Absorbent Article Usage Data Collection via Digital Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer studies for absorbent articles face challenges in collecting data without requiring the return of used products, ensuring privacy, and achieving real-time and accurate data collection, especially given the varying menstrual flow patterns of women throughout their cycles.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing computing devices and mobile computing devices to collect input information and still or video image data from users, which is then uploaded to a server for analysis, allowing for real-time correlations and product improvements without the need to handle used absorbent articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If used absorbent articles are collected and handled for evaluation, then product performance data can be obtained, but additional stresses on the test articles may impact results accuracy and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copies (photographs and videos) of absorbent articles instead of collecting and handling the physical used articles. Users capture images of the used articles at home, and these digital representations are transmitted to the researcher. This eliminates the need for physical handling, shipping, and storage of used articles while maintaining data collection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical article collection, transportation, and handling with an electronic/digital system. Digital images and videos are captured using mobile devices and transmitted electronically, substituting the mechanical processes of physical article management with electronic data transmission and processing.
2Measurement precision
If used absorbent articles are returned for evaluation, then product performance can be assessed, but the process requires significant time for collection, shipping, and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having users capture and transmit digital images and videos of used articles immediately at the point of use (in their homes). This eliminates the subsequent time-consuming steps of collecting, shipping, and physically handling articles, as the evaluation data is gathered and transmitted in real-time before the article needs to be disposed of.
Solution Approach 2:
By using digital copies (photos and videos) instead of physical articles, the patent enables instantaneous transmission of evaluation data. The digital representations can be uploaded and analyzed immediately, eliminating the time required for physical article logistics while preserving all necessary visual information for assessment.
3Loss of information
If consumers provide detailed feedback on absorbent article usage, then product improvement insights are gained, but consumers may feel uncomfortable disclosing personal information in traditional studies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital imagery (photographs and videos) as an intermediary that allows consumers to provide detailed visual feedback about absorbent article performance without directly disclosing sensitive personal information. The visual copies convey performance data while maintaining consumer privacy and comfort, as the articles are photographed in the consumer's own environment rather than requiring personal interviews or surveys.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of collecting information from an individual regarding absorbent articles are provided. A method entails collecting input information from an individual regarding absorbent article use wherein at least some of the information collected includes data generally known by most consumers. The method further entails collecting still or video image data from an individual consumer using a computing device and uploading the input information and still or video image data to a server. The input information and still or video image data is used to output data regarding the absorbent articles and to output a set of correlations between the visual data and the input information.