Visual-optical positioning and configuration of non-identified electronic pricing tags on retail shelves

Abstract

Firstly, a new positioning methodology for electronic pricing tags (EPTs) is proposed, performed by a Visual-Optical Mobile Module (VOMM) on the shelf. The module is composed of a monocular mobile camera and an infrared laser emitter built into a precise X-Y-Z angle divider driven by subdivision control of a stepping motor for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). The inter-tag distance between two EPTs can be down to a minimum of 2 mm. Secondly, the batteryoperated EPT consists of an infrared receiver and a low-cost MCU with LC-display. All EPTs can be positioned and automatically assigned to a specific ID. Hence, neither Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) nor a beacon is needed to tag the products. All the off-the-shelf products can be freely placed anywhere on the shelves. Thirdly, all individual EPTs can be auto-configured by a VOMM via Line-of-Sight (LoS) communication. The initial database simply records product identification and description, regular price, promotion price and sale period. Finally, the rotatable VOMM is installed on the ceiling, and a 3D floor plan can be generated to show the coordinates of products and EPTs. Shelves and zones can be generated automatically by using visual recognition and the information from the database according to the position of all EPTs on the shelves.