifies the sensor rotor fresh supervisor position H. Next, in steps _ and 1〇16 respectively, it is determined that the frequency money path is specified to the product container and the inventory load area is full; and if the two conditions are true, the product is tested in the step and the area I. The activity of the container. Moreover, as shown in Figure 4, not all sensor circuits are assigned to the product container, but the load area 28 201246092 field is full, then in step 1β1, especially in the event ^ \ load area still monitors the activity of the container. A configurable threshold set for event type-setting partners... Inventory area events, including X-touch items, - item picking items, - item picking events, _ star each other items returned, multiple items returned Events - restocking events, and - error events. The π event, the sixth figure shows the _ demonstration event log. On the event day, multiple inventories were recorded and recorded in neighboring events (4). Each record can include h inventory area event U is - product event money near event - event _ ==: per: inventory area event date new record can include _ inventory area ^ 曰 W identification 4 inventory area event description, - inventory area The location of the event entity, the event, and the number of inventory areas. - the proximity event type - the proximity event day record may include the body of the * event and the duration of the event, the consumer's photo (eg, the name of the case), the video of the purchase event (the name of the building), biometrics (age, Gender), and photos of the contents of the basket (the name of the broadcast). Figure 7 illustrates various examples of inventory areas implemented in various sensor configurations in the bottom surface and pedestal effective measurement area. The sensor circuit can be configured on the inventory area to be parallel to a single-strip (e.g., structure 1402, 1404, 1406) of the left rear and right rear display surface edges. Alternatively, the sensor circuit can be configured to be parallel to the plurality of parallel strips of the left and right display face edges (eg, structures 1412, 1414) on the inventory area, or can be configured as various two-dimensional button cells Configuration (eg, 'one of the structures 1422'). Different configurations can be selected to optimize the measurement accuracy of different types of products. These 29 201246092 configurations are not limited to those shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 illustrates an example of a _ shelf system (10) having a sensor circuit assembly that can be configured on a flexible substrate to form a hexagonal structure 15〇4. The sensor circuit can be in a honeycomb configuration, disposed on the shelf 1506 to cover the entire area of the shelf and configured as a plurality of inventory areas. Figure 9 illustrates an example of a shelf system i6Q2 having a set of square-destructed-sensor circuits that can be placed on a flexible substrate. The sensor circuit can be in a square configuration that is disposed on the shelf to cover the entire area of the shelf 1606 and configured into a plurality of inventory areas. Figure 10 depicts an example of an inventory area 1700 of a sensor circuit that is disposed in a corner of each of the layers 1702, 1704, and 1706 that includes a plurality of inventory areas. The rack may be configured to include stock areas each corresponding to a display rack, wherein sensor circuitry in each stock area is placed at a corner of each stock area such that it is placed on a particular display shelf of the rack The sensor circuit set measures the activity of the display shelf and acts to form a layer of active spacers. 11 is an illustration of an inventory area having a sensor 1802 below a merchandise display stand 1804. The base 1806 of the stand can also be placed on a sensor or set of sensors' so that the entire display is monitored as a whole. The merchandise display racks 18〇4 may also include display cases or shelves (e.g., '8088, 1810) placed on the racking system 812 or a racking system built into the bins such that when an item is from a display case or shelf When the machine is removed or returned, the 〇st system logs an event. The sensor can also be placed at each corner of each shelf of the display rack 1804 30 201246092. Figure 12 illustrates an example of an inventory area 19A having a sensor circuit 1902 disposed on a wall 1906 having a hook fastener 1904. The sensor circuit 1902 measures a compressive force generated by the weight of the product moving from the fixture 1904 to the wall 1906. Figure 13 shows an example of an inventory area 2000 having a sensor circuit 2〇〇2 disposed below a mounting block 2004. The mounting block 2〇〇4 can be configured to move along a vertical rail 2〇〇6 with a hanging rod 2008 of the suspended product. In some embodiments, the mounting block 2004 can be supported above the sensor 2002 at the bottom of the road 2006, and the mounting block 2004 is mounted horizontally at the bottom of the track 2〇〇6. This configuration allows the measurement of the downward force. Mounting blocks and wall mounting configurations can be used to illustrate non-boxed product items that are intended to be displayed by suspension. In such an embodiment, one or more product sensors can be mounted on a floor of the hook such that when a load is applied to the hook, the load is transmitted to - or a plurality of product sensors. In some embodiments, the OST system configuration can communicate with the user via a wireless (wireless or fixed-line adapter) over a network (e.g., the Internet or a LAN). The inventory area and sensor circuitry can be configured to be based on a frequency that can be configured by the user and/or a frequency that is automatically configured by the OST system based on the power availability and power demand and the OST system located at a particular implementation location. The polling mode is cycled on and off. This allows a sustained power consumption rate to be maintained. A communication interface, such as a wireless or fixed-line adapter, can be coupled to the processor and sensor circuitry. A camera with an image capturer can collect images that are easily analyzed by an image analyzer or subsequently analyzed by a backend program.

