Shopping Cart Bottom Shelf Item Detection Using Segmented Camera Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively detect items on the bottom shelf of shopping carts due to high false detection rates and alignment issues, leading to substantial lost revenue for stores as items are often not charged during checkout.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system between a light optical camera sensor on the shopping cart and a transceiver at the checkout stand, using a microprocessor to compare images of the shelf with and without items, determining the presence of items and transmitting this information to alert the checkout staff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras or detectors are mounted at the check-out stand to detect items on the bottom shelf, then item detection capability is improved, but false detection rate increases due to confusion with customer legs and feet
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent camera units, each with a specific field of view angled to capture only the bottom shelf area. This segmentation allows the system to focus detection resources on the target area while excluding unrelated objects like customer legs and feet from the detection zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Each camera is positioned and angled to provide a localized view of specific portions of the bottom shelf. The cameras are configured with specific fields of view that capture only the relevant shelf areas, creating local detection zones that exclude false detection sources while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the bottom shelf.
2Area of stationary object
If detectors are positioned to monitor the bottom shelf, then detection coverage is improved, but alignment problems between cart and detector increase resulting in unreliable readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single fixed detection point to a multi-dimensional array of cameras positioned at different locations and angles. This dimensional expansion allows the system to maintain detection coverage across various cart positions and orientations, eliminating alignment problems by providing multiple viewing angles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed to universally detect items regardless of cart position, orientation, or loading configuration. The multiple cameras work together to provide consistent detection coverage for various scenarios, making the system reliable across different operational conditions without requiring precise alignment.
3Measurement precision
If complex detection systems are implemented to solve bottom shelf detection, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system automatically performs detection, image processing, and item identification without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. The system self-calibrates and adapts to different bottom shelf configurations, reducing maintenance burden while maintaining high detection precision through automated operations.
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
This solution reduces false detection errors and ensures reliable item detection, minimizing lost revenue by accurately identifying items on the shelf and alerting staff, thus preventing theft.
Implementation Method 1
at least one visual light camera sensor (hereinafter 'camera') connected to the shopping cart, the shelf in a field of view of the camera
Implementation Method 2
a shopping cart transceiver that may be connected to and adapted to be powered by the power supply, the shopping cart transceiver comprises an antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A method apparatus are directed to identify items disposed on the bottom shelf of a shopping cart bottom of basket (BoB). Certain aspects envision a distance measurement sensor and computing system connected to the shopping cart. A first set of distance measurements of the bottom shelf when empty is obtained via the distance measurement sensor. Next, at a checkout stand, a second set of distance measurements of the shelf are taken, which can be used to compare with the first set of distance measurements to identify if there is an object on the BoB. An alert can be provided to a checkout attendant if there is an object on the BoB.