U.S. patent application number 15/855817 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for apparatus and method for stocking stores with mobile modular displays.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cristy C. Brooks, Greg A. Bryan, Benjamin D. Enssle, Todd D. Mattingly, Bruce W. Wilkinson, David C. Winkle.
Application Number | 20180189724 15/855817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62709034 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180189724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mattingly; Todd D. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STOCKING STORES WITH MOBILE MODULAR
DISPLAYS
Abstract
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein for
stocking a store. A system for stocking a store comprises a
plurality of mobile modular displays, a store inventory database,
and a control circuit. The control circuit configured to detect a
modular display replacement condition at a store location selling
products on a plurality of deployed mobile modular displays, select
a plurality of products to stock a mobile modular display based on
a sales history of the store location and a current inventory of
the store location, determine a planogram for the plurality of
products selected for the mobile modular display, and output an
instruction to a stocking system to stock the mobile modular
display with the plurality of products in the plurality of shelf
spaces according to the planogram and to transport the mobile
modular display to the store location for display.
Inventors: |
Mattingly; Todd D.;
(Bentonville, AR) ; Bryan; Greg A.; (Centerton,
AR) ; Enssle; Benjamin D.; (Bella Vista, AR) ;
Winkle; David C.; (Bella Vista, AR) ; Wilkinson;
Bruce W.; (Rogers, AR) ; Brooks; Cristy C.;
(Cassville, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62709034 |
Appl. No.: |
15/855817 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62440116 |
Dec 29, 2016 |
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62440136 |
Dec 29, 2016 |
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62440142 |
Dec 29, 2016 |
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62440147 |
Dec 29, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/0631 20130101;
B65G 1/10 20130101; G05D 1/0088 20130101; G06K 19/0723 20130101;
G06F 16/2379 20190101; G06F 3/1446 20130101; B65G 1/02 20130101;
G06F 3/147 20130101; G06F 16/26 20190101; G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G09G 2380/06 20130101; G09F 21/048 20130101; G09G 2380/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20060101
G06Q010/08; G05D 1/00 20060101 G05D001/00 |
Claims
1. A system for stocking a store with mobile displays, comprising:
a plurality of mobile modular displays each comprising a location
sensor and configured to be stocked with a plurality of types of
products in a plurality of shelf spaces at a stocking location,
transport the products to a store location, and display the
products at the store location; a sales history database; a store
inventory database; and a control circuit coupled to the sales
history database and the store inventory database, the control
circuit configured to: detect a modular display replacement
condition at a store location selling products on a plurality of
deployed mobile modular displays; select a plurality of products to
stock a mobile modular display from the plurality of mobile modular
displays for the store location based on a sales history of the
store location stored in the sales history database and a current
inventory of the store location stored in the store inventory
database; determine a planogram for the plurality of products
selected for the mobile modular display; output machine
instructions to automated units of a stocking system to pick the
plurality of products and stock the mobile modular display with the
plurality of products in the plurality of shelf spaces according to
the planogram; and output instructions to transport the mobile
modular display to the store location for display.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of products are
further selected based on customer information associated a
customer base of the store location.
3. The system of claim 1, where the plurality of products are
further selected based on one or more of date, event, and weather
information.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to: determine a stock quantity for each of the plurality
of products based on estimated sale rates of each of the plurality
of products and a capacity of the mobile modular display.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the stock quantity of each of the
plurality of products are determined such that the plurality of
products on the mobile modular display are estimated to sell out at
approximately the same time.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the modular display replacement
condition comprises at least one of the plurality of deployed
mobile modular displays being empty or low in stock.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile modular display
replaces the at least one of the plurality of deployed mobile
modular displays on a sales floor of the store location.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to determine an in-store display location for the mobile
modular display at the store location based on a current layout of
the store location.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is further
configured to: determine a dressing configuration for the mobile
modular display; and output a dressing instruction to the stocking
system to prepare the mobile modular display according to the
dressing configuration, wherein the dressing configuration
comprises one or more of signage configuration, label
configuration, lighting configuration, temperature setting, and
security setting.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mobile modular
displays are configured to dock with one or more of other mobile
modular displays, with a docking structure at the store location, a
transport vehicle, and an autonomous ground vehicle.
11. A method for stocking a store with mobile displays, comprising:
detecting, with a control circuit, a modular display replacement
condition at a store location selling products on a plurality of
deployed mobile modular displays; selecting, with the control
circuit, a plurality of products to stock a mobile modular display
for the store location based on a sales history of the store
location stored in a sales history database and a current inventory
of the store location stored in a store inventory database, the
mobile modular display being selected from a plurality of mobile
modular displays each comprising a location sensor and configured
to be stocked with a plurality of types of products in a plurality
of shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the products to a
store location, and display the products at the store location;
determining, with the control circuit, a planogram for the
plurality of products selected for the mobile modular display;
outputting machine instructions to automated units of a stocking
system to pick the plurality of products and stock the mobile
modular display with the plurality of products; and outputting
instructions to transport the mobile modular display to the store
location for display.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of products are
further selected based on customer information associated a
customer base of the store location.
13. The method of claim 11, where the plurality of products are
further selected based on one or more of date, event, and weather
information.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a stock
quantity for each of the plurality of products based on estimated
sale rates of each of the plurality of products and a capacity of
the mobile modular display.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the stock quantity of each of
the plurality of products are determined such that the plurality of
products on the mobile modular display are estimated to sell out at
approximately the same time.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the modular display replacement
condition comprises at least one of the plurality of deployed
mobile modular displays being empty or low in stock.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mobile modular display
replaces the at least one of the plurality of deployed mobile
modular displays in the store location.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining an
in-store display location for the mobile modular display at the
store location based on a current layout of the store location.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a
dressing configuration for the mobile modular display; and
outputting a dressing instruction to the stocking system to prepare
the mobile modular display according to the dressing configuration,
wherein the dressing configuration comprises one or more of signage
configuration, label configuration, lighting configuration,
temperature setting, and security setting.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of mobile modular
displays are configured to dock with one or more of other mobile
modular displays, with a docking structure at the store location, a
transport vehicle, and an autonomous ground vehicle.
21. An apparatus for stocking a store with mobile displays,
comprising: a non-transitory storage medium storing a set of
computer readable instructions; and a control circuit configured to
execute the set of computer readable instructions which causes to
the control circuit to: detect a modular display replacement
condition at a store location selling products on a plurality of
deployed mobile modular displays; select a plurality of products to
fill a mobile modular display for the store location based on a
sales history of the store location stored in a sales history
database and a current inventory of the store location stored in on
a store inventory database, the mobile modular display being
selected from a plurality of mobile modular displays each
comprising a location sensor and configured to be stocked with a
plurality of types of products in a plurality of shelf spaces at a
stocking location, transport the products to a store location, and
display the products at the store location; determine a planogram
for the plurality of products selected for the mobile modular
display; output machine instructions to automated units of a
stocking system to pick the plurality of products and stock the
mobile modular display with the plurality of products in the
plurality of shelf spaces according to the planogram; and output
instructions to transport the mobile modular display to the store
location for display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/440,116 filed Dec. 29, 2016, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/440,136 filed Dec. 29, 2016, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/440,142 filed Dec. 29, 2016, and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/440,147 filed Dec. 29, 2016,
which are all incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to retail stores.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Brick-and-mortar stores generally have a sales floor and a
backroom area. Items offered for sale are typically brought out
from the backroom storage area and placed on the sales floor by
store associates. In-store customers shop by selecting items off
the shelves on the sales floor and bringing items to a checkout
counter to make a purchase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Disclosed herein are embodiments of apparatuses and methods
for use with mobile modular displays. This description includes
drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system in accordance with
several embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with
several embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a modular mobile display in
accordance with several embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with
several embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with
several embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with
several embodiments; and
[0011] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with
several embodiments.
[0012] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments,
systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for retail
with mobile modular displays.
[0014] In some embodiments, a system for stocking a store comprises
a plurality of mobile modular displays each configured to be
stocked with a plurality of types of products in a plurality of
shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the products to a
store location, and display the products at the store location, a
sales history database, a store inventory database, and a control
circuit coupled to the sales history database and the store
inventory database, the control circuit configured to: detect a
modular display replacement condition at a store location selling
products on a plurality of deployed mobile modular displays, select
a plurality of products to stock a mobile modular display from the
plurality of mobile modular displays for the store location based
on a sales history of the store location stored in the sales
history database and a current inventory of the store location
stored in the store inventory database, determine a planogram for
the plurality of products selected for the mobile modular display,
and output an instruction to a stocking system to stock the mobile
modular display with the plurality of products in the plurality of
shelf spaces according to the planogram and to transport the mobile
modular display to the store location for display.
[0015] In some embodiments, a system for store management comprises
a plurality of mobile modular displays each configured to be
stocked with a plurality of types of products in a plurality of
shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the plurality of
types of products to a store location, and display the plurality of
types of products at the store location, a store layout database,
and a control circuit coupled to the store layout database and
configured to: determine a store layout of a store location based
on products assigned to mobile modular displays assigned to the
store location, the store layout comprising in-store locations for
the mobile modular displays assigned to the store location,
aggregate location information from the mobile modular displays on
display in the store location, compare the store layout associated
with the store location in the store layout database and the
location information of the mobile modular displays, and in an
event that a discrepancy is detected between the store layout and
the location information, generate a layout correction alert for
the store location.
[0016] In some embodiments, a system for managing a store inventory
comprises a plurality of mobile modular displays each configured to
be stocked with a plurality of types of products in a plurality of
shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the plurality of
types of products to a store location, and display the plurality of
types of products at the store location, a mobile modular display
inventory database; and a control circuit coupled to the mobile
modular display inventory database and configured to: track, in the
mobile modular display inventory database, inventory levels of
mobile modular displays in a store location, detect a modular
display replacement condition for at least one mobile modular
display based on the inventory levels of the mobile modular
displays at the store location stored in the mobile modular display
inventory database, cause a replacement mobile modular display to
be deployed to replace the at least one mobile modular display on
at a sales floor of the store location in response to detecting the
modular display replacement condition, in an event that residual
products remain on the at least one mobile modular display being
replaced on the sales floor, determine a residual handling
instruction selected from a plurality of residual handling methods
for the residual products, and communicate the residual handling
instruction to a user interface device.
[0017] In some embodiments, an apparatus for product display
comprises a housing of a mobile modular display, a wheel system
coupled to the housing and configured to travel on the ground and
provide mobility to the housing, a plurality of shelf spaces
configured to hold a plurality of types of products in a specified
arrangement during transport and display the plurality of types of
products for customer selection and purchase on a sales floor of a
store location, and a location device coupled to the housing, a
control circuit coupled to the housing and configured to determine
a location of the housing based on the location device.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, an illustration of a system is
shown. The system includes a plurality of mobile modular displays
(MMDs) 105 configured to be transported between a stocking location
110 and a store location 130 by one or more transportation vehicles
120.
