Dual-Height Image Capture for Customer Attribute Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing customer analysis systems require multiple image capture units to determine customer attributes and product information, which increases complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A customer analysis apparatus using two image capture units positioned at different heights relative to a product placement location, where one unit captures a diagonally lower area and the other captures a diagonally upper area, allowing for the generation of product and customer attribute information without increasing the number of image capture units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image capture units are used to determine customer attributes and product information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by transitioning from a single-image-capture approach to a multi-angle spatial arrangement. Two image capture units are positioned at different heights (above and below the product placement location) to capture images from diagonally opposite directions. This spatial dimensionality enhancement allows the system to achieve comprehensive customer attribute analysis and product identification without simply adding more capture units in a linear fashion, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image capture units are deployed, then product information accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical spatial arrangement to achieve comprehensive product information capture. By positioning one image capture unit above the product placement location and another below it, the system captures product images from multiple angles simultaneously. This dimensional approach allows accurate product identification and customer behavior analysis using only two capture units, avoiding the need for deploying numerous units that would increase costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each image capture unit in the patent serves multiple functions: capturing customer images for attribute analysis, capturing product images for identification, and providing spatial context for behavior analysis. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive measurement precision with a minimal number of capture units, reducing the quantity needed compared to single-function deployment scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A customer analysis apparatus (10) includes an image acquisition unit (110) and an image processing unit (120). The image acquisition unit (110) acquires a first image generated by a first image capture unit (22) and a second image generated by a second image capture unit (24). The image processing unit (120) processes the first image and the second image. More specifically, the image processing unit (120) generates product information indicating a product (50) taken out from a product shelf (40), by processing the first image and the second image. Further, the image processing unit (120) generates customer attribute information of a customer taking out the product (50), by processing the first image. Then, the image processing unit (120) causes a result storage unit (130) to store the product information and the customer attribute information in association with each other.