Infrared-Coded Thread Apparel Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in identifying and purchasing identical apparel items they see others wearing in public settings without alerting the wearer, as existing tracking systems are limited to retail environments and do not facilitate discreet identification or retrieval of product information outside these settings.
Innovation Solution
A handheld infrared device is used to read an infrared-coded thread embedded in clothing, allowing users to determine the SKU and access information such as price, images, and specifications, enabling the identification and potential purchase of the item from a nearby retail store without the wearer's knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags are used to track merchandise in retail stores, then product tracking and identification are improved, but the system is limited to retail environments and cannot identify items in public settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RFID (radio frequency electromagnetic) technology with infrared technology for item identification. Infrared devices can penetrate clothing fabrics and read coded threads embedded in garments, enabling identification in public settings where RFID systems fail. This substitution extends the identification capability from retail-only environments to any public location.
2Ease of operation
If consumers want to purchase identical items seen in public, then shopping convenience is improved, but existing systems cannot provide product information outside retail stores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared-coded thread as an intermediary carrier of product information. This coded thread embedded in the garment reflects infrared energy to convey identification data, which can then be read by portable infrared devices. This intermediary enables product information retrieval in any location, not just at the point of sale or in retail stores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an infrared-readable copy of product identification information by embedding coded threads in the original garment. These coded copies can be read remotely by infrared devices, allowing consumers to obtain product details about items worn by others in public settings, thereby enabling purchase decisions without being in a retail environment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If consumers discreetly identify items without alerting the wearer, then social etiquette is maintained, but existing tracking systems cannot operate on worn clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding infrared-coded threads specifically within the fabric structure of the garment, making the coding invisible and imperceptible to the wearer and others. The coded thread is integrated into the clothing material itself, allowing discreet reading by infrared devices without alerting the wearer, while maintaining the garment's normal appearance and function.
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
Enables consumers to discreetly identify and acquire identical apparel items by providing essential product information, enhancing the shopping experience by allowing purchases outside traditional retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
aims a handheld infrared device at the article while being worn, receiving via reflected infrared signals, identifying information
Data Source
AI summary
A marketing method for apparel shopping that provides a potential customer via a wireless device, the ability to choose a desired piece of clothing for purchase. The piece of clothing is embedded with a unique infrared thread. The thread, when read by a wireless device, provides a unique brand like SKU. This information is compared with data in a cloud databases. This provides data containing images, specifications, pricing, and retail distribution areas to the potential customer.