发明内容：
[0004]Systems, methods, and devices for tracking inventory are generally described. The subject matter of the present invention involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and/or articles.
[0005]Certain aspects relate to a system comprising a display structure and an electronic device communicatively coupled to the display structure and configured to detect at least one property of an object that is placed on the display structure, wherein the coupling between the display structure and the electronic device is made, at least in part, using conductive ink.
[0006]In some of these embodiments, the electronic device comprises a controller. In some cases, the display structure comprises a peg. In some cases, the display structure comprises a shelf. In some embodiments, the electronic device is configured to detect a resistance, a capacitance, an RC value, a weight, a weight distribution, a QR code, and/or a bar code of the object. In some embodiments, the system comprises a board comprising a plurality of holes, and the display structure is positioned within at least one hole of the board. In certain cases, the board is a pegboard. In certain embodiments, the electronic device and the display structure are electronically coupled via the board. In some of the above systems, the display structure can comprise a visual indicator configured to indicate information related to an identity of the object and/or a quantity of the object present on the display structure. In certain cases, the visual indicator comprises a light-emitting device. In certain embodiments, the display structure comprises a peg, and the light-emitting device is positioned at or near the end of the peg.
[0007]Some aspects relate to a system comprising a display structure and an object comprising a resistive element having a preselected resistance, the resistive element in electrical communication with the display structure when the object is in contact with the display structure.
[0008]In some embodiments of the above system, the display structure comprises a peg, and the resistive element is in electrical communication with the display structure when the object is hung from the peg. In some cases, the resistive element comprises a conductive ink. In certain embodiments of the above systems, the conductive ink of the resistive element forms an electrically conductive pathway from a first electrical terminal associated with the display structure to a second electrical terminal associated with the display structure. In some embodiments, the resistive element is part of the packaging of the object. In certain cases, the resistive element comprises conductive ink formed on the packaging of the object. In some embodiments, the display structure comprises a shelf on which the product may be placed. In some embodiments, the display structure is removably attached to a base display unit. In certain cases, the base display unit comprises a pegboard. In certain of the above systems, the display structure is electrically coupled to the base display unit. Some embodiments of the above systems comprise an electronic device communicatively coupled to the display structure. In certain embodiments, the electronic device comprises a controller. In certain cases, the controller is configured to control at least an electrical current flowing to and/or from the display structure.
[0009]Some aspects relate to a method comprising determining the identity of an object in contact with and in electrical communication with a display structure, via a value of electrical current flowing through the display structure, wherein the object comprises a resistive element with a preselected resistance.
[0010]In some embodiments, the determining is performed based on a change in electrical current flowing through the display structure. In some embodiments, the display structure comprises a peg. In some of the above methods, the resistive element comprises a conductive ink. In certain embodiments, the conductive ink of the resistive element forms an electrically conductive pathway from a first electrical terminal associated with the display structure to a second electrical terminal associated with the display structure. In some embodiments, the resistive element is part of the packaging of the object. In certain cases, the resistive element comprises conductive ink formed on the packaging of the object. In some embodiments, the display structure comprises a shelf on which the product may be placed. In some cases, the display structure is removably attached to a base display unit. In certain embodiments, the base display unit comprises a pegboard. In certain cases, the display structure is electrically coupled to the base display unit. In some of the above methods, the determining is performed using an electronic device communicatively coupled to the display structure. In certain embodiments, the electronic device comprises a controller. In certain cases, the controller controls at least an electrical current flowing to and/or from the display structure. In some embodiments, the identity of the object in contact and in electrical communication with the display structure is determined by detecting a value of electrical current flowing through the object and at least one other object.
[0011]Certain aspects relate to a method comprising determining the quantity of objects in contact and in electrical communication with a display structure via a value of electrical current flowing through the display structure, wherein the objects comprise a resistive element with a preselected resistance.
[0012]In some embodiments, the determining step is performed based on a change in electrical current flowing through the display structure. In some embodiments, the display structure is a peg. In certain cases, the quantity of objects hanging from the peg is determined by detecting a value of electrical resistance of an electrical current flowing through the peg. In certain embodiments, the quantity of objects hanging from the peg is determined by detecting a change in electrical resistance of an electrical current flowing through the peg. In some embodiments, the display structure is a shelf. In certain cases, the quantity of objects in contact and in electrical communication with the display structure is determined by detecting a value of electrical current flowing through more than one of the objects. In some embodiments of the above methods, the resistive element comprises a conductive ink. In certain cases, the conductive ink of the resistive element forms an electrically conductive pathway from a first electrical terminal associated with the display structure to a second electrical terminal associated with the display structure. In some embodiments, the resistive element is part of the packaging of the object. In certain embodiments, the resistive element comprises conductive ink formed on the packaging of the object. In some embodiments, the determining is performed using an electronic device communicatively coupled to the display structure. In certain cases, the electronic device comprises a controller. In certain embodiments, the controller controls at least an electrical current flowing to and/or from the display structure.
[0013]Certain aspects relate to a method comprising determining the location, on a peg, of an object hanging from the peg via a value of electrical current flowing through the peg.
