Piezoelectric Contact Sensor for Accurate Object Pickup Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring systems that use non-contact IC tags struggle to accurately determine whether goods are picked up by customers or simply moved out of the detection range, due to the installation position of the IC tag reader.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system employing a piezoelectric contact sensor unit attached to objects, which generates output signals based on biological tremors and bending forces when a living body interacts with the object, allowing for reliable detection of object pickup and contact duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a non-contact IC tag reader is used to detect goods movement, then the system can monitor goods without physical contact, but it cannot accurately determine whether goods are picked up or merely moved out of detection range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the non-contact IC tag reader system with a piezoelectric contact sensor that detects mechanical vibrations and forces. When a customer picks up goods, the sensor detects the mechanical impact and vibration signals, providing accurate detection of pickup events rather than just presence in detection range.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric sensor acts as an intermediary between the goods and the detection system. It is attached to the goods or display shelf and converts mechanical interactions into electrical signals, serving as a mediator that translates physical pickup actions into detectable data.
2Measurement precision
If the IC tag reader installation position is adjusted to improve detection accuracy, then detection range may improve, but the fundamental inability to distinguish pickup from removal remains
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the fixed-position IC tag reader with a piezoelectric contact sensor that can be attached directly to the goods or display surface. This substitution enables detection based on mechanical interaction rather than radio frequency presence, allowing accurate pickup detection regardless of reader installation position.
3Measurement precision
If contact sensors are used to detect pickup, then accurate detection of living body contact is achieved, but the system requires direct physical contact with the goods
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric sensor serves as an intermediary that detects customer interaction without requiring the customer to directly touch or feel the sensor. The sensor is attached to the goods or display shelf and detects the mechanical signals generated during normal pickup and handling actions.
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 determines whether an object has been picked up and calculates the degree of customer interest by analyzing the duration and nature of contact, providing accurate data for salesperson interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric sensor attached to a substrate such that when the substrate is attached to the object, the piezoelectric sensor generates an output signal as a function of whether the living body is in contact with at least one of the substrate and the object
Implementation Method 2
the piezoelectric sensor detects biological tremors of the living body when the living body is in contact with at least one of the substrate and the object and the output signal provides an indication of such detected biological tremors
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system for determining whether an object is touched by a living body includes a receiver and a piezoelectric sensor attached to a substrate such that when the substrate is attached to the object. The piezoelectric sensor generates an output signal as a function of whether the living body is in contact with at least one of the substrate and the object. A processor processes the output signal to determine whether the living body is in contact with at least one of the substrate and the object and outputs a contact information signal containing information indicative of whether the living body is in contact with at least one of the substrate and object based on the determination. A transmitter transmits the contact information signal to the receiver.