Nano-code Wearable Detection for Unattended Retail
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of constructing unattended retail stores due to the large number of cameras and sensors required for product tracking and identification, as well as the need for improved systems for individual identification and object detection in various environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of Nano-codes, which are two- or one-dimensional barcodes of specific sizes that can be detected by wearable computing devices, such as eyeglasses, smartwatches, or headbands, to identify objects and facilitate unattended retail transactions by transmitting product information and payment details wirelessly to a merchant computer system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of cameras and sensors are deployed to track and identify user movements and products in an unattended retail store, then the accuracy of product tracking and identification is improved, but the construction cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into two parts: passive Nano-codes on products that contain identification data, and active wearable devices that read these codes. This divides the complexity from a centralized camera network to distributed, simple components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex cameras to capture and analyze product images, the system uses simple Nano-code copies of product identification information that can be easily read by wearable devices, replacing visual recognition with code reading.
2Reliability
If numerous cameras and sensors are installed throughout the store to monitor user behavior and product collection, then the reliability of unattended checkout is improved, but the construction and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service tracking where the wearable device automatically reads Nano-codes as the user moves products, and the system automatically calculates totals and processes payments without requiring complex monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device serves multiple functions: it reads Nano-codes on products, tracks user movements, identifies collected items, and processes payments, replacing the need for multiple specialized sensors and cameras.
3Measurement precision
If traditional barcode sizes are used on product items, then the readability and identification accuracy are maintained, but the visual clutter and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode information is transferred from the visual domain (large 2D space on product packaging) to the optical magnification domain (lens system in wearable device), allowing tiny Nano-codes to be readable through magnification without occupying visible space on the product.
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
This solution reduces the need for extensive camera infrastructure in unattended retail stores, enabling cost-effective operation while providing efficient identification and authentication of individuals and objects, and allowing for unattended checkout processes.
Implementation Method 1
The wearable devices include a magnifying lens (or other optics) associated with a digital camera, so that the Nano-codes may be magnified from their barely visible state and data therefrom read by a processor associated with the digital camera.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable computing device reads near-invisible one- or two-dimensional barcodes having a size of 100 microns to one millimeter. The device includes a magnifying lens, a digital camera, a processor, program memory and a wireless communication module, all supported on a wearable device body. The wearable device body may be an eyeglass frame, a watch body or wristband, a headband or sweatband or a cap or other headgear, among other possibilities. Applications of the wearable computing device include unattended shopping in a physical retail store.