Product Tracking via Camera Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking customer movement in shops require a large number of sensors, leading to increased errors and decreased usefulness of tracking results as the system configuration simplifies.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device and method that includes timing, position, reliability determining means, and a generating means to track customer movement by determining the timing and position of product registration, assessing the reliability of previous registration positions, and generating tracking data associating these factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of sensors are arranged to track customer movement, then tracking coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image data from cameras to create virtual copies of customer positions and movement trajectories, eliminating the need for physical sensors at every tracking point. The image processing system generates tracking information by analyzing and copying spatial-temporal patterns from visual data alone
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device serves multiple functions: it captures product identification information, determines customer position, tracks movement trajectories, and provides reliability assessment all through a single system, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors
2Ease of manufacture
If the system configuration is simplified with fewer sensors, then ease of implementation is improved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data acquisition from discrete sensor readings to continuous image data streams. By processing temporal sequences of image frames and extracting spatial-temporal features, the system achieves high precision tracking with a single imaging device
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the time dimension to image analysis by processing sequences of frames and extracting temporal patterns of customer movement. This temporal dimension compensation allows accurate trajectory reconstruction even with limited spatial sensors
3Loss of information
If product registration timing and position data are collected frequently, then tracking detail is improved, but data processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential tracking parameters (customer position, movement direction, trajectory points) from the complete image data, discarding redundant information. This selective extraction maintains tracking completeness while minimizing processing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of image data by pre-identifying product locations and customer regions of interest before full trajectory analysis. This preliminary segmentation reduces the computational burden of subsequent tracking calculations
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device comprising a processor configured to determine a first timing designated for a product registered as a purchased product. The processor is also configured to determine a first registration position where the product is designated. The processor is also configured to determine a second timing designated for the product. The processor is also configured to determine a second registration position where the product is designated. The processor is also configured to determine, based on the first timing, the first registration position, the second timing, and the second registration position, a first reliability of the first registration position. The processor is also configured to generate first tracking data relating to the product by associating the second timing, the second registration position, and the first reliability.