Smart Shelf Research Articles

Smart Shelf System for Customer Behavior Tracking in Supermarkets.

Transactional data from point-of-sales systems may not consider customer behavior before purchasing decisions are finalized. A smart shelf system would be able to provide additional data for retail analytics. In previous works, the conventional approach has involved customers standing directly in front of products on a shelf. Data from instances where customers deviated from this convention, referred to as "cross-location", were typically omitted. However, recognizing instances of cross-location is crucial when contextualizing multi-person and multi-product tracking for real-world scenarios. The monitoring of product association with customer keypoints through RANSAC modeling and particle filtering (PACK-RMPF) is a system that addresses cross-location, consisting of twelve load cell pairs for product tracking and a single camera for customer tracking. In this study, the time series vision data underwent further processing with R-CNN and StrongSORT. An NTP server enabled the synchronization of timestamps between the weight and vision subsystems. Multiple particle filtering predicted the trajectory of each customer's centroid and wrist keypoints relative to the location of each product. RANSAC modeling was implemented on the particles to associate a customer with each event. Comparing system-generated customer-product interaction history with the shopping lists given to each participant, the system had a general average recall rate of 76.33% and 79% for cross-location instances over five runs.

An RFID-Powered Multisensing Fusion Industrial IoT System for Food Quality Assessment and Sensing

The development in Internet of Things (IoT) have empowered revolution in almost all walks of life. Although substantial effort has been made to bring IoT in manufacturing, there is still technical challenges of providing solutions of real-time pervasive multi-sensing, quality evaluation and boundary-less information sharing, which put people at risk from deteriorated food products and food adulteration. This investigation presents an Industrial IoT-based system for food product quality assessment and prediction. This research completes the real-time food quality assessment via radio frequency identification-based multi-sensor fusion for the first time. Also, a novel concept of shelf-life prediction is proposed. The RFID-powered sensors provide a new idea for nondestructive food product and environment sensing. A five-layer architecture considering sensing, controlling, communication, interfaces, and data analysis is highlighted. A novel RFID metadata structure is first proposed to achieve multi-dimensional information traceability and global data sharing. Machine learning-based multi-sensor fusion is proposed to provide accurate quality assessment and prediction. The proposed system is implemented as a smart shelf system to demonstrate its feasibility and advantages. The system is of great significance in improving food safety, reducing food waste and providing powerful information support for food manufacturing line and supply chain management.

A radio frequency identification based smart shopping trolley system for automated billing

On holidays and weekends, we can notice a large rush at shopping centres in metro areas. This is exacerbated when there are substantial discounts and deals. By applying the notion of internet of thing (IoT) for concerning all things in the grocery store, an automated smart shopping system is created. Each product within such scheme had an economical radio frequency identification (RFID) tag positioned with it. Once an item has been added to a smart cart, the information about the merchandise is quickly read by the RFID reader on the cart. The outcome is, direct invoicing is done out from shopping cart, saving clients from having to wait in a long line at the checkout. The product's expiration date is also displayed and broken products can be determined by their weight. As a result, expired and damaged products will not be taken into account when calculating the cost. Furthermore, this system gains the addition of smart shelves incorporating RFID readers which may check stock and possibly update a central server. Inventory control becomes simpler as a result. Finally, cashier stations could verify a customer's purchase. As a result, billing may be done right in the trolley, saving clients a lot of time.

Design and Fabrication of Smart Shelf System

In order to solve an issue that most stores have, this project will use a load cell to measure weight and communicate the weight input to a HX711 converter, which converts the signal to a digital number. The digital value is used to notify the consumer of the stock level. The owner of the shop will receive a notification on their cell phone every time the supply is low telling them to replenish. We have started using PIR sensors to utilize less electricity. Only motion causes a light bulb to turn on. We'll utilize a relay in this case, which uses energy from a power source to turn on or off switch connections. Retailers may employ smart shelves for a variety of purposes, including as better storage, better decision-making, informing the back-end system of the number of products already on the shelf, monitoring product levels, detecting theft, and finding missing items. If necessary, the network of shelves might communicate updated product inventories to shop owners, managers, employees, customers, warehouse personnel, or producers. As a result, there is no need to make an order or conduct a physical inventory count at the warehouse or storeroom.

