Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Article handling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-17
2001-07-10
Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3651)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Article handling
C700S236000, C700S239000, C221S006000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259965
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for tracking product usage and more specifically relates to systems and methods for tracking product inventory from a shelf within a refrigerated cooler.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various methods have been employed in the past to track product usage, purchase, or consumption from a dispensing apparatus such as a vending machine and the like. Various types of sensors or counters may be used to keep track of the number of products dispensed from such a machine. For example, each “drop” of a bottle, a can, or other item from a vending machine may be tracked. These “smart” vending machines can keep an accurate tally of the amount of product dispensed because the machine is a controlled environment, i.e., the product is not dispensed until the selection button is pushed and the sale is completed.
This type of “smart” technology, however, has not been applicable to track the sale of products merely placed on a store or a cooler shelf. The existing vending machine technology is not directly applicable because a consumer is free to pick up a product, inspect it, take it, or return it to the shelf and make a different selection, i.e., the shelf is not a controlled environment. For example, a consumer may pick up a bottle or can containing a carbonated soft drink off of a shelf and then return that bottle or can and make a different selection. The return of the bottle or can may inflate the number of items actually removed from the shelf if only the removals are counted or monitored.
What is needed therefore is a system and method for tracking the use, purchase, or consumption of items placed on a shelf. The system and method must be able to keep track of removals and additions to the shelf. Further, these systems and methods must be implemented in consumer friendly and/or otherwise non-obtrusive manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus for tracking the movement of a number of products. The apparatus includes a shelf with the products positioned thereon. The shelf has a first end with an optical sensor positioned thereabout. The optical sensor tracks the movement of the products. A guard is positioned about the first end of the shelf adjacent to the optical sensor so as to prevent exterior light from interfering with the optical sensor.
Specific embodiments of the present invention provide for the guard to extend across the shelf. The guard also may be in the shape of a wing positioned adjacent to the optical sensor. The wing may be sized so as to prevent exterior light from interfering with the optical sensor. The guard may have a number of flanges and an extended lip so as to attach to the shelf in a snap fit. The guard may have a number of panels thereon. The guard also may have advertising indicia thereon. The advertising indicia may be on a label. The guard may be made from a thermoplastic such as PETG (Polyethylene Terepthalate Glycol). The guard may be made out of a substantially opaque material or a translucent material with a covering layer. The covering layer may be a substantially opaque material.
The optical sensor may have one or more emitters and one or more receivers. The emitters and receivers may be positioned along a diagonal line. The optical sensor may include a controller so as to track the removal and the insertion of the products from the shelf. The exterior light may be ambient light or a light source positioned within the cooler.
A further embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for tracking the movement of a number of products. The apparatus includes a shelf with the products positioned thereon. The apparatus also includes an optical sensor and a guard positioned adjacent thereto. The apparatus also may include a controller connected to the optical sensor so as to track the removal and the insertion of the products from the shelf.
A further embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for tracking the movement of a number of products. The apparatus includes a shelf with the products positioned thereon. The apparatus also includes an optical sensor to track the movement of the products. The apparatus also includes a guard positioned adjacent to the optical sensor. The guard has advertising indicia thereon.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.
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Allen Jason E.
Bardin James R.
Harvey David Joseph
Minh Tran Quang
Steele Ronald Wayne
Crawford Gene O.
Ellis Christopher P.
Sutherland & Asbill & Brennan LLP
The Coca-Cola Company
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