Edge Camera Variable Image Data for Audited Shopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based auditing systems for frictionless shopping face challenges in accurately identifying items, particularly those with complex shapes or surfaces, due to bandwidth constraints and limited image data, which can lead to inaccurate item recognition.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an edge device camera that captures variable image data amounts by using a first operating parameter to reduce bandwidth demands and switch to a second parameter with higher image data when the item's shape requires more detailed identification, ensuring accurate recognition without overwhelming the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the camera uses a first operating parameter to reduce image data amount, then network bandwidth requirements are reduced, but item identification accuracy deteriorates for items with complex shapes or surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first and second operating parameters based on real-time analysis of item characteristics. The processor circuit determines whether to use low-bandwidth mode or high-accuracy mode by analyzing the captured image data and assessing whether the item's shape or surface characteristics require higher resolution for accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system changes operating parameters (such as resolution, frame rate, or compression level) between two distinct modes. The first operating parameter reduces image data amount for bandwidth efficiency, while the second operating parameter increases image data amount for improved identification accuracy when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the camera uses a second operating parameter to increase image data amount, then item identification accuracy is improved for difficult shapes, but network bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameter based on the specific item being captured. When the processor circuit determines that an item has complex geometry, reflective surfaces, or other challenging characteristics that require higher resolution for accurate identification, it switches to the second operating parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system selectively applies the second operating parameter (higher image data amount) only when necessary for accurate identification of items with difficult shapes or surfaces, rather than using it continuously, thus optimizing the trade-off between accuracy and bandwidth consumption.
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously captures high-resolution image data, then item identification accuracy is maintained, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously capturing high-resolution data, the system uses the first operating parameter (reduced image data) as the baseline and only switches to the second operating parameter (higher image data) when specifically needed for accurate identification of challenging items. This partial application of high-accuracy mode optimizes bandwidth usage while maintaining sufficient accuracy for most items.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying an item as part of audited shopping can be provided by operating an edge device camera using a first operating parameter, detecting activity indicating a purchase of an item with view of the edge device camera, capture first image data for the item responsive to detecting the activity, processing the first image data to determine a shape of the item as viewed by the edge device camera, operating the edge device camera using a second operating parameter to capture second image data for the item that is greater than the first image data, responsive to determining that the shape of the item limits an accurate identification of the item using the first image data, processing the second image data to identify the item to provide an identified item, and operating the edge device camera using the first operating parameter.