Comparative Sizing System for Apparel Using Item Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the apparel industry is accurately determining the correct size for consumers, leading to high return rates and lost sales due to sizing uncertainty, especially in online shopping, where conventional methods require body measurements and are often inaccurate and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A comparative sizing system that allows users to identify a well-fitting source item to recommend a target item size without requiring body measurements, using a database correlation method based on item properties such as size, brand, and style, enabling accurate size recommendations across different brands and styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sizing charts based on standard body measurements are used, then sizing recommendations can be provided, but accuracy is compromised because few individuals fit into a single standardized body proportion classification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sizing problem from body measurements to item comparisons. Instead of measuring the body and mapping to size charts, the system segments the approach into: (1) identifying well-fitting source items the consumer already owns, (2) extracting size and property data from those items, and (3) correlating with target items in the database. This segmentation eliminates the need for standardized body proportion classifications while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces source items as intermediaries between the consumer's body and the target items. Rather than directly measuring the body and applying sizing charts, the source items serve as mediators that capture the consumer's actual fit preferences. The system correlates target items with these intermediary source items based on size and properties, providing accurate recommendations without requiring body measurements or standardized classifications.
2Measurement precision
If body measurements are required to determine sizing, then size recommendations can be generated, but convenience is reduced because consumers need access to measuring tools and time to take accurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having consumers identify well-fitting source items in advance, before needing size recommendations. The system pre-captures size and property data from these source items and stores them in the database. When a consumer needs sizing help for a target item, the correlation is already prepared, eliminating the need for on-the-spot body measurements and providing immediate recommendations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing consumers to use their own well-fitting source items as the basis for sizing recommendations. The system automatically correlates the consumer's source items with target items in the database, providing size recommendations without requiring consumer involvement in measurement processes or interpretation of sizing charts. The consumer simply identifies source items and receives accurate recommendations.
3Reliability
If consumers purchase multiple sizes to ensure a fit, then the likelihood of finding a well-fitting item increases, but returns increase and sales figures decrease due to the need to return non-fitting items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the consumer's well-fitting source items as reference points to generate accurate size recommendations for target items. The system correlates the size and property data from source items with target items in the database, providing feedback-based recommendations that significantly reduce the need to purchase multiple sizes. This feedback mechanism ensures consumers buy the right size first time, eliminating returns and associated financial losses.
4Measurement precision
If brick-and-mortar stores provide fitting rooms for trying on clothes, then consumers can determine accurate size, but resource consumption increases due to inventory tie-up, restocking requirements, and staff supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical fitting rooms with an information-based correlation system. Instead of requiring physical try-ons in supervised fitting rooms, the system uses database correlation between source items and target items to provide accurate size recommendations online. This substitution eliminates the need for physical inventory in fitting rooms, restocking operations, and staff supervision while maintaining size determination accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A comparative sizing method in which at least one well-fitting source item is received having at least one source item property associated therewith and a target item having at least one associated target item property for which a resultant comparative sizing recommendation is being requested based on the at least one source item as specified by its at least one source item property associated therewith. Each source item and the target item is correlated with each database item having associated database item properties in a database based on source-database item matches and target database item matches. The resultant comparative sizing recommendation is determined based on the correlated source-database item matches and target-database item matches.