Automated Geographic Inconsistency Correction in Item Property Databases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for correcting geographic inconsistency in item properties are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring manual data collection and correction across different locations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a mobile device with GPS, data reader, and secure network connectivity to identify locations of interest, acquire and compare item-descriptive and item-property data, and update inconsistencies in real-time, automating the correction process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual methods are used to correct geographic inconsistency in item properties, then data accuracy can be ensured through human review, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidcorrection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (human review and correction) with an automated electronic system that uses mobile devices, GPS location data, and database comparisons to automatically identify and correct geographic inconsistencies in item properties, thereby reducing correction time while maintaining data accuracy through systematic validation rules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service correction by automatically comparing item-property data across multiple locations using GPS-coordinated mobile device data, allowing the system to autonomously identify inconsistencies and apply corrections without requiring manual human intervention for each correction case

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If manual recordation of item-descriptive data and item-property data is performed at each location, then data completeness can be ensured, but the labor intensity and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata completenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures GPS location data, records item-descriptive data through data readers, collects item-property data, and transmits all information to the centralized database, eliminating the need for separate manual processes for each data type while ensuring comprehensive data collection across all locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary data collection and validation at the point of data entry using mobile devices, capturing complete item-descriptive and item-property data along with GPS coordinates before transmission to the central database, thereby ensuring data completeness is achieved during the initial collection phase rather than requiring subsequent manual verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated systems are used to correct geographic inconsistencies in real-time, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated correction system is segmented into distinct functional modules: mobile devices for data collection with GPS tracking, communication interfaces for data transmission, centralized databases for storage and comparison, and processing systems for analyzing inconsistencies and applying corrections. This modular segmentation enables real-time automated correction across multiple locations while managing system complexity through clear separation of functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required to correct geographic inconsistencies by enabling real-time data comparison and updating across locations, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in managing item properties.

Implementation Method 1

determining a current geographic location of a mobile device in response to satellite broadcasts received by a global positioning system (GPS) receiver of the mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception and processing:

Data Source

PatentUS11689888B2Systems and methods for correction of geographic inconsistency in item properties

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable media are correction of geographic inconsistency in item properties. A system identifies locations of interest based on a location of a mobile device and acquires item-descriptive and item-property data associated with an item at the location of interest. The system connects to a secure network to identify a corresponding item and retrieve corresponding item-property data associated with the corresponding item from a secure item database server. The system determines a difference between the corresponding item-property data and the item-property data and updates the secure item database server based on the difference.