Embodiments of this disclosure provide a goods shelf system and a method of monitoring items of the goods shelf system. The goods shelf system comprises: a goods shelf comprising a bearing body for bearing an item; a signal transmitting unit located on a side of the bearing body; a plurality of signal receiving units, located on the bearing body, for receiving a signal transmitted by the signal transmitting unit; and a processing unit, electrically connected with the signal receiving unit, for acquiring a storage state of the item on the bearing body according to an signal outputted by the signal receiving unit, wherein one or more of the plurality of signal receiving units shielded by the items are not able to receive the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting unit.

An information processing apparatus includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit has programmed instructions to acquire a first number of commodities specified to be purchased based on first data acquired by a first sensor, acquire a second number of commodities stored in a storing body that stores commodities to be purchased based on second data acquired by a second sensor, compare the first number of commodities with the second number of commodities, and provide a notification to a display device in response to the first number of commodities being different that the second number of commodities.

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.

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.

Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.

Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.

An ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer is provided. The ice merchandiser includes a payment system structured to enable a patron to facilitate a bagged ice product transaction at the ice merchandiser, and an access control system structured to selectively provide access to the ice merchandiser during the bagged ice product transaction based on the payment system providing an indication that payment for the ice product has been validated.

An ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer is provided. The ice merchandiser includes a payment system structured to enable a patron to facilitate a bagged ice product transaction at the ice merchandiser, and an access control system structured to selectively provide access to the ice merchandiser during the bagged ice product transaction based on the payment system providing an indication that payment for the ice product has been validated.

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.

There is described a point-of-purchase display and method. The display includes one or more sheets. The one or more sheets when unfolded and assembled form the display. The display includes a back wall, a front wall, at least a side wall and a bottom wall. A printed electronic device is affixed to a surface of the one or more sheets. The printed electronic device is selected from the group consisting of: wires, insulators, resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, transistors, antennas, OLEDs and sensors. A microcontroller electrically is coupled to the printed electronic device. A connection device is coupled to the printed electronic device. A modular electronic component is coupled to the connection device.