Mobile Camera Overlays for Consistent Item Listing Photos
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individual sellers face challenges in effectively photographing items for sale, particularly vehicles, due to lack of standardized methods, leading to inconsistent and less credible listings compared to professional retailers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that guides users through taking photographs using a mobile device, employing templates and wireframe overlays to ensure photographs are taken at specified angles, which can generate a three-dimensional model of the item, enhancing the listing process and credibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual sellers photograph items without standardized methods, then they can quickly list items, but the photographs are inconsistent and less credible
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes photography templates with predetermined angles, positions, and compositions specific to different item types (e.g., vehicles). These templates are prepared in advance and automatically applied when users list items, eliminating the need for users to plan photography arrangements while ensuring consistent, professional-quality results across all listings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary application that acts as a bridge between the user's mobile device camera and the listing platform. This intermediary application enforces standardized photography protocols by guiding users through template-based capture processes, automatically organizing photographs, and ensuring consistency without requiring users to have professional photography skills or equipment.
2Reliability
If professional retailers use standardized photography methods, then they achieve better sales results, but the process is more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables individual sellers to independently access and apply professional-grade photography templates through a user-friendly mobile application. The templates automatically adapt to different item categories and provide step-by-step guidance, allowing users to achieve professional retailer quality results without requiring professional equipment, training, or complex manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting photography template parameters (such as camera angle, distance, lighting conditions, and composition) based on the specific item category and user preferences. This allows the system to maintain standardized quality across different item types while adapting to specific requirements, effectively translating professional retailer protocols into automated, category-specific guidelines.
3Reliability
If multiple photographs are taken from preset angles, then consistency and credibility improve, but the time required for photography increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the photography process into discrete, template-defined steps with predetermined angles and compositions. Each template breaks down the complex task of photographing an entire vehicle or item into specific shot types (e.g., exterior front, exterior rear, interior dashboard), allowing users to systematically capture required images without having to plan or remember all necessary angles, thereby reducing overall time while ensuring completeness and consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, an item listing process is run in an item listing application. Upon reaching a specified point in the item listing process, a camera application on the user device is triggered (or the camera directly accessed by the item listing application) to enable a user to capture images using the camera, wherein the triggering includes providing an overlay informing the user as to an angle at which to capture images from the camera.