Self-propelling luggage visual recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelling luggage systems rely on uncomfortable and aesthetically unappealing transponder armbands for user recognition, leading to inconvenience and loss of functionality in case of defects or clothing changes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelling luggage system that uses a camera and data processing device to recognize authorized users based on visual features from images, eliminating the need for transponders and allowing secure, convenient operation through image processing and pattern recognition, with additional sensors for obstacle detection and distance maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If transponder armbands are used for user recognition, then the self-propelling function can be implemented, but the user comfort and aesthetics deteriorate due to the uncomfortable and unappealing nature of wearing transponders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transponder armband from the system and replaces it with a camera-based visual recognition system. The recognition element is extracted from the user's body (where the transponder armband was worn) and integrated into the luggage itself through the camera, eliminating the need for the user to wear any electronic component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic transponder system with an optical system. Instead of using electromagnetic transponders and readers, the system uses a camera to capture images and process visual features (color, pattern, shape) to identify the authorized user, substituting electronic recognition with optical recognition.
2Extent of automation
If transponder armbands are used for user recognition, then the self-propelling function can be implemented, but the system reliability deteriorates in case of defect or loss of the transponder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores multiple reference images of the authorized user wearing different clothing items in the memory. This creates a buffer against recognition failures that would occur if the user changes clothing, ensuring the system remains reliable without requiring reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accepts variations in visual parameters (different clothing colors, patterns, and styles) by storing multiple reference images with different visual characteristics. This allows the recognition system to maintain reliability despite changes in the user's appearance parameters.
3Ease of operation
If visual recognition based on clothing features is used, then user convenience and reliability improve by eliminating transponders, but the risk of unauthorized access increases without proper authorization verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary authorization verification by capturing a reference image of the authorized user and storing it in memory before the self-propelling function is activated. This preliminary action establishes a baseline for future recognition, ensuring that only authorized users can activate the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares current captured images with stored reference images to verify user identity. This feedback mechanism ensures that only users matching the authorized reference images can activate the self-propelling function, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelling item of luggage, for example a suitcase, includes at least a storage area, a drive, a camera, and a data processing device which is designed to recognize an authorized user in a predefined distance range by means of at least one image captured with the camera and on the basis of at least one visual feature extracted from the image, and to actuate the drive so that the item of luggage follows the authorized user in a self-propelling manner at a distance, where the at least one visual feature is characteristic of at least one item of clothing of the authorized user. A method for operating such a self-propelling item of luggage is also described.