, the camera of the system can be photographed here (for example, an overseas service center performs each of the identification information of the consumer, such as a consumer's family of consumers related to a particular product; can be set in a Above the cashier channel conveyor belt, Zhao

Or the OST can be triggered regardless of whether the consumer completes the checkout transaction—the audio advertisement is played to the er system through her audio system.

This information is stored as an inventory area. The biometric identification of the garment/consumer before the consumer completes the checkout transaction triggers the advertisement to test or increase the productivity of the retail location. Similarly, when the inventory area is determined - the inventory area event has occurred 'the OST line can trigger an audio advertisement based on the product item made by the dump area event to be played to a position in the σα valley device through a speaker coupled to the 0ST system. The consumer, or triggering the multimedia advertisement, is displayed to the consumer at the location of the product container on a graphical display coupled to the 0 s τ system. The inventory area can be configured to have any number of sensor circuits configured to optimize the accuracy of identifying inventory area events, and to accommodate various merchandise display formats (eg, one-level display shelves, tilting shelves, hanging walls, and hooks) , and hanging display technology). The display surface includes a display surface length dimension along a front display surface edge of the display surface parallel to the edge of a rear display surface, and a display surface depth dimension along the right and left display surface edges of the display surface. The inventory area includes a 32 201246092 inventory area length dimension measured parallel to the front and back display surface edges of the display surface, and an inventory area depth dimension parallel to the right and left display surface edges of the display surface. Also 'in some embodiments, the inventory area can be configured to have, for example, a load point of a display shelf (eg, a magazine shelf) that includes a plurality of shelves such that the sensor circuit senses any product item on the shelf activity. Optionally, in addition to an inventory area tracking the activity of the entire shelf, the shelf may also be configured to include sensor circuitry disposed in each corner of each shelf in the shelf such that one of the shelves is placed on a particular shelf The set of sensor circuits on the measurement measures activity on the shelf and thereby acts to form a layer of spacers. Alternatively, in addition to an inventory area being disposed at the base of the rack having a load point, various sensor circuit combinations may also be placed on each shelf of the rack such that it is placed on a particular shelf of the rack The set of sensor circuits on the measurement measures the activity of the shelf. Other sensor configurations are implemented with visual display requirements (eg, strain gauges). The 〇ST system configuration can implement a load compensating mechanism, alternatively or in combination with various other types of sensor circuit configurations, including the various examples set forth above, which load compensating mechanisms for the weight of a rack when the measuring rack is active. Moreover, in some embodiments, the racking system can be implemented as a sheet of bendable material (eg, a flexible printed circuit board_PCB) configured with a sensor circuit such that the racking system can be bendable The material is deployed to the appropriate location and the racking system is coupled to the OST system processor and placed on the display surface to then transport the inventory area activity occurring on the display shelf through the township u). This - shelf secret will be able to configure the inventory area through the software configuration. The racking system may include an onboard processor or a control and/or monitor all 33 201246092 sensor circuits or sensor circuit subsets and, for example, a wireless money line connection, to the network, *通4 matching benefits (for example, Tianmeng + ♦ sensor array 盥 virtual state communication. OST system processor can be ', ^ ^ ... system configuration in the mother-inventory area between the on-board processor The operation of the tongue manufacturer and the material supplier can "material the activity data of each of the inventory areas" or the OST system can be