Automated Studio System for High-Volume Vehicle Image Acquisition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for acquiring and displaying images or videos of goods and real estate online are labor-intensive, limited in scope, and unable to keep up with high-volume sales, often sacrificing the in-person experience and providing inadequate information to consumers.
Innovation Solution
An automated studio system that collects and processes images and videos of items, allowing for quick and efficient creation of virtual showrooms, using a hub with multiple cameras and arms to capture images from various angles, and a processor to facilitate transmission and storage, enabling high-volume sales with minimal human effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional systems and methods are used to acquire photographs and videos of goods or real estate, then consumers can view items online, but the process is labor-intensive and unable to keep up with high-volume sales
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the image acquisition process into multiple independent camera units positioned at different locations (front, rear, driver side, passenger side, overhead). Each camera captures images independently, and the system processes them as separate units that are later combined. This segmentation enables parallel processing and high-volume throughput while keeping each individual camera unit simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple camera systems into a single integrated image acquisition apparatus. The hub structure merges five separate camera units (front, rear, driver side, passenger side, and overhead) into one coordinated system that captures complete vehicle imagery simultaneously. This merging achieves high throughput for virtual showroom operations while distributing complexity across multiple standardized camera modules.
2Loss of time
If stock photographs and generic information are used in virtual showrooms, then consumers can research goods online quickly, but they sacrifice the in-person experience and receive non-specific information
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service image acquisition where the camera apparatus independently captures, processes, and uploads images of vehicles to the virtual showroom without requiring manual photography or editing. The automated studio system performs the entire image acquisition and upload process autonomously, eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while providing specific, item-level photographs that convey actual condition and appearance.
3Productivity
If virtual sellers employ a no-haggle pricing model with high-volume sales, then sales efficiency increases, but they must quickly acquire and post images of goods which conventional systems cannot support
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated image acquisition and processing actions immediately when a vehicle arrives at the studio, before the vehicle is sold or moved. The camera apparatus captures all required images from multiple angles, the processor automatically processes and formats them, and they are uploaded to the virtual showroom in advance. This preliminary action enables same-day or next-day listing for high-volume no-haggle sales operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (handheld cameras, manual image editing, manual uploading) with an automated electronic system. The automated studio uses computer-controlled camera positioning, automated image capture sequences, digital processing algorithms, and automated file upload protocols. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated electronic systems enables the high throughput required for high-volume sales while reducing time and labor requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A front-end image acquisition component acquires photographs and/or videos of various goods, vehicles, vessels, and/or real estate fixtures. In one aspect, an image acquisition system comprises a hub with outwardly extending arms and supports for coupling to an upper support structure. Cameras are affixed to the hub and the arms for acquiring image data of a subject substantially simultaneously.