Staples. has been granted a patent for a method that generates an item layout map for shelving units. This method determines product attributes and divider configurations, creating ontology entries that indicate regional entropy values. It also provides guidance instructions to users based on these attributes and configurations. GlobalData’s report on Staples gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on Staples, Autonomous delivery mgmt was a key innovation area identified from patents. Staples's grant share as of July 2024 was 74%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Item layout mapping and guidance for shelving units

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Staples Inc

The patent US12051039B1 outlines a method and system for guiding users in locating products within a shelving unit based on specific product attributes. The process begins with the reception of user input that includes an attribute value related to a product. The system utilizes one or more processors to determine a suitable region within the shelving unit by analyzing regional entropy values associated with the product attribute. This entropy value indicates the purity level of attribute values in that region. The system then identifies the attribute values of item types stored in the selected region and generates guidance instructions to direct the user to the appropriate location of the item that matches the input attribute value.

Additionally, the patent describes the generation of an ontology entry that links product attributes to their respective regional entropy values, which can be influenced by divider configurations within the shelving unit. The method includes computing an information gain ratio to assess the relevance of the product attribute in relation to the shelving unit's layout. The guidance instructions can be delivered to the user through a conversational interface, enhancing user interaction. Overall, the patent presents a structured approach to product location assistance, leveraging data-driven insights to improve user experience in retail or storage environments.

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