Self-service checkout counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-service checkout counters face challenges in product identification accuracy due to variations in external light intensity and color, which affect imaging quality and lead to identification errors.
Innovation Solution
A self-service checkout counter design featuring a lighting panel with a light shielding plate or transparent surface to control lighting, combined with multiple cameras positioned on the panel to provide stable and controllable illumination and capture images from various angles, reducing the impact of external light and product blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If machine vision algorithm is used for product identification, then identification automation is improved, but identification accuracy deteriorates due to external light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a controllable lighting environment before product identification occurs. The lighting panel with adjustable light sources creates optimal illumination conditions in advance, ensuring that the machine vision algorithm receives high-quality images regardless of external lighting conditions, thereby maintaining both automation and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting lighting parameters (intensity, color temperature, direction) to optimize image quality for machine vision. The lighting panel can change its illumination parameters based on detected external light conditions, ensuring consistent image quality that enables accurate automated identification
2Measurement precision
If lighting panel is added to control illumination, then imaging quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting panel serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for product identification, acts as a structural component of the checkout counter, and can function as a mounting surface for cameras. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still improving imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lighting function with the structural framework of the checkout counter. The lighting panel is integrated into the existing counter design, and cameras are mounted on the same panel structure, combining multiple functions into a unified system that minimizes additional complexity
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are deployed on lighting panel, then image collection quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places cameras on the lighting panel, utilizing the vertical dimension and different angular positions on the panel surface. This spatial arrangement enables multi-angle imaging without requiring complex mechanical systems, improving image collection quality by capturing products from multiple perspectives while keeping the camera mounting structure relatively simple
4Stability of the object's composition
If light shielding plate is used to block external light, then imaging stability is improved, but loss of light reaches the product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using the light shielding plate selectively - it blocks external light from specific directions (ceiling light) while allowing the controllable light sources to illuminate the product adequately. The shielding is localized to where external light interference occurs, rather than completely blocking all light, thus maintaining lighting stability without excessive light loss
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 setup enhances image quality and accuracy of product identification by providing uniform lighting and multi-angle imaging, improving the efficiency and reliability of the self-service checkout process.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting panel includes at least one light source, and the at least one light source provides lighting for the at least one product carried on the countertop
Implementation Method 2
the lighting panel includes a light shielding plate, the light shielding plate is made of an opaque material or a translucent material and configured to shield light from above
Data Source
AI summary
A self-service checkout counter is disclosed. In implementations of the present specification, the checkout counter includes a countertop for holding at least one product; a lighting panel disposed opposite to the countertop, wherein the lighting panel comprises at least one light source that provides lighting to items placed on the countertop; a pole that connects the countertop and the lighting panel, and supports the lighting panel; and a plurality of cameras that shoot images of items placed on the countertop, wherein the images are used to perform product identification and pricing and at least a part of the plurality of cameras are disposed on the lighting panel.