[0014]In some embodiments, the location of the object is determined by detecting a change in electrical current flowing through the peg. In some cases, the location of the object is determined by detecting a value of electrical resistance of an electrical current flowing through the peg. In certain embodiments, the location of the object is determined by detecting a change in electrical resistance of an electrical current flowing through the peg. In some embodiments, the peg comprises a plurality of independently electrically addressable sensors along the length of the peg. In certain cases, the plurality of independently electrically addressable sensors comprises a plurality of independently electrically addressable electrical terminal pairs. In certain embodiments, the independently electrically addressable electrical terminal pairs are formed using conductive ink. In some embodiments, the object comprises a resistive element with a preselected resistance. In certain embodiments, the resistive element forms an electrically conductive pathway from a first electrical terminal associated with the peg to a second electrical terminal associated with the peg. In certain cases, the resistive element is part of the packaging of the object. In some embodiments, the resistive element comprises conductive ink formed on the packaging of the object. In some embodiments of the above methods, the determining is performed using an electronic device communicatively coupled to the display structure. In certain cases, the electronic device comprises a controller. In certain embodiments, the controller controls at least an electrical current flowing to and/or from the display structure.
[0015]Some aspects relate to an article of manufacture for displaying one or more electronically identifiable objects, comprising: a display peg comprising a first segment configured to transmit a first electrical signal from the display peg when an object is placed in electrical communication with an electrically conductive terminal of the first segment; and a second segment configured to transmit a second electrical signal from the display peg when an object is placed in electrical communication with an electrically conductive terminal of the second segment.
[0016]In some embodiments, the first segment comprises a ground terminal, and the first segment transmits the first electrical signal from the display peg when an object is placed in electrical communication with the electrically conductive terminal of the first segment and the ground terminal. In some cases, the second segment comprises a ground terminal, and the second segment transmits the second electrical signal from the display peg when an object is placed in electrical communication with the electrically conductive terminal of the second segment and the ground terminal. In some embodiments, the first and second segments share a common ground terminal. In some cases, the first and second segments comprise separate ground terminals. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive terminal of the first segment and/or the electrically conductive terminal of the second segment comprises conductive ink. In some embodiments of the above articles of manufacture, the article comprises a third segment configured to transmit a third electrical signal from the display peg when an object is placed in electrical communication with an electrically conductive terminal of the third segment.
[0017]Further aspects relate to an article of manufacture for displaying one or more electronically identifiable objects, comprising: a display peg, comprising a first electrically conductive terminal, a second electrically conductive terminal, and a third electrically conductive terminal, wherein the first and second terminals are adapted to permit for an electrical current to flow therebetween when a first object, having a resistive element arranged on the point of contact between the object and the display peg, is hung from the display peg; and the first and third terminals are adapted to permit for an electrical current to flow therebetween when a second object, having a resistive element arranged on the point of contact between the object and the display peg, is hung from the display peg.
[0018]In some embodiments, the first terminal is arranged in a side-by-side configuration with the second terminal. In some embodiments, the first terminal is arranged in a side-by-side configuration with the third terminal. In some cases, the first terminal is a ground terminal. In some cases, at least one of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal comprises conductive ink. In some embodiments, the resistive element in the first and/or second object has a preselected resistance. In some cases, the resistive element in the first and/or second object comprises conductive ink. In some embodiments, the terminals are attached to a sleeve at least partially enclosing a support structure of the display peg. Some embodiments of the above articles of manufacture comprise a fourth electrically conductive terminal, wherein the first and fourth terminals are adapted to permit for an electrical current to flow therebetween when a third object, having a resistive element arranged on the point of contact between the object and the display peg, is hung from the display peg.
[0019]In some embodiments, a system comprises any of the above articles of manufacture and an object, having a resistive element arranged on the point of contact between the object and the display peg, hung from the display peg. In some embodiments, a system comprises any of the above articles of manufacture and an electronic device communicatively coupled to the display peg.
[0020]In some aspects, a packaged article comprises a package; a first electrical contact associated with an interface of the package configured to contact a support mechanism; a second electrical contact associated with an interface of the package configured to contact the support mechanism; and a resistive element having a preselected resistance forming an electrically conductive pathway from the first electrical contact to the second electrical contact.
[0021]In some embodiments, the resistive element comprises conductive ink. In certain cases, the conductive ink contains carbon.
[0022]Certain aspects relate to a packaged article comprising: a package; a first electrical contact associated with an interface of the package configured to contact a support mechanism; a second electrical contact associated with an interface of the package configured to contact the support mechanism; and a trace of conductive ink connected to the first contact and the second contact, wherein the conductive ink forms at least a portion of a graphic image on the package.
[0023]In some embodiments of the packaged article, the interface of the package configured to contact the support mechanism comprises a loop. In certain embodiments, the first electrical contact is arranged along an interior edge of the loop. In certain cases, the second electrical contact is arranged along an interior edge of the loop. In certain embodiments, the loop is a hole in the package. In some embodiments, the conductive ink is deposited as part of a printing process. In certain embodiments, the conductive ink is deposited as part of a multi-color printing process.
[0024]Some aspects relate to a method of fabricating a display peg, comprising: arranging a support structure such that the support structure is at least partially surrounded by a substrate on which at least two electrical terminals are positioned, such that, after the support structure is at least partially surrounded by the substrate, the electrical terminals form at least a portion of the outer surface of the display peg.
