Refrigerated Vending with 3D Imaging to Replace Scale-Based Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scale-based refrigerated vending systems are prone to errors due to customers rearranging items, require significant space, disrupt airflow, and are costly to implement, making them cumbersome and inefficient for multiple item purchases.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated vending system utilizing a three-dimensional imaging sensor to capture images of the interior, an automatic lock, and an electronic payment terminal, allowing customers to select multiple items without scales, with the system accurately determining removed merchandise and charging accordingly, while minimizing electronic components and footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scale-based systems are used to detect merchandise removal, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scales with a three-dimensional imaging sensor system that uses optical fields to detect and track merchandise. The imaging sensor captures images of the refrigerated compartment interior, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and track product positions and removals, eliminating the need for mechanical weighing components and their associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the physical merchandise in the refrigerated compartment. By capturing and processing images of products on shelves, the system creates a virtual representation that can be analyzed to detect product removals, replacing the need for direct physical measurement with scales.
2Measurement precision
If scales are installed in the refrigerated compartment, then merchandise detection is improved, but airflow patterns are disrupted and refrigeration performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical scales that occupy space and disrupt airflow with an optical imaging system. The three-dimensional imaging sensor mounted on the door or wall can capture images through the refrigerated compartment without introducing physical obstacles that would interfere with air circulation patterns essential for refrigeration efficiency.
3Device complexity
If electronic components are minimized, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement and control capabilities may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional imaging sensor serves multiple functions: it detects merchandise removal, tracks product positions, monitors inventory levels, and provides visual records for transaction verification. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate electronic components for each function, minimizing overall electronic complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated vending system can conduct automatic purchase transactions. A refrigerated cooler has a refrigerated compartment with a door. An automatic lock selectively locks and unlocks the door, and a door sensor detects when the door closes. A three-dimensional imaging sensor inside the compartment captures a three-dimensional image of the merchandise. A vending transaction controller detects presentation of a method of payment, unlocks the door, determines from the door sensor that the door has been opened and closed, locks the door when it closes, actuates the three-dimensional imaging sensor to capture an updated three-dimensional image of the merchandise after the door closes, determines based on the updated image what refrigerated merchandise was removed while the door was open, and charges the method of payment for the refrigerated merchandise removed.