[0019] In some embodiments, the MMDs 105 are configured to be
stocked with a plurality of types of products in a plurality of
shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the products to a
store location, and display the products at the store location. In
some embodiments, the MMDs 105 may comprise a plurality of shelf
spaces configured to hold a plurality of types of products in a
specified arrangement during transport and display the plurality of
types of products in the specified arrangement for customer
selection and purchase on a sales floor of a store location. In
some embodiments, an MMD 105 may comprise a location sensor
configured to determine the location of the MMD 105. In some
embodiments, an MMD 105 may comprise product sensors for monitoring
the on-shelf inventory of the MMD 105. In some embodiments, an MMD
105 may comprise a coupler configured to couple with one or more of
a store docking structure at the store location 130, another MMD at
the store location 130, a docking structure in a transportation
vehicle 120, a unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), a conveyor system,
and a securing structure at the stocking location. In some
embodiments, an MMD 105 may comprise one or more temperature
controlled compartments (e.g. refrigerated unit, freezer unit). In
some embodiments, the one or more MMD components such as lighting,
sensors, signage, and/or temperature control units may be
selectively powered by a battery and/or via a power connection to
one or more of the stocking location 110, a transportation vehicle
120, and the store location 130. In some embodiments, an MMD 105
may comprise wheels configured to travel on the ground. In some
embodiments, an MMD 105 may comprise a UGV configured to travel in
the stocking location 110, the store location 130, and/or on a
roadway between the stocking location 110 and the store location
130. Further descriptions of embodiments of MMDs are provided with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 herein.
[0020] The stocking location 110 may generally comprise a location
at which MMDs are stocked. In some embodiments, the stocking
location 110 may comprise a distribution center, a warehouse, an
MMD deployment center, a fulfillment center, a supply location,
etc. that are generally not accessible to customers. In some
embodiments, the stocking location 110 may comprise a backroom of a
large format store that is at a separate location from the store
location 130. Generally, the stocking location 110 is
geographically separated from the store location 130.
[0021] The stocking location 110 comprises a central computer
system 112 and a product storage system 115. In some embodiments,
the central computer system 112 may be configured to select
products from the storage system 115 to stock one or more MMDs 105.
In some embodiments, the central computer system 112 may be
configured to instruct the stocking and deployment of replacement
MMDs 105 to the store location 130 when one or more of the deployed
MMDs 105 at the store location is low in stock or out of stock. In
some embodiments, the central computer system 112 may further be
configured to determine the arrangement of the products on one or
more of the MMDs 105 and/or the arrangement of a plurality of MMDs
105 at the store location 130. While the central computer system
112 is shown to be inside the stocking location 110 in FIG. 1, in
some embodiments, the central computer system 112 may comprise a
remote and/or cloud-based server. In some embodiments, the central
computer system 112 may manage the stocking of MMDs 105 at two or
more stocking locations 110 and supply stocked MMDs 105 to two or
more store locations 130. Further descriptions of a central
computer system 112 according to some embodiments are provided with
reference to FIG. 2 herein. In some embodiments, the central
computer system 112 may be configured to perform one or more steps
described with reference to FIGS. 4-7 herein.
[0022] The storage system 115 of the stocking location 110 may
comprise a plurality of storage units such as shelves and bins. In
some embodiments, the storage system 115 may be configured to store
products in bulk container and/or as individual units. In some
embodiments, the storage system 115 may further store dressing and
configuration items for the MMD 105. For example, the storage
system 115 may store various signs, labels, lights, decorations,
dividers, hooks, hangers, etc. that may be added to the MMDs 105.
In some embodiments, the stocking location 110 may further comprise
a stocking system configured to transfer items from the storage
system 115 to the MMDs 105 based on instructions from the central
computer system 112. In some embodiments, the stocking system may
comprise one or more of a conveyor system, stocking associate user
interface devices, UGVs, and the like.
[0023] The transportation vehicle 120 comprise a vehicle configured
to carry and transport stocked and empty MMDs 105 between the
stocking location 110 and the store location 130. In some
embodiments, the transportation vehicle 120 may be configured to
travel on roadways such as streets, motorways, highways, etc. In
some embodiments, the transportation vehicle 120 may comprise a
manned or unmanned vehicle. In some embodiments, the transportation
vehicle 120 may comprise one or more of a truck, a tracker-trailer,
a van, a driverless vehicle, a manned vehicle, and the like. In
some embodiments, a system of plurality of transportation vehicles
120 may be configured to transport MMDs 105 between one or more
stocking locations 110 and store locations 130. In some
embodiments, the transportation vehicle 120 may comprise a cargo
compartment for holding a plurality of MMDs 105. In some
embodiments, the cargo compartment of the transportation vehicles
120 may comprise grooves and/or rollers on the floor configured to
receive the wheels of the MMDs 105. In some embodiments, a
transportation vehicle 120 may be configured to tow a plurality of
MMDs 105 similar to a train. In some embodiments, the
transportation vehicle 120 may comprise couplers for coupling to
MMDs 105. In some embodiments, the couplers may comprise anchors
configured to stabilize the MMDs 105 during transport. In some
embodiments, the couplers may comprise electrical connections
configured to supply power to the MMDs 105. For example, power
supplied by the couplers on the transportation vehicle 120 may be
used by the MMD 105 to cool or heat temperature controlled
compartments on the MMDS 105. In some embodiments, the
transportation vehicle 120 may further comprise sensors for
determining which MMDs 105 are loaded on and/or connected to the
vehicle. For example, during the loading of MMDs 105, a
transportation vehicle 120 may scan for RFID tags on the MMDs 105
to verify that the correct MMDs 105 are loaded. In some
embodiments, the transportation vehicle 120 may communicate with
the MMD 105 to relay MMD location, statuses (e.g. temperature,
inventory, battery, location, etc.), and/or control data (e.g.
temperature to maintain, lighting level to set, shelf label data to
display, enter power save mode, etc.). In some embodiments, the
transportation vehicle 120 may further communicate with the central
computer system 112 to update the location and/or statuses of MMDs
105 and/or receive delivery instructions.
[0024] The store location 130 comprises a retail store having a
sales floor for displaying a plurality of items for sale. In some
embodiments, the store location 130 may comprise a small format
store, a convenience store, a neighborhood store, a corner store,
and the like. In some embodiments, the store location 130 may
comprise little or no backroom storage area. Customers can
generally enter the sales floor of the store location 130, browse
items on display, select items, and purchase items via the POS
system 132. In some embodiments, the store location 130 may only
sell items on MMDs 105 or comprise a mixture of MMDs 105 and
conventional fixed display structures for selling items. In some
embodiments, the store location 130 may further include coupling
structures for securing MMDs 105 displayed in the store. For
example, the store may comprise floor anchors and/or frames for
coupling with and securing the MMDs 105.
[0025] In some embodiments, the POS system 132 may comprise one or
more of checkout terminals, self-service terminals, a virtual
checkout system, an exit sensor, a store management system, and the
like. In some embodiments, the POS system 132 may be configured to
monitor the on-shelf inventory of one or more MMDs 105 based on
customer purchases and/or product sensors on MMDs 105. In some
embodiments, the POS system 132 may communicate with product
sensors on the MMDs 105 and/or sensors located elsewhere in the
store location 130 to determine which items have been selected by
customers. In some embodiments, purchases may be automatically
charged to a customer's account when the customer exits the store
location with the selected products and the estimated on-shelf
inventory may be adjusted based on the purchases. In some
embodiments, the POS system 132 may be configured to monitor the
placement of MMDs 105 to verify that the MMDs are placed according
to a planogram assigned to the store location. Further descriptions
of POS system 132 are provided with reference to FIG. 2 herein. In
some embodiments, the POS system 132 may be configured to
communicate with the central computer system 112 via wired and/or
wireless connection. In some embodiments, the POS system 132 may be
configured to perform one or more steps described with reference to
FIGS. 4-7 herein.
[0026] In the system shown in FIG. 1, MMDs 105 are stocked at the
stocking location 110 with items from the storage system 115 and
the items are arranged on the MMD 105 for display at the store
location 130 when the MMD 105 leaves the stocking location 110. In
some embodiments, the MMDs 105 may further be "dressed" with one or
more of signage, lights, price labels, promotional signed,
decoration, etc. at the stocking location 110. The MMDs 105 are
transported in the arranged and dressed state to the store location
130 on a transportation vehicle 120. When the MMDs 105 arrive at
the store location 130, the MMDs 105 may be unloaded and directly
placed on the sales floor to display items for sale. In some
embodiments, the MMDs 105 may comprise one or more item securing
means such as binding, wrapping, cover, door, balloon casing, etc.
that may be removed and/or retracted to make the items accessible
to customers on the sales floor. In some embodiments, the central
computer system 112 may further provide a store layout to instruct
the placement and arrangement of MMDs 105 at the store
location.
[0027] If one or more of the MMDs at the store location 130 is low
in stock or out of stock, the central computer system 112 may begin
to prepare a replacement MMD to deploy to the store location 130.
The replacement MMD 105 may hold the same items or different items
as the MMD being replaced. When the replacement MMDs 105 are
transported to the store location 130, the transportation vehicle
120 may pick up the MMDs 105 being replaced and transport them back
to the stocking location 110. In some embodiments, the central
computer system 112 may further provide residual product handling
instructions for any products left on the MMDs 105 being replaced.
MMDs 105 retrieved by the transportation vehicle 120 may then be
stocked again at the stocking location 110 for subsequent
deployment to the store location 130 or another store location.
With the system shown in FIG. 1, the storage space requirements at
the store location 130 may be considerably reduced, allowing a
store location to allocate more space to the sales floor. The
stocking labor hours at a store location may also be reduced by
centralizing shelf stocking tasks at a stocking center. The system
may further allow for frequent and dynamic adjustments of the
inventory carried at various store locations.
[0028] While one stocking location 110 and one store location 130
are shown in FIG. 1, the system may comprise a network of a
plurality of stocking locations 110 and store locations 130. For
example, a stocking location 110 may supply a plurality of store
locations 130 in a geographic area. In another example, a store
location 130 may be supplied by a plurality of stocking locations
110 supplying different types of products and/or MMDs 105.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, a system according to some
embodiments is shown. The system includes a central computer system
220 coupled to a plurality of databases, a POS system 210, a
stocking system 250, and a plurality of mobile modular displays
(MMDs) 240.
[0030] The central computer system 220 comprises one or more
processor-based device configured to manage the use of MMDs 240. In
some embodiments, the central computer system 220 may comprise one
or more of a computer device, a central computer bank, a server, a
cloud-based server, and the like. The central computer system 220
comprises a control circuit 221 and a memory 222. The control
circuit 221 may comprise a central processing unit, a processor, a
microprocessor, and the like and be configured to execute computer
readable instructions stored on the computer readable storage
memory 222. The computer readable storage memory 222 may comprise
volatile and/or non-volatile memory and have stored upon it a set
of computer readable instructions which, when executed by the
control circuit 221, causes the central computer system 220 to
provide stocking instructions to the stocking system 250,
transportation instructions, and/or store management instructions,
based on the information retrieved from one or more the POS system
210, MMDs 240, and one or more databases. In some embodiments, the
central computer system 220 may further be configured to track the
inventory levels and/or statuses of the MMDs 240 in the system. In
some embodiments, the central computer system 220 may be configured
to select products to stock one or more MMDs 240. In some
embodiments, the central computer system 220 may further be
configured to determine the arrangement of products on one or more
of the MMDs 240 and/or the arrangement of MMDs 240 at a store
location. The specified arrangement of products and the arrangement
of MMDs 240 in a store may generally be referred to as the store's
layout and/or a planogram. In some embodiments, the central
computer system 220 may be configured to perform one or more steps
described with reference to FIGS. 4-7 herein.