[0025]In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a sleeve, and arranging the support structure comprises wrapping the sleeve at least partially around the support structure. In certain embodiments, the method comprises attaching the sleeve to the support structure using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a mold, and arranging the support structure comprises injecting support structure material into a cavity of the mold. In certain embodiments, the mold comprises release paper. In certain cases, the method comprises removing the release paper after the support structure material has been injected.
[0026]Some aspects relate to an article of manufacture for displaying one or more electronically identifiable objects, comprising: a display peg; and two electrically conductive terminals laterally aligned along an upper surface of the display peg, the terminals adapted to permit for an electrical current to flow therebetween when an object, having a resistive element printed on the point of contact between the object and the upper surface of the display peg, is hung from the display peg.
[0027]In some embodiments, the electrical terminals are fashioned using conductive ink. In some embodiments, the electrical terminals are molded to the outer surface of the display peg. In some embodiments, the display peg protrudes from a display with which the display peg is electrically coupled. In some cases, the resistive element is formed using conductive ink. In some instances, the resistive element has a preselected resistance.
[0028]Certain aspects relate to a method of electronically identifying one or more objects hung on a display, the method comprising: providing a display peg, the display peg comprising two electrically conductive terminals laterally aligned along an upper surface of the display peg; and hanging an object on the display peg, the object comprising a printed resistive element having a preselected resistance, wherein upon hanging the object on the display peg, the resistive element contacts each of the electrically conductive terminals such that an electrical current is capable of flowing between the electrically conductive terminals via the resistive element.
[0029]In some embodiments, the method comprises providing an electrical signal to the display peg, and interpreting an electrical signal received from the display peg. In certain embodiments, the method comprises determining the quantity of the object on the peg based at least in part upon the electrical signal received from the display peg. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive terminals are fashioned using conductive ink. In some cases, the resistive element is formed using conductive ink.
[0030]In some aspects, an inventory monitoring system comprises: a first layer comprising a first set of conductive traces; and a second layer comprising a second set of electrically conductive traces, the second layer arranged over the first layer such that the second set of electrically conductive traces overlaps the first set of conductive traces to produce a matrix of conductive trace intersections; wherein the system is configured such that, when an object is placed on the second layer, the system can determine the identity of the object based, at least in part, upon the shape of a feature associated with a surface of the object in contact with the system.
[0031]In some embodiments, the inventory monitoring system comprises an electronic device communicatively coupled to the first and/or second layer.
[0032]Further aspects relate to an inventory monitoring system, comprising: a pressure sensitive sensor array configured to detect the presence of an object when the object is placed on the pressure sensitive sensor array, wherein the system is configured such that, when an object is placed on the pressure sensitive sensor array, the system can determine the identity of the object based, at least in part, upon the shape of a feature associated with a surface of the object in contact with the system, and the feature does not occupy the entire surface of the object in contact with the system.
[0033]In some embodiments, the pressure sensitive sensor array comprises a first layer comprising a first set of conductive traces, and a second layer comprising a second set of electrically conductive traces, the second layer arranged over the first layer such that the second set of electrically conductive traces overlaps the first set of conductive traces to produce a matrix of conductive trace intersections. In some embodiments, the first and second layers are separated by a dielectric material. In certain cases, the dielectric material comprises a fluid dielectric material. In certain embodiments, the dielectric material comprises air. In certain cases, the dielectric material comprises a solid dielectric material. In some embodiments, the feature comprises a ridge and/or indentation associated with the packaging. In certain cases, the feature comprises braille. In some embodiments, the inventory monitoring system comprises an electronic device communicatively coupled to the pressure sensitive sensor array. In certain cases, the electronic device is configured to determine the identity of the object based, at least in part, upon the shape of the feature associated with the surface of the object in contact with the system. In certain embodiments, the electronic device comprises a controller.
[0034]Some aspects relate to an article of manufacture for displaying one or more objects, comprising: a display structure comprising a sensor that is capable of identifying at least one property of an object placed on the display structure, wherein the sensor is adapted to generate a signal in response to the object being placed on the display structure, wherein an electronic device coupled to the sensor is capable of determining an identity of the object and a quantity of the object present on the display structure based at least in part on the signal; and a visual indicator capable of visually indicating information related to said identity of the object and quantity of the object present on the display structure, wherein the sensor is incorporated into the surface of the display structure and is capable of identifying at least one of a resistance, a capacitance, an RC value, a weight, a weight distribution, a QR code, and a bar code of the object.
[0035]In some embodiments, the display structure comprises a shelf. In some embodiments, the display structure comprises a peg. In some cases, the sensor is capable of identifying a resistance of the object. In some embodiments, the visual indicator comprises a light-emitting device positioned at or near the end of the peg. In some embodiments, the electronic device is coupled to the sensor using conductive ink. In some cases, the sensor is in-molded into the surface of the display structure.
[0036]Some aspects relate to a method of electronically identifying one or more objects on a display, the method comprising: providing a display structure, the display structure comprising one or more sensors incorporated into the surface of the display structure; placing an object on the display structure, the object comprising a unique property capable of being identified by the sensor, said unique property being one of a resistance, a capacitance, an RC value, a weight, a weight distribution, a QR code, and a bar code of the object; upon the object being placed on the display structure, identifying, at the sensor, the unique identity of the object; generating a signal, at the sensor, in response to the object being placed on the display structure, wherein an electronic device coupled to the sensor is capable of determining an identity of the object and/or a quantity of the object present on the display structure based at least in part on the signal; and visually indicating information related to said identity of the object and/or quantity of the object present on the display structure.
