Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems in which one or more infrared cameras or sensors are used to measure heat related to the wheels of carts, such as shopping carts. Wheels with bad bearings, that wobble, or that have other issues preventing normal operation tend to generate more heat than wheels that are in good working order, such that an infrared camera or sensor directed at wheel height (e.g., about 2-3 inches off the floor) can detect wheel issues by detecting heat emitted by the wheels.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for optimizing physical layout of and product placement in a retail environment. Embodiments of systems and methods discussed herein can be used in many ways, including to analyze or determine: placement of a new product; a new location of an existing product; an improved or enhanced store layout; or an original, new store layout. Embodiments use limited information related to a customer entering a retail environment and making a purchase in the retail environment to estimate one or more possible paths taken by the customer in or through the retail environment. The estimated one or more paths then can be used to determine or adjust a physical location of at least one item in the retail environment to optimize physical layout of the retail environment.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing in-store advertizing incentives to customer-members of a business, such as a retailer, wholesaler or other business. In embodiments, the advertizing incentive can be based on customer-members visiting a retail location and/or making a purchase from the retailer. Content for the advertisement can be provided by the customer-member, and the advertisement can be displayed in the retail location. In some embodiments, the advertisement can be cooperative in that it includes information about both the customer-member and the retailer. For example, the advertisement can include information about a product purchased by the customer-member from the retailer and information about the customer-member's business. The advertisement can comprise a print-type advertisement, a commercial with video and audio information, an audio-only commercial, or some other type of advertisement.