Shelf, and shelf management system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shelf management systems require high camera placement to capture products, leading to increased spacing between shelves and reduced space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A shelf management system utilizing at least one reflector and one image sensor, where the image sensor senses reflection images of goods reflected by the reflector, allowing for a lower camera position and reducing the spatial height of the shelf unit, thereby improving space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is placed at a high position to capture products on shelves, then the image capture effectiveness is improved, but the spacing between shelves increases and space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflectors (mirrors) to change the optical path dimension, allowing the camera to capture shelf products through reflected images rather than direct line-of-sight. This dimensional change in light propagation enables the camera to be positioned lower while still achieving effective product capture, thereby resolving the contradiction between image capture effectiveness and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element between the camera and the products on the shelf. By placing reflectors at strategic positions (such as on the shelf surface or vertical surfaces), the system mediates the optical path to redirect light from products to the camera sensor, enabling low-positioned cameras to capture high-shelf products without increasing shelf spacing.
2Area of stationary object
If the camera is placed at a high position to capture products, then the viewing coverage is improved, but the spatial height of the shelf unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing reflectors to create indirect optical paths, the system expands the effective viewing coverage without increasing the vertical spatial height. The reflectors enable light from various angles to reach the camera, effectively increasing the captured area while maintaining compact shelf dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors are integrated into the existing shelf structure, nesting the optical reflection function within the shelf's spatial framework. This allows the system to achieve extended viewing coverage through the reflective surfaces already positioned within the shelf unit, without adding external height.
3Loss of information
If multiple mirrors are used to reflect multiple views of structures, then the comprehensive attribute detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they expand viewing coverage, enable low-positioned camera placement, and facilitate comprehensive product attribute detection through multiple reflected views. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving comprehensive information detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors create optical copies (reflected images) of the products from different angles and positions. These copied views provide comprehensive attribute information without requiring physical access to multiple locations or additional sensors, thus detecting comprehensive product attributes while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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
The system enables a smaller spatial height for the shelf unit while maintaining effective image capture, enhancing space utilization and reducing the need for increased shelf spacing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one image sensor for sensing a reflection image of goods within the shelf unit that are reflected one or more times by the at least one reflector
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a goods information obtaining device, a shelf, a shelf managing system and a method. A goods information obtaining device for obtaining goods information within a shelf unit, includes: at least one reflector; and at least one image sensor for sensing a reflection image of goods within the shelf unit that are reflected one or more times by the at least one reflector. By collecting the reflection images of the goods within the shelf unit, embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce the set height of the image sensor relative to the bottom surface of the shelf unit, thereby allowing the shelf unit to use a smaller spatial height, and further improving the overall space utilization rate of the shelf.