Article deduction apparatus, article deduction method, and program
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack precision in automatically determining articles taken out from shelves, which hinders labor reduction efforts in stores and factories.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing weight change data from sensors and movement data from depth sensors to accurately identify articles being removed from shelves, combining these data types to output precise article determination information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic determination of articles taken out from shelf is implemented, then labor reduction is achieved, but determination precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines weight change data from weight sensors with movement data from depth sensors to determine article removal. This multi-source data fusion approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining automated determination while significantly improving precision through cross-validation of multiple detection modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that correlates weight changes with hand movement trajectories. This intermediary layer reconciles the automated detection requirement with precision needs by filtering false positives and confirming article removal through coordinated sensor data analysis.
2Device complexity
If weight sensor data alone is used for article determination, then device complexity is reduced, but determination precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges weight sensor data with depth sensor movement data to achieve precise article determination. This combination resolves the contradiction by using multiple sensor types where each compensates for the limitations of the other, improving precision without excessive complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the detection system multi-functional by using depth sensors that serve both movement detection and spatial analysis purposes. This universal approach improves determination precision while avoiding the need for separate specialized sensors for each function.
3Measurement precision
If multiple data types are combined for article determination, then determination precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing into distinct modules: weight change detection, movement data acquisition, and correlated analysis. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by organizing complex multi-data processing into manageable, independent components that can be processed systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of weight and movement data separately before correlation analysis. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by preparing data in advance, reducing the computational complexity of the final determination process while maintaining high precision through thorough data preparation.
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
Enhances the precision of article determination, improving operational efficiency by accurately identifying articles taken out, thus supporting labor reduction initiatives.
Implementation Method 1
weight change data being data based on a change in a detected value of a weight sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An article information deduction apparatus (10) includes an acquisition unit (110) and an output unit (120). The acquisition unit (110) acquires data based on a change in a detected value of a weight sensor (30) (hereinafter described as weight change data). For example, the acquisition unit (110) determines data acquired by chronologically arranging data acquired from the weight sensor (30) as weight change data. Further, the acquisition unit (110) acquires data indicating a movement of a hand of a person positioned in a shelf-front space (hereinafter described as movement data). For example, the acquisition unit (110) acquires data acquired by chronologically arranging data output from a depth sensor (40) to the article information deduction apparatus (10) as movement data. The output unit (120) outputs article determination information of the article deduced to be taken out by the hand of the person positioned in the shelf-front space, by using the weight change data and the movement data.