[0031] The central computer system 220 may be coupled to one or
more databases such as a mobile modular display database 231, a
product database 232, a store inventory database 233, a sales
history database 234, and a store layout database 235. In some
embodiments, the mobile modular display database 231, the product
database 232, the store inventory database 233, the sales history
database 234, and the store layout database 235 may be implemented
on one or more shared or separated computer readable memory
devices. In some embodiments, one or more of the mobile modular
display database 231, the product database 232, the store inventory
database 233, the sales history database 234, and the store layout
database 235 may be implemented on the memory 222 of the central
computer system 220 and/or the memory 212 of the POS system
210.
[0032] The mobile modular display database 231 stores the statuses
of the plurality of the MMDs 240 in the system. In some
embodiments, each MMD 240 may be assigned a unique identifier and
one or more status identifiers. In some embodiments, the unique
identifier may be encoded in an optically readable code, a wireless
beacon, a RFID tag, etc. on the MMD 240. In some embodiments, the
system may track the locations of the each MMD 240 (e.g. at
stocking location, at store A, at store B, in transit), the usage
statuses of each MMD 240 (e.g. assigned, unassigned, waiting to be
stocked, ready for transport, out of order, etc.), the capability
of each MMD 240 (e.g. includes cooling unit, includes motorized
wheels, capacity, dimension, etc.), current configuration of each
MMD 240 (e.g. configured for garment display, decorated for holiday
season, etc.), and the like. In some embodiments, the information
stored in the MMD database 231 may be used by the central computer
system 220 to select one or more MMD 240 to carry selected products
to a store location. In some embodiments, the MMD database 231 may
be used by the central computer system 220 to schedule and assign
MMD servicing, cleaning, and/or configuration tasks. In some
embodiments, the MMD database 231 may also track the on-shelf
inventory for each of the MMDs 240. For example, MMD database 231
may store information on products assigned to each MMD and/or
collect on-shelf inventory information from product sensors on the
MMDs 240 to determine the identity and quantities of items being
carried by each MMD 240. In some embodiments, the central computer
system 220 may further use the MMD database 231 to determine when
to retrieve an MMD 240 from a store and/or send a replacement MMD
240.
[0033] The product database 232 may store product information
associated with a plurality of products offered for sale. In some
embodiments, the product database 232 may store product dimensions
and display requirement information. For example, headphones may
require a 3-inches by 5-inches display space and a peg hanger type
display structure. In another example, a soft drink product may
require an MMD with a refrigerated unit. In some embodiments, the
product database 232 may further store product category (e.g.
snacks, dairy, household items, etc.) and/or attribute information
(e.g. eco-friendly, organic, budget friendly, seasonal, perishable,
etc.) associated with the products. In some embodiments, the
product database 232 may comprise inventory information of a
plurality of products at one or more stocking and/or storage
locations. The information stored in the product database 232 may
be used by the central computer system 220 to select products for a
store location. For example, the system may estimate the demand for
one or more products based on the product attributes, past sales
history, and/or customer profiles of the customer base of the store
location and select products that are likely to be in high demand
at the store location. In some embodiments, the information stored
in the product database 232 may further be used to select MMDs 240
for deployment and/or determine the arrangement of the products and
the configuration of the selected MMD 240. For example, the central
computer system 220 may determine the on-shelf arrangement of the
products based on the size and display requirements of the selected
products.
[0034] The store inventory database 233 may store the current
inventory at one or more store locations. In some embodiments, the
store inventory may comprise records of each product offered at a
store location and the inventory quantity of each product. In some
embodiments, the store inventory information may comprise inventory
information associated each individual MMD 240 at the store
location. In some embodiments, inventory information of each MMD
240 may be tracked by on-shelf product sensors. In some
embodiments, the product sensors may comprise one or more of a RFID
reader, an optical scanner, a camera, a weight sensor, a pusher,
and the like. In some embodiments, the product sensors may further
be configured to monitor for product condition using a temperature
sensor, a moisture sensor, a chemical detector, a piezoelectric
mat, and the like and record the product condition in the store
inventory database 233. In some embodiments, the store inventory
may be tracked by the POS system 210 based on sales data. For
example, the system may deduct the inventory count of brand A
chewing gum with each unit of brand A chewing gum sold through the
POS system. The information stored in the store inventory database
233 may be used by the central computer system 220 to detect for
modular display replacement conditions. In some embodiments, the
central computer system 220 may detect for low in stock and/or out
of stock conditions on one or more MMDs at a store location based
on the store inventory database 233. In some embodiments, an MMD
240 may be replaced when one or more items on the shelf are low or
out of stock. In some embodiments, the central computer system 220
may predict a likely low or out of stock condition based on sales
trends of the one or more items and trigger MMD replacement based
on the prediction. In some embodiments, the central computer system
220 may use the inventory information in the store inventory
database 233 to select items to send to a store location on a
replacement MMD 240. For example, the system may use the existing
inventory of the store to estimate the demand for additional
products send to the store.
[0035] The sales history database 234 stores sales history of one
or more products at one or more store locations. In some
embodiments, sales history may comprise sale rate (e.g. 2 units per
day, 1 unit per hour, etc.) for one or more products. In some
embodiments, sales history information may be separately tracked
based on purchasing customer's demographic and other context
information such as day of the week, season, holidays, upcoming
events, weather, etc. In some embodiments, the central computer
system 220 may use the information stored in the sales history
database 234 to predict demand for one or more products and select
products to send to store locations with MMDs 240. In some
embodiments, the sales history database may further be used to
determine the quantities of products to be carried on an MMD. In
some embodiments, the central computer system 220 is configured to
determine quantities for each product on an MMD such that each
product is estimated to sell out around the same time. In some
embodiments, the information in the product database 232, the store
inventory database 233, and the sales history database 234 and
context information may be used in combination to estimate demand
for one or more products to determine the selection and quantity of
products to include on one or more MMDs and/or determine MMD
dressing configuration options. For example, if the assigned
in-store location for an MMD is in a sunny area, the system may
reduce lighting and increase cooling of the MMD. In another
example, if a MMD is carrying seasonal items at the end of a
season, the system may configure the MMD to raise lighting and
change shelf labeling to draw attention and promote sell-through of
the seasonal products.
[0036] The store layout database 235 stores planograms of one or
more store locations. In some embodiments, planograms comprise
arrangements of products on each of the MMDs 240 and the
arrangement of MMDs 240 on the sales floor of the store location.
In some embodiments, a planogram may be determined by the central
computer system 220 based on the products on the MMDs 240,
information in one or more of the databases, and/or other context
information. In some embodiments, a store location may be assigned
a plurality of planograms for different time periods. For example,
when one or more replacement MMDs 240 are sent to a store location,
the store location may be instructed to rearrange the MMDs 240 on
the sales floor based on an updated planogram that includes the
replacement MMDs 240. In another example, a daytime planogram may
place MMDs with lunch items near the front of the store and a night
time planogram may display snack items in the front. In some
embodiments, the store layout database 235 may associate time
periods with each of the one or more planograms. In some
embodiments, the one or more planograms may further be associated
with context information such as weather and events. In some
embodiments, the central computer system 220 and/or the POS system
210 may be configured to verify that the placement of the MMDs 240
conforms to the layout for the store location stored in the store
layout database 235. In some embodiments, the central computer
system 220 and/or the POS system 210 may be configured to verify
the arrangement of the products on MMDs 240 using the layout for
the store location stored in the store layout database 235. In some
embodiments, the central computer system 220 and/or the POS system
210 may be configured to generate an alert if a deviation from the
specified layout is detected. In some embodiments, the central
computer system 220 and/or the POS system 210 may allow for a
transition time between layout changes before an alert is
generated. For example, after an MMD 240 arrives at a location, the
system may begin detecting for deviations 10 minutes after
unloading the MMD 240. In some embodiments, store layout database
235 may be used by the system to provide navigation instructions to
customers, automated transport devices, and/or associates based on
the store layout determined for the store location.
[0037] The MMDs 240 comprise mobile display units configured to
hold items for display on a sales floor. In some embodiments, the
MMDs 240 are configured to be stocked with a plurality of types of
products in a plurality of shelf spaces at a stocking location,
transport the products to a store location, and display the
products at the store location. The MMD 240 comprises a control
circuit 241, a location sensor 242, and a communication device 243.
In some embodiments, the control circuit 241 may comprise a central
processing unit, a processor, a microprocessor, and the like and be
configured to execute computer readable instructions stored on a
computer readable storage memory. The computer readable storage
memory may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory and have
stored upon it a set of computer readable instructions which, when
executed by the control circuit 241, causes the MMD 240 to
determine its location based on the location sensor 242. In some
embodiments, the location sensor 242 may comprise one or more of a
wireless receiver, a Bluetooth receiver, a Wi-Fi receiver, an
optical sensor, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In
some embodiments, the location sensor 242 may comprise an adjacency
sensor configured to detect for the presence and/or proximity of
other MMDs and/or architectural elements. In some embodiments, the
control circuit 241 may further be configured to control one or
more other components on the MMD such as lighting components,
temperature control components, and digital signage. For example,
the control circuit 241 may be configured to change the display of
the digital signage and/or turn lights on or off based on
communications with the POS system 210 and/or the central computer
system 220.
[0038] In some embodiments, the control circuit 241 may communicate
the location of the MMD 240 to the POS system 210 and/or the
central computer system 220 via the communication device 243. In
some embodiments, the communication device 243 may comprise a
wireless transmitter such as one or more of a Wi-Fi adapter, a
Bluetooth device, a RFID tag, a Near Field Communication (NFC)
beacon, etc. In some embodiments, the communication device 243 may
comprise a wired connection. In some embodiments, the communication
device 243 and/or the location sensor 242 may comprise a coupler of
the MMD 240. For example, the MMD 240 may be configured to couple
with a docking structure on the sales floor of a store. The docking
structure may comprise a data connection and/or a detector to
collect identifying information from the location sensor 242 and/or
the communication device 243 to determine the location of the MMD
240.
[0039] In some embodiments, the MMDs 240 may comprise a plurality
of shelf spaces configured to hold a plurality of types of products
in a specified arrangement during transport and display the
plurality of types of products for customer selection and purchase
on a sales floor of a store location. In some embodiments, an MMD
240 may comprise product sensors for monitoring the on-shelf
inventory of the MMD 240. In some embodiments, the product sensors
may comprise one or more of a RFID reader, an optical scanner, a
camera, a weight sensor, a pusher, and the like. In some
embodiments, the product sensors may further be configured to
monitor for product condition using one or more of a temperature
sensor, a moisture sensor, a chemical detector, a piezoelectric
mat, and the like.
