Methods of identifying barcoded items by evaluating multiple identification hypotheses, based on data from sensors including inventory sensors and ceiling-mounted cameras
US10474858B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09G2380/06
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A variety of technologies having practical application in retail stores are detailed. One is an improved method of identifying items selected by customers. This method includes receiving sensor data from plural sensors, including (a) ceiling-mounted cameras that monitor tracks of customers through aisles of the store, and (b) inventory sensors that are positioned to monitor removal of stock from store shelves. This received sensor data is employed in evaluating plural alternate item identification hypotheses. These hypotheses include a first hypothesis that a customer selected an item having a first identity, and a second hypothesis that the customer selected an item having a second identity. A confidence score is associated with each of the first and second item selection hypotheses. These confidence scores are refined as sensor data is received, e.g., increasing a confidence score of one hypothesis, and reducing a confidence score of another. Such refining continues until one of the hypotheses becomes a winner, due to an associated confidence score fulfilling a predetermined criterion (e.g., reaching a threshold value), at which time the item can be added to a tally for that indi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.