Hybrid RFID-IoT simulation modeling approach for analyzing scrubs’ distribution solutions in operating rooms

PurposeAssess the realistic impacts of implementing an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Internet of Things (IoT) uniforms’ distribution system for managing medical personnel’s scrubs in operating rooms. The authors use a hybrid simulation framework to address the following objectives and challenges: a) reduce and control operating rooms’ level of inventory; b) stabilize scrubs’ demand and c) improve infection control and prevention of cross-contamination (through scrubs over manipulation and hoarding).Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt a Design Science approach. This methodological approach is used to design, develop, create and evaluate information technology “artifacts” (e.g. constructs, models, methods and instantiations) intended to solve organizational problems and make research contributions (Peffers et al., 2007). More specifically, the authors follow the Design Science Research Methodology process model which includes six steps: problem identification and motivation, definition of the objectives for a solution, design and development, demonstration, evaluation, and communication.FindingsTo assess the realistic impacts of implementing an RFID-IoT uniforms’ distribution system for managing medical personnel’s scrubs in operating rooms, the authors adopted a design science approach and initiated the research by documenting the business case and reviewed the existing literature to build a comparative analysis of existing uniforms’ distribution systems. The authors used a hybrid simulation model to assess the impact of three business cases: present mode of operation, implementing smart shelves or the smart distributors. The authors show that smart dispensers allow a greater control on scrubs’ utilization while eliminating the cross-contamination of the medical personnel.Practical implicationsThrough this research study, the authors provide hospitals’ managers a scientific support for uniforms’ (scrubs) distribution process improvement. The authors use a hybrid simulation model to compare innovative solutions for uniforms’ distribution systems in the form of “smart cabinets” supported by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and choose the most appropriate design for the hospital to meet two main challenges: a) inefficiency of uniform replenishment-distribution system and b) noncompliancy with infection control regulations caused by the distribution system.Originality/valueFrom a methodological perspective, this paper addresses concerns from researchers calling quantitative research methods and using case-based research strategy to address IoT issues and assess the system in practice. From a broader point of view, this work confirms the predominant interest of RFID-IoT research work in the arena of supply chain management and logistics as the technology is used for tracking purpose and for monitoring applications. It is also one response to the research community suggesting that “hospitals should evaluate the medical effectiveness of the new technologies as well as the cost before adoption”.

Ekart - Smart Shopping PushCart

In newfangled wen, snap up at large emporium is a quotidian divertissement. On commemoration and on induct salvage days, one can descry a facund fleet at emporium. kins chaffer profuse chattels, hauls them onto gigs, and then prosecute to the ackers register to compel reckoning. They obliged to halt in procession in the interim that time for their chattels to be scrutinize to wield a RFID reader and to receive a bill a barcode scrutinizer are wield in edict . To transposed that, patrons must profuse while booty in arcade. When put in a smart snap up e-kart, every totality commodities has an RFID tag adhere, which can be instantaneously peruse by a gig with an RFID reader so that exhibiting can be crisp from the snap up gig itself.. kins can circumvent endurance in procession at the appraise in antithetical manner. Extra smart shelving that is RFID reader equipped and can oversee the repertory as well as refurbished the central server, and it can also cognizant of the stature of the commodity in the store, can be append. Because all the merchandise can be instantaneously scrutinize by an RFID scrutinizer somewhat than had operated scrutinize by labor, catalogue admin also flatter much unadorned. The current method of shopping is time-consuming and involves many steps, such as selecting the goods, standing in line, scanning them, and checking out. This is a time-consuming procedure, and IOT can be used to speed it up and address some of its problems. The EKART is the answer to the aforementioned issue; this cart is fitted with sophisticated microcontrollers and sensors that shorten the billing process by scanning the items instantly as soon as they are added to the cart, which also ends lines in shopping malls. Every cart could be fitted with inexpensive sensors and microcontrollers, and a security scanner would be installed at the exit to sound an alarm if money had not been received. By doing this, the market's recent challenges would be resolved. A digital shelf would be one of this system's applications. This logically results in the following advantages. The artufacts accomodate in a smart snap up gig (which has RFID reading capabilities) can be hurriedly scrutinize, and the smart gig can also procure the exhibhiting information. kins no prolonged obliged to wait in extensive procession at the bursar. All replete commodity can be oversee by the smart shelves with RFID scrutinizer, so that can also be televise server-side commodity statures amend. The server can alert staff to restock when an object runs out. As all items can be automatically read and readily logged, inventory management for the shop is made simple. wherefore we conclude, that a circumspect smart snap up system that compel the employ of RFID techno. Our study is a trailblazer in the creation of a smart snap up gadget because it is anticipated that future stores will be outfitted with RFID technology. The present system can be improved, for instance, by lowering the computational overhead at the smart cart side for greater efficiency, or by figuring out how to improve communication efficiency.