[0037]In some embodiments, the display structure comprises a shelf. In some embodiments, the display structure comprises a peg. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying, at the sensor, a unique resistance of the object. In some embodiments, visually indicating information comprises activating a light-emitting device positioned at or near the end of the peg. In some embodiments, the electronic device is coupled to the sensor using conductive ink. In some cases, the sensor is in-molded into the surface of the display structure. In some embodiments, the sensor is aligned along a surface of the display structure
[0038]Further aspects relate to an article of manufacture for displaying one or more objects, comprising: a base, the base comprising: a lower surface comprising at least one sensor integrated into the lower surface, the sensor being capable of identifying at least one of a resistance, a capacitance, an RC value, a weight, a weight distribution, a QR code, and a bar code of an object coupled thereto; and a plurality of sidewalls surrounding the lower surface, thereby defining a cavity; a cover disposed over the base, the cover comprising: a top wall at least partially covering the cavity; and at least one hole in the top wall through which a product to be displayed in the article of manufacture fits, wherein the hole is aligned with a respective sensor of the base such that the product is coupled to the sensor of the base while a portion of the product still protrudes upwards through the hole; and a visual indicator capable of visually indicating information related to an identity of the product and/or a quantity of the product displayed in the article of manufacture at a given time.
[0039]In some embodiments of the above article of manufacture, the at least one sensor is in-molded into the lower surface. In some cases, the visual indicator is capable of visually indicating information related to the identity of the product and the quantity of the product displayed in the article of manufacture at a given time. In some embodiments, the base comprises a plurality of sensors integrated into the lower surface.
[0040]In some cases, the top wall comprises a plurality of holes through which products to be displayed in the article of manufacture fit. In certain embodiments, the holes are aligned with respective sensors of the base such that the products are coupled to the sensors of the base while portions of the products still protrude upwards through the holes.
[0041]Some aspects relate to a method of electronically identifying one or more objects on a display, the method comprising: providing any of the above articles of manufacture; placing an object in the article of manufacture, the object comprising a unique property capable of being identified by the sensor; upon the object being placed in the article of manufacture, identifying, at the sensor, the unique identity of the object; generating a signal, at the sensor, in response to the object being placed in the article of manufacture, wherein an electronic device coupled to the sensor is capable of determining an identity of the object and a quantity of the object present in the article of manufacture based at least in part on the signal; and visually indicating information related to said identity of the object and quantity of the object present in the article of manufacture.
[0042]Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and/or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control.
具体实施方式：
[0072]The present disclosure is generally directed to methods of tracking stocked inventory, such as products or other items stocked on a store shelf or other storage space. The disclosure is also directed to devices and systems that may be utilized to carry out such methods.
[0073]Certain embodiments are related to the use of conductive inks in product display systems. It has been found, according to certain aspects, that the use of conductive inks to make electrical connections in such display systems can allow for relatively easy wiring of display systems while reducing overall costs. In some such embodiments, the conductive ink can be used to make, at least in part, electrical connections between a controller and a display structure (e.g., a peg, a shelf, and/or a tray) of the display system. The controller can be configured to detect at least one property of an object (e.g., a package, such as a packaged product) that is placed on the display structure. The property determination can be made, according to certain embodiments, based at least in part upon an electrical signal received by the controller from the display structure. For example, in some embodiments, the property determination can be made based at least in part upon a value of resistance of the electrical signal received by the controller from the display structure. In some embodiments, the property determination can be made based at least in part upon a change in resistance of the electrical signal received by the controller from the display structure.
[0074]In certain embodiments, conductive ink can be used to form a resistive element on the object (e.g., package) that is to be displayed on the display structure. In some such embodiments, the resistive element can have a preselected resistance. In some embodiments, the object may have a resistive element with a constant resistance. In some embodiments, each type of object (e.g., product) that is to be displayed on the display structure can have a resistive element with a unique preselected resistance. This can allow one to, according to certain embodiments, determine the type and/or quantity of the object that is hung or otherwise associated with the display structure, based on a value of the overall resistance of the electrical pathway between the controller and the product. In some embodiments, the type and/or quantity of the object that is hung or otherwise associated with the display structure can be determined based on a change of the overall resistance of the electrical pathway between the controller and the product.
[0075]In some such embodiments, the resistive element having the preselected resistance can be formed using conductive ink. It has been discovered that the use of resistive elements with preselected resistances (and, in particular, resistive elements formed of conductive ink) can allow one to label individual products with minimal cost, allowing one to produce an inventory tracking and/or monitoring system that is sufficiently low in cost to be commercially viable.
[0076]In certain embodiments, the conductive inks used herein (e.g., in the display, the objects (e.g., products and/or product packaging), etc.) may comprise a conductive material that may be formed by the evaporation and/or curing of a binder/carrier liquid in which a conductive material is suspended. Examples of conductive inks may include, but are not limited to, metallic inks, such as aluminum ink. Other examples of conductive inks are described below.
