Automated Sales Associate Identification via Video Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for linking sales associates to sales transactions in retail stores are inefficient, often relying on customer memory or vague descriptions, leading to incorrect or delayed commission calculations.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes video cameras to capture digital images of interactions between sales associates and customers, analyzing these images to accurately identify and link the sales associate to the transaction, employing techniques like facial recognition and marker detection for accurate commission apportionment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods (customer memory or vague descriptions) are used to link sales associates to transactions, then the process is simple to operate, but the accuracy of identification is low leading to incorrect commission calculations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of sales associate identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of identification system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual identification methods (customer memory, vague descriptions) with an automated image analysis system using computers and algorithms to detect sales associates in digital images and link them to transactions, thereby improving accuracy while managing complexity through automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies (images) of sales associates during transactions and uses these copies for identification and linking purposes, eliminating the need for customers to remember or describe associates and significantly improving identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If manual linking methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but the time required for commission calculation is increased due to delays and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of commission calculationVSAvoidcomplexity of transaction processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs identification and linking actions in advance by capturing images during transactions and pre-processing them for later commission calculation, eliminating delays and improving the speed of commission processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual linking processes with automated computer-based image analysis and data processing systems, significantly increasing productivity by eliminating human error and acceleration the commission calculation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10956745B2System and method for linking sales associates to customer

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS HLDG

AI summary

A computer is configured to obtain a digital image (e.g., a video) of a customer in a retail store setting, and analyze the digital image to determine whether the customer was assisted with a particular sales transaction by one or more sales associates. If so, the computer identifies which particular sales associates assisted the customer based on the analysis, and links those sales associates to the customer's sales transaction. Such linking provides a basis for training tools, as well as for the accurate apportionment of a sales commission.