A Metric for Assessing, Comparing, and Predicting the Performance of Autonomous RFID-Based Inventory Robots for Retail

RFID technology is being widely adopted by retailers due to its accuracy, versatility and reduction of operational costs. Most commonly, RFID in retail is used for taking frequent and accurate inventories of items in the stores. Usually, RFID inventories use handheld RFID devices, which makes the task tedious, costly, and prone to human errors. More reliable, fully automatic alternatives exist, such as smart shelves, overhead RFID antennas, and RFID equipped robots. Among them, robots seem to be the preferred choice by retailers with large stores. However, retailers need an objective way to compare the different options for inventory solutions and to calculate the return on investment (ROI) of each of them before they make and investment decision. In this article we present a metric for assessing, comparing, and predicting the performance of autonomous RFIDbased robots in retail stores. The metric models both the store and the robot, and predicts the performance of a given robot when inventorying a specific store. The metric also allows to compare the performance of different RFID robots in different stores. The metric has been developed using experimental data, and has been validated in a real store.

Digitalization at the Point-of-Sale in Grocery Retail - State of the Art of Smart Shelf Technology and Application Scenarios

Digitalization has been shaping economy and society, one of the areas most affected being the retail sector. Especially in the context of smart shelf technologies a variety of companies and solutions – mainly for grocery and drugstore retail – has evolved. However, there is no overview of which technologies are used and for which specific application scenarios they can be applied. In the course of expert-interviews with solution providers, we have analysed the status-quo of different smart shelf solutions, their respective application scenarios, the technologies behind them, the associated benefits and costs as well as planned further developments. Our results show that existing solutions cover a variety of application scenarios, ranging from out-of-shelf detection and checking planogram compliance to optimizing inventory or logistical processes. Our analysis identified two main technology groups: image recognition systems and sensor-based systems. Solution providers stated that generating a positive ROI takes between one and one and a half years. All providers are working on further developments, many are moving in the direction of sensor fusion. The results of our study help retailers to compare existing solutions and enables them to examine various deployment scenarios.

A Smart Shelf Design for Retail Store Real Time Inventory Management Automation

Conventional retail store inventory management systems rely on stockroom actions. However, especially in big scale retail stores, a certain amount of goods is placed on the display shelves. The items placed on the display shelves are not counted until their tags are identified by a cash register and marked as sold in the inventory management system. In this study, we propose a smart shelf that is capable of counting the specific items placed on it by detecting the location and the weight of the items. Our approach assumes that specific items in a retail store are placed in a specified location on each shelf, which is a widely preferred approach. The identified product information is then transferred to the inventory management system through the local network connection, and products on the display shelves can be counted in real time. The results show that the location and weight of the items can be identified with remarkable accuracy.