[0077]Tracking stocked inventory can involve more than just tracking the location and quantity of the inventory. For example, in some instances, it is also desirable for the manufacturer, supplier, or seller of a product or item to track how consumers interact with the products it displays as part of inventory control and marketing. Indeed, it will be desirable for the store of the future to autonomously track when products are initially placed on a display structure, how many times they are touched by consumers before they are purchased, the rate at which products are being purchased, misplacement of products within in the store, and the presence of counterfeit products in the store. For any given product in a store, it may be desirable to know information relating to the date a product was made, the date the product was received at the store, the date the product is expected to expire, the freshness of the product (e.g., based on a relative humidity and/or gases within the packaging of the product), whether the product is out of date (e.g., whether there is a recall notice for the product), whether the product has been tampered with, whether the product was originally packaged properly, whether the product has or has not been paid for, how much of the product has or has not been purchased, the cost of the product, whether any discounts or sales are available for the product, the presence of counterfeit or knockoff products, how long a consumer has been standing in front of or observing the product, and/or whether a consumer touches the product.
[0078]Collecting and conveying such information often requires continuous effort (e.g., to update the gathered information, to update a sign or chart conveying the information, etc.). It is desirable to be able to regularly collect this information in a discreet manner, and to efficiently streamline the process of regularly collecting the information. Further, it is desirable to discreetly and selectively convey information to various parties (e.g., manufacturer, store clerk, consumer, etc.). The present application provides for methods and devices that make all of the above information readily discernible from the packaging of the product, the shelving structure used to display or support the product, or a combination of the two.
[0079]Much of the product information described above may be of interest not only to the seller of the product but also to the product manufacturer and consumers. According to certain embodiments, the present application provides for methods and devices that make much or all of the information described above available to consumers. The consumers may be capable of checking this information either at the store while purchasing the product or outside the store (e.g., at home) after purchasing the product.
[0080]Furthermore, much of the product information described above may be used in connection with other automated systems that are capable of controlling physical properties of the product (e.g., temperature, moisture, etc.). As such, certain embodiments of the present application provide for methods and devices that make the product information available to those automated systems such that the physical properties of the product may be controlled.
[0081]On the other hand, the ability to automatically sense the presence or absence of a particular product or part of a merchandise display, the type of product, etc., allows the manufacturer of the product to capture inventory, sales, and marketing data at the point of purchase. This can be achieved through the use of smart pegs (or hooks), shelves, and/or trays (the construction of which is further described herein) that are configured to detect and/or communicate with products that are offered for sale.
[0082]One aspect of the disclosure provides for a method of determining an identity and quantity of an object (also described as a product, which may or may not include the packaging of the product as well) present on a display. The method may include providing a display structure. The display structure may include one or more sensors integrated into the display structure. For example, the sensor can be in-molded into the surface of the display structure. In some embodiments, the sensor can be aligned along a surface of the display structure. The method may further include placing an object (e.g., a product, such as a packaged product) on the display structure. The object may have a unique property capable of being identified by the sensor. The unique property may be one of a resistance, a capacitance, an RC value, a weight, a weight distribution, a QR code, and/or a bar code of the object. The method may further include, in some embodiments, identifying the unique identity of the object upon the object being placed on the display structure. In some embodiments, the method comprises generating a signal in response to the object being placed on the display structure. An electronic device coupled to the sensor may be capable of determining an identity of the object, a quantity of the object, and/or any other property of the object present on the display structure based at least in part on the signal. The method may comprise, in some embodiments, visually indicating information related to the identity of the object, quantity of the object, and/or another property of the object present on the display structure.
[0083]Identifying a product (or any other type of object) involves more than just reading the label on a product or package of the product. In many cases, the product may be too small to hold a visible or easily readable label. In other cases, even if the product is capable of holding a visible label, it may be aesthetically displeasing for such a label to be visible when the product is on display. For instance, a cosmetic pen is a relatively small product and has scarce space to hold a visible label or to attach a readable tag. Furthermore, a visible label or tag may cheapen the appearance of the cosmetic pen. On one hand, it is desirable for a store, a store clerk or consumer to be able to easily identify a product that is on display. Yet on the other hand, it is also desirable that the identification not detract from the aesthetic appearance of the product. Thus, certain embodiments described herein are related to providing systems and methods for identifying products without the use of bulky or aesthetically displeasing labeling systems.
[0084]The present disclosure is applicable to sensors that can be attached to or formed on many types of displays. For example, the sensor may be attached to or formed on a wall, a shelving unit, a pegboard display or peg, a tray, or any other structure that the product may be hung from, set on top of, or otherwise displayed from.
[0085]Broadly, a sensor may be any trace or device that is capable of detecting the presence or absence of an object. For instance, a sensor on a peg may be a row of conductive traces that are capable of detecting when objects are placed on the peg. Similarly, a sensor on a shelf may be a piezoelectric sensor capable of detecting when an object is placed on the shelf.
[0086]While pegs, shelves, and trays are described specifically below, it should be understood that the inventive features described herein could be used in association with any display system, including display systems that do not include pegs, shelves, or trays. In addition, any features described herein as being used in a peg, shelf, or tray can also be used with either of the other two. That is to say, features that are described herein as being used in a peg could also be used in a shelf or tray, features that are described herein as being used in a shelf could also be used in a peg or tray, and features that are described herein as being used in a tray could also be used in a peg or shelf.
