Object Recognition System Volumetric Tracking Without Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object recognition systems struggle to accurately count and track items, especially produce, without affixed identifiers due to challenges like size, shape, and difficulty in reading small labels, leading to inefficient inventory management in retail environments.
Innovation Solution
An object recognition system utilizing a camera with range imaging techniques to calculate volumetric measurements of items within a region of interest, correlating changes in volume with item quantities, allowing for tracking without reliance on barcodes or other identifiers, employing methods like time-of-flight, stereo triangulation, or interferometry for depth data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If identifiers (barcodes, RFID tags, stickers) are affixed to items for tracking, then item identification and inventory tracking capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase due to the expense and complexity of affixing identifiers to each individual item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from physical identifiers affixed to items and relocates it to the imaging system itself. Instead of requiring barcodes or RFID tags on each item, the system uses the camera and processor to automatically detect, identify, and track items through their natural visual characteristics, eliminating the need for separate identifier components and their affixing processes
Solution Approach 2:
Items are tracked using their own inherent visual properties without requiring external identifiers. The system allows items to 'identify themselves' through their appearance, shape, size, and other visual characteristics that are naturally present, eliminating the need for manual or automated affixing of barcodes, stickers, or RFID tags
2Area of stationary object
If identifiers are made small to be less obtrusive, then aesthetic appearance and space requirements are improved, but readability and detection accuracy deteriorate with current scanning equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical barcode scanning systems with a comprehensive image processing system. Instead of using dedicated barcode scanners that struggle with small or damaged codes, the system uses a camera to capture full-color images and a processor to analyze visual characteristics, enabling accurate identification without relying on small, readable barcodes
3Device complexity
If conventional scanning equipment is used to read identifiers, then existing infrastructure is maintained, but counting and tracking precision deteriorates for produce and similar items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a simple imaging system into a multi-functional tool that performs both identification and precise counting/tracking. The camera and processor combination not only identifies items through visual characteristics but also accurately counts individual items in groups, tracks their movement, and monitors inventory levels, replacing multiple specialized devices with a single universal system
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 precise and efficient counting and tracking of items by correlating volume changes with item quantities, improving inventory management in retail settings without the need for affixed identifiers, enhancing accuracy and reducing costs associated with label application.
Implementation Method 1
employing methods like time-of-flight, stereo triangulation, or interferometry for depth data acquisition
Implementation Method 2
employing methods like time-of-flight, stereo triangulation, or interferometry for depth data acquisition
Implementation Method 3
employing methods like time-of-flight, stereo triangulation, or interferometry for depth data acquisition
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed systems and methods for detecting and tracking a quantity of items in a particular location by optical means. The system includes an imager having a field of view directed over a region of interest where the items to be tracked are located, the imager being operable to acquire images of the items. The system further includes a controller in operative communication with the imager, where the controller acquires depth data from the images and determines volume measurements based on the depth data. Based on the determined volume measurements, the system is capable of counting and tracking the items present in the region of interest using optical means to avoid relying on barcodes or other identifier information affixed to the items.