Graphic Code Database Update via User Keyword Submission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for updating graphic code databases are inefficient, requiring significant labor and resulting in low efficiency due to the rapid pace of product announcements and updates, leading to cumbersome product information search processes and high computing resource consumption on mobile terminals.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically provides users with recommended keywords and a search box when no product information is found in the database, allowing users to enter custom search keywords, which are then added to the database as new recommended keywords, enabling direct search and reducing the need for separate search applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual lookup by backend management personnel is used to add product information to the database, then product information can be added to the database, but the process requires a huge amount of labor and results in low efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedatabase update efficiencyVSAvoidlabor intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic database updates by allowing mobile terminals to self-submit product information through graphic code scanning. When a terminal scans a graphic code and the server cannot find corresponding product information, the terminal automatically submits the graphic code and related product information to the server, which then automatically updates the database without requiring manual backend intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system collects and pre-processes product information from multiple mobile terminals before database updates are needed. By continuously gathering graphic codes and associated product information from user scans, the system prepares a pool of candidate product data that can be automatically validated and added to the database, eliminating the need for manual data collection and preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the graphic code lookup server returns a search failure notification when product information is not found, then the server responds to the query, but the user has to abandon the graphic code and use a separate search application, consuming more computing resources and making the process cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch process simplicityVSAvoidmobile terminal computing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the graphic code lookup function with the product search function into a single integrated process. Instead of requiring users to switch between the graphic code application and a separate search application, the server handles both the graphic code verification and product information search within the same communication session, allowing users to complete both operations through one application interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The graphic code lookup server is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only verifies graphic codes and retrieves product information from the database, but also accepts and processes free-text search keywords from mobile terminals. This multi-functional design allows the server to handle both structured graphic code queries and unstructured text searches, eliminating the need for users to switch applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the graphic code lookup server returns a search failure notification, then the server responds to the query, but the flexibility of product information search is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch flexibilityVSAvoidsearch capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its search capabilities based on the query type. When a graphic code is provided, the system performs exact matching against the database. When no product information is found, the system automatically transitions to accepting free-text search keywords, allowing users to search using product names, descriptions, or other textual information. This dynamic behavior ensures the system remains flexible and adaptable to different search scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9239863B2Method and apparatus for graphic code database updates and search
Publication Date: 2016.01.19 ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LTD
  • US9239863B2 patent drawing
  • US9239863B2 patent drawing
  • US9239863B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for updating and searching a graphic code are disclosed. The apparatus receives a graphic query request carrying a graphic code to be searched. If no product information corresponding to the graphic code is found in the graphic code database, the apparatus searches for a recommended keyword corresponding to the graphic code; if a recommended keyword is found, the apparatus returns the recommended keyword, and if not found, returns a search box. The apparatus then receives a search request carrying a search keyword, and, if the search keyword is determined to be inconsistent with the recommended keyword corresponding to the graphic code, makes the search keyword a new recommended keyword of the graphic code, and adds the new recommended keyword to the graphic code database.