Camera-Based Furnishing Element Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face challenges in precisely mapping furnishing elements, particularly electronic labels, in retail premises due to the need for accurate digital positioning and measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method using a camera to generate a digital scene image, recognize furnishing elements, and determine a scale based on known pixel dimensions, allowing for precise mapping and measurement of furnishing elements by converting pixel data into real-world dimensions using image recognition software and artificial intelligence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual measurement and mapping methods are used, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity and automation level are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the camera and image processing software to automatically determine the scale and position of furnishing elements without requiring manual measurement or intervention. The algorithm processes the image data independently to generate accurate digital maps, enabling full automation while maintaining precision through computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an optical-mechanical system consisting of a camera and image processing algorithm. The mechanical measurement process is substituted by capturing images and automatically calculating positions and dimensions through software, achieving both automation and precision
2Productivity
If automatic scale determination is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures images, determines scale, identifies furnishing elements, and enables precise mapping. By making the camera and processing system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity
3Measurement precision
If known pixel dimensions are used for scale determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel dimensions and scale factors are determined in advance during the setup phase and stored in the system. This preliminary calibration allows the actual mapping process to proceed automatically without requiring complex real-time calibration procedures, thereby achieving high measurement precision while limiting operational complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fully automatic and precise positioning and measurement of furnishing elements, facilitating the creation of accurate two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital maps of retail spaces, improving inventory management and layout optimization.
Implementation Method 1
a digital scene image consisting of pixels, in particular with a known pixel spacing or a known pixel dimension, and containing a digital representation of a first furnishing element, is generated using a camera from a scene captured by it
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the position of furnishing elements, wherein a digital scene image consisting of pixels, in particular with a known pixel spacing or a known pixel dimension, and containing a digital representation of a first furnishing element, is generated using a camera from a scene captured by it, in which at least one first furnishing element is present and wherein the at least one first furnishing element image is automatically recognized in the scene image and a scale for the scene image is determined by determining the image points associated with the first furnishing element image in the scene image and knowing the actual dimensions of the first furnishing element.