Person Type Association Using Position and Image Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems fail to accurately distinguish and track the movement patterns of different types of individuals within a structure, such as clerks and customers in a store, using existing technologies like human body recognition and face recognition, which are limited in precision and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus comprising a setting unit, an extracting unit, and an associating unit that sets the position of first-type persons within a predetermined distance from a communication device, extracts persons from images captured by installed cameras, and associates them with specific information based on predetermined conditions, using modules like position-sensing and image-capturing modules to differentiate between first-type and second-type persons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If human body recognition and face recognition technologies are used to track individuals, then person detection capability is provided, but measurement precision and effectiveness in distinguishing different types of individuals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of distinguishing different types of personsVSAvoidcomplexity of recognition system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring system into two independent components: a communication device that detects mobile terminals and determines positions, and an image capturing device that provides visual confirmation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its strength, with the communication device handling precise position tracking and the image device providing visual verification, thereby improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single complex recognition system to do everything

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary association mechanism that links communication device detection results with image capturing device observations. The control device acts as an intermediary, receiving position information from the communication device and matching it with visual data from the image capturing device. This intermediary approach enables accurate distinction of different person types by combining data from multiple sources rather than relying on a single complex recognition system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If existing recognition technologies are used, then person detection is possible, but effectiveness in tracking movement patterns of different person types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of movement pattern trackingVSAvoidaccuracy of person type distinction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic tracking system that continuously monitors and updates position information over time. The communication device tracks mobile terminals in real-time, and the control device associates these dynamic position changes with specific persons and their types. This dynamic approach enables effective tracking of movement patterns while maintaining high accuracy in person type distinction, as the system adapts to changing positions and behaviors rather than relying on static recognition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional system where the communication device serves multiple purposes: detecting mobile terminals, determining positions, and tracking movement patterns. The image capturing device similarly provides both detection and verification functions. The control device integrates these functions universally, handling both position tracking and person type identification in a single coordinated system, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If communication device position setting is used, then position tracking capability is improved, but the ability to visually verify and associate with person types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of position determinationVSAvoidreliability of person type association
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image capturing device provides visual verification feedback to confirm and validate the person type associations made by the control device. The communication device quickly determines positions, and this position information is fed back to the image capturing device for visual confirmation. This feedback loop maintains high speed in position determination while ensuring reliability of person type association through visual verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the position tracking function of the communication device with the visual verification function of the image capturing device in a unified system. The control device combines data from both sources, merging the fast position information with the reliable visual confirmation. This merging allows the system to achieve both high speed in position determination and high reliability in person type association, as the two complementary functions work together rather than in opposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9785829B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2017.10.10 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US9785829B2 patent drawing
  • US9785829B2 patent drawing
  • US9785829B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a setting unit, an extracting unit, and an associating unit. The setting unit sets a position of a first-type person in a region within a predetermined distance from a communication device installed in a structure in a case where the communication device communicates with a mobile terminal carried by the first-type person. The extracting unit extracts a person from an image captured by an image capturing device installed in the structure. The associating unit associates the extracted person with information indicating the first-type person in a case where a relationship between the region and the position of the person satisfies a predetermined condition.