[0040] In some embodiments, an MMD 240 may comprise a coupler
configured to couple with one or more of a store docking structure
at the store location, another mobile modular display, a vehicle
docking structure in a transportation vehicle, a unmanned ground
vehicle (UGV), a conveyor system, and a securing structure at the
stocking location. In some embodiments, the coupler may be
configured to anchor and/or secure the MMD 240. In some
embodiments, the coupler may comprise data and/or power ports. In
some embodiments, an MMD 105 may comprise one or more temperature
controlled compartments (e.g. refrigerated unit, freezer unit,
heated unit). In some embodiments, the temperature control units
may be powered by a battery and/or via a power connection to one or
more of a stocking location, a transportation vehicle, a UGV, and a
store location. In some embodiments, the MMDs 240 coupled together
may be configured to form a power and/or data chain that allows the
MMDs 240 to share data and/or power.
[0041] In some embodiments, an MMD 240 may comprise wheels
configured to travel on the ground. In some embodiments, the wheel
system may comprise retractable wheels that allow the bottom of the
MMD housing to rest on the floor when retracted. In some
embodiments, the wheel system may comprise wheels that may be
locked to prevent the MMDs from rolling when displayed. In some
embodiments, the wheels may comprise motored wheels. In some
embodiments, an MMD 240 may further include steering controls for
controlling the direction of the powered motors. In some
embodiments, an MMD 240 may comprise a UGV configured to travel in
a stocking location, a store location, and/or on a roadway between
the stocking location and the store location based on navigation
instructions.
[0042] In some embodiments, the MMDs 240 in a system may comprise a
plurality of identical and/or interchangeable MMDs. In some
embodiments, one or more MMDs may comprise specialized MMDs such as
MMDs configure for display apparel items, MMDs with refrigerated
units, MMDs configured for produce display, MMDs with locked
compartments, etc. In some embodiments, one or more MMDs may
comprise changeable and configurable modular parts. For example, an
MMD 240 may comprise movable shelf dividers, movable shelf
supports, removable hanger pegs, removable compartments, etc. In
some embodiments, the MMDs 240 may further be configured to be
"dressed" with signs and decoration. In some embodiments, an MMD
240 may comprise a label coupler configured to hold a shelf/pricing
label. Further descriptions of embodiments of MMDs are provided
with reference to FIG. 3 herein.
[0043] The stocking system 250 may comprise one or more of a
conveyor system, store associate user interface devices, UGVs, and
the like. In some embodiments, the stocking system 250 may be
configured to transfer items from a storage system at a stocking
location to MMDs 240 based on instructions from the central
computer system 220. In some embodiments, the stocking system may
comprise a plurality of associate user interface devices configured
to display item picking and arrangement information. For example,
the user interface device may display a pick list and/or a
planogram for one or more MMDs to a stocking associate. In some
embodiments, the stocking system 250 may comprise automated mobile
units and/or conveyor systems configured to pick and/or stock MMDs
240 based on planograms selected by the system. In some
embodiments, the stocking system 250 may further be configured to
dress and configure MMDs 240 with attachments and/or decorations.
For example, the stocking system 250 may be configured to print
pricing labels and attach them to label couplers on the MMDs 240.
In another example, the stocking system 250 may be configured to
add or remove display structures such as shelf dividers, garment
hangers, bars, peg hangers, locked shelves, etc. on the MMDs 240
during the stocking process. In some embodiments, the stocking
system 250 may generally be configured prepare an MMD 240 for
deployment to a store location based on instructions received from
the central computer system 220.
[0044] The POS system 210 generally refers to the computer system
at a retail store location. In some embodiments, the POS system 210
may comprise one or more of a store management computer system, a
checkout terminal, a self-service terminal, a virtual checkout
system, etc. The POS system 210 comprises a control circuit 211 and
a memory 212. The control circuit 211 may comprise a central
processing unit, a processor, a microprocessor, and the like and be
configured to execute computer readable instructions stored on the
computer readable storage memory 212. The computer readable storage
memory 212 may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory and
have stored upon it a set of computer readable instructions which,
when executed by the control circuit 211, causes the POS system 210
to track the overall inventory at a store locations, on-shelf
inventory of one or more MMDs 240 at the store location, and/or
locations of one or more MMDs 240 at the store locations. In some
embodiments, the POS system 210 may be configured to monitor the
on-shelf inventory of one or more MMDs 240 based on customer
purchases. In some embodiments, the POS system 210 may communicate
with product sensors on the MMDs 240 and/or sensors located
elsewhere in the store location 130 to determine which items have
been selected and/or purchased by customers. In some embodiments,
purchases may be automatically charged to a customer's account when
the customer exits the store location with the selected products.
In some embodiments, the POS system 210 may be configured to
monitor the placement of MMDs 240 to verify that the MMDs are
arranged according to a planogram for the store location. In some
embodiments, the POS system 210 may be configured to perform one or
more functions of the central computer system 220 described herein.
In some embodiments, the central computer system 220 may be
configured to perform one or more functions of the POS system 210
described herein. In some embodiments, the POS system 210 and the
central computer system 220 may be implemented on the same one or
more devices and/or systems.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, an illustration of a mobile modular
display (MMD) is shown. The MMD 300 comprises a housing 305, a
wheel system 330, a plurality of shelf spaces 310, a location
device 320, a coupler 360, product sensors 340, and label couplers
350. The MMD may further comprise a control circuit (not shown) and
a communication device (not shown).
[0046] In some embodiments, the housing 305 comprises a rigid
material configured to be transported between a stocking center and
one or more store locations multiple times and the plurality of
shelf spaces comprises reusable spaces configured to hold different
types of products each time the MMD is deployed to a store
location. In some embodiments, the housing 305 may be configured to
be a free-standing structure that may rest on the floor of the
sales space to display products for sales. In some embodiments, the
housing may comprise handles or notches for pulling and/or pushing
the MMD 300.
[0047] The shelf spaces 310 generally comprises display spaces for
holding products. In some embodiments, the shelf spaces 310 are
configured to hold a plurality of types of products in a specified
arrangement during transport and display the plurality of types of
products for customer selection and purchase on a sales floor of a
store location. In some embodiments, the plurality of shelf spaces
310 may comprise one or more removable and/or repositionable
dividers, locked compartments, clothing hangers, greeting card
slots, lawn and garden holders, gun racks, and the like. In some
embodiments, one or more shelf spaces 310 may comprise temperature
controlled storage compartments. In some embodiments, the housing
305 and/or the shelf space further comprises a clam shell door or a
sliding door configured to secure products within the shelf spaces
during transport. In some embodiments, one or more of shelf spaces
comprises spring-loaded pushers configured to secure products in
place during transport and display. In some embodiments, the shelf
spaces 310 and products stored therein may be secured by one or
more inflatable balloon casing during transport.
[0048] The location device 320 comprise a device configured to
provide location information of the MMD 300. In some embodiments,
the location device 320 comprises an adjacency sensor configured to
detect for other MMDs to determine the location of the MMD 300. For
example, adjacency sensors may be configured detect for the
presence of each other to map out the relative locations of MMDs.
In some embodiments, the location device 320 may be configured
detect for architectural elements to determine the location of the
MMD. For example, the location device 320 may comprise an optical
sensor and/or a camera configured to the read an optically readable
identifier on the floor and/or wall of the sales floor to identify
the location of the MMD 300. In some embodiments, the location
device 320 may comprise one or more of a wireless transceiver, GPS,
a Bluetooth transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, an optical sensor,
and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In some
embodiments, the location device 320 may be coupled to a wireless
communication device configured to transmit the location of the
housing to a central computer system. In some embodiments, the
location device 320 may be combined with the coupler 360. For
example, the MMD may be configured to dock with a docking structure
on the sales floor of a store and/or a transportation vehicle. The
docking structure of the store location and/or the vehicle may
comprise a data connection and/or a detector to collect identifying
information from the location device 320 to determine the location
of the MMD 300. In some embodiments, the location device 320 may
comprise the location sensor 242 described with reference to FIG. 2
herein or a similar device. The positioning of the location device
320 is provided as an example only. The location device 320 may be
positioned on any portion of the MMD 300 without departing from the
spirit of the present disclosure.
[0049] In some embodiments, the coupler 360 comprises a coupling
structure configured to couple with one or more of a store docking
structure, another mobile modular display, and a vehicle docking
structure. In some embodiments, the coupler 360 is configured to
anchor the MMD and prevent the MMD from shifting or tipping over.
In some embodiments, the coupler 360 may comprise a power port
configured to receive power from one or more of the store docking
structure, another MMD, and the vehicle docking structure. In some
embodiments, the coupler 360 may comprise a data port configured to
communicate with one or more of the store docking structure,
another MMD, and a transport vehicle. In some embodiments, a
plurality of MMD coupled together may be configured to function as
a power and/or data chain to share power and/or data with each
other.
[0050] The wheel system 330 comprises one or more wheels configured
to provide mobility to the MMD 300. In some embodiments, the wheel
system comprises one or more motor-powered wheels. In some
embodiments, the MMD 300 may comprise user steering controls for
controlling the direction of the powered motors. For example, the
MMD 300 may comprise a driving stick and/or a steering wheel
configured to allow a store associate the control the movement of
the MMD 300. In some embodiments, the powered wheels may be
configured to provide power assist in the direction of push. In
some embodiments, the MMD 300 may comprise a self-driving device
and control circuit is configured to drive the motor-powered wheels
and navigate the MMD based on navigation instructions. For example,
the MMD 300 may be configured to receive a destination (e.g. a
display location on the sales floor) from a remote computer system
and use onboard sensors to navigate to the destination. In some
embodiments, the wheel system 330 may comprise retractable wheels
configured to retract and rest the bottom of the housing of the MMD
on a floor of one or more of the store location, a transportation
vehicle, and an MMD stocking center. In some embodiments, the MMD
300 may be configured to unload itself from a transportation
vehicle and park itself at a designated display location on a sales
floor to display items for sale. At the time of retrieval, the MMD
300 may be configured to drive itself to a transportation vehicle
to be transferred back to a stocking location.
[0051] The product sensor 340 may comprise sensors configured to
monitor on-shelf inventory of the MMD 300. In some embodiments,
product sensors 340 may comprise one or more of a Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) reader, an optical sensor, a camera, an
optical light curtain, a weight sensor, and a mechanical pusher
device. In some embodiments, the product sensors may further be
configured to monitor for product condition using one or more of a
temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a chemical detector, a
piezoelectric mat, and the like. In some embodiments, the product
sensor 340 may comprise inventory trackers configured to provide
item count data to a central computer system and/or a POS system.
In some embodiments, the MMD 300 may comprise a control circuit
configured to track inventory levels of products in the plurality
of shelf spaces based on the one or more product sensors 340 and
communicate the inventory information to a POS system and/or a
central computer system via a communication device.
