RFID-Based Order Determination for Unmanned Stores
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Solution Overview
Problem
In traditional physical stores, the payment process is inefficient due to inaccuracies in determining customer order information, especially when multiple customers select items from lower racks or shelves, leading to confusion for detection devices and incorrect item placement.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use container IDs and RFID tags to associate items with customers by determining the distance between items and their containers, allowing for accurate and quick order information determination, enabling automatic payment processing without the need for a cashier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If computer vision technology is used to analyze shopping process in real time, then payment processing efficiency is improved, but determination accuracy deteriorates due to factors like similar items being placed in incorrect locations or multiple people selecting items simultaneously from lower racks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an item container (shopping cart/basket) as an intermediary object to associate items with customers. Instead of directly tracking items and customers, the system uses the container as a mediator that links the two, thereby improving determination accuracy while maintaining efficient processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces computer vision technology with RFID technology for item detection. RFID provides more accurate and reliable item identification compared to vision-based systems, especially in scenarios with similar items or occlusions, thereby resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining real-time processing capability
2Measurement precision
If traditional cashier payment processing is used, then order determination accuracy can be maintained through manual verification, but payment processing efficiency deteriorates due to long waiting times in queues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated payment system where customers complete their own checkout process without cashier assistance. The system automatically determines order information using RFID technology and processes payments, eliminating queue waiting times while maintaining accuracy through automated verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs order determination and payment processing in advance by continuously tracking items as they are placed in containers throughout the shopping process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual verification at the checkout counter, improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy
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 enhances shopping efficiency by allowing customers to leave the store immediately after finishing their purchases without waiting in line, improving the overall shopping experience through accurate and rapid order determination.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an RF signal from an RF tag attached to the shopping container; detecting a plurality of RF signals from a plurality of RF tags attached to a plurality of corresponding items
Data Source
AI summary
Order determination technologies for unmanned store are disclosed. In an implementation, registration information including a container identifier (ID) associated with a shopping container is received from a mobile device of a customer shopping at a store. A user account of the customer is associated with the container ID based on the registration information. A radio frequency (RF) signal from an RF tag attached to the shopping container is detected. A plurality of RF signals are received from a plurality of RF tags are attached to a plurality of corresponding items in the store. One or more items of the plurality of items are determined within a predetermined distance from the shopping container based on the RF signals. An order including the determined one or more items is generated, and the order is associated to the customer's user account to be paid by the customer.