Automated Listing Creation via Image Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of creating listings for items on websites is time-consuming and tedious, requiring manual effort and lacking efficiency in identifying and listing items using image data.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes image data recognition to identify items by comparing submitted images with a catalog, pre-populating a template with attribute information, and allowing modifications through text or voice recognition to generate listings automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used to create listings, then accuracy of item information can be maintained through human review, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelisting creation speedVSAvoidtime required for manual listing creation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-service listing creation by capturing images, automatically identifying items through pattern recognition, extracting attributes, and generating complete listings without human intervention. The computer vision system processes images autonomously to create sellable listings, eliminating the need for manual data entry and review while maintaining high accuracy through automated attribute extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (human image inspection, attribute identification, and listing creation) with automated computer vision and pattern recognition systems. The mechanical system of manual listing creation is substituted with an automated digital system that uses image processing algorithms to identify items and extract attributes, dramatically increasing productivity while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated image recognition is implemented, then productivity increases and time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated listing creation efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of image recognition system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal pattern recognition framework that handles multiple item types, categories, and attribute variations through a single integrated computer vision platform. This multi-functional system can identify diverse items (electronics, clothing, furniture, etc.) and extract various attributes (color, size, material, brand) using the same core technology, managing complexity through generalization rather than requiring separate systems for each item type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary attribute extraction layer between image capture and listing generation. The computer vision system first identifies the item and extracts key attributes, then uses these structured attributes to automatically populate listing templates. This intermediary processing step simplifies the overall system architecture by breaking down the complex task of listing creation into manageable stages: image processing, attribute extraction, and template population.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If detailed attribute extraction is performed, then listing accuracy improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of item attribute identificationVSAvoidtime for detailed image analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining attribute templates and expected attribute structures for different item categories before processing images. The computer vision system knows in advance what attributes to look for (color, size, material, brand) and uses these pre-established frameworks to guide the image analysis process. This preliminary preparation enables rapid extraction of detailed attributes without requiring exhaustive analysis of every image, as the system is already configured to focus on relevant features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by focusing image analysis resources on specific regions and features of interest within each image rather than uniformly processing the entire image. The computer vision system identifies key areas containing important attributes (e.g., brand logos, size tags, material textures) and concentrates processing power on these localized regions. This selective analysis maintains high measurement precision for critical attributes while reducing overall processing time by ignoring irrelevant image areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11295362B2System and method to create listings using image and voice recognition
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 EBAY INC
  • US11295362B2 patent drawing
  • US11295362B2 patent drawing
  • US11295362B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In various example embodiments, a system and method to provide services associated with an image is disclosed. The method includes receiving image data of an item of interest from a client device. The image data is used to identify a similar item from an image catalog based on the image data of the item. Attribute information associated with the similar item is retrieved and used to pre-populate a template. The pre-populated template is sent to the client device, and modified data from the client device is received in response, with the modified data resulting in a final template. A listing based on the final template is generated.