Augmented Food Package Information Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing food product information on packaging are difficult to access, requiring consumers to search multiple sides of the package and often use small font, making it hard for individuals with reduced sight to read.
Innovation Solution
The use of augmented image data, which overlays artificial image data onto authentic image data of the food package, allowing consumers to access food product information without having to locate it on the package, and enabling easy reading with large text.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If food product information is printed on the package, then the information is provided to consumers, but the information is difficult to access and requires examining multiple sides of the package
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera and image processing system as an intermediary between the consumer and the food package. The camera captures images of the package, and image processing algorithms automatically extract and present food product information, eliminating the need for consumers to manually search through multiple sides of the package.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manually reading printed text with an automated optical and computational system. Instead of physically examining the package and reading small print, consumers use a camera to capture images, and software automatically processes these images to extract and display food product information in an accessible format.
2Area of stationary object
If food product information is printed in small font to fit on the package, then the information fits within the package space, but it becomes hard for people with reduced sight to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the information display from a two-dimensional printed surface constrained by package size to a digital display dimension (screen or augmented reality overlay). This dimensional change allows information to be presented in large, readable text without being constrained by the physical package surface area, making it accessible to consumers with reduced sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the food product information from the physical package. Instead of reading the original printed text directly, the system captures an image of the package, extracts the information, and presents it as a digital replica in an enlarged, easily readable format, thereby improving accessibility for consumers with visual impairments.
3Reliability
If food product information is provided only on the package, then the information is contained with the product, but consumers cannot easily access information without locating it on the package
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically extracting and preparing food product information before the consumer needs it. The image processing system pre-processes package images, identifies food product information, and makes it ready for immediate display, eliminating the time consumers would otherwise spend searching for and locating information on the package.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the system continuously monitors package images, automatically extracts information, and updates the displayed food product information in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that consumers receive accurate, up-to-date information without having to manually search or verify details on the package itself.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (300) for facilitating provision of food product information is provided. The method (300) comprises providing (302) a food package (102), wherein the food package (102) is provided with a visual marker (104), capturing (304), by a camera (106) of a user device (108), authentic image data depicting the visual marker (104), extracting (308) marker data (112) from the authentic image data, retrieving (310) artificial image data (114) linked to the marker data (112) from an artificial image database (116), wherein the artificial image data (114) depicts at least one food product component of a food product held in the food package (102), determining (312) an artificial image spatial reference point based on the visual marker (104), generating (314) augmented image data by combining the authentic image data, the artificial image data (114) and the artificial image spatial reference point, providing (316) the augmented image data to a screen (110) of the user device (108).