Interactive Surface Detecting Physical Objects for Virtual Information Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining information about goods or services are limited, as they rely on physical information sources like boxes, brochures, or employee knowledge, which are often incomplete or hard to access, especially during busy periods, and self-help methods like bar code scanners provide only basic information without interactivity.
Innovation Solution
An interactive surface interface that detects physical objects using sensors like barcodes or RFID, allowing for the display of detailed, interactive information, including user reviews, advertisements, and virtual interfaces to test features, enabling comprehensive and user-directed information retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If bar code scanners are used to provide information about items, then basic information such as manufacturer, style, and price can be displayed, but the information provided is non-interactive and additional information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static bar code information display to dynamic interactive information retrieval. When a product is placed on the interactive surface, the system dynamically loads and displays multiple types of information including descriptions, features, specifications, user reviews, and related products, allowing users to interact with and navigate through comprehensive product information.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical product itself serves as the trigger for creating a virtual information copy. By detecting the physical product's presence through sensors, the system creates and displays a comprehensive digital information replica including images, descriptions, specifications, and user feedback, providing extensive information without requiring physical brochures or multiple product samples.
2Loss of information
If employees provide information about goods or services, then detailed and accurate information can be obtained, but during busy periods employees are difficult to locate or converse with
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service information retrieval by allowing customers to place products on the interactive surface and automatically receive comprehensive information display. The system independently detects products, retrieves information from databases, and presents detailed information without requiring employee intervention, freeing employees to assist other customers during busy periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The interactive surface acts as an intermediary between the customer and the product information system. Instead of customers needing to directly access employees or physical information materials, the interactive surface mediates by detecting the product, retrieving relevant information from digital databases, and presenting it in an accessible format, eliminating the bottleneck of employee availability.
3Loss of information
If boxes and brochures are provided with product information, then information can be displayed, but they are expensive to provide and limited in the amount of information they can provide due to size limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital information copy that can be displayed on the interactive surface. Instead of providing physical brochures that have size limitations, the system stores comprehensive product information digitally and retrieves it on-demand, allowing unlimited information capacity without the complexity of managing physical materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical distribution of physical brochures and boxes with a digital information retrieval system. The interactive surface uses sensors to detect products and automatically retrieves information from digital databases, eliminating the need for physical information carriers and their associated distribution complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Displaying information about a physical object. Input is received at an interactive surface. The input includes a first physical object being placed on the interactive surface. The first physical object is detected. This includes detecting identifying information about the first physical object. Information is displayed about the first physical object on the interactive surface.