Beacon-Based Goods Picking System to Reduce Assignment Errors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for picking and purchasing goods face accuracy limitations due to optical detection methods, which are prone to errors in assigning goods to the correct person.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a locating device with beacons to determine the position of a mobile terminal and a device for recording the number of goods, allowing for direct communication to assign the removal of goods to the closest terminal, eliminating the need for optical capture and enabling wireless data transmission of removal information, including price and category details.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical detection is used to capture goods removal, then the system can detect goods withdrawal, but the accuracy of assigning goods to the correct person deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of goods assignmentVSAvoidreliability of optical detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical detection system with a locating device based on beacons and mobile terminals. Instead of using cameras to capture and recognize goods removal optically, the system uses wireless locating technology to determine the position of the mobile terminal and automatically assign goods to the corresponding user, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability of goods assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a locating device with beacons as an intermediary between the goods storage system and the user identification system. The beacons transmit signals to mobile terminals to determine user position, serving as a mediator that enables accurate goods assignment without requiring direct optical capture of the goods removal action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If optical capture of hand is used to identify user, then the system can assign goods to user, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of goods assignmentVSAvoidcomplexity of optical detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's own mobile terminal as the identification device. The mobile terminal continuously receives signals from beacons and automatically transmits its position information to the controller, eliminating the need for separate optical capture devices and complex image processing systems. The user simply needs to have their mobile terminal with them to enable automatic goods assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If real-time goods removal information is transmitted to mobile terminal, then the user is immediately informed, but the data communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime delay in goods removal notificationVSAvoidenergy consumption of wireless communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic beacon signals that are already transmitting for location determination purposes. The goods removal information is transmitted utilizing these existing periodic communication channels rather than establishing separate continuous communication streams, thereby reducing additional energy consumption while maintaining real-time notification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The system reduces errors by accurately tracking goods removal and assignment, providing real-time information on the mobile terminal, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the picking and purchasing process.

Implementation Method 1

the strength of which allows the position of the mobile terminal in the warehouse to be determined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal strength detection:

Implementation Method 2

a device for recording the number of goods in a unit with goods of the same goods category

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect:

Implementation Method 3

The data communication with the mobile terminal from the device for recording the number of goods or the locating device can be carried out via wireless communication, for example WLAN, BluetoothTM Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), acoustic signals or modulated optical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentUS11126958B2System and method for picking and purchasing goods

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 NEOALTO GMBH

AI summary

A system for picking and purchasing goods includes a purchasing area having a plurality of different goods stored in units of the same goods category, at least one mobile terminal, a locating device by means of which the position of the mobile terminal or of a person wearing the mobile terminal can be detected and at least one device for recording the number of goods in a unit with goods of the same goods category, and a method for picking and purchasing goods.