Abstract: System and methods for tracking transaction flow through a customer service area. The present invention provides automated, non-intrusive tracking of individuals, based on a series of still image frames obtained from one or more colour sensors. Images of individuals are extracted from each frame and the datasets resulting from the cropped images are compared across multiple frames. The datasets are grouped together into groups called “tracklets”, which can be further merged into “customer sets”. Various pieces of metadata related to individuals' movement (such as customer location and the duration of each transaction state) can be derived from the customer sets. Additionally, individual images may be anonymized into mathematical representations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring service times at a retail establishment. One or more video cameras are coupled to data processors. The video frames from the video cameras are analyzed to detect a customer at the service counter and, at the detection of a specific event, a timer is started. The customer detected at the service counter is then tracked through various video frames until the customer has left or is about to leave. The timer is then stopped and the elapsed time is stored. The retail establishment may be a quick service restaurant and various video and image processing methods may be used to detect, track, and recognize the customer.