Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting activity of variable weight-price items in detector-based inventory management and shopping systems in merchandising and/or storage areas are described herein. The methods described herein involve the use of multi-detector systems containing one or more digital triggers which can be read/detected in order to obtain a unique digital identity for the items. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is an RFID inlay and the detector-based system is a vision- or camera-based walk out shopping systems in order to detect variable weight-price items. In some embodiments, the vision- or camera-based walk out shopping system is deployed in a grocery store and the variable-weight items are selected from meats, cheeses, seafood, fruits and vegetables, deli items, salad bars, bulk items (e.g., nuts, coffee beans, grains, etc.) and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using multiple read area zones to generate more accurate item-level data are described herein. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve a local read area in combination with a wide read area. In some embodiments, a local area read device alone, or in combination with a wide area read device, is used to detect the removal or return of a product from a merchandising location or area in retail establishment. In some embodiments, a local area read alone, or in combination with a wide area read device, is used to detect the removal or return of a product from a merchandising location or area in retail establishment by detecting/reading a digital trigger on the product.