[0052] In some embodiments, the product label couplers 350 are
configured to hold product labels such as identification labels,
pricing labels, and promotional labels. In some embodiments, the
product label coupler 350 may be configured to hold labels for
products placed in corresponding shelf spaces during transport and
present the labels to customers on the sales floor of the store
location. In some embodiments, the product label couplers 350 may
comprise reprogrammable digital display devices. In some
embodiments, the MMD 300 may comprise couplers for other types of
"dressing" and/or decoration. For example, vertical banners,
seasonal decorations, and promotional items may be attached to the
MMD at a stocking location and transported to a store location for
display.
[0053] The illustration of the MMD 300 is provided as an example
only. The locations, sizes, and appearances of one or more of the
shelf spaces 310, the location device 320, the wheel system 330,
the product sensor 340, the product label couplers 350, and the
coupler 360 may vary without departing from the spirit of the
present disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more of the shelf
spaces 310, the location device 320, the wheel system 330, the
product sensor 340, the product label couplers 350, and the coupler
360 may comprise optional components of the MMD 300 and may be
absent in at least some MMDs 300. In some embodiments, one or more
of the shelf spaces 310, the location device 320, the wheel system
330, the product sensor 340, the product label couplers 350, and
the coupler 360 may comprise removable and/or reconfigurable
components of the MMD 300.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 4, a method for supplying a store is
shown. Generally, the method shown in FIG. 4 may be implemented
with one or more processor-based devices such as devices having a
control circuit, a central processor, a microprocessor, and the
like. In some embodiments, one or more steps in the method shown in
FIG. 4 may be implemented with the central computer system 112, the
POS system 132, the central computer system 220, the POS system
210, the mobile modular display 240, the stocking system 250, an
associate user interface device, and/or similar devices.
[0055] In step 410, the system detects a modular display
replacement condition at a store location selling products on a
plurality of deployed MMDs. In some embodiments, MMDs are
configured to be stocked with a plurality of types of products in a
plurality of shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the
products to a store location, and display the products at the store
location. In some embodiments, prior to step 410, the system may be
configured to monitor the inventory levels of one or more store
locations and/or one or more MMDs to determine whether to trigger a
modular display replacement.
[0056] In some embodiments, the modular display replacement
condition may be detected based on the inventory information of a
store location and/or inventory level of individual MMDs at the
store location. In some embodiments, the modular display
replacement condition comprises one or more: a quantity of one or
more products on the at least one mobile modular display falling
below a threshold, a quantity of all products on the at least one
mobile modular display falling below a threshold, and a sales rate
of one or more products on the at least one mobile modular display
falling below a threshold. In some embodiments, modular replacement
condition may be determined based on the overall inventory of an
MMD. For example, replacement may be triggered for an MMD when less
than 20% of products remains on the MMD, regardless of the
individual inventory levels of different items on the MMD. In some
embodiments, modular replacement may be triggered when any one or
more products on an MMD is low or out of stock. For example,
replacement may be triggered when one product only has 2 units left
on the shelf and is expected to sell out by the end of the day,
regardless of the inventory levels of other products on the same
MMD. In some embodiments, modular display replacement may be
triggered when one or more items is estimated to sell out around
the arrival of the next scheduled shipment of MMDs to the store
location. In some embodiments, modular display replacement may be
triggered if the sales rate of an item increases beyond a threshold
and/or fall below a threshold. For example, if one or more products
on an MMD has not sold for a period of time (e.g. 2 days, 1 week),
a modular replacement condition may be triggered to replace the
MMD, even though there is sufficient on-shelf inventory. In some
embodiments, modular replacement condition may be triggered with
the expiration of one or more perishable products and/or the
passing a promotional period for seasonal products. For example,
after Halloween, the system may begin to replace MMDs displaying
Halloween candies.
[0057] In step 420, the system selects products to stock a
replacement MMD. In some embodiments, the MMD being replaced may be
associated with the modular display replacement condition detected
in step 410. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to
select a plurality of products to stock an MMD from the plurality
of mobile modular displays for the store location based on the
sales history of the store location stored in the sales history
database and a current inventory of the store location stored in
the store inventory database. In some embodiments, sales history
database and store inventory database may comprise the sales
history database 234 and the store inventory database 233,
respectively, described with reference to FIG. 2. In some
embodiments, the sales history may be used to estimate future
demand for one or more products. In some embodiments, the plurality
of products may be further selected based on customer information
associated a customer base of the store location and/or product
information stored in a product database. For example, the system
may predict demand for new products not previously sold at a store
location based on the customer base demographic, preference,
affinity, partiality, and aspiration information stored in a
customer database and associated product characteristics stored in
the product database. In some embodiments, the system may select
products with high estimated demands based on customer, sales, and
product information. In some embodiments, the products may be
selected in view of the current inventory of the store locations.
For example, the system may estimate future demands for additional
units of a product based on the current unit count of the same or
similar products at the store location. In some embodiments, the
products are further selected based on one or more of date, event,
and weather information. For example, if a storm is coming, the
system may stock an MMD with umbrellas to increase the total number
of umbrellas carried at a store location. In some embodiments, the
system may further determine the quantity for each of the plurality
of products based on estimated sale rates of each of the plurality
of products and a capacity of the mobile modular display. For
example, more units of a fast selling product may be selected over
a lower selling. In another example, the system may use the
recorded sizes information of the products to ensure that the
products selected for an MMD do not exceed the capacity of the MMD.
In some embodiments, the stock quantity of each of the plurality of
products is determined such that the plurality of products on the
mobile modular display are estimated to sell out at approximately
the same time. For example, if brand C candy bar is estimated to
sell 8 units a day and brand D chewing gum is estimated to sell 4
units a day, the system may place twice as many brand C candy bars
on the MMD as compared to brand D chewing gum on the same MMD. In
some embodiments, the system may select products and determine
product quantities to meet the estimated customer demand, increase
sales, fully utilize the MMD's shelf space, and/or minimize a
number of residual products on the MMD when the MMD is retrieved
from the store location.
[0058] In some embodiments, after step 410, the system may further
select an MMD to replace the deployed MMD associated with the
modular display replacement condition. In some embodiments, the MMD
may be selected based on one or more of the types of products
selected for the store location, the display requirements of the
products, the capability of the MMD (e.g. refrigerated unit, heavy
duty housing, etc.), the availability of the MMD, the dimension of
the MMD, and/or the current configuration of the MMD (e.g. position
of removal shelf dividers, garment display attachments, etc.). In
some embodiments, the system may select an available MMD suitable
for the display location at the store and compatible with the
products selected for the store.
[0059] In step 430, the system determines a planogram for the
plurality of products selected for the mobile modular display. The
planogram generally refers to the layout of products on a display
and/or the arrangement of displays in a store. In some embodiments,
the system may further select an in-store display location for the
mobile modular display at the store location based on a current
layout of the store location and/or products carried on each of the
MMDs. In some embodiments, the system may update the layout of the
store based on the additional and/or replacement of one or more
MMDs. In some embodiments, the arrangement of products on an MMD
and/or the arrangement of the MMDs on a store sales floor may be
determined based on one or more of the products carried by each
MMD, sales trend, date, event, and weather information. In some
embodiments, the arrangement of products on an MMD may be based on
one or more of the relative popularity of the products, the
fragility of the products, the display structure types associated
with each product, the weight for each product, etc. In some
embodiments, the system may specify a shelf space (e.g. top shelf,
second shelf) for each product selected for an MMD and the amount
of space allotted for each product (e.g. 3 rows, 10 inches, etc.).
In some embodiments, the system may further be configured to select
dressing and/or configuration options for MMDs. In some
embodiments, dressing configuration for an MMD may comprise one or
more of signage configuration, label configuration, lighting
configuration, temperature setting, and security options.
[0060] In step 440, the system outputs an instruction to a stocking
system to stock the mobile modular display with the plurality of
products in the plurality of shelf spaces according to the
planogram and to transport the MMD to the store location for
display. In some embodiments, the stocking system may comprise one
or more of a conveyor system, associate user interface devices,
UGVs, and the like. In some embodiments, the stocking system may be
configured to transfer items from a storage system at a stocking
location to the selected MMD. In some embodiments, the stocking
system may comprise a plurality of associate user interface devices
configured to display item picking instructions and/or product
arrangement information. For example, a user interface device may
display a pick list and/or a planogram for and MMD to an associate.
In some embodiments, the stocking system may comprise automated
units configured to pick items from the storage system and stock
MMDs based on a planogram. In some embodiments, the system may be
configured to determine and output dressing instructions to the
stocking system to prepare the MMD according to the dressing
configurations. For example, the stocking system may be configured
to print pricing labels and attach them to label couplers on the
MMDs. In another example, the stocking system may be configured add
or remove display structures such as shelf dividers, garment
hangers, bars, peg hangers, locked shelves, etc. on the MMDs during
the stocking process. In some embodiments, the stocking system may
comprise the stocking system 250 and/or the central computer system
220 described with reference to FIG. 2 or similar systems.
[0061] After step 440, in some embodiments, the process may return
to step 410 and the system may prepare additional MMDs for one or
more store locations. In some embodiments, after step 440, the
system may be configured to inspect the prepared MMD to verify that
the MMD conforms with the product arrangement and/or dressing
options determined in step 430. For example, the system may capture
images of the prepared MMD and compare the captured image to the
planogram selected for the MMD.
[0062] In some embodiments, an MMD prepared in step 440 may be
loaded onto a transport vehicle and transported to a store
location. In some embodiments, the MMD may replace the at least one
of the plurality of deployed mobile modular displays on a sales
floor of the store location. When the MMD meets the modular display
replacement condition, steps 410-440 may be repeated to replace the
MMD with a yet another stocked MMD from the stocking location.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 5, a method for managing a store is
shown. Generally, the method shown in FIG. 5 may be implemented
with one or more processor-based devices such as devices having a
control circuit, a central processor, a microprocessor, and the
like. In some embodiments, one or more steps in the method shown in
FIG. 5 may be implemented with the central computer system 112, the
POS system 132, the central computer system 220, the POS system
210, the mobile modular display 240, the stocking system 250, an
associate user interface device, and/or similar devices.
[0064] In step 510, the system determines a store layout of a store
location. In some embodiments, the store layout comprises in-store
locations for a plurality of mobile modular displays assigned to
the store location. In some embodiments, the store layout may
comprise a planogram of the store. In some embodiments, a planogram
and/or a layout of a store comprises arrangements of products on
each of the MMDs and the arrangement of MMDs on the sales floor of
the store location. In some embodiments, the store layout may be
determined based on products selected for MMDs assigned to the
store location. In some embodiments, the layout may be determined
further based on the inventory of the store, estimated demand of
one or more products carried by each MMD, sales trend, date, event,
weather information, and/or other context information. For example,
popular items may be placed near the register and/or front of the
store. In some embodiments, when the system detects a modular
display replacement condition, the system may determine a new store
layout based on products assigned to the one or more replacement
MMDs and update the store layout of the store location stored in
the store layout database with the new store layout. In some
embodiments, the store layout may be stored into and/or retrieved
from a store layout database storing the planograms of one or more
store locations. In some embodiments, a store location may be
associated with a plurality of planograms for different time
periods. For example, when one or more replacement MMDs are sent to
a store location, the store location may be instructed to rearrange
the MMDs on the sales floor based on an updated planogram with the
arrival of the replacement MMDs. In another example, a daytime
planogram may place MMDs with lunch items near the front of the
store and a night time planogram may display snack items in the
front. In some embodiments, the store layout database may specify
time periods associated with each of the one or more
planograms.
