Computer-implemented systems and methods for providing an out of stock/low stock alert
AssigneeShelfbucks, Inc.
InventorsGary L. Overhultz, John W. Pyne, Gordon E. Hardman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for a low stock product display alert system. A system includes a pushing element configured to push one or more products toward a front of a shelf as a unit of the product is removed from the shelf. The system also includes an RFID component, where the RFID component is configured to be in a dormant state when the pushing element is in a first position. The system further includes an activation element configured to activate the RFID component when the pushing element is in a second position, where when activated, the RFID component is configured to emit a signal indicating that the product display is out of product.
Claims22
A low stock product display alert system, comprising:
- a pushing element configured to push one or more products toward a front of a shelf as a unit of the product is removed from the shelf;
- an RFID component, wherein the RFID component is configured to be in a dormant state when the pushing element is in a first position;
- a switch activation element configured to activate the RFID component from a non-transmitting state by closing a circuit when the pushing element is in a second position, wherein when activated, the RFID component is configured to emit a signal indicating that the product display is in the low stock state.
A method of providing a product stock alert, comprising:
- receiving product in a pusher assembly, wherein the pusher assembly includes a pushing element configured to push one or more products toward a front of a shelf along a track as a unit of product is removed from the shelf;
- activating an RFID component when the pushing element is in an activate position, wherein when activated, the RFID component is configured to emit a signal indicating that the pusher assembly is out of product, and wherein the RFID component is inactive when the pusher assembly is in an inactive position;
- wherein the RFID component is activated from a dormant, non-transmitting state, to an active, transmitting state;
- wherein the pushing element is in an activate position based on the location of the RFID component in relation to the activation element.
A low stock product display alert system, comprising:
- a plurality of pushing elements configured to push one or more products toward a front of a shelf as a unit of the product is removed from the shelf;
- a plurality of RFID components each configured to be in a dormant state when the pushing element is in a first position;
- an activation element configured to activate the RFID component when the pushing element is in a second position, wherein when activated, the RFID component is configured to emit a low-stock signal;
- and
- an RFID reader;
- the RFID reader configured to receive a low-stock alert signal from each of the plurality of RFID components when each of the plurality of RFID components are activated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.