[0087]Certain aspects relate to systems and methods for electronically identifying one or more objects in contact with a display structure. In some such embodiments, the system comprises a display structure (e.g., a peg, a shelf, and/or a tray, as described in more detail below), and an object comprising a resistive element. The resistive element may have a preselected resistance. In some embodiments, the resistive element can be in electrical communication with the display structure when the object is in contact with the display structure. In some such embodiments, contacting the object with the display structure forms an electrically conductive pathway from a first electrical terminal associated with the display structure to a second electrical terminal associated with the display structure. In certain embodiments, one or more properties of the object may be determined based upon the effect of the resistive element on the electrical current transported through the object.
[0088]As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the resistive element can be used to determine the identity of the object in contact with the display structure. In some embodiments, the resistive element can be used to determine the quantity of objects in contact with the display structure. In some embodiments, resistive elements can be used to determine the position of an object in contact with the display structure.
[0089]As one example, one aspect of the disclosure provides for a method of electronically identifying one or more objects hung on a display. For purposes of this disclosure, no differentiation is made between the object and the object's packaging. In other words, a packaged product and the packaging may together be considered to be the “object” described by the disclosure. The method may include providing a display peg protruding from the display, the display peg comprising a support structure and two electrically conductive terminals formed, printed, or in-molded on the surface support structure. The method may also include providing an object capable of being hung on the display peg. The object may comprise a resistive element having a preselected resistance. In some embodiments, the object may have a resistive element with a constant resistance. The resistive element may be printed, formed, or in-molded on a portion of the object that contacts the display peg when the object is hung on the display peg. The method may further include hanging the object on the display peg in a manner such that the resistive element of the object makes electrical contact with each of the electrically conductive terminals such that an electrical current is capable of flowing between the electrically conductive terminals via the resistive element.
[0090]The present disclosure is applicable to many types of displays. In some such embodiments, the display includes a peg or hook from which the product may be hung. The peg or hook can be affixed, in some embodiments, to a structure from which it protrudes substantially outward. For example, the display may be a wall, a shelving unit or a pegboard display, or any other structure on which a peg may be mounted such that the peg extends outward from the structure and an object may be hung on the peg. In some embodiments, the peg or hook may be attached directly to a wall of the store. In certain embodiments, the peg or hook may be attached to a shelving unit, pegboard, or other backing. In some embodiments, the peg may be rigidly attached to the support structure. Attachment of the peg to the support structure may be facilitated by one or more prongs, adhesive, screws, magnets, etc. In some embodiments, pegs can have 1 or more prongs to be attached to a pegboard, or no prongs at all. In some embodiments, pegs can be attached with adhesive, screws, magnets etc.
[0091]In any of the examples described herein, parts of the display may include electrical wiring. The electrical wiring may include standard electrical cables known in the art and/or stripes of conductive ink printed or formed onto the display. In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to use conductive ink to form the wiring of the display (e.g., to form electrical traces on pegboards, pegs, shelves, trays, between the electronic components (e.g., a controller) and the display, or on or between any other components of the display). The electrical wiring may be included on the front or back of the display, or both. Including the wiring on the back of the display may be beneficial since a person such as a customer in a store will observe the products or objects hung on the display from the front of the display, and may not see the wiring in the back. For reasons described in greater length below, the wiring may be communicatively coupled to electronic devices, for example as part of an inventory tracking system. The electronic devices may include, for example, a system controller, a shelf antenna, a database server, and so on.
[0092]In certain embodiments, the display system comprises a base display unit (e.g., a board, a wall, or some other base unit). In some such embodiments, the display structure (e.g., a peg, a shelf, etc.) is removably attached to the base display unit. In some embodiments, the display system comprises a board comprising a plurality of holes. For example, the display system may comprise a pegboard. In some such embodiments, the display structure (e.g., a peg, a shelf, etc.) can be positioned within at least one hole of the board. In some embodiments, the electronic devices (e.g., including any of the electronic devices described elsewhere herein, including controllers) are in electrical communication with one or more display structures (e.g., one or more pegs, shelves, and/or trays) via the base display unit (e.g., via a board such as a pegboard).
[0093]In the example of the pegboard display, the electrical wiring may run in vertical or horizontal (or sometimes other directions) stripes. The wiring may be coupled to each of the holes in the pegboard. For example, in FIG. 1, the back of pegboard 110 can include electronic ink in series to provide instant contact to inserted pegs (or hooks). If the pegboard holes are a boxed array (as shown in FIG. 1), then the wiring may be organized such that every peghole in a first vertical column is coupled to a first wire, and every peghole in the next adjacent column is coupled to a second wire. The first wire may be coupled to the electronic devices, and the second wire may be grounded. In some examples, the first wires may alternate with the second wires. In other examples, each first wire may be coupled to a different electronic device (e.g., separate tracking systems for each column of pegholes). The same system may apply for wiring in horizontal rows instead of vertical columns (e.g., alternating horizontal wiring stripes). The wiring may be patterned differently if the pegholes are arranged in a different array. For example, if the pegholes follow a hexagonal pattern, the wiring may be arranged alternatingly as described above but along a diagonal line. Alternatively, the wiring may still be arranged vertically or horizontally, but more rows/columns of wiring may be needed to cover every peghole (in some examples, some pegholes may be skipped, for example if not every row or column of pegholes is expected to receive pegs).
