Algorithm Selection for Online Store Discount Coupon Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when directly selecting discount coupons for items in online stores, as the same coupon can yield different final discount amounts based on item combinations, leading to inefficient discount utilization and increased complexity in determining optimal coupon-item pairs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus and method that select between heuristic and optimal algorithms based on the number of items and coupons to determine the best set of discount coupons and items, providing users with efficient discount-associated information, thereby improving convenience and reducing calculation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users directly determine discount coupons to apply to each item, then users have full control over coupon selection, but this harms user convenience and prevents proper utilization of discount services
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically analyzes user cart items and discount coupons to generate optimal pairing recommendations without requiring manual user input. The server autonomously determines which coupons should be applied to which items based on predefined algorithms, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the user's cart and the discount coupon system. It receives cart information, processes it through algorithm selection and execution, and returns optimized coupon recommendations to the user terminal, mediating the complex matching process behind the scenes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the same discount coupon is used for different item combinations, then the coupon can be universally applied, but the final discount amount varies making it difficult to determine optimal usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations and simulations before the user finalizes their purchase. It pre-analyzes all possible coupon-item pairings, predicts the discount amounts for each combination, and presents the optimal recommendations in advance, allowing users to make informed decisions before committing to a purchase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about the expected discount amounts for different coupon applications. By showing users the calculated discount information for each recommended pairing, the system closes the information gap and allows users to verify the benefits before applying coupons.
3Measurement precision
If multiple algorithms are used to determine optimal coupon-item pairs, then more accurate recommendations can be provided, but the calculation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which algorithm to use based on the characteristics of the current cart and coupon set. Rather than always using the most computationally intensive algorithm, it adapts the algorithm selection to the specific situation, using simpler algorithms when appropriate and more complex ones only when necessary for accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the algorithm selection parameter based on input conditions such as the number of items, number of coupons, and their combinations. This parameter-driven approach allows the system to optimize between accuracy and speed by selecting different algorithms for different scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and an electronic apparatus for providing information regarding a discount coupon to be applied to an item, which a user wishes to purchase in an online store, using an algorithm selected based on at least one of a number of items, a number of discount coupons, and a sum of the number of the items and the number of discount coupons.