[0065] In some embodiments, after step 510, the layout of the store
may be accessed by the store location to place and/or arrange the
MMDs. In some embodiments, the system may further provide
navigation instructions to customers, autonomous transport
vehicles, and/or associates based on the store layout determined
for the store location. For example, an autonomous transport device
may be configured to couple to an MMD and transfer the MMD to the
MMD's assigned display location based on the store layout and/or
navigation instructions. In another example, the store layout may
be used to generate a customer user interface. The customer may
browse and search the locations of products at a store location via
the user interface. In some embodiments, the store layout customer
user interface may comprise an in-store kiosk and/or a mobile
application.
[0066] In step 520, the system aggregates location information from
the mobile modular displays on display in the store location. In
some embodiments, the location of the MMDs may be determined based
on location sensors on the MMDs such as the location sensor 242
described with reference to FIG. 2 and/or the location device 320
described with reference to FIG. 3 herein. In some embodiments, the
location information of MMDs may be determined based on adjacency
sensors configured to detect for presences of other mobile modular
displays. For example, an MMD may be configured to determine its
location relative to one or more MMDs next to it based on the
adjacent sensor. In some embodiments, the location information of
the plurality of MMDs may be detected by one or more location
devices comprising one or more of a wireless transceiver, a
Bluetooth transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, an optical sensor, a
camera, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. In some
embodiments, MMDs may be configured to dock with one or more
docking structures at the store location and the location
information may be detected based on sensors on the one or more
docking structures. In some embodiments, the location information
may be determined based on detecting for architectural elements on
the sales floor of the store location. For example, the floor of
the store may comprise a numbered grid, and a camera on the MMD may
be configured to capture an image of the floor below the MMD to
determine its location. In some embodiments, the locations of the
MMD may be determined by an external location sensor such as a
handheld scanner, a scanner on an automated unit, wall mounted or
ceiling mounted sensors, and wireless transceivers. For example, a
unique identifier may be printed on top of each MMD and a ceiling
mounted camera may capture images of the tops of the MMDs to
aggregate the locations of the MMDs. In some embodiments, the
system may further determine the orientation (e.g. facing north,
south, etc.) based on the location sensor.
[0067] In step 530, the system compares the store layout associated
with the store location in the store layout database and the
location information of the mobile modular displays aggregated in
step 520. In some embodiments, the system may select a layout from
a plurality of layouts associated with a store location based on
time and/or other context information. In some embodiments, the
system may be configured to compare the locations for each MMD as
designated in the store layout and/or planogram and the actual
locations of the MMDs as determined in step 520. In some
embodiments, steps 520 and 530 may be repeated periodically to
ensure compliance to the store planogram. In some embodiments, the
store layout associated with the store location and the location
information of the plurality of MMDs may be compared in response to
detecting an addition of a replacement mobile modular display at
the store location and/or a removal of one or more of the MMDs.
[0068] In step 540, the system determines whether there is a
discrepancy between the store layout determined in step 510 and the
location information aggregated in step 520. In some embodiments,
discrepancy may comprise differences in a MMD's location
coordinate, an MMD's location relative to each other, an MMD's
location relative to the store's architectural elements, and/or an
MMD's orientation. If no discrepancy is detected, the system may
return to step 520 and continue to monitor the MMD locations in a
store.
[0069] If a discrepancy is detected in step 540, the system may
generate a layout correction alert in step 550. In some
embodiments, a layout correction alert may comprise an instruction
to relocate a mobile modular display, switch two mobile modular
displays, remove a mobile modular display, or locate a missing
mobile modular display. In some embodiments, the system may display
correction alert and/or instructions on an associate user
interface. For example, the user interface may highlight the MMDs
that are misplaced in a diagram of the store layout. In some
embodiments, the display correction alert may be displayed via an
indicator (e.g. LED light, display screen) on the MMD associated
with the error. For example, if a MMD is misplaced, the system may
cause a LED light on the MMD to start blinking to indicate the
error. In some embodiments, the system may provide machine
instructions to an automated unit to assign an MMD rearrangement
task to the automated unit. In some embodiments, the system may
repeat steps 520-550 until the detected discrepancy is
addressed.
[0070] In some embodiments, step 540 may be suspended during a
layout transition period. For example, the store location may be
given 10 minutes after the arrival of a group of newly stocked MMDs
to modify the layout of the store based on a new planogram
determined with the new MMDs. In some embodiments, the system may
further be configured to detect for other irregularities in the
shopping space such as damages to products, damages to MMDs,
spills, etc. and instruct corrective actions to associates and/or
automated units. In some embodiments, step 510 may comprise step
430 described with reference to FIG. 4. In some embodiments, steps
520-550 may occur after one or more MMDs prepared according to
steps 410-440 arrives at a store location.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 6, a method for handling residual
products is shown. Generally, the method shown in FIG. 6 may be
implemented with one or more processor-based devices such as
devices having a control circuit, a central processor, a
microprocessor, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more
steps in the method shown in FIG. 6 may be implemented with the
central computer system 112, the POS system 132, the central
computer system 220, the POS system 210, the mobile modular display
240, the stocking system 250, an associate user interface device,
and/or similar devices.
[0072] In step 610, the system tracks inventory levels of mobile
modular displays in a store location. In some embodiments, MMDs are
configured to be stocked with a plurality of types of products in a
plurality of shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the
products to a store location, and display the products at the store
location. In some embodiments, the inventory levels are tracked in
the mobile modular display inventory database and/or a store
inventory database. The inventory database may store the current
inventory information of individual MMDs at one or more store
locations. In some embodiments, the MMD inventory information may
comprise records of each product offered at a store location and
the inventory quantity of each product. In some embodiments, the
inventory levels are tracked by one or more product sensors on one
or more of the MMDs and/or a POS system of the store location. In
some embodiments, product sensors may comprise one or more of a
RFID reader, an optical scanner, a camera, a weight sensor, a
pusher, and the like. In some embodiments, the sensors may be
configured to detect for the removal and/or additional of products
on the shelves of an MMD. In some embodiments, the sensors may be
configured to count the number of products on the shelves of the
MMD. In some embodiments, the store inventory may be tracked by a
POS system based on sales made through the POS system. For example,
the system may deduct the inventory count of brand A chewing gum
with each unit of brand A chewing gum sold through the POS
system.
[0073] In step 620, the system detects a modular display
replacement condition at a store location selling products on a
plurality of deployed MMDs. In some embodiments, the modular
display replacement condition may be determined based on the
inventory levels of the MMDs at the store location tracked in step
610. In some embodiments, the modular display replacement condition
may comprise one or more: a quantity of one or more products on the
at least one mobile modular display falling below a threshold, a
quantity of all products on the at least one mobile modular display
falling below a threshold, and a sales rate of one or more products
on the at least one mobile modular display falling below a
threshold. In some embodiments, the modular display replacement
condition may be detected based on the inventory information of a
store location and/or inventory levels of individual MMDs at the
store locations. In some embodiments, modular replacement may be
triggered when one or more products on an MMD is low or out of
stock. For example, replacement may be triggered when one product
only has 2 units left on the shelf and is expected to sell out by
the end of the day, regardless of the inventory levels of other
products on the same MMD. In some embodiments, modular replacement
condition may be determined based on the overall inventory of an
MMD. For example, replacement may be triggered for an MMD when less
than 10% of products remains on the MMD, regardless of the
individual inventory levels of different items on the MMD. In some
embodiments, modular display replacement may be triggered when any
one or more items is estimated to be sold out at a specified time,
such as around the next scheduled shipment of MMDs to the store
location. In some embodiments, modular display replacement may be
triggered if the sales rate of an item increases beyond a threshold
and/or fall below a threshold. For example, if one or more products
on an MMD has not sold for a period of time (e.g. 2 days, 1 week),
a modular replacement condition may be triggered to replace the MMD
even though there is sufficient on-shelf inventory. In some
embodiments, modular replacement condition may be triggered with
the expiration of one or more perishable product and/or the passing
a promotional period of seasonal products. For example, after
Halloween, the system may begin to replace MMDs displaying
Halloween candies. In some embodiments, step 620 may comprise step
410 described with reference to FIG. 4 herein.
[0074] In step 630, the system deploys one or more replacement MMDs
to the store location. In some embodiments, the MMD is deployed to
replace the at least one mobile modular display on at a sales floor
of the store location in response to detecting the modular display
replacement condition. In some embodiments, the replacement MMD may
be stocked with products to be displayed and sold at the store
location. In some embodiments, the replacement MMD may be prepared
according to steps 410-440 described with reference to FIG. 4 or a
similar process. In some embodiments, the replacement MMDs may be
deployed to replace one or more MMDs currently displaying products
on the sales floor of the store location. In some embodiments, the
replacement MMDs may be loaded on a transportation vehicle and
transported to a store location.
[0075] In step 640, the system determines whether the MMDs being
replaced contains residual products. In some embodiments, whether
residual products are present may be determined based on product
sensors and/or a POS system of the store location. In some
embodiments, whether residual products are present and/or expected
to be present at the time of replacement may be determined based on
the inventory of the MMDs tracked by the system. In some
embodiments, step 640 may be based on a prediction of the inventory
level of the replaced MMD being replaced at the time the
replacement MMD is prepared. In some embodiments, step 640 may be
based on the actual inventory level of the MMD being replaced at
the time the MMD is being removed from the sales floor.
[0076] In the event that no residual product remains on the MMD,
the empty MMD is transported back to the stocking location for
subsequent uses, and the process returns to step 620. In the event
that residual products remains on the MMD or is predicted to remain
on the MMD being replaced, the process proceeds to step 650. In
step 650, the system determines residual handling instructions for
MMDs with residual products. In some embodiments, residual handling
instructions may be selected from a plurality of residual handling
methods for the residual products. In some embodiments, the
residual handling instruction may be selected based on one or more
of residual product type, residual product quantity, residual
product condition, residual product sales history, products
displayed on other mobile modular displays at the store location,
and products assigned to be transported to the store location with
the replacement mobile modular display. In some embodiments, the
residual handling instruction comprises returning the residual
products to a mobile modular display stocking center with the at
least one mobile modular display being replaced. For example, the
store location may load the MMD back on a transportation vehicle
without removing the residual products. The residual products may
then be removed at the stocking to be restocked, repurposed, and/or
discarded. In some embodiments, the residual handling instruction
comprises relocating the residual products to another modular
display at the store location prior to returning the at least one
mobile modular display to a mobile modular display stocking center.