A case study of the benefits of the IoT in the Qatari retail industry

Technological advancements have led to the creation of new paradigms like the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies are moving the digital space into a period where they will power billions of devices leading to the transformations of products and services provided by businesses. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to explore the benefits of deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT) in businesses using the case of the Qatari retail businesses. The study assumed an interpretivism research philosophical stance and an addictive approach to theory utilising the Technology, Organisation, Environment model to guide the research. The research data were gathered using a qualitative approach utilising semi-structured interviews as the method of data collection. Accordingly, the heads of information technology in the selected retail industry businesses in Qatar were interviewed to answer the main research questions. The findings uncovered that retailers in Qatar are using the IoT devices such as sensors, scanners, beacons, smart shelves, personalisation alerts, and FRIDs to enable their key business operations and processes. Even though the Qatar retail businesses are not concerned about the specific IoT devices utilised, the benefits of their deployment established from the study include automation of business processes (Technological benefits), efficiency and personalisation of customer requirements (Organisational benefits), and increased collaboration and supply chain optimisation within the entire Qatar retail industry (Environmental benefits). As such, the results of the study agree with the TOE model that technology, organisation, and environment are the driving forces behind technology adoption and utilisation. Finally, among practical implications, a collaboration between software developers and the retail industry project professionals will ensure that the IoT artefacts are designed with security mechanisms, thus enhancing the security and safety of the information gathered from the IoT devices. Further, the study offers guidance on the theoretical elements that contribute to the benefits of utilising the IoT in Qatar retail businesses.

Developing a humanless convenience store with AI System

The term artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a foreign term. It is an ever-growing form of intelligence shown by machine. It is important for retail store owners to adapt to these changes in order to further expand their businesses and profits. For this research study, the focus is primarily based on university students and staff. This system comprises two key parts, namely the Customer’s Application and the Smart Shelf. The Customer’s Application provides a platform for the customers to perform self-checkout through online transactions. The Smart Shelf assists the retail store owners in managing inventory and providing a smooth flow in the business. Within the Smart Shelf, the face recognition helps to provide additional security features and help retail store owners keep track of the number of customers who have successfully registered. The Internet of Things (IoT) allows the retail store owners to monitor and manage their stores without the need to be physically present at the store. The Customer’s Application and the Smart Shelf allow customers to save time as queuing time can be eliminated while embracing a safe and secure shopping experience. This system enables the retail store owners to maximize their profit as it helps in their inventory management and the digitized system will not only save time but will have higher accuracy, minimized mistakes, thus leading to more efficiency. Eventually, they will have the upper hand against their competitors and eliminate the need for additional labour costs.

The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Retail: Benefits, Challenges and a Dedicated Conceptual Framework

The aim of this study is to identify the practical benefits and associated risks generated by the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in retail and capitalize on the results by developing a conceptual framework for integrating AI technologies in the information systems of retail companies. To this end, a systematic study of recent literature was conducted by carefully examining the topic of AI implementations. The main results of the documentation were used to substantiate the conceptual framework introduced by the paper. The research revealed a variety of advanced solutions, benefits, but also risks that AI generates in retail, in different segments of the value chain, abbreviated CECoR, from improving the customer experience (Customer Experience, CE) with the help of virtual agents (chatbots, virtual assistants, etc.), to cost reductions (Cost, Co) by using smart shelves, and to increasing revenues (Revenue, R) due to product recommendations and personalized offers or discounts. The proposed conceptual framework is focused on customer profiles and includes recommendations on AI implementations in a retail company, from the perspective of CECoR drivers. The results of the research can be capitalized by practitioners and researchers in the field, who are presented with concrete examples of benefits, challenges, and risks generated by AI technologies. The CECoR framework could be a useful tool for both retail and AI specialists, providing common and clear guidelines for initiating and overseeing projects for integrating AI in a company’s information systems. Literature-based CECoR analysis dimensions have allowed the restriction of the research area, which is particularly wide, at the confluence of retail and AI. The originality of the article lies in the CECoR orientation of the research and the conceptual framework focused on customer profiling.

An ultra-thin double-functional metasurface patch antenna for UHF RFID applications

