Shopping Cart Sensor Module for Accurate Item Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shopping carts lack accurate and efficient methods for identifying and tracking items placed within them, leading to potential errors in transactions and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus equipped with sensors, such as weight sensors and cameras, that attach to the cart's basket and chassis, allowing for precise item identification, weight measurement, and data transmission to computing devices, while maintaining an air gap to prevent user weight from affecting sensor accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sensors are integrated into the shopping cart to identify items, then item identification capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to user weight interference
Solution Approach 1:
The shopping cart is divided into separate functional modules: a sensor module for item identification and a weighing module for weight measurement. The sensor module includes cameras and item scanners positioned in the handlebar assembly, while the weighing module uses load cells positioned between the basket and chassis. This segmentation allows each module to perform its function independently without interference from user weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The item identification sensors (cameras and scanners) are extracted from the traditional cart body and positioned in the handlebar assembly. This extraction allows the sensors to capture images of items being placed in the cart without being affected by the user's weight on the cart, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving automation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to the cart for item tracking, then item tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module in the handlebar assembly serves multiple functions: it captures images of items being placed in the cart, identifies items using image recognition algorithms, and tracks items throughout the shopping process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, thereby maintaining high tracking accuracy while limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing functions (image capture, item identification, and tracking) are merged into a single integrated sensor module located in the handlebar assembly. This consolidation allows the system to achieve comprehensive item tracking accuracy while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate sensor systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the basket is allowed to contact the main frame for structural support, then structural stability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to weight sensor interference
Solution Approach 1:
A chassis is introduced as an intermediary component between the basket and the main frame. The load cells are positioned between the chassis and the basket, allowing the chassis to provide structural support while the load cells accurately measure the weight of items in the basket. This intermediary structure isolates the measurement system from the structural support function, preventing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support function and the weight measurement function are segmented into separate components. The main frame and chassis provide structural support, while the load cells positioned between the chassis and basket handle weight measurement. This segmentation ensures that structural stability is maintained without compromising measurement precision.
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
Enhances transaction accuracy by accurately identifying and pricing items, improving user experience through real-time item tracking and display, and reducing errors by isolating user weight from sensor measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an opening for receiving a removable battery that provides power to the electrical components of the mobile apparatus
Implementation Method 2
sensors disposed between the basket and the chassis... use the sensor(s) to identify items placed within the receptacle(s)
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes, in part, a mobile apparatus for identifying items. For instance, the mobile apparatus may include a main frame, a chassis attached to the main frame, and a basket that attaches to the chassis in order to prevent the basket from contacting the main frame. One or more sensors, such as weight sensor(s), may be located between the basket and the main frame. The mobile apparatus may further include a shelf that extends substantially horizontally from the main frame, where a gate separates the basket from the shelf. A user may then place first item(s) within a receptacle of the basket and second item(s) within a receptacle of the shelf. The mobile apparatus may further include a handlebar module attached to the main frame, where the handlebar module includes an opening for inserting a removable battery of the mobile apparatus.