Augmented Reality Image Recognition for Product Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for unlocking selective access to consumer products through augmented reality features are limited, often requiring consumers to be present at the time of release and competing for access, which can lead to inefficiencies and reduced participation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using augmented reality to recognize target images, allowing users to unlock access to consumer products by capturing and sharing images through mobile devices, leveraging social media platforms and image recognition technology to grant access to products like footwear, apparel, or athletic equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If consumers wait in long lines or be present at release time to access consumer products, then product access control is maintained, but user convenience and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct access controlVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical line-standing and time-based access control with an optical recognition system using augmented reality. The mobile device captures images through the camera, and the system recognizes specific visual targets (such as QR codes or AR markers) to grant product access. This substitution eliminates the need for physical presence and waiting, while maintaining secure access control through automated image recognition and verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If competitive access systems are used for consumer products, then product exclusivity is maintained, but user participation and engagement decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct exclusivityVSAvoiduser participation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to independently access products by capturing and submitting images themselves, without needing to compete against others for limited access slots. Each user can autonomously complete the image capture, submission, and verification process through their mobile device, eliminating the competitive element while maintaining product exclusivity through the same access control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional access systems require physical presence at release time, then security is maintained, but time flexibility and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidtime flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to perform the image capture action at any time and location, rather than requiring presence at a specific release time. The access control verification can be conducted asynchronously, where the system receives and validates images submitted at different times. This preliminary action approach maintains security through verification while eliminating the constraint of fixed release timing, allowing users to access products according to their own schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3682404B1Apparatus, system, and method for target search and using geocaching
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 NIKE INNOVATE CV
  • EP3682404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3682404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3682404B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method of locating a target in a geographical space includes providing information to searcher users searching for the target, and potentially selecting among multiple targets for location, and providing rewards to the searchers after locating the target. The target may be a virtual object, and the method may use augmented reality features in locating the virtual object. The method may also provide for participating users who are not actively searching for the target, but may team with a searcher to receive a reward if the searcher locates the target, and who may potentially assist the user in locating the target. Participating users may be eligible if they are located in a designated participation area. The method may further provide for observing users who can observe progress of searchers in searching for the target but are not involved in the search or reward.