Pressure-Sensing Object Identification for Smart Refrigerator Stock Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart refrigerator systems struggle to automatically identify and track the expiration dates and stock levels of stored goods, requiring multiple barcodes and leading to inefficiencies in managing food supplies, as they only notify users when items are about to expire but not when they are running low.
Innovation Solution
An identification system utilizing sensing units to measure pressure values at multiple points on an object, calculating geometric and weight characteristics, and comparing these to stored data to automatically identify objects and detect weight variations, thereby enabling automatic tracking of goods within a smart refrigerator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If barcodes are placed on every good to store information, then information storage capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure distribution patterns as a copy or representation of the object's identity and state. Instead of placing physical barcodes on each object, the system creates a digital replica of the pressure signature that the object produces on the sensing surface. This pressure signature serves as an identifier that can be stored and compared, eliminating the need for physical information carriers on each object while maintaining identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical barcode reading system with a pressure-based sensing system. Instead of using visual barcodes that require optical scanners and line-of-sight reading, the system uses pressure sensors to detect the weight distribution and contact pattern of objects. This substitution eliminates the need for barcodes and their associated reading infrastructure, simplifying the overall system.
2Loss of information
If barcodes are used to track goods, then initial information storage is improved, but real-time monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring by having the pressure sensing surface constantly measure the weight and pressure distribution of objects in real-time. Unlike barcodes that provide static information, the pressure sensing system continuously updates the object's state, including weight changes, position changes, and presence/absence detection. This continuous action enables real-time tracking without requiring active reading or user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where pressure sensor readings are continuously compared against stored pressure signatures. When changes in pressure patterns are detected, the system can identify that an object has been added, removed, or modified. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and alerting, allowing the system to notify users of stock levels, expiration dates, and other time-sensitive information dynamically.
3Loss of information
If multiple barcodes are placed on goods, then information coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming placement
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing system is self-configuring and automatically adapts to different objects without requiring manual labeling. When an object is placed on the sensing surface, the system automatically captures its pressure signature and uses it for identification and tracking. This eliminates the manual process of selecting, placing, and reading barcodes, allowing users to simply place items on the shelf without any additional steps. The system serves itself by automatically learning and identifying objects based on their inherent physical properties.
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 system allows for the effective identification and tracking of goods within a smart refrigerator, automatically notifying users when items are running low, thus preventing expiration and ensuring timely restocking.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensing units for sensing a plurality of pressure values of a plurality of pressure points of a first object disposed on the plurality of sensing units
Data Source
AI summary
An identification system includes a plurality of sensing units, a storage module, a computing unit and an identification unit. The plurality of sensing units is for sensing a plurality of pressure values of a plurality of pressure points of a first object disposed on the plurality of sensing units. The storage module is for storing a set of characteristic information of a second object. The computing unit is electrically connected to the plurality of sensing units and for computing at least three distance characteristic values and at least three angle characteristic values after receiving the plurality of pressure values. The identification unit is electrically connected to the storage module and the computing unit for comparing the set of characteristic information with the at least three distance characteristic values and the at least three angle characteristic values, so as to indentify whether the first object corresponds to the second object.