Product Identification via Audio Watermarks and Image Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated object identification and device communication systems for product discovery, purchase, and consumption events are inaccurate and inefficient in identifying selected products and shopper intent, leading to errors and reduced ability to provide effective recommendations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs image and audio signal processing to identify products through camera-based systems and digital watermark technology, associating items with shoppers anonymously until payment, and using probabilistic methods to accurately discern shopper intent and purchase decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If camera-based systems are used to monitor human actions and discern purchase intent, then automation efficiency is improved, but measurement precision of product selection and shopper intent deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces audio signals as an intermediary medium between the shopper and the identification system. Audio watermarks embedded in store ambiance or product-specific audio convey information about product locations and selections, enabling accurate product identification without relying solely on visual camera monitoring. This intermediary audio channel resolves the contradiction by providing precise measurement data while maintaining automated efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual monitoring system (cameras tracking human actions) with an acoustic signal processing system. Instead of analyzing video footage of shopper movements and gestures, the system uses audio signal detection and processing to identify product selections and shopper intent directly, substituting one detection mechanism with a more precise alternative.
2Device complexity
If probabilistic methods are used to identify products and discern shopper intent, then system complexity is reduced, but reliability of purchase identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where audio signal detection results are continuously refined and cross-validated. The system processes audio watermarks in real-time, compares detected signals against known product audio signatures, and adjusts identification confidence levels based on signal quality and consistency. This feedback mechanism enhances reliability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-embedding audio watermarks in store environments and product areas before shopping occurs. These pre-positioned audio signals contain encoded information about product locations and identifiers, allowing the system to reliably identify selections as they happen without requiring complex real-time analysis or probabilistic guessing.
Data Source
AI summary
Deterministic identifiers fuel reliable efficient capture of product discovery, purchase and consumption events, which in turn enable more reliable product recommendation, more accurate shopping list generation and in-store navigation. A mobile device, equipped with image and audio detectors, extracts product identifiers from objects, display screens and ambient audio. In conjunction with a cloud-based service, a mobile device application obtains product information and logs product events for extracted identifiers. The cloud service generates recommendations, and mapping for in-store navigation. The detectors also provide reliable and efficient product identification for purchase events, and post shopping product consumption events.