Haptic Measurement System for Online Product Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Online shoppers lack the ability to physically experience the tactile properties of products, leading to potential dissatisfaction and increased returns, as they cannot touch or feel the merchandise before purchasing.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes a haptic measurement system to quantify the tactile properties of products, which are then displayed in a user interface, allowing customers to select based on haptic descriptors and reorder products by desirability or undesirability, incorporating customer preferences and ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customers shop online without physical contact, then purchasing convenience and accessibility are improved, but the ability to assess haptic properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical touch with optical/electronic measurement systems that use light to detect and quantify haptic properties. Sensors measure tactile characteristics such as stiffness, texture, and compliance, then transmit this data electronically to consumers through digital displays, eliminating the need for physical contact while preserving haptic information assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system between the product and the consumer. This system includes sensors that contact the product, processors that analyze the tactile data, and display interfaces that present haptic property information to consumers, serving as a mediator that transfers haptic information without requiring direct physical contact.
2Measurement precision
If haptic measurement systems are implemented, then product selection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the haptic measurement system into separate functional modules: sensors that detect tactile properties, processors that analyze the data, databases that store haptic information, and display interfaces that present results. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of physical haptic properties through measurement and data representation. Instead of requiring physical interaction, the system captures tactile characteristics as digital data that can be stored, transmitted, and displayed, providing an accurate representation of haptic properties without the complexity of physical measurement apparatus at the consumer end.
3Reliability
If comprehensive haptic data is provided, then purchasing decision quality is improved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most relevant haptic property data for display to consumers, rather than processing and presenting all possible measurement parameters. The system identifies key tactile characteristics such as stiffness, texture, and compliance that are most important for product selection, reducing data processing requirements while maintaining decision reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different levels of data processing and detail to different aspects of haptic information based on their importance. Critical haptic properties receive more detailed analysis and presentation, while less important characteristics are summarized or omitted, optimizing energy usage while preserving purchasing decision quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assisting product selection according to haptic properties involves obtaining at least one product search criterion in a user interface, identifying relevant products, based on the at least one product search criterion, and displaying the relevant products in the user interface. The method further involves obtaining haptic properties for the relevant products, and updating the user interface based on the haptic properties of the relevant products. The haptic properties include values for a multitude of dimensions of touch, previously measured using sensing modalities of a haptic measurement system.