AI Pet Sizing System Reducing Clothing Returns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pet clothing industry faces challenges in accurately sizing pets due to the vast variety of breeds, sizes, and temperaments, leading to high return rates and increased shipping costs, as existing methods require multiple measurements and are often hindered by pet cooperation issues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing AI to determine a pet's breed and size by analyzing multiple images, modifying base sizes based on the images and data from returned merchandise, and presenting available products in the correct size, thereby streamlining the sizing process and reducing returns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken to accurately size pets, then sizing precision improves, but the complexity of the sizing process increases and pet cooperation becomes more difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (physical tape measures, manual measurement processes) with an optical/image-based system. The software analyzes pet images to automatically determine size parameters, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools and manual measurement procedures. This substitution maintains sizing accuracy while dramatically reducing process complexity and eliminating the need for pet cooperation during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image copies (photographs) of the pet as a substitute for the actual pet during the measurement process. Instead of requiring the physical presence and cooperation of the pet for measurement, the system processes static images to extract size information. This copying approach allows sizing to proceed without pet involvement while maintaining measurement precision through image analysis algorithms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide variety of pet sizes and breeds are accommodated, then adaptability improves, but inventory complexity and stocking difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter-based sizing where clothing is categorized by specific dimensional parameters (length, width, girth) rather than traditional size labels. The software measures these parameters from images and matches them to corresponding clothing parameters. This parameter-driven approach allows the system to accommodate any breed or size combination without requiring physical inventory of every possible size variant, as the parameter matching algorithm can accommodate variations continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sizing system that works across all pet breeds and sizes through image analysis. A single software platform handles diverse breeds by analyzing their unique dimensional characteristics in images and matching them to appropriate clothing parameters. This universal system replaces the need for breed-specific or size-specific measurement protocols, allowing one system to serve all pets regardless of breed or size variation.
3Ease of operation
If pet clothing is sold online, then accessibility and convenience improve, but return rates increase due to sizing inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary sizing determination by analyzing pet images before the purchase decision is made. The software calculates size parameters from uploaded photos and provides accurate size recommendations in advance, allowing customers to make informed purchasing decisions online without needing to physically try on clothing. This preliminary measurement action eliminates the need for returns due to poor fit, as the correct size is determined before purchase.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for accurately determining a size of a pet includes receiving images of the pet (at least three images—front, side, and top are preferred). The system utilizes software (e.g. Artificial Intelligence) to determine a breed of the pet and base sizes of the pet, then the software further hones the base sizes by analysis of the images and, in some embodiments, data from returned merchandise. Once the size is determined, products are presented to the consumer that are in stock and available in the size of the pet. In some embodiments, images of the pet are overlaid with at least one of the products and displayed showing the product on the pet.