For example, the system may instruct the consolidation of products
on two or more partially emptied MMDs. In some embodiments, the
residual handling instruction comprises moving the at least one
mobile modular display to a backroom storage area at the store
location and using the residual products to restock other mobile
modular displays on the sales floor of the store location. For
example, the MMD may function as temporary storage in a backroom
area of the store location and may be retrieved at a later time. In
some embodiments, the residual handling instruction comprises
moving the residual products to the replacement mobile modular
display when the replacement mobile modular display arrives at the
store location. In some embodiments, the stocking location may be
configured to select a plurality of products to stock the
replacement mobile modular display and leave room for the residual
products on the shelve spaces of the replacement mobile modular
display.
[0077] In step 660, the system communicates the residual handling
instruction to a user interface device. In some embodiments, the
user interface device may comprise a store associate user interface
device and/or an automated unit configured to move products and/or
MMDs in the store. In some embodiments, the residual handling
instruction may comprise instructions to move products from one MMD
to another, move the MMD to a backroom area, and/or load the MMD to
a transportation vehicle to return to a stocking location. In some
embodiments, the steps in FIG. 6 may be repeated each time MMDs are
replaced on a sales floor of a store location. In some embodiments,
handling instructions for MMDs being replaced with the same
shipment of replacement MMDs to a store location may be separately
determined. For example, residual products may be removed from one
MMD but not the others being transported back to the stocking
location on the same transportation vehicle.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 7, a method for using mobile modular
displays is shown. Generally, the method shown in FIG. 7 may be
implemented with one or more processor-based devices such as
devices having a control circuit, a central processor, a
microprocessor, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more
steps in the method shown in FIG. 7 may be implemented with the
central computer system 112, the POS system 132, the central
computer system 220, the POS system 210, the mobile modular display
240, the stocking system 250, an associate user interface device,
and/or similar devices.
[0079] In step 710, the system detects a replacement condition
associated with one or more MMDs at a store location. In some
embodiments, step 710 may comprise step 410 described with
reference to FIG. 4 and/or step 610 described with reference to
FIG. 6 herein. In some embodiments, an MMD may be replaced at a
store location when it is low in stock or out of stock. In some
embodiments, an MMD may be replaced if the products on the MMD is
no longer projected to have high demand.
[0080] In step 720, MMDs are stocked with products at a stocking
location. In some embodiments, the system may select products and
determine an arrangement of products on the MMD. In some
embodiments, the product and product arrangements may be selected
based on steps 420 and 430 described with reference to FIG. 4
and/or step 510 described with reference to FIG. 5. In some
embodiments, MMDs may be stocked with the stocking system 250
described with reference to FIG. 2 a similar system. In some
embodiments, the system may further determine dressing options for
the MMD and the stocking system may be configured to dress the MMD
accordingly in step 720.
[0081] In step 730, MMDs are transported to a store location. In
some embodiments, the MMDs may be transported by transport vehicles
such as the transportation vehicle 120 described with reference to
FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the MMDs may comprise unmanned ground
vehicles (UGVs) configured to travel between stocking locations and
store locations. In some embodiments, the MMDs may be transported
while fully stocked and/or dressed. In some embodiments, the MMD
may be configured to be coupled to the transport vehicle's power
supply to power/charge one or more devices on the MMD.
[0082] In step 740, a deployed MMD is placed on the sales floor. In
some embodiments, new MMD may be placed at a display location
specified by a planogram determined by the system. In some
embodiments, the store layout may be determined based on step 510
described with reference to FIG. 5 or a similar step. In some
embodiments, after the MMD is placed on the sales floor, the system
may verify the placement based on the process described with
reference to FIG. 5 or a similar process. In some embodiments, the
MMD may be anchored to other MMDs and/or a docking structure at the
store.
[0083] In step 750, the replaced MMD is transported back to the
stocking location. In some embodiments, the residual products on
the replaced MMD may be handled according to the steps described
with reference to FIG. 6 or similar steps prior to being
transported. In some embodiments, the MMD may be kept in a storage
area at the store location temporality before being transported
back to the stocking location. The returned MMD may then be used to
supply the store location or a different store location with
different products according to steps 710-740 at a later time.
[0084] In some embodiments, the methods and system described herein
provide shelving systems that are pre-stocked prior to shipment to
a retail store. These shelf systems may be stocked at a
manufacturer or distribution center and loaded into modular
containers. In some embodiments, each modular container stores one
or more mobile shelf systems and each modular container may be
intended for delivery to a single store. In some embodiments, a
single delivery vehicle may carry multiple modular containers
intended for a single store or for multiple stores. In some
embodiments, the module containers may be removed from the delivery
vehicle through rollers and/or wheels on the modular containers at
the store location. In some embodiments, one or more shelf systems
may be configured to be easily removed from the modular containers
through wheels on the shelf systems. The shelf systems that are
preloaded with products for purchase may be staged and moved onto
the sales floor to replace one or more other shelf systems on the
sales floor. In some embodiments, each shelf system includes
multiple shelves to support one or more types of products and the
shelf systems arrive at the store fully loaded with products and
ready for to be placed on the sales floor. In some embodiments, the
shelf systems may further include couplers that allow two or more
shelf systems to be coupled together (e.g., to form a row in a
store and/or a train-like arrangement for transport through the
distribution center and/or a store). In some embodiments, shelf
systems may comprise MMDs described herein.
[0085] In some embodiments, products may be stocked to meet needs
(demand) for each individual store based on factors such as
forecast, events, weather, time of year, current store layout, etc.
In some embodiments, products may be given space on the MMD based
on a projected sell-through rate for each item on the shelf such
that the entire MMD may be empty or near empty when it is replaced
with a new MMD. In some embodiments, MMDs may be moved to different
locations in the store to support store events or promotions. For
example, MMDs with beach towel and pool noodles may be moved
outside of the store to better display merchandise during hot
weather.
[0086] In some embodiments, an MMD may include RFID or similar
technology for identifying the locations of each MMD in each store.
In some embodiments, locations of MMD may be used to collect
product sales rate information at various display locations. In
some embodiments, MMD location information may further be used to
confirm modular integrity and conformity to the store
planogram.
[0087] In some embodiments, an MMD may be motorized for movement in
the store location and/or stocking location. The motor of an MMD
may assist in the moving MMDs stocked with merchandise that may be
extremely heavy (e.g. canned soup). In some embodiments, an MMD may
comprise a balloon type air displacement casing to secure products
during transportation. The balloons may be filled with air to
lock-in/hold merchandise in place during transportation between a
store location and a stocking location.
[0088] In some embodiments, products may be displayed on more than
one MMDs concurrently to reduce the chance of any one MMD appearing
out of stock. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to
detect a modular display replacement condition based on individual
modular stock levels such that when the inventory of a specific MMD
or shelf drops below a threshold for one or more products and/or
the shelves approach out of stock condition, a replacement is
triggered. In some embodiments, current inventory of individual
MMDs may be determined manually or automatically with sensors. In
some embodiments, a replacement MMD may be sent to a store location
with empty space to be filled with residual products from another
MMD being removed from the store sales floor. In some embodiments,
the replaced MMD may be cleaned and returned to the supply facility
for restocking.
[0089] In some embodiments, an MMD may be configured to dock with
an autonomous and/or unmanned vehicles (e.g. UGV) for transport. In
some embodiments, a vehicle may be configured to provide power to
the MMD during transportation. In some embodiments, the MMD may
comprise temperature controlled (hot/cold) compartments, have
lights, include signage, and/or include shelf labels. In some
embodiments, one or more temperature controlled compartments,
lights, signage, and/or shelf labels may be added to the MMD at the
stocking location. In some embodiments, an MMD may comprise
docking/coupling structures that include power and/or data ports
configured to allow data and/or power to flow from one MMD to
another MMD. In some embodiments, an MMD may comprise a machine
readable identifier (e.g. RFID tag, barcode, etc.) used for
tracking, managing, and/or locating the MMDs. In some embodiments,
the placement of MMDs may be automatically validated by the system
using electronic identifiers on the MMDs.
[0090] In some embodiments, the system may further be configured to
manage the dressing of MMDs. In some embodiments, dressing an MMD
may include one or more of applying shelf labels, lighting,
signage, promotional signs, and advertisements. In some
embodiments, the stocking system may service the MMD prior to
deployment. For example, the stocking system may tune the sensors
for the products or location, clean the MMD, and/or perform
repairs. In some embodiments, the placement of products on an MMD
may further be determined based co-location or arrangement of
products and arrangement of competitive/similar products (e.g.
store brand products, complimentary products). In some embodiments,
the system may be configured to select the appropriate dressing
from a database containing modular plans and product display
requirements, apply the selected settings through an interface, and
validate the prepared MMD through the system. In some embodiments,
dressing options may be shared between adjacent MMDs. For example,
MMDs arranged to be placed next to each other may be dressed to
include collaborative lighting, split signage, etc. In some
embodiments, dressing the MMD may comprise loading data onto
electronic labels, setting the temperatures for temperature
controlled units, setting the locks or security codes for high
security units, and/or applying anti-theft components. In some
embodiments, the dressing of an MMD may include providing a display
(e.g. labeling, e-paper, led displays) of the alternate products
locations for out of stock products.
[0091] In some embodiments, the store layout of a store location
may be used to provide navigation instructions to customers,
associates, and/or autonomous vehicles. In some embodiments, the
navigation instructions may be provided via a user interface such
as one or more of user devices, web application, kiosk, central
computer, inter-modular user interface devices, and autonomous
vehicles. In some embodiments, the locations of the MMDs may be
determined using architectural features as a reference and by
comparing distances/coordinates with a blueprint model of the
store. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to provide
travel and/or navigation instructions to unmanned vehicles
transporting MMDs and/or products.
[0092] In some embodiments, store layout may be updated in response
to broader reconfigurations related to events or seasonal changes.
MMD locations may then be reassigned and the display location of an
incoming MMD placement may be determined to align with the new
layout plan. The validation of MMD placement may also be based on
revised current layout. In some embodiments, the system may track
the progress and status of reconfigurations. For example, based on
the current locations of MMDs, the system may determine that the
store layout is 50% transitioned from a Thanksgiving layout to a
Christmas layout. In some embodiments, the system may comprise one
or more sensors (e.g. cameras, handheld scanners, optical sensors
on UGVs) configured to monitor the condition of the MMDs. In some
embodiments, the detection of a damaged MMD may trigger a modular
display replacement.
[0093] In some embodiments, the system may determine a plan for
relocating residuals on MMDs being removed from a store. In some
embodiments, instructions may be communicated to associates or
automated systems for implementation. In some embodiments, the
instructions may specify the placement of residuals on the new MMD.
For example, newer items may be placed in the back and the older
residual items may be placed in the front of the replacement MMD.
In some embodiments, the system may provide instructions to combine
or aggregate residuals on multiple MMDs to a selected MMD. The
selected MMD may be located in the higher traffic area to encourage
sell-through and minimizing product waste. In some embodiments, the
system may perform a freshness/quality checks on residuals. For
example, the system may use sensor measurements and/or expiration
dates to determine whether a residual should be disposed of rather
than restocked. For example, over-ripe banana or a crushed box may
be disposed of instead of moved to another MMD. In some
embodiments, the system may comprise sensors for reading expiration
dates and/or other attributes of the product to automatically
determine how to handle residual items. In some embodiments, the
selection of a residual handling method may be based on external
factors such as seasonal changes or upcoming events. For example,
even if a residual item is viable, the system may not relocate it
to another MMD because the estimated demand is insufficient to
warrant taking shelf space away from other more popular
products.
