Self-Billing via Visual Signature Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-checkout solutions in stores are either cost-inefficient due to constant surveillance requirements or not user-friendly, and self-checkout kiosks do not effectively address the issue of long billing queues.
Innovation Solution
A computing system and method using a visual signature-based convolutional neural network to generate and match product images from user devices, determining product parameters, and generating electronic records for self-billing, allowing consumers to scan products and process payments independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If store camera enabled self-checkout solutions are used to track consumer behavior and bill products automatically, then self-checkout functionality is achieved, but constant surveillance and video processing requirements make it cost-inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of product identification from complex video surveillance systems and implements it through simple barcode scanning using consumer electronics cameras. This separates the billing automation function from the surveillance infrastructure, achieving self-checkout without constant video processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive barcode scanners and standard electronic device cameras instead of expensive, complex surveillance camera systems. The temporary nature of the scanning interaction (unlike continuous surveillance) reduces infrastructure costs while maintaining automation functionality.
2Extent of automation
If barcode scanning on consumer electronics devices is used for self-checkout, then billing automation is achieved, but the system is not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables consumers to independently scan their own products using their personal electronics devices, eliminating the need for staff assistance. The system automatically identifies products, retrieves pricing information, and processes billing without requiring user intervention in complex operations, thereby achieving both automation and ease of use.
3Extent of automation
If self-checkout kiosks are deployed to replace cashiers, then cashier replacement is achieved, but long billing queue waiting problems are not solved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical interaction of physical kiosks with wireless, contactless barcode scanning using consumer electronics. This eliminates the need for dedicated self-checkout machine locations and reduces the physical infrastructure required, allowing consumers to perform billing operations anywhere without waiting for kiosk availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for self-billing one or more products on a self-checkout application is disclosed. The computing system comprises one or more hardware processors and a memory coupled to the one or more hardware processors. The memory comprises a plurality of modules in the form of programmable instructions executable by the one or more hardware processors. The plurality of modules comprises an image receiver module, a visual signature generation module, a product determination module, a product parameter extraction module, and the like. The plurality of modules further comprises a record generation module configured to generate one or more electronic records s based on received one or more images and one or more product parameters. The plurality of modules further comprises an output module configured to output the generated one or more electronic records on a user interface of one or more electronic devices associated with a user.