Vending Checkout With CNN Item Recognition and Real-Time Lists
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vending machines lack the ability to implement a 'Just Walk Out' checkout mode, requiring multiple transactions for multiple item purchases and limiting item diversity due to sample placement constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a convolutional neural network for item identification and a checkout system that allows real-time updating of a shopping list based on customer actions, enabling multiple item purchases with a single transaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional selling machine checkout procedure is used, then transaction security is maintained, but customer convenience deteriorates due to inability to implement Just Walk Out mode and requirement for repeated transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical checkout procedures (cashier interaction, manual payment processing) with an automated image recognition and processing system. Multiple cameras capture customer actions, convolutional neural networks identify items and actions automatically, and the system generates shopping lists and processes payments without human intervention, enabling Just Walk Out functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customers to serve themselves through automated item recognition and checkout. The machine automatically detects when customers take or return items, updates shopping lists in real-time, and processes payments without requiring customer interaction with checkout devices or cashiers, allowing customers to simply walk out after selecting items
2Productivity
If traditional single-item transaction mode is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to requirement for repeated transactions for multiple items
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring and processing throughout the customer shopping experience. Cameras continuously capture images, the neural network continuously processes item identification, and the shopping list is continuously updated in real-time as customers take or return items, enabling seamless multi-item transactions without interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: item display, customer monitoring, image capture, item identification through neural networks, shopping list generation, and payment processing all occur within one unified system, allowing customers to purchase multiple items in a single transaction rather than separate transactions for each item
3Adaptability or versatility
If sample placement on single row shelf is used, then device structure is simplified, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited item categories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-row shelf display to a multi-dimensional storage structure with multiple shelves and rows. The accommodating case contains multiple shelves that can hold various categories of items, transforming the display from a one-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional structure that accommodates diverse item categories while maintaining automated recognition capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method, a device and a system for checkout, and belongs to the technical field of computer. The checkout method comprises: verifying whether a received unlocking request is sent by a pre-registered customer, and if so, issuing an unlocking instruction for opening an accommodating case in which a shelf for bearing the item is arranged and associating the customer with a take-up action or a put-back action aiming at an item; generating a shopping list of the customer, after identifying the take-up action or the put-back action and the item at which the take-up action or the put-back action aims; and performing checkout of the shopping list. The present invention further discloses a checkout device which comprises a registration module, a verification association module, a shopping list generation module and a checkout module. The present invention further discloses a checkout device which comprises a camera, a processor and a memory. The present invention further discloses a checkout system which comprises a client terminal, an accommodating case and a checkout device. According to the present invention, the selling process is friendly, the customer experience is good, a plurality of various items can be purchased in one transaction, and the purchasing procedure is convenient and fast.