Modular Sensor Segments for Retail Interaction Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedding sensor systems in retail environments to track human interactions with objects poses challenges such as minimizing sensor form factor and cost, integrating different types of sensors, reducing wiring, and facilitating fast installation and changes.
Innovation Solution
Modular sensor segments with infrared transmitters and receivers, connected via a common bus for power and data, allowing for efficient tracking of human interactions by differentiating between pickup and putback events, object size, and proximity using a system of interconnected circuit boards and light shields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of sensors are embedded in retail environments to track human interactions, then tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into modular sensor segments that can be independently installed and configured. Each segment contains integrated components (transmitter, receiver, circuit board, light shield) that function as a complete unit, reducing the complexity of installing individual sensors throughout the retail environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor functions are merged into single integrated modules. The transmitter, receiver, circuit board, and light shield are combined into one sensor segment, reducing the number of separate components that need to be installed and wired individually.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of sensors are integrated to provide comprehensive tracking, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor segment design incorporates multiple sensor types and functionalities within a single standardized module. The system can detect various human interactions (pickup, putback, browsing) using the same basic sensor segment architecture, allowing versatile functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor types are organized into separate functional segments that can be independently selected and combined. This modular approach allows comprehensive tracking capability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces and configurations.
3Reliability
If extensive wiring is used to connect sensors for power and data, then connectivity is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Power and data connections are merged into a single integrated wiring scheme. The sensor segments are designed to receive both power and data signals through unified connection points, reducing the amount of wiring required compared to separate connections for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal bus system provides both power and data transmission through the same infrastructure. This multi-functional wiring approach maintains reliable connectivity while significantly reducing installation complexity compared to dedicated wiring for each sensor function.
4Reliability
If traditional sensor installation methods are used, then reliability is improved, but productivity and installation speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into pre-assembled modules that maintain reliability through standardized connection protocols while enabling rapid deployment. Each module is independently tested and configured, allowing quick installation without compromising system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor segments are pre-assembled, pre-configured, and pre-tested before deployment. The modular units come ready-installed with integrated components and configured wiring, eliminating time-consuming on-site assembly and testing while maintaining the reliability of thoroughly tested designs.
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 effective and cost-efficient tracking of human interactions with objects, reducing wiring and installation complexity while providing accurate data on interactions and object detection, thus optimizing retail layouts and shopper experiences.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor segment includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver for tracking human physical interaction with objects
Implementation Method 2
Each modular sensor segment includes a circuit board on which the transmitter and receiver are mounted and a light shield mounted on the circuit board configured to separate transmit and receive optical signal paths
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for tracking signals from modular sensor segments are disclosed. One system includes modular sensor segments for tracking interactions with objects where each sensor segment includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver for tracking human physical interaction with objects. Each modular sensor segment includes a circuit board on which the transmitter and receiver are mounted and a light shield mounted on the circuit board configured to separate, transmit and receive optical signal paths.