Shelf Product Detection Using a Planar Optical Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product detection systems require complex operational constraints and equipment installation, making them difficult to implement and operate effectively, particularly due to issues like blocked imaging views and the need for individual weight sensors for each product type.
Innovation Solution
A detection system comprising a server and a detection device with a planar optical sensor that identifies product types and numbers by comparing sensor outputs to pattern data, capable of sensing product shapes, characters, and patterns on the surface, allowing for easier installation and reliable product detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging devices and weight sensors are combined to detect product movement, then product detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system with an electromagnetic field-based sensor system. The sensor detects products through electromagnetic interaction with the shelf board, eliminating the need for complex imaging devices and weight sensors while achieving reliable product detection and identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects product presence, identifies product types, and determines product quantities through pattern recognition. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate imaging devices and weight sensors into a single integrated system.
2Measurement precision
If imaging devices are positioned to capture all products, then product identification completeness is improved, but operational constraints and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical imaging system requiring specific placement and angle constraints with an electromagnetic sensor system embedded in the shelf board. This substitution eliminates the need for careful positioning and angle adjustments, allowing flexible installation while maintaining complete product identification capability.
3Measurement precision
If individual weight sensors are provided for each product space, then product identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual sensor functions into a single planar optical sensor that reads patterns across the entire shelf surface. This single sensor replaces what would otherwise require multiple individual weight sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to identify each product individually through pattern recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pattern data (optical copies of product identifiers) stored in the shelf board to identify products. This copying approach allows a single sensor to identify multiple products simultaneously by reading their unique patterns, eliminating the need for multiple sensors while maintaining individual product identification 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
The system provides accurate identification of product types and quantities, even with varying orientations, and simplifies installation by reducing operational complexity and equipment requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a planar optical sensor located so as to face the products with the placement surface interposed between the planar optical sensor and the products
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a detection system includes: a server configured to hold pattern data to identify a type of a product handled in a store; and a detection device provided so as to be capable of communicating with the server and configured to identify the product. The detection device includes: a sensor provided along a placement surface of a shelf provided so as to allow a plurality of the products to be placed thereon; and an information processor configured to identify types of the products and the number of each of the types of the products by comparing an output of the sensor to the pattern data. The sensor comprises a planar optical sensor located so as to face the products with the placement surface interposed between the planar optical sensor and the products.