Retractable Camera System for Autonomous Refrigerator Point-of-Sale
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vending systems for refrigerators or cabinets face challenges with camera placement, as external cameras obstruct transport and internal placement reduces storage space, while also incurring high operational and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A retractable video camera system embedded in the frame of refrigerators or cabinets, which retracts when the door is closed, allowing for unobstructed space and operation only when the door is open, connected to a CPU and cloud server for automated transactions and stock management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video cameras are placed externally on the refrigerator, then surveillance function is achieved, but transport is obstructed and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The video camera is nested within a retractable chamber that is embedded in the refrigerator frame. When retracted, the camera is concealed within the frame structure, eliminating external protrusions that obstruct transport. When extended, the camera protrudes to capture surveillance footage of the user's actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system transitions from a static external mounting to a dynamic retractable mechanism. The camera can extend outward when needed for surveillance and retract into the frame when not in use, adapting its position based on operational requirements to avoid obstructing transport and storage space.
2Reliability
If video cameras are placed inside the refrigerator, then surveillance function is achieved, but storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator structure is segmented into functional zones: the main storage compartment and a separate frame structure containing the retractable camera mechanism. This segmentation allows the camera system to occupy frame space rather than intrusion into the storage compartment, preserving maximum storage volume while maintaining surveillance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mechanism dynamically adjusts its position between retracted (within frame) and extended (protruding) states. When retracted, it occupies minimal space within the frame structure. When extended, it provides surveillance coverage without permanently reducing the storage volume available for products.
3Reliability
If traditional camera systems are used, then surveillance is provided, but operational and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single autonomous platform: the camera captures video, the AI processor analyzes the video to identify product selection and removal actions, the system automatically updates inventory databases, and billing is processed without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual monitoring and reduces operational and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines surveillance, inventory management, and billing functions into an integrated AI-driven system. The video camera, processing unit, database, and payment system work as a unified autonomous platform, reducing device complexity by eliminating separate manual operations for each function and lowering overall operational and maintenance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Stand-alone, consumer-operable point-of-sale system, comprising a cabinet/refrigerator with a retractable arrangement of one or more video cameras that are mounted or embedded in the frame of the cabinet/refrigerator without occupying volumes on both the outside and inside the of the cabinet/refrigerator, being an absolutely autonomous system governed by artificial intelligence that allows the consumer to select the desired product, pay for it automatically and return it if he/she regretted to leave it and take another one instead, being all the action registered and the operation successfully concluded