Mobile Device Price Tracking via Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retail systems lack efficient self-service checkout and item delivery solutions using mobile devices, and there is a need for a method to track prices of items seamlessly across various platforms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a mobile device, such as a cellular telephone, to obtain information from items via scanning or photographing indicia like barcodes, redirecting the user to web/WAP pages for purchase, specifying delivery options, and setting up price alerts, enabling self-service checkout and price tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile device is used to scan barcodes and access web pages for purchase, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of scanner, browser, and transaction processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary server system that handles complex transaction processing, authentication, and coordination between the mobile device and retail systems. The mobile device acts as a simple client that scans barcodes and displays information, while the server manages the complex backend operations including user authentication, payment processing, and inventory management, thus resolving the contradiction by offloading complexity to an external intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: barcode scanning using the camera, web browsing to access product information and purchase pages, transaction processing for payments, and communication with the retail system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into one universal tool, improving ease of operation while the complexity is managed through software integration rather than hardware complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If price tracking is implemented across multiple platforms, then adaptability is improved, but loss of information increases due to data synchronization challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where price information is continuously monitored across multiple platforms and sources, and users receive real-time notifications when prices change. The server maintains a database of price data from various platforms and continuously updates users about price fluctuations, ensuring that information is preserved and communicated accurately across different platforms without loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting and storing price information from multiple platforms in a centralized database before users need to access it. This advance data gathering and consolidation ensures that when users query price information, all relevant data is already available and synchronized, eliminating information loss that would occur with real-time data collection at the moment of user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device, such as a cellular telephone, is used to obtain information that is indicative of an item, such as a photograph of the item or a scan of an information carrying indicia associated with the item. The information obtained is then used to present on the mobile device a page by which a user can establish parameters for following the price of the item.