Virtual Store Layout Mapping for Camera-Based Checkout Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shopping sessions in physical stores are inefficient due to long wait times at checkout and idle cashier time during off-peak hours, leading to customer frustration and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A virtual store tool that generates a virtual store layout and shopping cart based on camera feeds from physical stores, allowing automated tracking and billing of customer selections, with synchronized camera views and machine learning algorithms for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cashiers are used to serve customers, then customer service is provided, but customer wait time increases during peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables customers to serve themselves through automated checkout. Sensors detect when customers enter the store, track items they select, and automatically charge their accounts when they leave, eliminating the need for cashiers and reducing wait times while maintaining service quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cashier system with an automated sensor-based system. Cameras, weight sensors, and RFID readers automatically track customer behavior and process transactions, substituting human cashiers with electronic detection and processing mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If cashiers are continuously present in the store, then customer service is available, but operational costs increase during off-peak hours
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system operates continuously without human intervention, detecting customer entry, tracking selections, and processing payments automatically. This eliminates the need for cashiers to be present during off-peak hours while maintaining service availability, significantly reducing labor costs
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs multiple functions: detecting customer presence, tracking item selections, verifying payments, and generating receipts. This multi-functional system replaces the need for specialized cashier personnel, reducing operational costs while maintaining comprehensive service
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to track customers, then shopping session monitoring is improved, but processing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the store into multiple detection zones with different camera angles and sensor types. Each zone independently processes data for customers within it, then results are combined to create a complete tracking picture. This segmentation reduces the computational burden on any single processing unit while maintaining high tracking accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to create a virtual layout of a virtual store to emulate a physical layout of a physical store includes a memory and a processor. The processor receives a physical position and orientation associated with a physical rack located in the physical store. In response, the processor places a virtual rack at a virtual position and orientation on the virtual layout, to represent the physical position and orientation of the physical rack on the physical layout. The processor receives virtual items associated with physical items located on physical shelves of the physical rack. In response, the processor places the virtual items on virtual shelves of the virtual rack, the virtual shelves representing the physical shelves of the physical rack. The processor assigns a rack camera, which captures video that includes the physical rack, to the virtual rack and stores the virtual layout in the memory.