Merchandise Return Support System Using Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing merchandise return systems often require customers to visit physical stores or undergo complex processes, which can be inconvenient for customers and time-consuming for retailers.
Innovation Solution
A merchandise return support system that includes a return support server capable of acquiring image data of the merchandise item, identifying its state, determining the return response based on the identified state, and notifying the user through their terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customers visit physical stores to return merchandise, then the return process can be completed with physical inspection, but customer convenience deteriorates and time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical store visits with an automated image recognition system. Customers submit photos of merchandise through a terminal, and the system automatically determines return eligibility using image analysis, eliminating the need for in-person store visits and significantly reducing time loss while maintaining operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service returns by allowing customers to independently submit merchandise images and receive automated return decisions without staff intervention. The image recognition system autonomously evaluates return eligibility, making the process convenient for customers and eliminating time-consuming manual handling for store employees
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection of returned merchandise is performed, then return decisions can be made accurately, but processing time increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with an automated image recognition system that uses computer vision technology to analyze merchandise images. This maintains high accuracy in identifying merchandise state and return eligibility while dramatically increasing processing speed and eliminating the bottleneck of manual evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary image recognition module between the customer's image submission and the return decision. This intermediary automatically analyzes the merchandise state from images, providing accurate evaluation results without requiring direct human inspection, thus maintaining precision while improving overall processing efficiency
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of return requests is used, then detailed customer service can be provided, but labor requirements increase and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where customers can independently initiate returns by submitting images through a terminal. The automated image recognition system handles the evaluation process, reducing the need for complex manual handling procedures while maintaining ease of operation for customers through a user-friendly interface
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a merchandise return support system includes a return support server. The return support server of the system acquires image data for a merchandise item that a user is attempting to return, identifies a state of the merchandise item based on the image data, then determines a response regarding the attempt to return the merchandise item based on the identified state of the merchandise item. The return server further outputs a notification to a terminal of the user indicating the response regarding the attempt to return the merchandise item.