Image Processing Apparatus for Retail Shelf Checking Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In retail and warehouse settings, it is difficult to determine if employees have checked the expiry dates of commodities on shelves, as there is no effective method to manage or verify the completion of this task.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that uses cameras and a processor to capture and analyze images of shelves, detect the presence of employees, recognize articles, and determine if they have been checked, generating lists of checked and unchecked items, and alerting staff to incomplete checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual checking methods are used, then device complexity is low, but reliability of checking work verification is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking processes with an automated image processing system that uses cameras to capture shelf images and computer processors to analyze them, thereby improving verification reliability while reducing manual labor complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification by automatically detecting whether employees have completed checking work through image analysis, where the system monitors itself and provides automatic verification without requiring additional manual inspection
2Loss of information
If no checking work management system is implemented, then device complexity remains low, but loss of information about checked items occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by capturing images of employees checking items, analyzing these images to determine completion status, and providing feedback information about which items have been checked and which remain unchecked, thereby preventing information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that mediates between the physical checking action and the verification process, using captured images as intermediate data to track and manage checking work completion status
3Productivity
If manual patrol methods are used, then ease of operation is high, but productivity in monitoring all commodities is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes manual patrol operations with automated image capture and processing mechanisms, enabling continuous monitoring of all commodities without requiring constant human presence, thereby improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automation
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an input interface, a memory, and a processor. The input interface obtains a captured image obtained by imaging an imaging area including the shelf on which the article is arranged. The memory stores an article list showing the article arranged on the shelf. The processor detects the article for which the person in charge has done the checking work from the captured image obtained by the input interface. The processor outputs information indicating the article for which the person in charge has not done the checking work on the basis of the article list and a checked-article list showing the article for which the person in charge has done the checking work.