An ultra-thin double-functional metasurface patch antenna (MPA) was proposed, where it can operate not only in the antenna mode but also can simultaneously act as perfect absorber for normal incident waves, suitable for RFID applications in the 868 MHz band. The MPA structure consists of a typical coaxially-fed patch antenna merged, for the first time, with a metasurface absorber acting as artificial ground. A methodology for the unit-cell design of the metasurface is proposed followed by an equivalent circuit model analysis, which makes it possible to transform a low-loss (tandelta =0.0015) unit-cell with highly-reflective characteristics to a perfect absorber for normal incident waves. It is based on modifying the critical external coupling by properly introducing slits on the unit-cell, allowing to design an ultra-thin (lambda _0/225 at 868 MHz) and a very compact structure in comparison to previously developed designs. For validation purposes, the MPA was fabricated and its performances in both functional modes were characterized numerically and experimentally. It is demonstrated that merging the absorber with the patch not only allows obtaining a well-matched (|S_{11}|<-30 dB) antenna with an enhanced gain (by 175.6% compared to a typical patch) at the desired frequency but also leads to an overall thickness of only 2.5 mm (lambda _0/138.1 at 868 MHz). With an absorber size limited to the MPA dimensions, a reasonable 1.3 dB reduction in powers reflected by the MPA was achieved compared to a similar size metallic sheet. Whilst having the lowest profile among the so far reported RFID readers, the proposed MPA can be conveniently fitted for example within the required volume of smart shelf RFID readers or used in portable RFID readers while being capable of mitigating multipath reflection issues and incorrect reading of RFID.

Retracted] Effects of the FR 4 Substrate Realized in a Circularly Polarized UHF‐RFID Reader Antenna with Fractal Geometry for Enhancing Parameters

The proposed RFID reader antenna progressed with perfect electric conductor (PEC) as the radiating element and FR 4 as the substrate to achieve circular polarization, enhancement in bandwidth, and read range. The design presents a CPW feed RFID antenna for near‐field reading applications, between the range of 903 MHz to 929 MHz. The operating frequency of the proposed design is 900 MHz, axial ratio of the model is less than 3 dB, impedance bandwidth is 256 MHz, and axial bandwidth is 36 MHz, proving to be adequate for near‐field RFID reader applications such as item‐level tagging and smart shelf. The proposed antenna model is realized with fractal structure to achieve miniaturization. The developed antenna is optimized using EM software for numerical analysis. The designed antenna is fabricated, and the prototype is characterized in terms of dielectric constant and loss tangent. The obtained results indicate high correlation with simulation results.

Intelligent shelf system based on a support vector machine-neural network location algorithm

With the development of science and technology, intelligent products based on the internet of things are becoming increasingly popular in modern society. An intelligent shelf can obtain the location of goods in real-time through a location algorithm and software. The application of intelligent shelves in integrated circuit foundry enterprises can realise automatic inventory, which can improve the accuracy and real-time performance of data in and out of the warehouse. This paper proposes a location algorithm based on a support vector machine-neural network, which can be applied to smart shelves to obtain higher location accuracy. Finally, this paper designs and establishes an experimental verification platform and carries out related verification experiments and data analysis, which proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the support vector machine-neural network location algorithm and provides a basis for the further application of intelligent shelves.

IoT Innovations in Libraries: Transforming Services and Accessibility

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in a new era of innovation and transformation in libraries worldwide. "IoT Innovations in Libraries: Transforming Services and Accessibility" delves into the exciting realm of IoT technologies and their profound impact on modern library services and accessibility. In an age where digitalization and connectivity are paramount, this paper explores how libraries are embracing IoT to revamp their offerings. From smart shelves that optimize collection management to sensor-equipped spaces that enhance user experiences, this comprehensive guide showcases a myriad of IoT applications tailored to the library ecosystem. Through real-world case studies and best practices, readers will gain insights into how IoT is redefining library services. Discover how IoT-enabled systems facilitate seamless resource tracking, personalized recommendations, and real-time data analytics, empowering librarians to make informed decisions and offer unparalleled support to patrons. Accessibility is a core focus throughout the book, as IoT technologies open doors to a more inclusive library experience. Learn how IoT-driven assistive devices and smart navigation tools are breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that libraries are welcoming and accommodating to all. It emphasizes the importance of safeguarding user privacy while harnessing the power of IoT for the betterment of library services

