Dual-Mode Pressure-Sensing Mat With LEDs for Camera Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure mats in frictionless checkout systems lack illumination capabilities, necessitating standalone illumination systems that increase operational costs, require additional hardware, and prolong configuration times.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode pressure-sensing and illumination mat that integrates pressure sensors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) within a single apparatus, allowing for both pressure sensing and illumination modes, enabling simultaneous calibration of cameras without separate illumination systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standalone illumination systems are installed to calibrate cameras, then camera calibration can be performed, but operational costs increase, hardware requirements increase, and configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure sensing elements and illumination elements into a single integrated mat structure. The illumination elements are embedded within the mat substrate among the pressure sensors, eliminating the need for separate standalone illumination systems. This integration reduces hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to perform camera calibration with precise illumination patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mat serves multiple functions: it acts as both a pressure sensing array for detecting item pickup and as an illumination source for camera calibration. The same physical structure that detects pressure changes also provides the illumination patterns needed for calibration, making the system more versatile and reducing overall hardware requirements.
2Measurement precision
If standalone illumination systems are installed, then camera calibration is enabled, but installation cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the illumination function into the pressure mat structure, the system eliminates the need for separate illumination system installation. The illumination elements are manufactured as part of the mat assembly, reducing both installation complexity and associated costs.
3Measurement precision
If standalone illumination systems are used, then camera calibration can be performed, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of illumination and pressure sensing in a single mat structure allows for simultaneous operation of both functions. During calibration, the mat can provide illumination patterns while the system captures images, eliminating the need for separate setup and operation of standalone illumination systems, thus reducing configuration time.
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
Facilitates accurate and efficient calibration of cameras by integrating pressure sensing and illumination functions, reducing hardware requirements and operational costs while enhancing calibration precision.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED) coupled to the row wire and the column wire at the intersection point in parallel to the pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor (i) coupled to the row wire and the column wire at the intersection point and (ii) configured to sense a pressure exerted upon the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses for dual-mode pressure-sensing and illumination mats are provided. The systems include a surface that includes a plurality of row wires and a plurality of column wires forming intersection points. At the intersection points, the systems include a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure exerted upon the surface and a light emitting diode (LED) connected in parallel. The systems include a controller coupled to the selector and configured to control operation of the surface, wherein the controller is configured to operate in one of a pressure-sensing mode or an illumination mode. When the controller is configured to operate in the pressure-sensing mode, the controller scans pressure values provided by the pressure sensors. When the controller is configured to operate in the illumination mode, the controller configures the surface to enable the LEDs in accordance with an illumination pattern.