Inventors:
Chris ALLISON - Frisco TX, US
Kuntesh R. CHOKSHI - Plano TX, US
Allen FOSHA - Frisco TX, US
Assignee:
FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC. - Plano TX
International Classification:
G06Q 10/00
A47F 7/00
G06K 7/10
Abstract:
A method for monitoring inventory on a self-adjusting shelf and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes a method for determining the number of packages on a shelf or hanger of a self-adjusting shelf. The number of packages on a shelf or hanger are determined by measuring the distance from the back end of a shelf to the package closest to the shelf with a sensor, ascertaining the thickness of the product, and by calculating the amount of space occupied on a shelf or hanger and consequently the number of packages on a shelf. In another embodiment, the product is identified by a product identifying means such as an SKU reader. Thus, the quantity and type of product located on a shelf or hanger is known. Such information allows a store to know the type and quantity of packages needed to restock a specific hanger.