Machine-Learned Virtual Tags for Physical Store Item Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers face challenges in efficiently locating specific items in large physical stores due to the need to physically search and read numerous small-print physical tags, which can be time-consuming and exhausting, especially for those with mobility or vision impairments.
Innovation Solution
The system generates virtual tags for items identified within an image captured by a computing device, using a trained machine learning model to recognize items and their attributes, and overlays these virtual tags onto the image, allowing users to interact with them for additional information or actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If customers physically search and read numerous physical tags in a large store, then they can obtain item information, but the time and effort required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical tags by capturing images with a mobile device camera and overlaying digital tag information onto the captured image. This virtual tag system allows customers to access item information instantly without physically searching for and reading small-print physical tags, thereby reducing shopping time while maintaining full information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical tags attached to items into an augmented reality dimension where virtual tags are overlaid on top of the physical environment through the mobile device screen. This adds a digital layer of information that is immediately accessible without physical interaction, resolving the contradiction between information access and time consumption.
2Area of stationary object
If physical tags are attached to items with small font size, then space is saved and tags can be attached to small items, but readability and accessibility for customers with vision impairments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical tag information in the form of a virtual tag overlay. This virtual copy displays item attributes in large, readable text on the mobile device screen, eliminating the readability problems of small physical tags while preserving the compact physical tag attachment. The digital copy can be scaled to any size without physical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameter of tag information from small fixed-size physical text to scalable digital text that can be rendered at any size on the mobile device screen. This parameter change allows the same information to be displayed in a compact physical form while providing enhanced readability in the digital virtual tag overlay, directly resolving the contradiction between tag size and readability.
3Measurement precision
If customers must closely read physical tags to filter items by attributes, then accurate item identification is possible, but physical and mental exhaustion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual tag overlays that display item attributes in large, easily readable digital format. This digital copy eliminates the need for customers to closely read small physical tags, maintaining accurate item attribute identification while dramatically reducing the physical and mental effort required. The virtual tags present all relevant information in an immediately accessible format.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically capturing and processing item information through image recognition and machine learning models before the customer needs to read it. The virtual tags are generated and displayed in advance, presenting filtered and organized item attributes without requiring the customer to manually search and read physical tags, thereby reducing shopping effort while maintaining identification accuracy.
4Productivity
If a machine learning model identifies items and generates virtual tags, then customer efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal system where a single mobile device performs multiple functions: capturing images, running machine learning models for item recognition, generating virtual tags, and displaying augmented reality overlays. This multi-functional approach improves customer productivity in locating items while containing system complexity within a device customers already possess, rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and systems for generating a virtual tag for an item in a physical environment. For instance, an image of the physical environment captured by and displayed on a user interface of a computing device may be provided as input to a trained machine learning model configured to identify the item including a first subset of item attributes. The item may be identified and information associated with the item, including a second subset of item attributes, may be received from a data store using the first subset. A spatial location of the item may be identified in the image. An icon may be generated for the item and rendered by the computing device for display on the user interface in association with the spatial location of the item in the image. The icon may be indicative of at least one item attribute from the first or second subset.