Electronic Shelf Label Imaging for Automated Commodity Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial superstores, the manual process of acquiring commodity image and information, especially for new or specific commodities, is inefficient and impractical due to the need for manual movement of commodities and high acquisition costs.
Innovation Solution
A commodity image information acquisition system utilizing AIoT technology, which includes an AIoT management server, a shelf label management server, an AI vision system, and a commodity information management system, to automate the discovery, control, recognition, and analysis of commodity images and information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual acquisition method is used with barcode scanning gun and multiple cameras, then commodity image and information can be acquired, but the acquisition efficiency is very low and involves movement of commodity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation system (barcode scanning gun and multiple cameras requiring manual positioning and operation) with an automated vision system that uses electronic shelf labels with display functions. The system captures images automatically through the display screen of the electronic shelf label, eliminating the need for manual commodity movement and multiple camera operations, thereby significantly improving acquisition efficiency while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic shelf label is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays commodity information and simultaneously serves as an imaging surface for the vision system to capture commodity images. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate barcode scanning devices and multiple cameras, streamlining the acquisition process and improving both efficiency and ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If special acquisition device is used to scan barcode and photograph commodity, then commodity information can be obtained, but the method is unrealistic for new products and very common commodities
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic shelf label system is self-sufficient in providing both commodity information display and imaging capabilities. The display screen of the electronic shelf label itself serves as the imaging surface, eliminating the need for external specialized acquisition devices. This self-service approach makes the system highly adaptable to new products and common commodities alike, as no additional specialized equipment needs to be deployed or configured
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the electronic shelf label display screen as an intermediary between the commodity information system and the image capture system. This intermediary serves dual purposes: displaying commodity information to customers and providing a standardized imaging surface for the vision system. This intermediary approach greatly enhances adaptability to different products while maintaining simple implementation feasibility
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses a commodity image information acquisition system, method and apparatus. The system comprises: AIoT management server configured to transmit a product information list to a shelf label management server, and to transmit a notification of starting to take photos to an AI vision system; the shelf label management server configured to determine the electronic shelf label to be notified, and to transmit an information display notification; when the electronic shelf label to be notified performs an information display action, to generate matching relationship between the information display action and the barcode of the commodity and transmit the matching relationship to the AI vision system; the AI vision system configured to shoot the information display action and obtain the shot content; and to perform parse and obtain a recognition result; the commodity information management system configured to associate the electronic shelf label with the commodity.