[0094]In addition to the above described wires, the electrical wiring may include ribbon cables (e.g., a 16 pin connector). Each of the ribbon cables may include multiple ribbon connectors, where a ribbon connector aligned with each peghole (or at least each peghole that receives a display peg) is coupled to that ribbon cable. The ribbon connector may accommodate (e.g., be capable of receiving) a second ribbon cable that is affixed to the respective display pegs that fit into those pegholes coupled with the first ribbon cable. In this manner, multiple electrical wires may be connected from a single peg to the electrical wiring at a single peghole-peg interface. This therefore allows for multiple electrical signals to be transmitted between the electronic devices and a single peg and/or a product/object hanging from the peg.
[0095]In some examples, the ribbon connector may be located within about a centimeter of the peghole such that the ribbon cables of the peg and display wiring can be properly aligned with and coupled to one another. The electrical wiring of the display may be crimped to the ribbon connector in order to establish electrical connection. The interface between the electrical wiring on the display and a peg may also include a z-axis electrically conductive glue or tape.
[0096]FIG. 1 illustrates pegs (or hooks) 112 inserted into pegboard 110. In addition, in FIG. 1, products 114 are hung on pegs 112. Two or more electrodes can provide the ability to measure total resistance across them to count and verify inventory, track refill removal, and verify correct product placement, as described in more detail below.
[0097]In addition to (or alternative to) the electrical wiring, any of the displays described herein (including any of the displays employing shelves and/or trays, described in more detail below) may include coils for wireless power transfer and/or wireless communication. Like with the electrical wiring, each coil may electrically charge a component included in the objects (e.g., an RFID chip, a resistive element, an LED included in the object packaging) and/or information may be wirelessly communicated therebetween (e.g., an ID of the object). The wireless charging and communication may be bidirectional. In some examples, a transmitter coil may be mounted to the back of the display and a receiver coil may be embedded within the packaging of an object such that electrical wiring need not be run along the peg to communicatively connect the object to the electronic devices. In some embodiments, an object (e.g., package) could have a coil made to a certain frequency. That frequency can be read, in some embodiments, by a receiving coil thus acting as an individual package signature.
[0098]The display hook (or peg) may comprise a support structure. The support structure may be made of a plastic or metal or other rigid material core. For example, in FIG. 2A, the display peg comprises support structure 201. The support structure may be covered with a flexible peg sleeve. The sleeve may be adhesive backed in order to permit for the sleeve to remain affixed to the support structure. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates flexible peg sleeve 210, prior to being affixed to support structure 201. The sleeve may be fitted to the peg using a shrink film such as a heat shrink wrap. In other examples, described below, the peg may be formed without using any sleeve. In FIG. 2A, the display peg further comprises ribbon connector 202. The display peg in FIG. 2A can be connected to tail unit 302, illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0099]The display peg may come in any of various shapes and sizes. FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate some of the types of display pegs 400 that are applicable to this disclosure, such as a single rod straight peg (FIG. 4A), a double rod straight peg (FIGS. 4B and 4D), and a U-shaped peg (FIG. 4C). Other pegs applicable to the disclosure include brackets and straight rods without any hook at the end. While the illustrated rods are all substantially straight, parallel to the floor, and orthogonal to the display, other display pegs applicable to the disclosure may be more curved (such that any object hung on the peg slides to the minimum of the curve) and/or tilted (such that any object hung from the peg slides to the back or to the front of the peg).
[0100]In certain embodiments, the peg can be formed by arranging the peg support structure such that the support structure is at least partially surrounded by a substrate (e.g., a sleeve, mold, or the like) on which at least two electrical terminals are positioned. In some such embodiments, after the peg support structure is at least partially surrounded by the substrate, the electrical terminals form at least a portion of the outer surface of the display peg. In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a sleeve, and arranging the support structure can comprise wrapping the sleeve (which may have the electrical terminals printed on it or otherwise positioned on it) at least partially around the support structure. In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a mold (which can have the electrical terminals printed on it or otherwise positioned on it), and arranging the support structure comprises injecting support structure material into a cavity of the mold.
[0101]For example, in embodiments in which a sleeve is used, the sleeve may include electrical terminals. For example, referring to FIG. 5, peg 502 can comprise positive electrical terminal 506 and negative electrical terminal 508. The electrical terminals may be formed, printed, or otherwise fashioned (e.g., in-molding, etc.) using conductive inks or conventional circuits and circuit boards. A method by which conductive inks may be printed or formed or in-molded on surfaces has been taught in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,198,979, issued Jun. 12, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The in-molding process may involve first printing the electrical terminals on a mold (e.g., film) and then injection molding the peg into the cavity of the mold (e.g., film). Alternatively, the electrical terminals may be printed on a release paper, instead of a film, inside the injection mold. Using a release paper will cause the terminals to be molded to the outer surface of the peg without being sealed in or covered by the film.
