Abstract: A number of monitoring devices are directed at a path. A controller is electrically coupled to the number of monitoring devices. The controller may be configured to cause video captured by each of the number of monitoring devices to be displayed and/or stored in response to determining that an image of a carrier that was previously present in an image field captured by a first monitoring device of the plurality of monitoring devices that is directed at a starting location of the path is absent from image field captured by the first monitoring device. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to determine whether the carrier travels between successive locations of the path within a certain length of time and to indicate a timing violation when the carrier fails to travel between the successive locations of the path within the certain length of time.

Abstract: An embodiment of a video monitoring system has at least one video camera directed at a detection system for obtaining video of the detection system. The detection system has a light source. A controller is coupled to the at least one video camera. The controller is configured to determine that the light source illuminates from the video of the detection system obtained by the at least one video camera. The controller is further configured to indicate an alarm in response to determining that the light source illuminates.

Abstract: In selected embodiments video footage is automatically analyzed to determine whether product stock levels at particular product locations are low. Video analytics may be employed to track product removal from shelves and determine approximate quantities of product remaining on each shelf based on product size and dedicated shelf area. In selected implementations an alarm notification is generated to alert store personnel that restocking is appropriate. Such an alarm notification optionally includes a still image of the area corresponding to the alarm together with data related to the product and projected quantities needed to restock the shelf. In some embodiments the system automatically identifies the store personnel who are currently located in areas near where the alarm event occurred and the notification is wirelessly distributed to their mobile devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and ranking end caps in a store include video monitoring one or more parameters of end caps, including dwell times, item removal, traffic volume, sales information for each end cap, ranking end caps based on one or more of the monitored parameters to determine for example one or more of end cap efficiency, product desirability, and location desirability.

Abstract: In selected embodiments video footage is automatically analyzed to determine whether product stock levels at particular product locations are low. Video analytics may be employed to track product removal from shelves and determine approximate quantities of product remaining on each shelf based on product size and dedicated shelf area. In selected implementations an alarm notification is generated to alert store personnel that restocking is appropriate. Such an alarm notification optionally includes a still image of the area corresponding to the alarm together with data related to the product and projected quantities needed to restock the shelf. In some embodiments the system automatically identifies the store personnel who are currently located in areas near where the alarm event occurred and the notification is wirelessly distributed to their mobile devices.