Image Recognition Product Ordering System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barcodes and QR codes used for product identification and information directing in advertisements are aesthetically unpleasing, require unique UPC codes for each product change, and do not facilitate easy ordering from advertisements.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses image recognition to identify products in printed advertisements, correlate them with offers, and enable users to order or subscribe through a digital image capture process without relying on barcodes or QR codes, allowing for aesthetically pleasing designs and tailored offers based on user information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barcodes and QR codes are used for product identification in advertisements, then product identification is enabled, but the aesthetic appearance of advertisements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image copying technology where a digital image of the product is captured from the advertisement and stored in a database. The system then matches this image copy against stored product images to identify the product, eliminating the need for physical barcodes or QR codes while maintaining reliable product identification.
2Measurement precision
If unique UPC codes are assigned to each product variation, then product identification precision is improved, but the complexity of product packaging updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using unique UPC codes printed on packaging, the system creates digital image copies of products and stores them in a database. Each product variation is identified by its image characteristics rather than requiring unique barcode assignments, eliminating the need for packaging redesign when product variations change.
Solution Approach 2:
The image recognition system serves multiple functions: it identifies products, determines their characteristics, and enables ordering all through a single image capture process. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple identification systems (UPC codes, barcodes, QR codes) that would otherwise be required for different product aspects.
3Loss of information
If QR codes are used to direct customers to product information, then information access is enabled, but the ease of ordering process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the product identification function and the ordering function into a single process. When the system identifies a product through image recognition, it automatically presents ordering options directly to the customer, combining what would traditionally be separate steps (scanning for information, then separately initiating an order) into one seamless action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service ordering where the customer simply captures an image of the product they wish to order. The system automatically identifies the product, retrieves available offers, and presents ordering options without requiring the customer to manually search for product information or navigate through multiple pages to initiate an order.
4Loss of information
If multiple QR codes are placed in advertisements for different products, then product information accessibility is improved, but the visual quality of the advertisement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical QR codes with digital image copying. Instead of printing multiple QR codes on the advertisement, the system captures a digital image of the product from the advertisement, stores it in a database, and uses this digital copy for identification and ordering purposes, maintaining advertisement visual quality while enabling product information access.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for image recognition product ordering includes a communications link that receives a digital image of a printed advertisement of one or more products. An image recognition engine identifies one or more products depicted in the captured image and compares the identified products with depictions of products stored on a storage device. An order initiation unit correlates the one or more identified products with offers for sale of those products and initiates an order of the product. In alternative embodiments, a user of the system is presented with one or more offers for selections, if further embodiments the offer is a subscription-based order for recurring delivery of a product. A corresponding method is also disclosed.