Shelf-mountable imaging system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory management systems for retail locations are invasive, disruptive, and require significant employee intervention, often leading to inefficiencies and customer discomfort due to the use of continuous surveillance cameras or robotic devices.
Innovation Solution
A shelf-mountable imaging system that captures images of products minimally invasively, using low-power components to avoid capturing customers or employees, and communicates data wirelessly without the need for external power or communication lines, allowing remote upgradability and analysis for restocking needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous surveillance cameras or robotic devices are used for inventory monitoring, then image capture capability is improved, but customer comfort deteriorates and employee intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device captures images periodically at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, reducing customer discomfort while maintaining inventory monitoring capability. The device transitions between active imaging and low-power sleep modes, activating only when needed to capture shelf images.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is positioned locally on the shelf underside, capturing only the specific shelf area rather than the entire aisle. This localized imaging approach reduces the likelihood of capturing customers or employees while maintaining effective inventory monitoring of the target shelf.
2Measurement precision
If continuous surveillance cameras are deployed, then inventory monitoring is improved, but power consumption increases and wiring requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device operates in periodic cycles, capturing images at scheduled intervals and then entering low-power sleep mode. This periodic operation dramatically reduces average power consumption compared to continuous operation, enabling battery-powered or energy-harvesting solutions without requiring wiring to existing power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed to be self-sufficient with onboard power storage (battery or capacitor) and wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for wiring to external power or network infrastructure. The device autonomously manages its power consumption through periodic operation and internal power management circuits.
3Measurement precision
If robotic devices are used for inventory monitoring, then image capture is improved, but device complexity and employee intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into simple, independent components: a compact imaging device mounted on the shelf, wireless communication module, and remote server. This segmentation eliminates complex robotic mechanisms while maintaining effective inventory monitoring through distributed, simple devices that require minimal employee intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical robotic systems with a stationary imaging device that uses electronic and wireless communication systems. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while achieving the same inventory monitoring function through simpler electronic components and remote data processing.
4Measurement precision
If imaging devices are installed on shelves, then product location tracking is improved, but visibility to customers increases and inconspicuousness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is positioned on the underside of the shelf, creating a localized installation that is effective for capturing shelf images but minimally visible to customers. This positioning provides the necessary product location tracking capability while maintaining customer comfort by reducing the perceived surveillance presence.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system capture images of products on shelves in a minimally invasive way. The images can be processed to assess restocking needs and other information. The imaging system includes multiple shelf-mountable imaging devices that can be positioned throughout one or more retail locations. Certain types of imaging devices may be self-contained units having replaceable or rechargeable internal power sources and/or wireless communication interfaces. Certain types of imaging device are configured to take images only when the field of view is not blocked by traffic (e.g., consumers, employees, etc.). Certain types of imaging devices are low-profile and/or are camouflageable to enhance the user experience.