Shelf Image Segmentation for Region-Based Product Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently manage shelf layouts by dividing product shelves into regions and determining product types for each region, which is crucial for effective store management.
Innovation Solution
A product identification apparatus and method that acquires images of shelves, identifies discontinuities to divide them into regions, and stores product information for each region, incorporating image processing and storage functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a plurality of product shelves are arranged in one store, then the store can display more products, but it becomes difficult to efficiently manage the shelf layout state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the entire shelf layout into multiple unit regions based on shelf discontinuities (gaps between shelves). Each unit region is independently managed and associated with specific product information. This segmentation transforms the complex overall shelf management into manageable regional units, resolving the contradiction between displaying more products and managing shelf layout efficiency.
2Productivity
If the shelf is divided into multiple regions, then product management efficiency is improved, but the complexity of determining region boundaries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs image processing technology to automatically detect shelf discontinuities and determine unit region boundaries. The system processes images to identify gaps between shelves and autonomously defines region boundaries without manual intervention. This self-service approach improves product management efficiency while avoiding the complexity of manual region boundary determination.
3Productivity
If manual methods are used to determine product positions and shelf regions, then system complexity is low, but time consumption and management efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical methods with automated image processing and computer-based product identification systems. The system captures images of shelves, processes them to identify product positions and shelf regions, and automatically determines product information. This substitution dramatically improves management efficiency while reducing time consumption compared to manual methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A product identification apparatus includes an acquisition unit, an image processing unit, and a storage processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires an image generated by an image capturing apparatus 10. The image includes a product shelf and a product. The image processing unit determines a position where continuity of the product shelf is broken by processing the image acquired by the acquisition unit, and divides the product shelf into a unit region by using the position. Further, the image processing unit determines a kind and a product name of the product by processing the image acquired by the acquisition unit. The storage processing unit causes a storage unit to store product identification information of the product located in the unit region, for each unit region of the product shelf.