Movement-Triggered Image Capture for Cooler Inventory Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for inventory determination are costly, obstructive, unattractive, and often produce inaccurate data, making it difficult for merchandisers and retailers to efficiently collect and analyze inventory information in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power module, computer processor, memory module, image capturing module, and movement module, which captures images of products in a cooler upon movement, providing real-time inventory data through image processing and database cross-referencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data collection is used, then data accuracy can be maintained, but labor costs increase and real-time capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection with an automated image capture and processing system. The image capturing module takes photographs of inventory, and image processing algorithms automatically extract and verify inventory data, eliminating the need for manual counting while maintaining accuracy through computational analysis of visual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the inventory and processes these copies to extract data. By capturing images and analyzing them through image processing, the system can determine inventory levels without physically handling or manually counting items, thus maintaining data accuracy while enabling real-time monitoring.
2Productivity
If traditional inventory devices are deployed, then data collection capability is improved, but they obstruct passage and look unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inventory monitoring function with the existing cooler structure by integrating the image capturing module within the cooler itself. This combination allows the cooler to perform both its primary function of storing products and its secondary function of monitoring inventory, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices that would obstruct passage or detract from aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores products, monitors inventory through integrated image capture, and provides real-time data collection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated monitoring equipment, thereby avoiding passage obstruction and maintaining aesthetic appearance while improving data collection capability.
3Productivity
If continuous image capture is performed, then real-time inventory data is available, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the image capturing module operates periodically or on-demand based on triggered events such as door openings or detected movement. This periodic activation maintains real-time monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous capture, as the system only activates when inventory changes are likely to occur.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inventory system, apparatus and method. The method to be used in a cooler that includes a power module provides power to the inventory system from an electric source, battery, WIFI charge, wireless charge and/or combination thereof, a computer processor coupled to the power module, a memory module coupled to the computer processor, an image capturing module coupled to the processor, a movement module coupled to the processor; wherein the movement module triggers the image capturing device to capture images of products in a cooler due to a movement.