THE FATE OF MARKETING LOGISTICS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE 4.0. REVOLUTION

&amp;lt;jats:p&amp;gt;The products of human inginuity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution provide the opportunity for those already fortunate enough to enjoy the advantages of previous Industrial Revolutions to shape, not only the design of new technologies, but also agile forms of management and extraordinary benefits that can fundamentally transform the way people live, work, communicate and relate to each other. More powerful technologies dramatically modify not only traditional production models, but also conventional ways of &amp;bdquo;delivery service&amp;rdquo; and distribution of the value. The implementation of the latest technological advances, primarily in the form of RFID technology, which is designed to provide continuous communication and &amp;bdquo;refresh&amp;rdquo; data in the entire supply chain in real-time, will result in raising the quality of logistics services to a higher level while simultaneously significantly rationalizing and controlling costs. There is a growing trend in increased use of robotic manipulators and RFID-based smart shelves and smart factories, and retail stores without sales staff which eliminate the need to read and pay for products at cash registers are on the horizon. The revolutionary changes in marketing logistics are conditioned by the emergence and increasing use of multidimensional, so-called 3D printing that has the potential to initiate a trend towards approaching consumption production, which would significantly modify the current role of marketing logistics in the entire supply-chain. New technologies have not changed the essential role of marketing logistics, but the establishment of consistency in the physical movement of goods has evolved over time to the level of science-fiction. Logically, we impose the question of the fate of marketing logistics in the conditions of the 4.0. Revolution, as well as a much more serious question of the future of Man in the event that the humanoid machines made &amp;bdquo;in the image of man&amp;rdquo;, insensitive to the destiny of mankind, &amp;bdquo;master&amp;rdquo; the World.&amp;lt;/jats:p&amp;gt;

Mean-Variance Analysis of Retailers Deploying RFID-Enabled Smart Shelves

Radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled smart shelves have recently attracted enormous attention from both industry and academia. Retailers have an explosion of interest in deploying smart shelves for the automatic ordering and the reduction of inventory inaccuracy. This study explores the retailers’ optimal policy for investing in a smart shelf inventory control system. Since the decision maker’s risk attitude plays an important role in its investment in technology, we therefore specifically consider the retailers’ risk attitude. The risk attitude is measured by the mean-variance analysis. We derive analytical expressions for the benefit of the smart shelf and specify the conditions under which retailers should invest in it. We also show the explicit relationship between the retailer’s risk attitude and his optimal policy. Finally, we conduct a numerical analysis to provide managerial insights for retailers to invest in smart shelves.

Inductively coupled small self resonant coil (SSRC) reader antennas for HF RFID applications

A new model of inductively coupled high frequency radio frequency identification (HF RFID) reader antennas is presented in this paper based on the idea of using the self resonance frequency (SRF) of a small multi turn coil. The introduced multi turn small self resonant coil (MT SSRC) antenna is mathematically analyzed in terms of SRF, number of turns, dimensions and dielectric characteristics of the insulation, where present. Based on the analysis, a compact planar version of MT SSRC antennas having two turns, the two turn planar SSRC (TTP SSRC), is investigated and the dependency of the SRF to the antenna dimension is observed. A TTP SSRC antenna operating at 13.56MHz is fabricated and is compared with an old model of HF RFID antennas; an optimized Q factor and a more uniform near field pattern is obtained for the new antenna. The benefits of the obtained optimized Q factor and uniform near pattern is explained for smart shelf application. Also, a number of TTP SSRC antennas operating at a distinct frequency, 13.56MHz here, are fabricated on different substrates and it is shown that the Q factor and dimension of the TTP SSRC antenna could be controlled and adjusted based on the dielectric characteristics of the substrate. The new antenna prototype has a beneficial application to smart shelf applications in HF RFID.

PATL: A RFID Tag Localization based on Phased Array Antenna

In RFID systems, how to detect the position precisely is an important and challenging research topic. In this paper, we propose a range-free 2D tag localization method based on phased array antenna, called PATL. This method takes advantage of the adjustable radiation angle of the phased array antenna to scan the surveillance region in turns. By using the statistics of the tags’ number in different antenna beam directions, a weighting algorithm is used to calculate the position of the tag. This method can be applied to real-time location of multiple targets without usage of any reference tags or additional readers. Additionally, we present an optimized weighting method based on RSSI to increase the locating accuracy. We use a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) UHF RFID reader which is integrated with a phased array antenna to evaluate our method. The experiment results from an indoor office environment demonstrate the average distance error of PATL is about 21 cm and the optimized approach achieves an accuracy of 13 cm. This novel 2D localization scheme is a simple, yet promising, solution that is especially applicable to the smart shelf visualized management in storage or retail area.