based on the individual users and (10) system (4) configuration, the (four) f material transmission = users (eg, retailers, librarians, product manufacturers, and third-party subscribers.) The above logic, circuitry, and processing can be encoded or stored in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM. Read memory (CDR0M), disk or CD, flash memory, random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (epr〇m) or other A machine readable medium, for example, executed by a processor, controller or other processing device The instructions may be implemented as any device that contains, stores, transmits, propagates, or transmits executable instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction executable system, apparatus or device. Executing a system 'apparatus' or a combination of devices. Alternatively or additionally, the logic may be implemented using analog or digital logic of hardware, such as one or more integrated circuits or one or Multiple processors; or an application with software in the tens interface (API), or a dynamic link library (dll) function available in a shared memory or defined as a local or spoofed program call; or hardware In combination with software, in other implementations, logic can be represented by a signal or a signal propagation medium, 201246092. For example, a solid-only 1-scheduled logic can be used to acquire electrons, magnetic f-photons 1: magnetic, infrared, or other Type of signal. The above system can receive this signal in a communication interface, such as a fiber optic interface, an antenna, or other analog or digital signal interface, and recover the command from the signal. Store them in - machine readable memory and/or execute them with a processor. Charges can include additional or different logic and can be implemented in many different ways. _ controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete logic 'or other types of circuits or logic, the memory can be DRAM, SRAM, Flash, or other types of memory Parameters (eg, conditions and thresholds) and other data structures can be stored and managed separately, can be incorporated into a single-memory or database' or can be organized logically or physically in many different ways. Programs and instructions can be Sigh-single-program, separate-partial, or distributed across several memories and processors. The subject matter disclosed above is to be regarded as illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the patent application is intended to cover all such modifications, additions, and The maximum extent and scope of the law is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretations of the patents and their equivalents, and should not be restricted or limited by the above detailed description. 1A illustrates an exemplary component of an on-track (OST) system. Figure 1B illustrates an exemplary component of another exemplary OST system. 35 201246092 The ic diagram illustrates a exemplary sliding feel that can be adjusted to accommodate product containers of various sizes. Detector mount. Figure 1D shows the slide sensor mount adjusted to fit the first product of Figure 1C. Figure 1E shows the slide of Figure 1C adjusted to accommodate the sample product container of Figure 1D. Sensor cradle. Figure 1F shows the sliding sensor pedestal of Figure 1C adjusted to accommodate multiple product containers, including the product container of Figure 1D. Figure 1G shows the adjustment to accommodate multiple product containers , including the 1F map A side view of the slide sensor mount of the product container in Fig. 1C. Fig. 1H is an exploded view of the slide sensor mount of Fig. 1C. Fig. II is a view showing the projection of the edge of the display surface. A front perspective view of an exemplary product sensor mount. Fig. 2A shows an example of an OST system configuration. Fig. 2B shows an example of another OST system configuration. Fig. 2C shows Fig. 2B One of the OST system configurations demonstrates an electromagnetic signal processor. Figure 2D depicts an exemplary pick-up sensor placement system with a pick-up sensor (also referred to as a product sensor) (also known as a product sensor mount) The connection between the system and the electromagnetic signal processor of Figure 2C. The left side of Figure 2E shows a front view of the pick-up sensor placement system of Figure 2D, and the right side shows the pick-up of the 2D figure. A side view of the detector mounting system. Figure 2F illustrates an exemplary OST system, such as Figures 1A and 1B.

