Acoustic Container Identification via Sound Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification systems for objects or items in material handling facilities or retail settings often require expensive hardware and complex computer vision or image recognition algorithms, making them impractical for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
The use of encoded sounds associated with containers, where unique sounds are emitted upon opening and recognized by audio capture devices, allowing for identification and triggering of actions without the need for dedicated hardware or complex algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual identification systems or electromagnetic identification systems are used, then identification accuracy is improved, but hardware cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual or electromagnetic identification systems with an acoustic identification system. Instead of using cameras, barcode scanners, or RFID readers, the system uses a microphone to capture sound waves generated when a container is opened. The sound encoding (frequency, duration, pattern) carries identification information, allowing the system to identify containers using only an audio capture device and processing algorithm, thereby eliminating expensive dedicated hardware.
2Measurement precision
If visual identification systems or electromagnetic identification systems are used, then identification accuracy is improved, but algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex computer vision or image recognition algorithms with simpler audio signal processing algorithms. The sound encoding scheme uses basic acoustic properties (frequency, duration, temporal pattern) that can be extracted and compared using straightforward signal processing techniques, rather than requiring sophisticated image analysis or pattern recognition algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameter from visual or electromagnetic properties to acoustic properties. By encoding identification information in sound parameters (frequency, duration, temporal pattern), the system enables identification using simpler audio processing algorithms compared to the complex image processing required by visual systems.
3Reliability
If dedicated hardware is used for identification, then identification reliability is improved, but system accessibility and ease of deployment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dedicated identification hardware (cameras, scanners, RFID readers) with a microphone, which is a ubiquitous component already present in most smartphones and computing devices. This substitution maintains identification reliability through acoustic encoding while dramatically improving system accessibility, as users can employ any device with a microphone rather than requiring specialized equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective identification of containers and their contents, facilitating actions such as inventory management and purchase processes through a simple and accessible method.
Implementation Method 1
containers or compartments within containers may be associated with encoded sounds... unique sounds are emitted upon opening
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to encode sounds in association with containers, as well as systems and methods to recognize encoded sounds associated with containers, are described. The containers may include various structures to encode sounds. Responsive to opening of containers, the various structures may emit the encoded sounds. An audio capture device may receive the encoded sounds, and a computing device may process the encoded sounds to identify audio signatures within the encoded sounds. The audio signatures may be matched with known audio signatures to identify the containers and/or information associated with the containers.