[0094] In some embodiments, an MMD may comprise a processor coupled
to sensors for detecting inventory, MMD status, temperature, and/or
location. In some embodiments, an MMD may comprise a power supply
for powering the wheel system, sensors, and/or temperature
controlled units. In some embodiments, an MMD may comprise couplers
with power and/or data ports for connecting with other MMDs and/or
a docking system at the store location or a stocking location. In
some embodiments, the MMD may comprise "dressing" elements such as
lighting, signage, visual displays (paper or electronic), and the
like. In some embodiments, an MMD with a powered wheel system may
comprise steering/navigation/control components and/or autonomous
navigational capability.
[0095] In some embodiments, an MMD may comprise product label
couplers and/or electronic display labels. In some embodiments, an
MMD may comprise security features such as locked boxes for
electronic devices, software, Jewelry, etc. In some embodiments, an
MMD may comprise different types of supporting structures, e.g.
clothing hangers, greeting card slots, lawn and garden holders, gun
racks, etc. In some embodiments, product sensors on an MMD may
comprise a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a chemical
detector, a piezoelectric mat, and the like for monitoring product
quantity and/or quality.
[0096] In some embodiments, a system for stocking a store comprises
a plurality of mobile modular displays each configured to be
stocked with a plurality of types of products in a plurality of
shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the products to a
store location, and display the products at a store location, a
sales history database, a store inventory database, and a control
circuit coupled to the sales history database and the store
inventory database, the control circuit configured to: detect a
modular display replacement condition at a store location selling
products on a plurality of deployed mobile modular displays, select
a plurality of products to stock a mobile modular display from the
plurality of mobile modular displays for the store location based
on a sales history of the store location stored in the sales
history database and a current inventory of the store location
stored in the store inventory database, determine a planogram for
the plurality of products selected for the mobile modular display,
and output an instruction to a stocking system to stock the mobile
modular display with the plurality of products in the plurality of
shelf spaces according to the planogram and to transport the mobile
modular display to the store location for display.
[0097] In some embodiments, a method for stocking a store comprises
detecting, with a control circuit, a modular display replacement
condition at a store location selling products on a plurality of
deployed mobile modular displays, selecting, with the control
circuit, a plurality of products to stock a mobile modular display
for the store location based on a sales history of the store
location stored in a sales history database and a current inventory
of the store location stored in a store inventory database, the
mobile modular display being selected from a plurality of mobile
modular displays configured to be stocked with a plurality of types
of products in a plurality of shelf spaces at a stocking location,
transport the products to a store location, and display the
products at the store location, determining, with the control
circuit, a planogram for the plurality of products selected for the
mobile modular display, and outputting an instruction to a stocking
system to stock the mobile modular display with the plurality of
products and transport the mobile modular display to the store
location for display.
[0098] In some embodiments, an apparatus for stocking a store
comprises a non-transitory storage medium storing a set of computer
readable instructions, and a control circuit configured to execute
the set of computer readable instructions which causes to the
control circuit to: detect a modular display replacement condition
at a store location selling products on a plurality of deployed
mobile modular displays, select a plurality of products to fill a
mobile modular display for the store location based on a sales
history of the store location stored in a sales history database
and a current inventory of the store location stored in on a store
inventory database, the mobile modular display being selected from
a plurality of mobile modular displays configured to be stocked
with a plurality of types of products in a plurality of shelf
spaces at a stocking location, transport the products to a store
location, and display the products at the store location, determine
a planogram for the plurality of products selected for the mobile
modular display, and output an instruction to a stocking system to
stock the mobile modular display with the plurality of products in
the plurality of shelf spaces according to the planogram and to
transport the mobile modular display to the store location for
display.
[0099] In some embodiments, a system for store management comprises
a plurality of mobile modular displays each configured to be
stocked with a plurality of types of products in a plurality of
shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the plurality of
types of products to a store location, and display the plurality of
types of products at the store location, a store layout database,
and a control circuit coupled to the store layout database and
configured to: determine a store layout of a store location based
on products assigned to mobile modular displays assigned to the
store location, the store layout comprising in-store locations for
the mobile modular displays assigned to the store location,
aggregate location information from the mobile modular displays on
display in the store location, compare the store layout associated
with the store location in the store layout database and the
location information of the mobile modular displays, and in an
event that a discrepancy is detected between the store layout and
the location information, generate a layout correction alert for
the store location.
[0100] In some embodiments, a method for store management comprises
tracking statuses of a plurality of mobile modular displays each
configured to be stocked with a plurality of types of products in a
plurality of shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the
plurality of types of products to a store location, and display the
plurality of types of products at the store location, determining,
with a control circuit, a store layout of a store location based on
products assigned to mobile modular displays assigned to the store
location, the store layout comprising in-store locations for the
mobile modular displays assigned to the store location stored in a
store layout database, aggregating location information for mobile
modular displays on display in the store location, comparing, with
the control circuit, the store layout associated with the store
location in the store layout database and the location information
of the mobile modular displays, and in an event that a discrepancy
is detected between the store layout and the location information,
generating, with the control circuit, a layout correction alert for
the store location.
[0101] In some embodiments, an apparatus for store management
comprises a non-transitory storage medium storing a set of computer
readable instructions, and a control circuit configured to execute
the set of computer readable instructions which causes to the
control circuit to: track statuses of a plurality of mobile modular
displays each being configured to be stocked with a plurality of
types of products in a plurality of shelf spaces at a stocking
location, transport the plurality of types of products to a store
location, and display the plurality of types of products at the
store location, determine a store layout of a store location based
on products assigned to mobile modular displays assigned to the
store location, the store layout comprising in-store locations for
the mobile modular displays assigned to the store location stored
in a store layout database, aggregate location information from the
mobile modular displays on display in the store location, compare
the store layout associated with the store location in the store
layout database and the location information of the mobile modular
displays, and in an event that a discrepancy is detected between
the store layout and the location information, generate a layout
correction alert for the store location.
[0102] In some embodiments, a system for managing a store inventory
comprises a plurality of mobile modular displays each configured to
be stocked with a plurality of types of products in a plurality of
shelf spaces at a stocking location, transport the plurality of
types of products to a store location, and display the plurality of
types of products at the store location, a mobile modular display
inventory database; and a control circuit coupled to the mobile
modular display inventory database and configured to: track, in the
mobile modular display inventory database, inventory levels of
mobile modular displays in a store location, detect a modular
display replacement condition for at least one mobile modular
display based on the inventory levels of the mobile modular
displays at the store location stored in the mobile modular display
inventory database, cause a replacement mobile modular display to
be deployed to replace the at least one mobile modular display on
at a sales floor of the store location in response to detecting the
modular display replacement condition, in an event that residual
products remain on the at least one mobile modular display being
replaced on the sales floor, determine a residual handling
instruction selected from a plurality of residual handling methods
for the residual products, and communicate the residual handling
instruction to a user interface device.
[0103] In some embodiments, a method for managing a store inventory
comprises tracking, with a control circuit, statuses of a plurality
of mobile modular displays each configured to be stocked with a
plurality of types of products in a plurality of shelf spaces at a
stocking location, transport the plurality of types of products to
a store location, and display the plurality of types of products at
the store location, tracking, in a mobile modular display inventory
database, inventory levels of mobile modular displays in a store
location, detecting, with the control circuit, a modular display
replacement condition for at least one mobile modular display based
on the inventory levels of the mobile modular displays at the store
location stored in the mobile modular display inventory database,
causing a replacement mobile modular display to be deployed to
replace the at least one mobile modular display on at a sales floor
of the store location in response to detecting the modular display
replacement condition, in an event that residual products remain on
the at least one mobile modular display being replaced on the sales
floor, determining, with the control circuit, a residual handling
instruction selected from a plurality of residual handling methods
for the residual products, and communicating the residual handling
instruction to a user interface device.
[0104] In some embodiments, an apparatus for managing a store
inventory, comprises a non-transitory storage medium storing a set
of computer readable instructions and a control circuit configured
to execute the set of computer readable instructions which causes
to the control circuit to: track statuses of a plurality of mobile
modular displays each configured to be stocked with a plurality of
types of products in a plurality of shelf spaces at a stocking
location, transport the plurality of types of products to a store
location, and display the plurality of types of products at the
store location, track, in a mobile modular display inventory
database, inventory levels on mobile modular displays in a store
location, detect a modular display replacement condition for at
least one mobile modular display based on the inventory levels of
the mobile modular displays at the store location stored in the
mobile modular display inventory database, cause a replacement
mobile modular display to be deployed to replace the at least one
mobile modular display on at a sales floor of the store location in
response to detecting the modular display replacement condition, in
an event that residual products remain on the at least one mobile
modular display being replaced on the sales floor, determine a
residual handling instruction selected from a plurality of residual
handling methods for the residual products, and communicate the
residual handling instruction to a user interface device.
[0105] In some embodiments, an apparatus for product display
comprises a housing of a mobile modular display, a wheel system
coupled to the housing and configured to travel on the ground and
provide mobility to the housing, a plurality of shelf spaces
configured to hold a plurality of types of products in a specified
arrangement during transport and display the plurality of types of
products for customer selection and purchase on a sales floor of a
store location, and a location device coupled to the housing, a
control circuit coupled to the housing and configured to determine
a location of the housing based on the location device.
[0106] In some embodiments, a method for product display comprises
stocking a mobile modular display with a plurality of types of
products at a stocking location based on a specified arrangement
selected to display the plurality of types of products in a store
location, transporting the mobile modular display to the store
location, and placing the mobile modular display on a sales floor
of the store location with a plurality of other mobile modular
display to display the plurality of types of products for customer
selection and purchase, wherein the mobile modular display
comprises: a housing, a wheel system coupled to the housing and
configured travel on the ground and provide mobility to the
housing, a plurality of shelf spaces configured to hold the
plurality of types of products in the specified arrangement; and a
location device coupled to the housing, a control circuit coupled
to the housing and configured to determine a location of the
housing based on the location device.
[0107] In some embodiments, a system for product display comprises
a plurality of mobile modular displays on a sales floor of a store
location, a point of sales system configured to track inventory
levels on the plurality of mobile modular display, and a central
computer system configured to track statuses and locations of the
plurality of the mobile modular display, wherein the plurality of
mobile modular displays comprises one or more mobile modular
displays comprises a housing, a wheel system coupled to the housing
and configured travel on the ground and provide mobility to the
housing, a plurality of shelf spaces configured to hold a plurality
of types of products in a specified arrangement during transport
and display the plurality of types of products for customer
selection and purchase on the sales floor of the store location,
and a location device coupled to the housing, and a control circuit
coupled to the housing and configured to determine a location of
the housing based on the location device.
[0108] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be
made with respect to the above described embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention, and that such
modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as
being within the ambit of the inventive concept.
* * * * *