Modular Sensor Flooring for Retail Customer Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing customer tracking systems in retail environments are difficult to calibrate and maintain, are susceptible to interference, and raise privacy concerns due to their reliance on cameras.
Innovation Solution
A sensor flooring system comprising modular tiles with pressure-sensitive sensors that detect footsteps, eliminating the need for cameras and providing a more private and adaptable tracking solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera-based systems are used to track customers, then customer tracking capability is achieved, but privacy concerns arise and the system becomes susceptible to lighting conditions and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical/mechanical camera-based tracking with pressure-sensitive sensor technology. The sensor flooring uses piezoelectric or strain gauge elements that convert mechanical pressure from footsteps into electrical signals, eliminating dependence on lighting conditions and privacy-sensitive visual capture while maintaining reliable customer presence detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from optical field characteristics (camera-based) to mechanical pressure characteristics (sensor-based). By measuring force and pressure applied to flooring tiles, the system achieves reliable tracking that is independent of lighting conditions, camera calibration, and privacy concerns associated with visual monitoring
2Measurement precision
If optical imaging techniques are used for customer tracking, then motion detection is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to calibrate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor flooring system is designed to be self-calibrating and maintenance-free. The pressure sensors automatically adapt to different pressure levels and foot patterns without requiring manual calibration, and the modular tile design allows for easy replacement rather than maintenance, significantly reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flooring system is divided into modular sensor tiles that can be independently installed and replaced. Each tile contains its own pressure sensing elements, allowing for localized replacement without affecting the entire system, thereby simplifying maintenance and reducing operational difficulty
3Reliability
If camera-based tracking systems are deployed, then customer presence is monitored, but the systems are cumbersome to install and susceptible to outside interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical camera systems with simple pressure-sensitive sensor tiles that detect footsteps through mechanical force. This substitution eliminates susceptibility to vacuum cleaner interference and other environmental factors that affect camera-based systems, while simplifying installation to basic tile placement
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor tiles are designed as inexpensive, modular units that can be easily replaced if needed. The low cost of individual tiles allows for simple installation and replacement without requiring complex system-level interventions, reducing both installation complexity and maintenance burden
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
The system effectively tracks customer presence and engagement within retail spaces, offering a durable, cost-effective, and privacy-friendly solution that is less prone to interference and easier to manage.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can be a piezoelectric material outputting varying voltage signal proportional to the force applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
The sensor can include a strain gauge material outputting varying resistance signal proportional to the force applied thereto
Implementation Method 3
The sensor can include a capacitive material outputting varying capacitance signal proportional to the force applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor flooring system is provided comprising a tile body having an upper surface, a lower surface and a periphery, a sensor, operatively associated with the body, the sensor adapted and configured to respond to pressure applied to the flooring tile, a sensor interface adapted and configured to receive a sensor output signal and translate the sensor output signal into a digital message, a network interface module adapted and configured to receive the digital message from the sensor interface and process the digital message, and a network adapted and configure to transmit the digital message from the sensor interface to the network interface module.