[0102]In some examples, the sleeve may be a woven shrink wrap. The woven wrap may be fitted to the peg by sliding the wrap over the peg and then stretching the wrap lengthwise such that the diameter of the wrap constricts (similar to a Chinese finger trap). One or more electrically conductive threads or wires may be embedded in the wrap such that a first end of the wire touches the interface between the peg and the display (e.g., fits into a ribbon connector, contacts a z-axis adhesive on the front surface of the display, is crimped to an electrical wire behind the display, etc.) and the second end of the wire extends or pokes out of the sleeve at a location where an object may be hung. In this way, the wrap may function as an electrically conductive terminal for contacting an object hung on the peg to the display (and further to the electronic devices connected to the display).
[0103]Some conductive terminals may be ground terminals, while others may be coupled to the electronic devices. Each terminal may be electrically coupled via the electrical wiring in the display (e.g., via a circuit board, via conductive ink traces). In an example having several electrical terminals in a peg, each terminal may be coupled through the display using a ribbon cable and connector. As such, each terminal may provide a separate electrical signal.
[0104]The present disclosure generally applies to pegs that have at least two electrical terminals. One of the electrical terminals may be a ground terminal, grounded through the electrical wiring. The other terminal may be connected (e.g., electronically coupled) to the electronic devices such that information may be transmitted both ways between the electronic devices and a product or object hanging on the peg. The peg itself may include one or more electronic devices coupled to the terminals and to the electrical wiring (for example, as described below, the peg may include one or more LED lights capable of conveying information regarding the objects hanging on the peg or capable of conveying other information received from the electronic devices).
[0105]In some examples, at least one of the terminals may be replaced by a wireless coil. For example, the object may receive an electrical signal wirelessly at a receiver coil and then carry an electrical current from the receiver coil to a resistive element that is coupled to the peg from which the object hangs (or to another coil, such as a transmitter coil, to further wirelessly transmit the received signal).
[0106]In some examples, the electrical terminal coupled to the electronic devices may be segmented into multiple separate segments. Each segment may be capable of transmitting its own unique electrical signal, effectively establishing several electrical terminals on a single peg.
[0107]In some embodiments, the display peg comprises a first segment configured to transmit a first electrical signal from the display peg when an object is placed in electrical communication with an electrically conductive terminal of the first segment, and a second segment configured to transmit a second electrical signal from the display peg when an object is placed in electrical communication with an electrically conductive terminal of the second segment. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the peg includes first segment 212 and second segment 214. In FIG. 2A, the peg includes a common rail 206 (which can be used as a ground terminal), a first electrical terminal 204, and a second terminal 208. In some embodiments, when an object is placed in electrical communication with terminal 204 and common rail 206, a first electrical signal can be transmitted from the display peg (e.g., to a controller or other electronic device capable of reading the signal from the display peg). In some embodiments, when an object is placed in electrical communication with terminal 208 and common rail 206, a second electrical signal can be transmitted from the display peg (e.g., to a controller or other electronic device capable of reading the signal from the display peg). In some embodiments, additional segments may be present (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2B). In some such embodiments, a third segment is configured to transmit a third electrical signal from the display peg when an object is placed in electrical communication with an electrically conductive terminal of the third segment. Fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. segments can also be present.
[0108]In some embodiments, the first and second segments share a common ground terminal. For example, in FIG. 2A, each segment shares common ground terminal 206. In other embodiments, the first and second segments comprise separate ground terminals.
[0109]In certain embodiments, the ground terminal can be arranged in a side-by-side configuration with the other terminal in the segment to which it is coupled. For example, in FIG. 2A, ground terminal 206 is arranged in a side-by-side configuration with first electrical terminal 204 and second electrical terminal 208.
[0110]While two terminal segments are illustrated in FIG. 2A, other embodiments may include more than two terminal segments. For example, in some embodiments, the peg may comprise three, four, five, or more segments. Each segment can include a pair of terminals to which electrical contact may be made. In addition, the layout of the terminal segments is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, and in other embodiments, other terminal layouts may be used. For example, FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of an exemplary terminal layout that may be used, according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 2B, the terminal layout includes first segment 212 and second segment 214 (as well as 7 additional segments, each segment including a pair of conductive terminals). In FIG. 2B, multiple ground terminal portions 206 are arranged in a “zig-zag” pattern, and are interconnected via a plurality of intermediate electrical connectors 210. The active terminals (e.g., 204 and 208) are also arranged in a “zig-zag” pattern. The active terminals are independently electrically addressable via electric traces extending from the base of the peg, along the length of the peg, and to the hot terminals. Other layouts of electric terminals are also possible.
[0111]Certain embodiments comprise determining the location, on the display peg, of an object hanging from the display peg. This can be achieved, for example, by detecting a change in the electrical current flowing through the display peg (e.g., using a controller). One way this may be accomplished is by arranging a plurality of independently electrically addressable sensors along the length of the display peg. For example, as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2B, a plurality of segments of terminal pairs may be arranged along the length of the display peg. In some embodiments, these segments may be independently electrically addressable such that, when an object comprising a resistive element (e.g., including any of the resistive element configurations described elsewhere herein) is placed on the peg, the location of the peg can be determined by determining which of the segments exhibits a change in resistance. Similar schemes can be employed in non-resistive sensors. For example, in some embodiments, a row of capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, or any of the other sensor types described herein may be arranged along the length of the peg. The location of an object placed on the peg can then be determined