Systems and methods for determining stock quantities using a capacitive inventory sensor
US10451472B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for a capacitive inventory sensor. A system includes a track configured for retaining items. A first conducting plate is positioned along a portion of the track, and a second conducting plate is positioned in parallel with the first conducting plate along a portion of the track. The second conducting plate is positioned a distance from the first conducting plate, and the second plate is configured to have the items placed on top of the second plate. The system further includes a capacitance sensor configured for connection to the first and second conducting plates, where the capacitance sensor is configured to measure a capacitance between the first and second conducting plates, and where the capacitance varies based on a number of items positioned on the sensor track.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.