Mobile Item Identification Using Positioning and Image Association
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face inefficiencies in obtaining product information without manually scanning items, which can be time-consuming and risky due to potential germ exposure, and there is a need for a method to provide product information quickly and accurately, including promotional advertising and complementary products.
Innovation Solution
A method using mobile devices to determine location through various positioning systems and identify items in proximity or within images via sensors like RFID, NFC, and QR codes, associating this information with digital repositories for filtered presentation to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If consumers manually scan each item individually using QR scan, HF scan, or BLE beacon, then they can obtain product information, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple digital identification technologies (QR codes, HF tags, BLE beacons, RFID tags) into a single integrated system that can detect multiple items simultaneously. The mobile device merges data from various sources to provide comprehensive product information without requiring sequential scanning of each item.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical retail environment by mapping item locations and digital identifiers to a virtual representation. This digital twin allows consumers to search and access product information through the application without physically handling or scanning each item, significantly reducing time while maintaining information accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If consumers handle items and manipulate tags to scan them, then they can locate and scan the digital ID, but the risk of germ transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device application as an intermediary between the consumer and the physical items. The application uses the device's sensors and digital identification systems to detect and retrieve product information without requiring direct contact with items or tags. This intermediary layer maintains ease of information access while eliminating germ transmission risks associated with handling.
3Quantity of substance
If the system identifies all items in close proximity, then comprehensive product information is available, but the data becomes overwhelming and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive product information into organized categories and filters within the application. Users can divide the large dataset of nearby items into manageable groups based on product type, brand, price range, or other criteria. This segmentation allows users to navigate through extensive information systematically without being overwhelmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the presentation of product information based on user interactions, preferences, and behavior patterns. The application reorganizes and prioritizes information display in real-time, showing most relevant items first and allowing users to drill down into specific categories of interest. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation while providing comprehensive information.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for identifying one or more items in close proximity to a mobile device and/or are within a digital image. The location of the mobile device can be determined using outdoor positioning systems (“OPS”), indoor positioning systems (“IPS”), or combinations thereof. The identity of the item or items can be determine using planograms; visual inventory; RFID handheld inventory; RFID overhead inventory; vision system inventory; UR; barcode; NEC; or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the methods described herein include or involve identifying one or more items within a digital image, such as a photograph or video. The image has an identification (ID)/time stamp that is used to associate the items in the image that have been read in the same area as the image so that the items can be actively searched as a digital image to highlight or list items that are in the image.