Fiber Optic Shelving System for Space-Constrained Inventory Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for counting and tracking inventory on store shelves are costly and time-consuming, especially when space between shelves is limited, as weight-based systems are expensive and image-based systems require overhead imaging, which is impractical in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic shelving system with holes on the shelf surface, fiber optic filaments, and cameras to capture images of terminal surfaces and product sides, using processors and memory components to determine product quantities and locations based on illuminated holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight-based systems are used for inventory tracking, then inventory counting accuracy is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces weight-based mechanical sensing systems with an optical detection system using fiber optic filaments and LED indicators. Instead of measuring product weight to determine inventory levels, the system uses light transmission through fiber optic filaments that are blocked or unblocked by product presence, providing accurate inventory tracking without the high costs associated with weight-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiber optic filaments as intermediary elements between the product and the detection system. These filaments act as mediators that transmit light signals to indicate product presence or absence, enabling inventory tracking through a simple optical interface rather than requiring complex weight sensing or overhead imaging infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If image-based systems with overhead cameras are used, then inventory tracking capability is improved, but space requirements increase making them infeasible in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from overhead two-dimensional imaging to a side-view optical detection approach. Instead of requiring cameras positioned above the shelves to capture top-down images, the system uses fiber optic filaments positioned at the side of the shelf that detect product presence through light blockage, eliminating the need for overhead space and making the system suitable for tight shelving configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from the overhead space and relocates it to the side of the shelf. By removing the requirement for overhead camera positioning and replacing it with side-mounted fiber optic detection, the system maintains inventory tracking capability while adapting to limited vertical space between shelves.
3Device complexity
If manual inventory counting is performed, then system cost is reduced, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring inventory system where the fiber optic filaments automatically detect and report product presence or absence through LED indicators. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring inventory levels without requiring manual intervention, providing real-time inventory information at minimal cost and eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual counting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the optical sensors continuously monitor product presence and provide real-time information about inventory status. This automated feedback mechanism replaces manual inventory checks, providing continuous updates on stock levels without requiring human labor and significantly reducing the time needed to track inventory.
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, real-time inventory tracking, restocking alerts, expiration detection, and theft prevention while occupying minimal shelf space.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fiber optic filaments, each of the plurality of fiber optic filaments having a first end and a second end, and the first end being coupled to one of the plurality of holes
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic shelving system includes a shelf including a plurality of holes, a plurality of fiber optic filaments, each of the plurality of fiber optic filaments having a first end and a second end, and the first end being coupled to one of the plurality of holes, a holder configured to hold the second ends and expose terminal surfaces of the plurality of fiber optic filaments, a first camera configured to capture an image of the terminal surfaces of the plurality of fiber optic filaments, and a second camera configured to capture an image of a side of one or more products on the shelf. The fiber optic shelving system determines a number of products on the shelf based on the captured image of the terminal surfaces of the plurality of fiber optic filaments and the captured image of the side of one or more products on the shelf.