Mobile Alert System for Undesired Ingredient Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to provide real-time alerts for undesired components in purchased items, especially when labels are in foreign languages or misleading, and do not automatically scan or analyze itemized components for users with dietary restrictions or health concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a user device with processors and memory, connected to a network and database, that automatically scans purchases, identifies itemized components, and sends alerts to users about undesired ingredients, using image recognition and OCR for foreign language translation, allowing users to set alerts based on personal preferences and dietary needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If customers manually check grocery labels for ingredients, then they can identify undesired components, but the process is burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service by having the mobile device automatically scan purchase items and check ingredients against the user's undesired components list without requiring manual label inspection. The optical scanner and automated processing allow the system to perform the ingredient checking function autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading and interpreting physical labels with an automated optical scanning system. The mobile device uses an optical scanner to capture image data from product labels, then uses automated image processing and OCR technology to extract and analyze ingredient information, substituting human visual inspection with machine-based automated detection.
2Reliability
If customers rely on memory of known products containing allergens, then they can avoid harmful ingredients, but they may unknowingly purchase products with undesired amounts of allergen ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback by automatically comparing each scanned product's ingredients against the user's personalized list of undesired components. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures that the user is alerted to any products containing allergens or other undesired ingredients, regardless of whether the user has encountered these products before.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to handle multiple types of undesired components beyond just allergens, including dietary restrictions, personal preferences, and other ingredient concerns. This universal approach allows the same system to serve multiple functions for different user needs without requiring separate solutions for each type of ingredient concern.
3Productivity
If customers use existing monitoring solutions, then they can track purchases, but the solutions fail to provide real-time alerts for flagged itemized components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis by maintaining a pre-configured list of undesired components and automatically comparing each scanned item against this list in real-time. The alert rules are established beforehand, allowing the system to immediately identify and alert the user to any matching undesired ingredients without requiring post-purchase analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by immediately notifying the user through the mobile device when an undesired component is detected in a scanned product. This instant feedback loop ensures that the user receives timely alerts about flagged ingredients, enabling them to make informed decisions at the point of purchase or storage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customers encounter foreign language labels, then they can access international products, but they cannot understand the ingredient information
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary by using automated image recognition and OCR technology to extract ingredient information from foreign language labels, then translating and presenting this information in a format that the user can understand. The mobile device serves as the intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the foreign language label and the user's language comprehension.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for alerting a user of undesired components in purchase items is provided. The system comprises receiving a list of undesired components of purchased items, and defining an alert to a user of an undesired component in a purchased item, the alert comprising an alert timing configuration and an undesired component identification. The system further comprises receiving a notice that the user purchased an item, determining whether a listing of the purchased item has been automatically collected, and generating a list of components of the purchased item when the purchased item listing has been automatically collected, and obtaining from the user the list of components of the purchased item when the purchased item listing has not been automatically collected. The system further determines whether the purchased item contains an undesired component, and upon determining that the purchased item contains art undesired component, sends the alert to the user.