Shelf Storage Signal Detection for Automated Piece-Goods Inventory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for piece goods lack efficient methods to detect the number and type of goods, necessitating complex and costly sensor systems that require direct alignment with sensors, making them unsuitable for retrofitting and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A device with inclined shelves featuring signal transmitting and receiving devices integrated into openings, allowing for the detection of piece goods through signal processing by control electronics, enabling the calculation of the number of goods based on their footprint and triggering repeat orders when thresholds are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems with direct alignment are used to detect piece goods, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor alignment systems with a camera-based optical detection system. The camera captures images of piece goods on shelves, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and count the goods without requiring precise mechanical alignment or complex sensor positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying through camera imaging to detect piece goods. Instead of direct sensor contact or alignment, the system creates an optical copy (image) of the shelf contents and processes this copy to identify and count goods, simplifying the physical detection mechanism.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If complex sensor systems are used to detect piece goods, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical sensor systems with a more cost-effective camera-based optical system. The camera and image processing approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms and specialized sensors, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves multiple functions: detecting the presence of piece goods, counting the number of goods, identifying their positions, and potentially recognizing their types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized sensors, lowering overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged to directly align with piece goods for detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but adaptability for retrofitting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor alignment requirements with flexible optical imaging. The camera can be positioned to capture images of shelves without requiring precise alignment with individual piece goods, making the system adaptable to retrofitting existing shelving units with various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear sensor arrays requiring precise alignment to two-dimensional optical imaging. The camera captures the entire shelf area in a single view, allowing detection without direct alignment with individual goods and enabling easy adaptation to different shelf layouts.
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
Enables simple and efficient detection of piece goods, reducing manufacturing costs and allowing for retrofitting, while ensuring accurate inventory management and automated ordering.
Implementation Method 1
signal transmitting devices with associated signal receiving devices, wherein at least one type of the devices is arranged in the openings at the lower side and a signal of the signal transmitting devices is detectable by the signal receiving devices
Data Source
AI summary
Device for storing piece goods, in particular a shelf unit or a cupboard, having at least one shelf, which has an upper side, on which the piece good is storable in a surveillance space, and a lower side and openings, which run from the upper side to the lower side, as well as signal transmitting devices having associated signal receiving devices, wherein at least one type of the devices is arranged in the openings at the lower side, and a signal of the signal transmitting devices is detectable by the signal receiving devices, as well as a control electronics having a control system, which energize the signal transmitting devices and the signal receiving devices and process the signals of the signal receiving devices and identify them, so as to identify an occupancy state of the surveillance space with piece goods on the basis of the existence of a signal at the respective signal receiving device.