36 201246092 O S T system combination, an exemplary sensor that relies on sound waves or light waves to detect events. Figure 2G depicts a side view of an exemplary spring loaded pick-up sensor for flat and lightweight items. Figure 2 shows the operation of a program management system that indicates the transition of the test unit. Figure 21 is a diagram depicting a pattern of electromagnetic signals generated by an inventory event versus a signal depicting the noise generated by the noise. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary method for determining when an inventory area event occurs. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary method for specifying an inventory area. Figure 5 depicts a demonstration inventory area event. Figure 6 shows an exemplary event log. Figure 7 illustrates various examples of inventory areas implemented in various sensor configurations. Figure 8 illustrates an example of an inventory area in which a sensor circuit set is arranged in a hexagonal array. Figure 9 illustrates an example of an inventory area having a sensor circuit set configured as a square or rectangular array. Figure 1 illustrates an example of an inventory area having sensor circuitry disposed at the corner of each shelf layer. Figure 11 illustrates an example of an inventory area of a sensor having a product display fixture. Figure 12 illustrates an example of an inventory area of a sensor circuit having a hook mount disposed on a wall. 37 201246092 Figure 13 shows an example of a -~~ inventory area with a sensor circuit placed under a mounting block. [Main component symbol description] 1 〇〇··. Demonstration shelf tracking (OST) system inventory area implementation 102a, l〇2b··. Unit 104··. Retail carton 106A~106E··. Sensor inventory area / Inventory area 108.. Retail display shelf/retail shelf 110... merchandise display fixtures 112a, 112b...product sensors 114a~114c...parts 150.. .. Product Container 156A, 156B, 156C, 156D, 156E... Area 158.. Shelf 160.. Shelf Structure 162a, 162b... Product Sensor 164a, 164b... Actuator 166a 166b...partitions 170, 180...mounting systems 172, 188c...sliding rails 173a, 173b, 173c...product sensors 174a, 174b...actuators 175a, 175b··. 176a/188a_..L partition 176b/188b_._T partition 182······························ Separator/sliding sensor mount/separator 193...mounting system 194a, 194b...display surface 195a, 195b._. display surface edge projection/edge projection 196a, 196b... product sense Detector 200...0ST System 202...Proximity Sensor 206...Sensor Network 38 201246092 208.. Sensor Signal Processor 210...Sensor Signal Multiplexer and Demultiplexer / data acquisition system 212 ·. sensor / proximity signal processor 214 ... data recording system 216.. memory 218.. processor 220.. . 05. system instructions 222 · configurable parameters 224. ········································································································· 244·.·Other multimedia components 246.. Audio system 248...Video display 250···Another OST system configuration 251···Proximity sensor placement system 252.. proximity sensor 253...pick sensing Device placement system/proximity sensor placement system 254.. product sensor/proximity sensor 255...electromagnetic signal processor/processor 256...self-calibration system 257,·, pick event detection system 258...proximity Event detection system 259...sensor identification and event classification system 260...data recording system 261·, anomaly detection 262.··Retail activation system 263...program management system 264...conversion system 265.. sales analysis system 273a, 273b, 273c...multiplexer 274a, 274b, 274c·.. microcontroller 275... analog-to-digital conversion 276... Digital Input/Output 282a, 282b_. Illustrative Proximity Sensor/Sensor 820... Energy Curtain 900.. Exemplary Method/Method 904, 908~922... Step 1000... Exemplary Method/Method 1002~ 1017...Step 39 201246092 1402, 1404, 1406, 1412, 1414, 1808, 1810... Showcase or shelf 1422...Structure 1502.. Racking system 1504.. Hexagonal structure 1506.. Shelf 1602 .. . Shelf system 1604.. square structure 1606.. shelf 1700.. Stock area 1702, 1704, 1706... shelf layer 1802.. sensor 1804.. . merchandise display rack / display rack 1806.. .Base 1812... Racking system 1900.. Stock area 1902.. Sensor circuit 1904.. Hook fixture/fixture 1906.. Hanging wall 2000.. Stock area 2002 .. . Sensor Circuit / Sensor 2004.. Installation Block 2006.. Vertical Road / Track 2008.. Hanging Rod 2, N, L.. Stock Area 40

Claims (1)

