AR Consumer Assistance System for Retail Sales Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large retail stores, consumers face challenges in finding knowledgeable sales assistance, leading to frustration and potential loss of sales as employees may not be familiar with specific items, causing consumers to seek assistance elsewhere or abandon purchases.
Innovation Solution
A consumer assistance system that uses augmented reality devices to connect consumers with remotely located sales assistants who have expertise in specific items or demographics, allowing for real-time assistance and tracking of interaction outcomes to improve sales support and customer satisfaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional in-store sales assistance is used, then consumers can receive help from employees, but the employees may not be knowledgeable about specific items and consumers must spend time searching for assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote sales assistant system that acts as an intermediary between consumers and store employees. The system uses augmented reality devices, cameras, microphones, and communication networks to connect consumers with specialized sales assistants located elsewhere in the store or remotely, eliminating the need for consumers to physically search for knowledgeable employees while providing expert assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sales assistance function by separating the consumer assistance role from the physical presence requirement. Sales assistants are divided into specialized domains (different product categories) and can assist multiple consumers simultaneously through the technology platform, rather than requiring each consumer to find a different physical employee.
2Reliability
If more sales assistants are hired to cover all product areas, then consumers can receive knowledgeable assistance, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sales assistant system universal by enabling a single sales assistant to serve multiple functions: assisting different consumers simultaneously, covering multiple product categories through specialized knowledge, and operating from various locations (in-store or remote). The technology platform allows one assistant to replace multiple physical employees while maintaining or improving service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of sales assistants through the communication system, where audio and video feeds transmit the assistant's presence and guidance to multiple consumers simultaneously. This allows the same knowledgeable employee to be 'copied' across different locations and interactions without requiring physical duplication of staff.
3Ease of operation
If sales assistants are required to be physically present in the store, then they can provide immediate assistance, but flexible work arrangements and cost savings are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence with an electronic communication system. Augmented reality devices, cameras, microphones, and network communications substitute for the need for sales assistants to be physically located next to consumers, enabling immediate assistance through digital transmission while allowing flexible remote work arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a help request signal from an augmented reality device worn by a current consumer shopping in a retail store. The method also includes the step of selecting, with the processing device, a sales assistant to help the current consumer. The method also includes the step of linking, with the processing device, the augmented reality device in communication with an electronic computing device operated by the sales assistant. The method also includes the step of receiving, at the processing device, a receipt signal containing a list of items purchased by the current consumer. The method also includes the step of determining, with the processing device, if any item on the list of items was the subject of the help provided to the current consumer by the sales assistant. The sales assistant can enjoy a commission, a performance bonus, a quota, or receive some other form of enhanced remuneration in response to the determining step.