Shelving Unit Height Detection Using Downward Distance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Climbing shelving units to access high shelves can be dangerous and unsafe, leading to potential injuries due to instability or loss of balance, as people often attempt to climb or step on the shelves to reach items out of reach.
Innovation Solution
A detection system using multiple distance sensors disposed at the top end of the shelving unit, pointing downwards, to detect the presence and initial height of a person, and determine changes in height, generating an alert when unsafe activity, such as climbing, is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple distance sensors are disposed at the top end of the shelving unit pointing downwards, then the detection precision of unsafe activity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into multiple distance sensors positioned at different locations on the shelving unit. Each sensor measures a specific portion of the space, and the processor integrates these segmented measurements to determine overall unsafe activity, improving detection precision while keeping individual sensor complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The distance sensors serve multiple functions: detecting presence, measuring height, and identifying unsafe activities. By making the sensors multi-functional, the system improves detection capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware performs multiple detection tasks
2Reliability
If the system continuously monitors height changes to detect unsafe activity, then the reliability of safety detection is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic height measurements rather than continuous monitoring. The processor measures height at discrete time intervals and compares changes between measurements to detect unsafe activity. This periodic action maintains reliable detection while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural movement and positioning of persons as the trigger for measurements. When a person is present and their height changes (indicating potential unsafe activity), the system automatically initiates measurement and alert procedures without requiring additional active energy input, making the system self-regulating and energy-efficient
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 effectively identifies unsafe activity at shelving units, preventing injuries by alerting individuals or users nearby, thereby discouraging unsafe climbing practices and ensuring safer access to high shelves.
Implementation Method 1
multiple distance sensors disposed at the top end of the shelving unit, where the distance sensors are disposed at the top end of the shelving unit and point downwards towards the bottom end of the shelving unit
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and machine readable medium are provided for a detection system for identifying unsafe activity occurring at a shelving unit. A plurality of distance sensors are disposed at a top end of the shelving unit and point downwards towards a bottom end of the shelving unit. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect presence of a person near the shelving unit. An initial height of the person is determined, and a change in height of the person is detected. A processor determined whether the change in height indicates unsafe activity at the shelving unit. If unsafe activity is determined, then an alert is generated.