201246092 VII. Patent Application Range: 1. A system installed on a merchandise display unit, comprising: one or more inventory areas, wherein in the inventory area, the inventory areas are configured in one or more of the following Demonstrating one or more product units: the one or more product units are disposed in a container in one or more deep geometric patterns, the one or more product units being loosely disposed in a container, or the one Or a plurality of product units each suspended from a hook; one or more product sensors, each operatively associated with at least one of the one or more inventory areas, the one to be sensed Or converting the quantity of the plurality of product units into a respective analog electromagnetic signal; and mounting the one or more product sensors on the commodity display unit relative to the one or more product units, such that the Sensing the quantity of the one or more product units by one or more product sensors; an electromagnetic signal processor communicating with the one or more product sensors to periodically sample the one or more product senses The output of the detector converts the analog signal into a digital signal; the self-calibrating system communicates with the electromagnetic signal processor to detect background variability of the analog electromagnetic signal, and thereby the one or more product sensors Each of the activity thresholds is established, wherein the activity threshold is a configurable multiple of the background variability, and wherein the activity threshold represents the sensitivity of the associated product sensor; and a pick event detection system, when each When the variability of the analog signal exceeds the activity threshold, the pick event detection system determines that an inventory event 41 201246092 is initiated in the one or more inventory areas, wherein the pick event detection system temporarily stops self-calibration during the inventory event, wherein The pick event detection system identifies one or more other product sensors that cause the inventory event to be signaled prior to completion of the inventory event, and wherein the variability of each of the individual analog electromagnetic signals is restored to each The pick event detection system determines the end of the inventory event when contributing to the activity threshold of the product sensor . 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor identification and event classification system configured to: be determined by an analog electromagnetic signal of an inventory event type, a digital signal, or a derivative thereof One or more inventory event metrics, including: start time, end time, start load, end load, difference between start and end load, maximum load, minimum load, difference between highest and lowest load, maximum variable, and an inventory event Cumulating a variable; determining, by one or more of the one or more inventory event metrics, a function of each of the one or more product sensors involved in the inventory event; identifying the inventory event Each of the one or more product sensors; and based on one or more of the one or more inventory event metrics, specifying an inventory event type comprising: picking the one or more one or more times Product units that return one or more product units one or more times, one or more touches of the one or more product units, a container refill event, and a container removal Pieces. 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising: 42 201246092 - or a plurality of adjacent regions proximate to the merchandise display unit; - or a plurality of proximity sensors operatively associated with one or more Each of the regions is associated with, measuring the presence of the person, the distance between the person and the sensor, the two-dimensional coordinates of the person in the one or more adjacent regions, and any one of the one or more adjacent regions One or more of the moving; a proximity sensor placement system operatively associated with the one or more proximity sensors to secure the product or the plurality of proximity sensors Or near and aligned with the field of view of the plurality of proximity sensors; and a proximity event detection system detecting when an electromagnetic signal output by the one or more proximity sensors exceeds a configurable threshold An incident occurred in a neighboring area. 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising: a data recording system that records information derived from a digital signal of one or more of the inventory event and the proximity event, wherein The data § recorded system stores information about each of one or more events into a database, including: a unique identifier; a start time; an event duration; an event initiation; signaling the event One or more sensors; one or more categories of events, including the type of inventory event, if applicable; and one of one or more inventory event metrics; and a transmitter that will be related to the one or more The information of each of the events is sent to one or more of a local display device, a remote display device, a local memory device, and a remote memory device. 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more product sensors comprise a pressure sensor, a pressure sensor, and a pressure sensing device 43 201246092: - or more And wherein the female in the one or more product sensors has - or a plurality of raised actuators, the load of the plurality of product sheets 70 is concentrated to the one or more product sensing One of the loads is sensitive on the part. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more product sensors are mounted on a support point of the hook such that when a load is applied to the hook, the load is transmitted to the - One product sensor. