Image-Based Product Information Queries for In-Store Shopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In online shopping, customers cannot physically interact with products, limiting their access to comprehensive product information beyond appearance and packaging, while brick-and-mortar shopping provides limited information access.
Innovation Solution
A product information query system with a photographing module, distance detection module, and information query module that extracts product image features to obtain detailed information, including comment information, by detecting proximity of a product and using a pre-trained model for image analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If online shopping is used, then product information accessibility is improved, but physical product interaction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image recognition system as an intermediary between the physical product and the customer. The system captures images of the physical product, extracts features, and retrieves comprehensive information from a database, thereby bridging the gap between physical interaction and information accessibility without requiring the customer to leave the physical store.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for manual product examination and information search with an automated image recognition and processing system. The mechanical interaction of physically examining products is substituted with capturing product images and using computational algorithms to extract information and present comprehensive product details to the customer.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If brick-and-mortar shopping is used, then physical product interaction capability is improved, but product information accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables customers to independently query comprehensive product information by simply capturing images of products with their mobile devices. The system automatically processes the images, extracts product features, and retrieves relevant information without requiring store staff assistance, thereby maintaining physical interaction while improving information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual information gathering methods (reading physical labels, asking staff) with automated image recognition and database querying. The system captures product images, extracts features using computer vision algorithms, and retrieves comprehensive information from centralized databases, transforming the information access process from manual to automated.
3Device complexity
If manual product information querying is used, then system complexity is reduced, but information query efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-building comprehensive product information databases and training image recognition models in advance. Product information is organized and stored in structured databases before querying occurs, and image recognition algorithms are pre-trained to automatically identify product features. When a customer queries a product, the system can rapidly retrieve and present information without manual processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual product information querying with automated image recognition and database retrieval systems. Computer vision algorithms automatically extract product features from images, and database systems automatically retrieve relevant information, eliminating the need for manual searching and significantly improving query efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the shopping experience by allowing customers to obtain diverse product information, including comments, through image-based queries in brick-and-mortar settings, improving efficiency and fun.
Implementation Method 1
the distance detection module includes an ultrasonic distance measurement module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
Embodiments of the present specification provide a product information query method and system. According to the system provided in the present specification, a brick-and-mortar product can be photographed, and a query can be performed by using a product image feature extracted from an image, to obtain product information related to the brick-and-mortar product. Therefore, in the brick-and-mortar scenario, a user can not only view a physical object, but also query more diversified product information by using the system provided in the present specification, thereby improving efficiency of obtaining information by the customer.