Commodity Management Device Using Camera and Distance Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cashierless stores require an effective method to identify and count commodities removed from display shelves without manual registration, as existing systems often rely on outdated data and require manual updates when display positions change.

Innovation Solution

A commodity management device equipped with cameras and distance sensors that capture images and measure changes in distance, using a processor to identify commodities and calculate the number removed based on thickness information, with an association table for updating display data automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual updates are used to maintain commodity display data, then data accuracy can be maintained, but labor cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-updating of commodity display data through image capture and processing. The commodity management device automatically captures images of the display shelf, identifies commodity positions and quantities, and updates the display data without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining data accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated image-based detection. Instead of manually checking and updating commodity data, the system uses image capture devices and processing algorithms to automatically detect commodity information and update the display data, eliminating manual labor while ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If existing commodity management systems are used, then basic tracking is possible, but accuracy deteriorates when display positions change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking capabilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to changing display positions by continuously capturing images and updating commodity position information. When commodities are moved or repositioned on the shelf, the image capture device detects the new positions and the system automatically updates the display data to reflect current arrangements, maintaining high detection accuracy despite position changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary image capture and analysis to establish accurate commodity position data before any changes occur. By continuously monitoring and pre-updating position information, the system ensures that commodity tracking remains accurate even when display positions change, preventing detection errors rather than correcting them afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated detection systems are implemented, then efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an image capture device as an intermediary between the physical commodity display and the digital management system. This intermediary automatically captures visual information and translates it into structured data, bridging the gap between physical and digital domains while maintaining operational efficiency and managing system complexity through a clear separation of functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate and automated identification and counting of removed commodities, updating display data automatically when positions change, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual intervention in cashierless store operations.

Implementation Method 1

a camera that is configured to capture an image of a first commodity in a commodity row

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflected light detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a sensor that is attached to the back plate and configured to measure a distance from the back plate to a second commodity in the commodity row

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistance measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11367176B2Commodity management device and commodity management system

Publication Date: 2022.06.21 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A commodity management device includes a camera interface circuit connectable to a camera to capture an image of one of commodities arranged in a row along a first direction from a back plate to a front of the shelf. The device includes a sensor interface circuit connectable to a sensor measuring a distance to the commodities in the row. A processor is configured to detect a change in the distance measured by the sensor, identify the commodities based on the image, then acquire a thickness of each commodity in the row, and calculate the number of the commodities removed from the shelf based on the distance change and the thickness of the commodities.