Image Processing Apparatus for Automated Product Arrangement Checking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for checking product arrangement in stores require manual visual inspection, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes an acquiring unit, a label specifying unit, an article position information acquiring unit, and an article searching unit, which acquires and processes images of product shelves to determine if products are properly arranged based on pre-defined specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual visual inspection is used to check product arrangement, then the checking process can be performed with simple equipment, but it requires significant manpower and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated image processing system. A photographing unit captures images of product shelves, and an image processing apparatus automatically analyzes whether products are properly arranged according to layout plans. This substitution eliminates the need for manual labor while maintaining accurate detection capabilities.
2Loss of time
If automated image processing is implemented to check product arrangement, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy (photograph) of the physical product shelf arrangement. The photographing unit captures an image of the actual product layout, and the image processing apparatus compares this visual copy against the planned layout data. This copying approach enables automated analysis without requiring complex physical measurement devices.
3Measurement precision
If thorough visual inspection is performed manually, then detection precision can be maintained, but the time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus continuously and automatically analyzes product arrangement without interruption. The system processes images rapidly, comparing actual product positions with the planned layout to identify discrepancies. This continuous automated operation maintains high detection accuracy while dramatically increasing inspection speed compared to manual methods.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit, a label specifying unit, an article position information acquiring unit, and an article searching unit. The acquiring unit acquires a photographed image in which a label with information regarding an article is photographed. The label specifying unit identifies the label from the photographed image. The article position information acquiring unit acquires article position information that is associated with the label and which indicates a position of the article by a relative positional relationship with the label. The article searching unit searches if there is an article associated with the label at a position indicated by the article position information.