Conductive Fixture Network for Power and Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated retail systems face challenges in accurately tracking shoppers and items within stores due to complex algorithms, the need for multiple cameras and sensors, and the lack of integration with existing infrastructure, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. Additionally, existing authorization systems require users to present credentials at multiple locations, and there is no efficient method to extend authorization from one point to another using camera tracking.
Innovation Solution
A store device network that transmits power and data through mounting fixtures, utilizing a processor to analyze camera images and create a 3D model of the store to track shoppers and items, attribute item movements to individuals, and extend authorization from one location to another by tracking individuals with cameras, eliminating the need for additional sensors and manual credential presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors and cameras are deployed to track shoppers and items, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for devices, transmits electrical power through conductive rails, and enables data communication through the same physical structure. This eliminates the need for separate power cables and communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into the mounting fixture structure itself. The conductive rails that provide mechanical support also serve as electrical conductors, merging what would traditionally be separate systems into a unified infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and sensors are used to track items, then item movement detection is improved, but the number of components and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture with conductive rails serves as a universal platform that can accommodate various tracking devices (cameras, sensors) while providing both power and data communication through the same structure, reducing the total number of components needed.
3Reliability
If credential presentation is required at multiple locations, then authorization security is improved, but user convenience and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization at a single location (entrance) and then uses camera tracking to extend this authorization throughout the store. The processor continuously monitors the shopper's trajectory and maintains authorization without requiring repeated credential presentations, thereby improving convenience while maintaining security through continuous visual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical credential presentation system (physical cards, codes, or tokens) with an optical tracking system using cameras and image analysis. The processor detects the shopper's movements and extends authorization based on visual tracking, eliminating the need for repeated physical credential interactions.
4Productivity
If camera-based tracking is used to extend authorization, then operational efficiency is improved, but measurement precision of shopper location must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical or RFID tracking systems with camera-based optical tracking. The processor analyzes images from cameras to determine shopper trajectories and locations, achieving both high operational efficiency through automated authorization extension and sufficient measurement precision for security purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
System that allows devices of an autonomous store, such as sensors in product display areas, to receive power and communicate data over conductive rails of store fixtures. By using fixtures to transmit data and power, the need for cabling to these devices, or for batteries to power the devices, is eliminated or greatly reduced, thereby dramatically simplifying installation and maintenance. Illustrative fixtures over which devices can communicate include slatwalls, pegboards, and rectangular support bars. Power and data may be multiplexed onto the same pair of conductive rails. Embodiments may use device hubs to coordinate communication with devices and to act as gateways between devices and centralized store servers. Devices may communicate their identities and locations to store servers to facilitate installation; for example, they may display their identities on electronic labels that are imaged by store cameras, so that the store server can learn the location of each device automatically.