Device and method for identifying and tracking an object

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-service checkouts face challenges in preventing manipulation and incorrect operation, such as items being smuggled or incorrectly scanned, due to limitations in existing detection mechanisms like security scales and cameras.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that use multiple cameras to continuously track objects from their origin to destination, recognizing specific body parts to set analysis areas and ensure seamless identification, combining camera data with a recognition unit for accurate tracking and comparison.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If security scales are used to weigh goods after scanning, then detection capability is improved, but manipulation risk increases due to weight-based fraud

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidmanipulation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical weighing systems with optical tracking systems. Multiple cameras capture images of goods at different positions (origin, transport, destination) to create visual records that substitute for weight-based detection, eliminating the vulnerability to weight-based manipulation while maintaining detection capability through image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies of goods through camera imaging at multiple stages. Instead of relying on physical weight measurement, the system creates digital visual records (copies) of goods at origin, during transport, and at destination, allowing verification through image comparison rather than weight measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If cameras are used to monitor the storage area, then detection capability is improved, but manipulation risk increases due to hiding strategies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidmanipulation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the monitoring system into multiple segmented camera positions capturing different areas (origin area, transport area, destination area). This segmentation ensures that goods are continuously visible across all zones, preventing hiding strategies that work with single-point monitoring while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of goods throughout their entire journey from origin to destination. The system maintains uninterrupted visual tracking through coordinated cameras at multiple positions, ensuring that goods remain under constant observation and cannot be hidden or swapped during transitions between monitoring zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple cameras are used for continuous tracking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the camera system to serve multiple functions simultaneously: capturing goods at origin, tracking transport, verifying destination, and providing evidence for verification. Each camera unit performs multiple roles in the tracking chain, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3100648B1Device and method for identifying and tracking an object
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 DIEBOLD NIXDORF SYST GMBH
  • EP3100648B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for identifying and tracking an object (6) that is transported between an origin (1) and a destination (5). It is provided that the device has at least one camera (11-16) and is designed to identify the object (6) using the at least one camera (11-16) and to transport the object (6) from the place of origin ( 1) to the destination (5) to be tracked seamlessly.