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In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses, and methods are described herein including a shelf assembly that utilizes the accumulated weight of products stocked thereon to compress a compression member disposed within the assembly. An electronic imaging device can be mounted proximate to the assembly

In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses, and methods are described herein including a shelf assembly that utilizes the accumulated weight of products stocked thereon to compress a compression member disposed within the assembly. An electronic imaging device can be mounted proximate to the assembly and can be oriented to capture an image of the compression member to determine whether a particular shelf needs to be restocked and avoid having to manipulate or remove products from a shelf to determine a current stock level.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A stock level indication assembly for a retail product storage structure, the stock level indication assembly comprising: upper and lower shelf members;a compression member disposed between the upper and lower shelf members, the compression member configured to visibly compress in response to one

1. A stock level indication assembly for a retail product storage structure, the stock level indication assembly comprising: upper and lower shelf members;a compression member disposed between the upper and lower shelf members, the compression member configured to visibly compress in response to one or more products being stocked on the upper shelf member to provide a visual indication of the number of products stocked on the upper shelf member;an electronic imaging device proximate the upper and lower shelf members oriented and configured to capture an image of the compression member. 2. The stock level indication assembly of claim 1, further comprising a control circuit operably coupled to the electronic imaging device and configured to receive the image therefrom, the control circuit configured to estimate a number of the products on the shelf based at least on the image. 3. The stock level indication assembly of claim 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to estimate the number of the products on the shelf by estimating a compression distance indicated in the image, estimating a weight of total products on the shelf based on the estimated compression distance, accessing product location information, and estimating a number of the products on the shelf based on the product location information and the estimated weight. 4. The stock level indication assembly of claim 2, wherein the control circuit is further configured to send a low stock signal in response to determining that the number of the products estimated to be on the shelf is at or below a predetermined number. 5. The stock level indication assembly of claim 2, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine a lateral distribution of products on the upper shelf member based on a laterally angled compression of the compression member. 6. The stock level indication assembly of claim 1, wherein the electronic imaging device is mounted to a mobile assembly. 7. The stock level indication assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower shelf members include front edges and the compression member is disposed between upper and lower shelf members so that a front edge thereof is recessed with respect to the front edges of the upper and lower shelf members such that bulging of the compression member after stocking does not extend past the front edges of the upper and lower shelf members. 8. The stock level indication assembly of claim 1, wherein the compression member is adhered to the upper and lower shelf members along upper and lower surfaces thereof. 9. The stock level indication assembly of claim 1, wherein the compression member has a different color or surface pattern than the upper and lower shelf members. 10. The stock level indication assembly of claim 1, further comprising a scale on at least one of the upper and lower shelf members that is configured to provide a reference for compression distance in the image. 11. The stock level indication assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower shelf members have a generally rectangular footprint with front edges and the compression member has a generally triangular footprint, the compression member being disposed between the upper and lower shelf members with an edge thereof running adjacent to the front edges of the upper and lower members. 12. The stock level indication assembly of claim 11, wherein the upper and lower shelf members are pivotably connected along rear edges thereof. 13. A method for providing a visual indication of stock level on a retail product storage structure, the method comprising: receiving one or more products on a shelf assembly, the shelf assembly including upper and lower shelf members and a compression member disposed therebetween, the compression member configured to visibly compress in response to one or more products being stocked on the upper shelf member to provide a visual indication of the number of products stocked on the upper shelf member;compressing the compression member as a result of the products being received on the upper shelf member;capturing an image of the shelf assembly with an electronic imaging device disposed proximate the shelf assembly. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving the image at a control circuit from the electronic imaging device; andestimating a number of the products on the shelf assembly based at least on the image. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein estimating the number of products on the shelf assembly comprises: estimating a compression distance indicated in the image;estimating a weight of the products based on the estimated compression distance.accessing product location information; andestimating a number of the products on the shelf assembly with the control circuit based on the product location information and the estimated weight. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising sending a low stock signal with the control circuit in response to determining that the number of the products estimated to be on the shelf assembly is at or below a predetermined number. 17. A method for installing a stock level indication assembly for a retail product storage structure, the method comprising: mounting a lower shelf member to a shelf assembly;disposing a compression member on the lower shelf member;disposing an upper shelf member on the compression member;stocking one or more products on the upper shelf member such that the weight of the products compresses the compression member; andmounting an electronic imaging device proximate the shelf assembly in an orientation to capture an image of the shelf assembly, the image configured to provide an indication of the number of products stocked on the upper shelf member. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein disposing the compression member on the lower shelf member comprises disposing the compression member on the lower shelf member such that a front edge of the compression member is recessed from a front edge of the lower shelf member; and disposing the upper shelf member on the compression member comprises disposing the upper shelf member on the compression member such that the front edge of the compression member is recessed from a front edge of the upper shelf member. 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising adhering the compression member to the upper and lower shelf members. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising pivotably coupling the upper and lower shelf members along at least a portion of rear edges thereof. 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising installing a scale on the shelf assembly, the scale being configured to provide a reference for compression distance in the image.