First Moment of Truth Device Shopper Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to accurately gather real-time shopper behavior data during product selection in retail stores, missing crucial insights into the decision-making process at the First Moment of Truth, due to limitations in RFID tag usage and lack of continuous location tracking.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a First Moment of Truth device communicatively coupled to a multi-network within the store, which includes data collection devices and communication networks for real-time tracking of shopper location, product selection, and decision-making processes, enabling the transmission of actual shopper behavior data for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID tags are used to track shopper behavior, then some product selection data can be collected, but the coverage is limited to less than 10% of products and real-time continuous location tracking is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the shopper's mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device for the shopper and a location tracking device for data collection. The mobile device's existing wireless capabilities are leveraged to transmit location and product selection data without requiring separate dedicated tracking hardware, thereby achieving comprehensive data collection while avoiding the complexity of deploying RFID tags on every product or shopper.
2Measurement precision
If data collection devices are deployed throughout the store to track shopper location and behavior in real-time, then comprehensive shopper behavior data is obtained, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the shopper's mobile device automatically perform data collection functions without requiring the shopper to actively participate or carry specialized equipment. The mobile device uses its existing sensors and communication capabilities to automatically track location, detect product interactions, and transmit data to the system, thereby achieving precise real-time measurement while minimizing additional system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical infrastructure-based tracking systems (such as RFID tags on products or cameras throughout the store) with a software-based solution running on the shopper's mobile device. This substitution uses the mobile device's existing hardware (GPS, accelerometer, camera, wireless communication) to perform tracking functions that would otherwise require complex mechanical or electronic infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If the First Moment of Truth device tracks detailed shopper behavior including time spent on products and decision-making processes, then valuable insights are gained, but the data processing and analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining specific behavioral metrics and data collection parameters before the shopper enters the store. The system is configured in advance to track only the most relevant behaviors (time spent at product locations, product pickup events, path progression) rather than attempting to capture all possible behavioral data. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity of real-time data processing while ensuring that the most valuable decision-making process information is captured.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods of acquiring actual real-time shopper behavior data during product selection of purchasable items by a shopper in a store. More specifically, disclosed herein are methods of using a communications multi-network, a First Moment of Truth device and a data collection device to track actual real-time shopper behavior data relating to the presumed locations of shoppers in a store, the time spent and location of time spent by a shopper while considering a purchasable item and products chosen for purchase.