Dual Image Capture Article Determination Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article determination methods using image processing struggle to improve precision in identifying articles, particularly when capturing images from a single perspective.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an article determination apparatus with two image capture units positioned above and below an article placement area, acquiring images of the area and the space in front of it. The apparatus generates size data from these images and determines the accuracy of article name estimation based on the relationship between the size data, satisfying a specific criterion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single image capture unit is used to capture images of articles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the article determination precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the article determination task into multiple stages: first capture unit captures initial images for preliminary identification, second capture unit captures verification images for precision confirmation. This segmentation allows each unit to have specialized functions, improving overall determination precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by capturing images at different time points (first capture, then second capture). This multi-temporal approach adds a dimension to the determination process, allowing verification of article identification across different moments, thereby improving precision without requiring simultaneous multi-perspective spatial capture that would increase complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image capture units are used to improve article determination precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the article determination task into multiple stages: first capture unit captures initial images for preliminary identification, second capture unit captures verification images for precision confirmation. This segmentation allows each unit to have specialized functions, improving overall determination precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the first and second image capture units. It manages the workflow by determining when to activate each capture unit based on confidence levels, filtering criteria, and verification needs. This intermediary control optimizes the use of multiple capture units, improving precision while preventing unnecessary activation that would increase complexity.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive image processing with size data verification is performed, then the article determination precision is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first image capture unit performs preliminary capture and initial processing to generate candidate article identifications and their confidence levels. This preliminary action filters out low-confidence results before they require full verification processing, reducing the overall processing time while maintaining high precision for uncertain cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies verification processing selectively rather than universally. When the first capture unit produces high-confidence results, the system accepts them without requiring second capture verification (partial action). Only when confidence thresholds are not met does the system activate the second capture unit for verification (excessive action), optimizing the balance between precision and processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
An article determination apparatus (10) is used with two image capture units (20). One image capture unit (20), an article shelf (40), and the other image capture unit (20) are arranged in this order. The acquisition unit (110) acquires images generated by the two image capture units (20). The image processing unit (120) generates first size data and second size data by processing the images acquired by the acquisition unit (110). The first size data and the second size data indicate the size of an area in which an article is captured in an image generated by one image capture unit (20) and by the other image capture unit (20), respectively. The determination unit (130) determines that an estimation result of the article name of the article by image processing is correct when a relation between the first size data and the second size data satisfies a criterion.