Distance-based product event detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based systems in merchandiser devices often fail to accurately detect product retrieval and determine quantities due to low-light conditions and field obstructions, leading to improper account charging or refunds.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a merchandiser device with a time of flight sensor and a computing device that uses distance-based measurements to detect events, determine product identifying information, and update inventory records, along with a camera for image-based updates and wrong lane detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If camera-based systems are used to detect product retrieval and determine quantities, then the system can provide visual monitoring capability, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to low-light conditions and field obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based optical detection with time-of-flight (ToF) sensor technology. The ToF sensor uses emitted light pulses and measures the time for reflected light to return, enabling accurate distance measurement independent of ambient lighting conditions. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining visual monitoring capability while dramatically improving detection accuracy in low-light environments where camera-based systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical image capture to time-based distance measurement. By measuring the time of flight of light pulses and converting this to distance information, the system achieves accurate product detection without relying on visible light intensity, thereby overcoming the limitations of camera-based systems in low-light conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If camera-based systems are used to monitor inventory, then the system can provide broad area coverage, but the quantity determination accuracy deteriorates due to field obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring area into multiple zones with individual ToF sensors positioned at different locations. Each sensor monitors a specific lane or section, and the system aggregates data from multiple sensors to achieve comprehensive coverage. This segmentation approach maintains broad area coverage while ensuring each sensor has a clear, unobstructed view of its designated zone, thereby preserving quantity determination accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If distance-based sensor measurements are used to detect product events, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and computing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for inventory monitoring - distance measurement - and implements it using dedicated ToF sensors. By removing unnecessary camera processing, image analysis, and complex computer vision algorithms, the system achieves high measurement precision with a simpler, more focused architecture that directly measures distance without the overhead of general-purpose visual monitoring.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are deployed to cover all lanes, then the detection coverage improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ToF sensor system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: distance measurement, product presence detection, quantity determination, and event detection. Each sensor acts as a multi-functional device that provides comprehensive monitoring capability for its designated zone, eliminating the need for separate sensor types for different monitoring purposes and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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
Accurately detects product retrieval and placement events, updates inventory records, and prevents wrong lane storage, ensuring precise accounting and inventory management without the limitations of camera-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The time of flight sensor is positioned for use with a lane of a row of the storage area and configured to produce sensor output indicative of an event associated with a product stored in the lane
Data Source
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AI summary
A merchandiser device includes a storage area including multiple rows, in which each row includes multiple lanes, and in which each lane is configured to store multiple products. The merchandiser device includes a time of flight sensor positioned for use with a lane and configured to produce sensor output indicative of an event associated with a product stored in the lane. An event associated with the product is detected based on the sensor output. Identifying information for the product is determined based on the sensor output and a planogram of the merchandiser device. A quantity of the product associated with the event is determined based on the sensor output and dimensional information associated with the product. Data configured to cause an update to an inventory record associated with the product is then output based on the identifying information and the quantity.