Force Location Scale for Retail Checkout Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail checkout systems lack flexibility and efficiency, as they often require separate equipment for weighing and identifying items, leading to increased operating costs and reduced competitiveness.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose scale that can measure weight and determine the location of applied forces, allowing it to function as both a weighing device and a touch-sensitive surface for data entry, using load cells and a processor to capture patterns of force and convert them into actionable commands, thereby integrating additional functionality without altering the physical components of the checkout system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate equipment is used for weighing and identifying items, then measurement precision and identification accuracy are maintained, but device complexity and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional weight measurement and force location detection. By integrating force sensors into the scale's measurement surface, it can identify touch locations and patterns, enabling it to serve as both a weighing device and a touch-sensitive interface without requiring separate equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the weighing function and force location detection function into a single scale device. The measurement surface integrates both weight sensing capabilities and force location sensing capabilities, merging what would traditionally require separate devices into one unified system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scale only measures weight, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is transformed into a multi-functional device that can weigh items, detect force locations, recognize touch patterns, and serve as a touch-sensitive interface. This universality allows the same device to adapt to different operational modes without requiring additional specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The scale uses its existing measurement surface and force sensors to perform both weighing and force location detection functions. The system leverages its inherent capabilities rather than requiring external additions, allowing it to serve multiple purposes through its own integrated resources
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
This solution enhances operational efficiency and flexibility by enabling the scale to weigh items and capture location information, reducing the need for multiple devices and potentially lowering operating costs, while preventing item substitution and improving data entry processes.
Implementation Method 1
receiving measurements corresponding to a plurality of forces applied substantially simultaneously to a substantially planar, weight-bearing measurement surface
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods operate to receive measurements corresponding to a plurality of forces sensed substantially simultaneously at a substantially planar, weight-bearing measurement surface. Additional activity includes determining a location on the surface, based on a combination of the measurements, of an equivalent force that corresponds to the combination of the measurements. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.