Apparatus and method for the optical detection of multiple items on a platform
US6142375A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30144
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for detecting the presence of multiple items includes a platform upon which one or more items may be placed and a detector positioned with respect to the platform to receive an image of a profile of the one or more items on the platform. The detector is configured and arranged to generate a signal corresponding to the profile. The signal indicates whether multiple items are on the platform. The detector may be, for example, a moving point detector, a linear detector, or a two-dimensional array detector. This apparatus can be used in conjunction with an inventory control device, such as an automated library check-out device, to prevent the unauthorized removal of inventory items.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.