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more print sensors are - or more of a sound wave dependent sensor and a light wave dependent sensor, wherein The sensor or events are identified by a shopper's hand moving into an energy curtain in front of one or more inventory areas, wherein the two or more distance sensing sensors Measure the distance between the shopper's hand and each of the one or more product sensors, and based on the measured distance, the system finds the seat of the customer's hand and identifies the relevant inventory area and inventory event. 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more peripheral inventory areas in communication with the electromagnetic signal processor over a network, wherein the one or more peripheral inventory areas are not disposed The item is displayed in the unit. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the rack structure is modular, wherein placing the one or more product sensors or corresponding circuits comprises the one or more product sensors Or a corresponding circuit is disposed in the spacer or in a parallel strip adjacent the divider, the spacer being a T or L spacer connected to the rack structure, 44 201246092 wherein the one or more product sensors are attached One of the rack structures facing the upper surface or the partition to align the one or more sensors into contact with the one or more product units or a bottom surface of a container containing the one or more product units A fixed and reproducible position on the top, and wherein the rack structure is adjustable to accommodate one or more product units of any width. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the rack structure includes a rail that assists in adjusting the position of the T or l spacer on the rail, wherein the rail is easily secured to the rack structure Unwrapping on or from the rack structure eliminates the need for hardware tools, and the position in which the T or L spacers are adjusted is easily accomplished without the need for a hardware tool. 11. The system of claim 2, wherein the slide rail is configured to form a channel, wherein the channel is fabricated to fit a shelf of any size, wherein the one or more sensing The associated wires extend within the channel to conceal the wires, wherein the wires terminate in a connector on an edge of the shelf structure, the wires being further wired to the electromagnetic signal processor, And wherein the one or more product sensors are secured to the respective portions of the rails that are allowed to adjust to adjust the respective positions of one of the one or more product sensors. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to cover a complete area of the shelf of the merchandise display unit, and wherein the one or more sensing Each of the individual circuits in the device is one or more of the following circuit shapes: a honeycomb circuit shape, a square circuit shape, and a circular circuit shape. 13. The line of claim 12, wherein the rack structure is a flexible printed circuit board that can be spread to a suitable location on one of the display surfaces of the merchandise display unit. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the racking system places the one or more product sensors on a protruding portion of a display surface perpendicular to the display surface, and wherein the display surface The __tilt angle exceeds a configurable display surface tilt angle threshold. 15. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more product sensors are connected to a spring or integrated with a spring to detect removal or addition of the light product. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more proximity sensors are configurable to detect a basket, a cart, a bag, or any other item for carrying a product unit. Π If you apply for a patent scope! The system of claim wherein the system is switchable to a power save mode of operation when the one or more proximity senses H have been scheduled to (4) not detected (4). 18. If you apply for a patent scope! The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more video cameras that survey one or more of: one customer identifying biometric and demographic information, including approximate age, gender, mood, and ethnicity; 46 201246092 The merchandise display unit is configured to perform remote monitoring of the merchandise display unit, and a complete collection of items purchased by a customer, including items of other parts of a store remote from the merchandise display unit. 19. The system of claim 1, further comprising an anomaly detection system that detects anomalies in the respective analogy electromagnetic signals* wherein the anomalies include unusually high variability, deactivation, or a sudden A large change, and wherein after detecting an anomaly, the anomaly detection system provides an exception notification via a local or remote alert. 20. The system of claim 1, further comprising a retail activation system capable of generating or performing one or more of the following: sensory stimulation, including visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory stimulation; product sampling, Coupon generation; and electronic signage. 