Attribute estimation system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attribute estimation systems face challenges in accurately acquiring images of subjects who are walking or not facing the camera, and there is a need to inform the subjects of their estimated attributes in real-time.

Innovation Solution

An attribute estimation system comprising a mirror equipped with an information display terminal and an image acquisition unit, where the terminal can display attribute information on the mirror's surface, connected via a communication network, allowing for accurate image capture and immediate feedback of estimated attributes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate camera system is used for attribute estimation, then the estimation function can be provided, but the image acquisition accuracy deteriorates when the subject is walking or not facing the camera

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattribute estimation functionVSAvoidimage acquisition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the attribute estimation function with the mirror by integrating an image acquisition unit (camera) and attribute estimation device into the mirror structure. This allows the mirror to simultaneously serve as a reflective surface and an image capture device, enabling accurate image acquisition when the subject is in front of the mirror while providing attribute estimation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mirror is transformed into a multi-functional device that combines reflection, image acquisition, attribute estimation, and information display functions. The information display terminal integrated into the mirror further enhances its universality by providing real-time feedback to users, making the mirror a comprehensive personal information station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional image acquisition methods are used, then the system can estimate attributes, but the feedback time to the subject is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattribute estimation capabilityVSAvoidfeedback time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a real-time feedback mechanism where the information display terminal integrated into the mirror immediately displays attribute estimation results to the user. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates delays by providing instant information return to the subject, enhancing user experience and enabling immediate application of the estimation results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Shape

If the image acquisition unit is separate from the mirror, then the mirror function is preserved, but the image acquisition accuracy when subject is in front of mirror deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemirror functionVSAvoidimage acquisition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the image acquisition unit with the mirror structure, positioning the camera within or on the mirror to capture images of subjects standing in front of it. This integration ensures that the mirror's reflective function is maintained while the camera captures accurate frontal images of users interacting with the mirror, resolving the contradiction between preserving mirror functionality and achieving accurate image acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10296845B2Attribute estimation system
Publication Date: 2019.05.21 NEC SOLUTION INNOVATORS LTD
  • US10296845B2 patent drawing
  • US10296845B2 patent drawing
  • US10296845B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides an attribute estimation system capable of acquiring an image of a person whose attributes are to be estimated accurately and informing the person of an attribute estimation result. The attribute estimation system (1) includes: a mirror (11) equipped with an information display terminal (12); and an attribute estimation device (3). The information display terminal (12) includes an image acquisition unit. The information display terminal (12) is disposed on the mirror (11) in such a manner that the information display terminal (12) can display information on a surface of the mirror (11) and that the image acquisition unit can acquire an image of a user of the mirror (11). The information display terminal (12) and the attribute estimation device (3) can be connected to each other via a communication line network (2). The attribute estimation device (3) generates attribute information estimated from the acquired image of the user of the mirror (11). The information display terminal (12) displays the generated attribute information on the surface of the mirror (11).