RFID Product Identification Passage with Verification Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned supermarkets face challenges with false and absent readings of RFID tags due to identification dead spots and poor sensitivity, leading to poor customer experience and inefficient product identification.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a product identification method and passage with a product verification area and a product settlement area, utilizing antennas and photoelectric switches to collect and process data, and performing 'subtraction' processing to reduce false readings and ensure accurate identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RFID tags are used for product identification in unmanned supermarkets, then identification can be performed without physical contact and data can be read/written remotely, but false readings and absent readings occur due to identification dead spots and poor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The identification passage is segmented into multiple areas (product verification area, product identification area, product settlement area) with different functions. The product verification area performs initial identification at the entrance, the product identification area performs secondary identification during passage, and the product settlement area performs final verification at the exit. This segmentation allows the system to cross-validate readings across multiple zones, reducing false and absent readings caused by dead spots in any single area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary product identification and data collection in the product verification area before the customer fully enters the identification passage. This preliminary action captures product information early, allowing the system to prepare for subsequent verification steps and reduce the impact of any single identification failure.
2Device complexity
If a single product verification area is used, then the system structure is simple, but false readings cannot be effectively eliminated and absent readings increase due to dead spots
Solution Approach 1:
The identification passage is divided into three distinct areas: product verification area (entrance), product identification area (middle), and product settlement area (exit). Each area has antennas that perform identification functions, creating multiple verification points that reduce the impact of dead spots in any single location while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where product identification data is collected in the product verification area, then verified again in the product identification area, and finally confirmed in the product settlement area. This multi-stage feedback process allows the system to detect and correct false readings or absent readings by comparing data across different areas, significantly improving reading accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple areas with antennas are deployed for comprehensive identification, then false and absent readings are reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identification passage is segmented into three functional areas with antennas strategically placed in each. This segmentation provides comprehensive coverage and multiple verification points to reduce false and absent readings, while the modular area-based structure allows for scalable deployment and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antennas in each area serve multiple functions: the product verification area antennas perform initial product identification and customer registration; the product identification area antennas perform secondary verification and tracking; the product settlement area antennas perform final confirmation and data validation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices in each zone.
4Loss of information
If product identification is performed throughout the entire passage, then comprehensive product data is collected, but the time required for identification and settlement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The product verification area at the entrance performs preliminary product identification and data collection before the customer completes their shopping journey. This preliminary action captures product information early, allowing the system to pre-process and prepare data, reducing the time required for final verification and settlement at the exit.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification process operates continuously across all three areas as customers pass through the passage. Antennas in the product verification area, product identification area, and product settlement area simultaneously perform identification functions, ensuring continuous data collection without interrupting customer flow or requiring additional time for sequential processing.
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 significantly improves the accuracy of product identification by eliminating false readings and reducing absent readings, enhancing the customer experience and operational efficiency in unmanned supermarkets.
Implementation Method 1
RFID identifies specific targets and read and write related data by radio signals, without establishing physical contact between the identification system and specific targets
Implementation Method 2
determining that a user enters the product verification area in the case of receiving a trigger signal of a first photoelectric switch
Data Source
AI summary
A product identification method comprises instructing an antenna in a product verification area to collect first product identification data of identified products in the case where a user enters the product verification area of a product identification passage; instructing the antenna in the product verification area to collect product verification data of identified products in the case where a user enters a product settlement area of the product identification passage; and determining user product data based on the first product identification data and the product verification data. A product verification area is provided to eliminate a tag outside the passage being falsely read and reduce a tag false reading probability.