Shopping basket monitoring using computer vision and machine learning
US12033481B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/51
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for monitoring shopping baskets (e.g., baskets on human-propelled carts, motorized carts, or hand-carried baskets) can include a computer vision unit that can image a surveillance region (e.g., an exit to a store), determine whether a basket is empty or loaded with merchandise, and assess a potential for theft of the merchandise. The computer vision unit can include a camera and an image processor programmed to execute a computer vision algorithm to identify shopping baskets and determine a load status of the basket. The computer vision algorithm can comprise a neural network. The system can identify an at least partially loaded shopping basket that is exiting the store, without indicia of having paid for the merchandise, and execute an anti-theft action, e.g., actuating an alarm, notifying store personnel, activating a store surveillance system, activating an anti-theft device associated with the basket (e.g., a locking shopping cart wheel), etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.