Self-Service Goods Tunnel with Random Optical Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service goods registration systems face challenges in efficiently handling large shopping baskets and ensuring accurate detection of all goods, particularly when the optical control detection device is limited in capacity and detection speed, leading to delays and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an optical control detection device that randomly samples a smaller number of goods within a tunnel system, using image detection devices like digital cameras with object recognition software to ensure high identification security, allowing for quick and efficient checks without disrupting the purchasing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical control detection device detects all goods in the tunnel, then the completeness of goods detection is improved, but the detection time increases and may cause delays in the purchasing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the optical control detection device detect only a subset of goods passing through the tunnel rather than all goods. The system randomly selects certain goods for detection, which reduces the detection time and prevents delays in the purchasing process while still maintaining adequate control over the goods detection completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automatic optical detection devices that operate independently without requiring manual intervention. The detection process is self-contained, with the optical device automatically capturing images and the system automatically comparing detected goods with registered goods, eliminating the need for additional manual checking time
2Loss of time
If the optical control detection device detects a smaller number of goods, then the detection time is reduced, but the reliability of goods detection control decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by automatically comparing the images captured by the optical control detection device with the images of registered goods. The data processing device analyzes the detected goods and provides feedback on whether the detected goods match the registered goods, ensuring detection reliability even when only a subset of goods is inspected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual goods checking with an automated optical detection system using digital cameras and image processing. This substitution of mechanical/manual inspection with optical/electronic detection maintains high reliability while significantly reducing detection time
3Quantity of substance
If the receiving table size is increased to accommodate large shopping baskets, then the capacity for goods is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a stationary table-based system to a tunnel-based system where goods move through a defined path. By changing from a two-dimensional table surface to a three-dimensional tunnel space with conveyor movement, the system can handle large shopping baskets without increasing table size or device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel structure serves multiple functions: it guides the goods, positions them for optical detection, and facilitates their movement from the customer to the collection container. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate large-capacity tables while maintaining the ability to handle large shopping baskets
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 approach simplifies the goods registration check at self-service stations, reducing the time overlap between scanning and control processes, ensuring high identification security, and preventing delays, even with large shopping baskets, by automatically verifying a smaller, random sample of goods, thus streamlining the purchasing experience.
Implementation Method 1
the control detection device has image detection devices, in particular digital cameras, by means of which the goods can be detected
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (2) has an optical detection device arranged in a tunnel (8) for detecting an identifier identifying goods (3), which are conveyed in a transportation direction by a transport device (7). The transport device is partially covered by the tunnel. A scanner i.e. bar code reader, reads the goods identifier for a data processing mechanism. The optical detection device is formed as a controller detection device (9) that detects control of number of goods, where the controlled goods are smaller than the number of goods detected by a goods detecting device (2). An independent claim is also included for a method for detecting goods.