CEDRIC

About

The CEDRIC Module is a versatile solution that can be configured to suit the setup it needs to operate in. It is composed of a camera and a processing unit that runs Optical Character Recognition software on the products, either cans, plastic or glass bottles.

Depending on the beverage type, the module can be stand-alone (placed on top of a product, on the bottom or lateral side), or multiple cameras can be connected to the same processing unit. CEDRIC can run scans on request, store the results (product type and BBD), and send them to a central database, not being dependent on a store’s infrastructure.

This module is specifically engineered to detect and decode expiration dates, batch numbers, and other relevant data printed or engraved on various surfaces. It is capable of reading both laser-engraved and ink-printed information on glass bottles and cans. Multiple configurations are available, making it easy to place in varied setups inside a retail space.

Products types (PETs, cans, etc.) can be retrieved by integrating with the manufacturer's systems, through the decoded production date and ID. Alternatively, the classification can also be done via the camera-captured images, by employing a custom-trained neural network.

Possible configurations of CEDRIC:

-       CEDRIC Shelf-grid

-       CEDRIC Checkout

-       CEDRIC Shelf-dispense

1.    CEDRIC Shelf-grid

The CEDRIC Shelf-grid is a system that fits into the shelf space, either attached to its base or upper section. It is composed of a camera grid (CEDRIC Modules) that covers the whole shelf area and has visibility over the printed labels on bottles or cans. For plastic bottles, the shelf-grid system is placed on the upper section, for cans, on the bottom, whereas for glass bottles, lateral separating walls might be required.

After each scan, the information gathered from the products is stored in a local database, and it is sent to a remote cloud server, where it can be accessed based on the scan location and date.

Alternatively, the solution can benefit from the shelves being equipped with spring-loaded product pushers, so that camera modules are placed only on the edge of the shelf. As products are retrieved by customers, a new scan is triggered and detected results are sent to the cloud platform.

The number of used camera modules depends, hence the production cost of the solution, depends on the parameters of the shelf that can be controlled. For example, for a standard shelf segment of 130x50cm, with the minimum distance from the camera to the products of 12-14cm, 35 cameras are needed to cover the whole area, whereas if the height of the shelf segment can be increased (20-22cm from the camera to the products), only 24 modules are required.

This solution requires minimal modifications to a store’s infrastructure since it can run either on battery or plugged in. The battery operation of the CEDRIC Shelf-grid is approximately 8 hours and requires a docking station or a portable charger. Light bars are included in the solution, thus enabling the possibility to control the environmental conditions when scanning.

2.CEDRIC Checkout

The CEDRIC Checkout is a solution based on the CEDRIC module designed to streamline the product BBD date and product type scanning process by automatically reading critical information from bottles and cans at checkout counters.

Key Features:

1. Triple-Camera Configuration:

• Top Camera: Positioned above the bottle, this camera captures information from a bottle’s neck, ensuring all critical details are recorded regardless of bottle shape.
•  Middle Camera: Placed in the center of CEDRIC Checkout, this camera reads data from the sides of the bottles and cans, accommodating various sizes and shapes.
• Bottom Camera: Located on the base of the system, this camera scans the bottom of the cans, capturing information typically placed there.

2. T-Shaped Design:

• The system's T-shaped design allows for simple integration at the checkout counter. It provides easy access for cashiers, requiring minimal effort to pass bottles and cans through the scanner.

3. High Precision and Versatility:

• The system can detect both laser-engraved and ink-printed information, ensuring reliable performance across different types of packaging.

4. Audio Feedback:

•  An integrated audio feedback system alerts the cashier once the scanning process is completed, enhancing efficiency and reducing the chance of human error.

The CEDRIC Checkout system is designed for easy installation at the checkout counter. Cashiers simply pass the bottles or cans through the system, and the integrated cameras automatically capture and process the necessary information. The audio feedback ensures immediate confirmation of successful scans, allowing for quick and efficient transactions.

After each scan, the retrieved information is sent to the remote server, where it can be accessed or used for statistical analysis based on scan location (specific store) and scan date.

3.CEDRIC Shelf-dispense

The CEDRIC Shelf-dispense is composed of an in/outlet opening where the bottles/cans are stocked by employees and retrieved by the customers. At this location, a system similar to a CEDRIC Checkout is placed, so that products can be scanned for the BBD and the product type can be determined. Inside the device, a conveyor belt type of system ensures the placement of the products in order of their expiration date, and easy retrieval when a product is requested by a customer (through the push of a button or a hand gesture).

Although the solution takes more space and power than CEDRIC Shelf-grid (since it also

requires the actuation elements), it can bring the benefit of organizing the products based on their expiration date and dispensing them from the oldest to the newest.