Unmanned Store System with AI Product Detection and Dynamic Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned stores face challenges in providing a convenient and efficient shopping experience, especially in determining optimal pricing and inventory management, while minimizing contact and leveraging AI technology for user authentication and real-time pricing adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned store system utilizing AI-based smart vending machines with cameras and mobile device integration for user authentication, inventory management, and real-time pricing adjustments based on user information and inventory data, enabling efficient operation and marketing strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unmanned stores use traditional manual operation, then user service quality is maintained, but labor costs increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where users can shop automatically without cashiers. The unmanned store automatically detects product selection, identifies users through mobile devices, and processes payments without human intervention, making the system serve itself and the users simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems including mobile device-based user identification, camera-based product selection detection, and automated payment processing. This substitution eliminates the need for cashiers and manual inventory management while maintaining operational control.
2Ease of operation
If unmanned stores implement GRIP AND GO function, then user convenience is improved, but product identification accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses mobile devices as intermediaries between users and the store system. The mobile device communicates with the store's identification system, enabling convenient user authentication while the camera system independently verifies product selection, ensuring both convenience and accuracy through multiple verification layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual product scanning and identification with camera-based image recognition systems. The camera captures product images and automatically identifies selected items, replacing traditional barcode scanning or manual input methods, thereby maintaining high accuracy while improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If unmanned stores use contact-based payment methods, then payment processing is simple, but contact costs and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical contact-based payment methods with contactless mobile device communication. Users authenticate and complete payments through their mobile devices using wireless communication protocols, eliminating the need for physical cash handling, card swiping, or direct contact with payment terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary that enables contactless payment processing. It communicates wirelessly with the store's payment system, transferring payment information and completing transactions without physical contact between the user and the store infrastructure.
4Productivity
If unmanned stores use static pricing, then pricing management is simple, but sales optimization and inventory management efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic pricing where product prices can change based on real-time inventory levels, demand patterns, and user behavior data. The pricing system adapts automatically to changing conditions, allowing the store to optimize sales and inventory management respond to current store conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors inventory levels, user purchasing patterns, and sales data. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust pricing strategies and inventory management decisions, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes performance based on actual operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an unmanned store operation method of operating an unmanned store system including an unmanned store apparatus and an unmanned store server, the unmanned store operation method including: a user identification step of identifying a user adjacent to the unmanned store apparatus; a door opening step of unlocking the door of the unmanned store apparatus by controlling a door unit of the unmanned store apparatus; a purchase target product identification step of identifying a product selected by the user and removed from the product storage unit of the unmanned store apparatus based on the analysis of an image photographed by a camera unit; and a payment processing step of processing payment based on the identification information of the user.