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.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to determining an action to be performed based on vibrations detected on a product display unit. In some embodiments, a system for determining an action to perform based on vibrations comprises the product display unit, one or more vibration sensors, the one or more vibration sensors affixed to the product display unit and configured to detect vibration of the product display unit and transmit an indication of the vibration of the product display unit, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more vibration sensors and configured to receive, from the one or more vibration sensors, the indication of the vibration, estimate, based on the indication of the vibration a characteristic of at least one item on the product display unit, and determine, based on the characteristic, the action to be performed.

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to determining an action to be performed based on vibrations detected on a product display unit. In some embodiments, a system for determining an action to perform based on vibrations comprises the product display unit, one or more vibration sensors, the one or more vibration sensors affixed to the product display unit and configured to detect vibration of the product display unit and transmit an indication of the vibration of the product display unit, and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the one or more vibration sensors and configured to receive, from the one or more vibration sensors, the indication of the vibration, estimate, based on the indication of the vibration a characteristic of at least one item on the product display unit, and determine, based on the characteristic, the action to be performed.

Disclosed herein are mobile battery powered smart shelving units, systems, and methods for optimizing retail operations using these smart shelving units. These smart shelving units may comprise any combination of at least one: wheeled frame, display screen, a battery, a computer, a Wi-Fi module, a low frequency Bluetooth module, and an RFID reader/scanner, and an interactive touch screen. A system for optimizing retail operations may comprise a central computer hub configured for wireless communication with the computer and Wi-Fi module on the smart shelving unit(s) to continually exchange information related to the merchandise thereon, such as updated pricing, quantity, marketing, demonstrations, etc. The smart shelving units can communicate wirelessly in real time with a plurality of other smart shelving units, a central computer hub, and other low frequency Bluetooth devices nearby. In some embodiments, these smart shelving units may also be used to sell food and beverages.

The inventive technology includes a support plate that may be secured to an attachment surface and be coupled with a display, such as a balloon support. A vertical pole coupled with a rotational head may be positioned with a rotational head chamber of the support plate such that it is able to rotate. This self-adjusting feature allows a support plate to be secured to an angled or uneven attachment surface such as the side of a hill or other incline, while allowing a vertical pole to be rotationally self-adjusted to an approximately vertical position.

The inventive technology includes a support plate that may be secured to an attachment surface and be coupled with a display, such as a balloon support. A vertical pole coupled with a rotational head may be positioned with a rotational head chamber of the support plate such that it is able to rotate. This self-adjusting feature allows a support plate to be secured to an angled or uneven attachment surface such as the side of a hill or other incline, while allowing a vertical pole to be rotationally self-adjusted to an approximately vertical position.

The present invention relates to a mobile interface unit (2) comprising at least one temperature controlled cabinet (4), a refrigerator door (6) to provide access to the cabinet, and refrigeration apparatus to provide refrigeration to the cabinet, the unit further comprising a safe (80) and one or more display screens (40, 45).

An example automated product cabinet includes a housing defining a storage area configured to receive a product and a face. The cabinet includes a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive a respective unit of the product, and a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate positions of the units of the product. The cabinet includes a scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the face of the housing, and a data capture device attached to the scanning bar and configured to capture information about the product. The cabinet includes a controller operably coupled to the data capture device. The controller is configured to inventory the product based, at least in part, on the information about the product, and actuate one or more of the visual indicators that are associated with a desired unit of the product.

An example automated product cabinet includes a housing defining a storage area configured to receive a product and a face. The cabinet includes a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive a respective unit of the product, and a plurality of visual indicators configured to indicate positions of the units of the product. The cabinet includes a scanning bar configured to be slidably repositioned along the face of the housing, and a data capture device attached to the scanning bar and configured to capture information about the product. The cabinet includes a controller operably coupled to the data capture device. The controller is configured to inventory the product based, at least in part, on the information about the product, and actuate one or more of the visual indicators that are associated with a desired unit of the product.

Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.