Methods, systems, and computer readable media for tracking human interactions with objects using modular sensor segments
First Claim
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1. A modular system for sequential polling of networks of sensors comprising:
- a sequence of modular sensor segments comprising a first sensor segment and at least a second sensor segment in series;
each sensor segment comprising;
a sensing device;
a circuit board on which the sensing device is mounted;
a bus, configured to;
communicate power and signals between the sensor segments; and
allow segments to be connected to each other in sequential order;
a signal processor/controller configured to;
execute a sequential polling cycle wherein each sensor segment is sequentially polled to measure readings from the segments;
communicate control signals to the segments comprising at least a clock signal and a poll signal;
identify signals received from the segments; and
transmit control signals;
segment circuitry on the segments, configured to cause each segment to respond to sequential polling, and allow the segment to at least receive an input poll signal, receive a clock signal, connect the sensing device to the signal processor/controller, and transmit an output poll signal; and
a sequential polling cycle wherein;
only one segment is polled at any one time;
the first segment to be polled is the first segment in a physical sequence of the segments by the signal processor/controller transmitting a high poll signal to the poll input of the first segment, and the signal processor/controller then transmitting a high clock signal to the segments, causing the poll output of the first segment to go high, and also causing the sensing device to be connected to a data line so that an analog output of the sensing device is read by the signal processor/controller; and
further control signals cause the polling to transition to the second segment in the physical sequence by the signal processor/controller transmitting a low poll signal to the first segment, and the signal processor/controller then transmitting first a low clock signal and then a high clock signal to the segments, causing the poll output of the first segment to go low and disconnect the first segment from the signal processor/controller, also causing the poll output of the second segment to go high, and also causing the sensing device on the second segment to be connected to the data line so that an analog output of the second segment is read by the signal processor/controller.
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Abstract
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for tracking signals from modular sensor segments are disclosed. One system includes modular sensor segments for tracking interactions with objects where each sensor segment includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver for tracking human physical interaction with objects. Each modular sensor segment includes a circuit board on which the transmitter and receiver are mounted and a light shield mounted on the circuit board configured to separate, transmit and receive optical signal paths.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A modular system for sequential polling of networks of sensors comprising:
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a sequence of modular sensor segments comprising a first sensor segment and at least a second sensor segment in series; each sensor segment comprising; a sensing device; a circuit board on which the sensing device is mounted; a bus, configured to; communicate power and signals between the sensor segments; and allow segments to be connected to each other in sequential order; a signal processor/controller configured to; execute a sequential polling cycle wherein each sensor segment is sequentially polled to measure readings from the segments; communicate control signals to the segments comprising at least a clock signal and a poll signal; identify signals received from the segments; and transmit control signals; segment circuitry on the segments, configured to cause each segment to respond to sequential polling, and allow the segment to at least receive an input poll signal, receive a clock signal, connect the sensing device to the signal processor/controller, and transmit an output poll signal; and a sequential polling cycle wherein; only one segment is polled at any one time; the first segment to be polled is the first segment in a physical sequence of the segments by the signal processor/controller transmitting a high poll signal to the poll input of the first segment, and the signal processor/controller then transmitting a high clock signal to the segments, causing the poll output of the first segment to go high, and also causing the sensing device to be connected to a data line so that an analog output of the sensing device is read by the signal processor/controller; and further control signals cause the polling to transition to the second segment in the physical sequence by the signal processor/controller transmitting a low poll signal to the first segment, and the signal processor/controller then transmitting first a low clock signal and then a high clock signal to the segments, causing the poll output of the first segment to go low and disconnect the first segment from the signal processor/controller, also causing the poll output of the second segment to go high, and also causing the sensing device on the second segment to be connected to the data line so that an analog output of the second segment is read by the signal processor/controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for tracking human interactions with objects using modular sensor segments, the method comprising:
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providing a plurality of modular sensor segments in series, the plurality of modular sensor segments communicatively coupled to a bus and a processor, each having an infrared transmitter, an infrared receiver, and a light shield configured to separate transmit and receive signal paths and to reduce interference from ambient light; positioning the sensor segments near objects and activating sensors of the segments to track human interaction with the objects; communicating, by the processor, control signals to each segment; causing each segment to be polled sequentially by circuitry on the plurality of modular sensor segments, wherein; only one segment is polled at any one time; a first segment to be polled is the first segment in a physical sequence of the plurality of modular sensor segments; when a segment is polled, a corresponding analog output is connected to a data line so that the analog output is read by the processor; and receipt of a clock signal pulse causes polling to transition to a next segment in the physical sequence; and processing, by the processor, analog output signals from the sensors to identify types of human interactions with objects.
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9. A system for detecting pickup and putback of objects from a retail fixture comprising:
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a plurality of sensing devices, wherein the sensing devices each comprise one or more pickup sensors capable of detecting pickup and putback of objects from a monitored area, wherein the pickup sensors each comprise a transmitter and receiver, wherein the sensing devices are configured so the receiver receives a reflected portion of the energy emitted from the transmitter, and wherein the pickup sensors are oriented to direct a beam upwards from a shelf; and a signal processor/controller configured to; receive the reflected signal from each sensing device over time; log each reflected signal from start to finish of an event; and analyze the logged signal for each event so as to distinguish whether a pickup or a putback took place during that event, wherein a pickup is identified by a peak in the logged signal toward the end of an event, and a putback is identified by a peak in the logged signal toward the beginning of an event. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification