E-Product Vending via Format-Neutral File Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing e-product vending systems require periodic manifest processes to update product information, which can be time-consuming and result in outdated information, and lack real-time delivery of up-to-date product lists to client devices.
Innovation Solution
A merchant web service module that communicates with client devices and an inventory system to provide a list of vendible e-products and associated workflows, facilitating the execution of e-product orders by receiving and processing order data, converting it into a format-neutral file, and delivering the actual e-product, while allowing for rollback and return options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If periodic manifest processes are used to update product information, then system complexity is reduced, but information freshness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manifest server as an intermediary component that maintains the master product list and proactively pushes updates to client devices. This mediator architecture allows the system to maintain information freshness without requiring complex peer-to-peer synchronization protocols at each client device, thus resolving the contradiction between system complexity and information freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where client devices automatically check for manifest updates from the manifest server and receive real-time notifications when product information changes. This feedback loop ensures that distributed client devices maintain synchronized, up-to-date product information without requiring complex manual synchronization, addressing both information freshness and system simplicity.
2Loss of information
If real-time product list delivery is implemented, then information freshness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifest server acts as a centralized intermediary that handles all real-time update distribution. Instead of implementing complex real-time communication infrastructure at each client device, the system uses this intermediary to manage update propagation, achieving real-time information delivery while keeping individual client devices relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Client devices are designed to autonomously check for manifest updates and automatically apply them when received. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain real-time information synchronization without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms, thus reducing overall system complexity while preserving information freshness.
3Measurement precision
If client devices require constant online connectivity, then information accuracy is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having client devices download and cache the complete manifest (product list) during periods when connectivity is available. This advance preparation allows the devices to operate with accurate, up-to-date product information even when disconnected from the network, thus maintaining information accuracy while improving operational flexibility during offline periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a cushioning mechanism where the manifest is cached locally on client devices in advance. This local cache acts as a buffer that protects the system from connectivity interruptions, allowing devices to continue operating with accurate product information without requiring constant online connectivity, thereby resolving the contradiction between information accuracy and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a merchant web service module arranged to communicate with a client device and an inventory system to provide a product list of vendible e-products and workflows associated with the vendible e-products to the client device, and to facilitate execution of a workflow to order an e-product by: i) receiving data indicative of a desired e-product from the client device, ii) sending an order message comprising data indicative of the desired e-product to a transacting host, iii) receiving data indicative of the actual e-product from the transacting host, iv) converting the data indicative of the actual e-product to a format neutral file that is indicative of the actual e-product, and v) and sending the format neutral file to the client device for conversion to and output of an actual e-product. A method of vending an e-product is also disclosed.