Autonomous Shopping Cart Motion-Sensing Weighing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous shopping systems face reliability and security issues due to distorted weight readings from scales subjected to various motions and pressures, which affect the accuracy and integrity of self-service transactions.
Innovation Solution
A shopping cart system equipped with a scale, motion sensor, user identification unit, product sensors, and a payment module, which includes a touch screen processor for authenticating users, weighing products accurately only when the cart is stationary, and facilitating secure payment transactions through various methods like credit card or mobile phone applications, while providing product information and navigation features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a scale is used to weigh products in a moving shopping cart, then autonomous shopping functionality is enabled, but weight readings become distorted due to motions and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The system checks the cart's motion status before performing weight measurement. The motion sensor detects whether the cart is moving, and the processor prevents weighing operations until the cart is stationary, ensuring accurate readings before autonomous shopping transactions are completed
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor continuously monitors cart movement and provides feedback to the processor. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically enables or disables weighing functionality, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time cart motion conditions
2Ease of operation
If the cart allows weighing during motion, then shopping convenience is improved, but measurement accuracy and transaction reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor provides continuous feedback about cart movement status to the processor, which automatically adjusts weighing availability. This feedback mechanism ensures that weighing is only performed when conditions are appropriate, maintaining both convenience and reliability
3Measurement precision
If motion sensing and verification systems are added to the cart, then weighing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A motion sensor acts as an intermediary device between the cart's movement and the weighing system. This simple sensor provides motion status information to the processor, enabling accurate weighing control without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors its own motion status and self-regulates weighing operations based on detected conditions. The processor autonomously determines when weighing is appropriate without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms
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 reliability and security of autonomous shopping by ensuring accurate product weighing and payment processing, reducing errors and fraud, and providing users with comprehensive product information and navigation assistance.
Implementation Method 1
The scale includes one or more weight transducers
Implementation Method 2
The motion sensor may be one of an accelerometer, an encoder configured to measure wheel rotation, or a camera configured with movement recognition
Data Source
AI summary
A shopping cart and method of autonomous shopping are provided including a cart chassis, a scale configured to rest on base of the chassis, a basket resting on the scale, wherein weights of products placed in the basket are indicated by the output signal of the scale, a weight guard rail positioned above the product basket and attached to the cart chassis, a user identification unit, a payment module, and a motion sensor.