21. The system of claim 4, wherein one or more of the merchandise display units may perform a plurality of trials in parallel, the system further comprising: a program management system for managing the trials, such as applying Each of the electronic components of the system of claim 4 communicates and is configured to perform on one or more of the merchandise display units for performing the following operations: selecting the records or record fields from the repository One or more of the records; determining whether a predetermined number of customers have passed more than one merchandise display unit by one or more of the records or record fields in the database to satisfy a statistically valid threshold, the statistically valid threshold Representing the 47 201246092 system must observe the minimum number of customers to provide individual test data of the desired level of confidence; manage the trial configuration by one or more of the following: indicate the end user of the system locally via an electronic message or Performing the test configurations at the far end; and by comparing one of the records or record fields in the database More than those in manual review of data and results and detecting a change in a stock event to gradually improve the calibration of the unit with the calibration parameters. 22. The system of claim 4, further comprising a conversion system comprising one or more of the systems of claim 4, wherein the conversion system is based on claim 4 Configuring a historical state or a current state of a system as described in the item, wherein the conversion system is easy to replace the system as described in claim 4, wherein the components of the conversion system can be easily applied as in claim 4 Corresponding components of the system described in the item, wherein the conversion system and the components of the system of claim 4 are manually or automatically exchanged via a movable merchandise display device, and wherein the program management system or The end user can remotely or locally control the mobile merchandise display device. 23. The system of claim 4, further comprising a sales analysis system configured to perform one or more of the following: determining a flow of customers within a predetermined distance of the merchandise display unit 48 201246092 Mode; quantifies the ratio of the number of customers who perform an inventory event to the total number of customers entering a predetermined area surveyed by the system; corrects all other factors that may affect the sales rate, including the demand for a particular item and the merchandise display After the impact, quantify the value of a particular area on a merchandise display unit (hotspot); quantify the additional sales generated by adding an additional merchandise display of a particular item at any location of the merchandise display unit; The purchase decision is affected by a change in the pricing of a particular item, including the extent to which the item itself and all other items on the item display unit are affected; quantifying the sales performance of an item by the location of a store that houses the item display unit or The extent of the impact of a particular location within the store; quantify either The extent to which sales of an item are increased by placing promotional prints, advertisements, or display materials (point of sale materials) on or near the merchandise display unit; quantifying the sales of an item by the item on which the item is displayed The degree of design impact; quantify the extent to which different merchandise placements in a store affect the total sales of an item; quantify the extent to which sales of an item or item are affected by retail activation techniques that are designed to stimulate customers Sensory, including auditory interference (shelf squeak), audiovisual display, olfactory system and vibrating device (low frequency noise); quantifying customer interest in an item as a function of time of day, week, 49 201246092 or any other periodic basis The extent to which a customer touches an item and the likelihood of a gambling purchase; quantifies the extent to which the purchase possibility is increased by using retail activation technology and point-of-sale materials; quantification when new products are introduced into a particular store or commodity Position affects the extent of total sales incrementally; a price point at which the incremental contribution of the product to the total lock sales is maximized, including the sales of the item itself and the sales effect of the sales of other items in the same display; determining a store having the product display unit An optimal position or position on a merchandise display unit that maximizes the sales performance of a new product; quantifies a total incremental contribution (incremental) of an item to total sales, and is included in the sales performance of an item, Reduced sales of other items (sports effect), and increased sales of other items (monthly effect); Determines the items that provide the least total contribution to sales within a product line ("tails") to take them from the product Line removal to create additional space for better performing items; quantification of the incremental nature of direct and indirect competitor products included in the mix for sale; and quantification to increase or decrease the total number of items displayed ("scope") The extent of total sales performance. 50