Mobile Device Navigation via RFID Product Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face difficulties in locating products in physical shops due to inadequate information about product availability, location, and navigation, often resulting in wasted time and effort, especially when staff is scarce or products are out of stock.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile device to direct users to products by recording an identification code, transmitting it to a server for product data, and establishing a direct connection with RFID-marked products for navigation, enabling immediate product location and availability checks, as well as alternative product suggestions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If consumers use traditional methods (Yellow Pages, electronic road routers, tourist maps) to locate shops, then they can obtain basic navigation information, but they face laborious search, outdated information, and inability to locate specific products within the shop
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously tracks the mobile device's position via GPS and provides real-time feedback through turn-by-turn navigation instructions. The system also provides feedback on product location within the shop by detecting RFID tags, creating a closed-loop information system that updates the user continuously rather than providing static directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple intermediary components: a location server that processes GPS coordinates and provides routing information, and RFID tags that serve as intermediaries between the product and the consumer's mobile device. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the consumer and the final destination, enabling automated navigation without manual map reading or staff assistance.
2Speed
If consumers visit shops to purchase products immediately, then they can obtain products faster than delivery, but they incur traveling expenses and time loss due to inadequate location information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating the optimal route from the consumer's current location to the shop before the consumer even starts traveling. The navigation application is prepared in advance with turn-by-turn instructions, eliminating any delay at the point of departure and enabling immediate efficient travel to the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system is entirely self-service, requiring no staff assistance. The mobile device autonomously determines its position, calculates the route to the shop, provides real-time navigation guidance, and even locates the specific product within the shop using RFID detection. This eliminates dependency on shop staff for directional assistance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shops have extensive product ranges and large physical spaces, then they can offer more product variety, but consumers face difficulty locating specific products especially when serving staff is scarce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual product location (asking staff for directions, physically searching shelves) with an automated electronic system. The mobile device uses RFID readers to automatically detect and locate the target product by reading its unique identifier, substituting human staff assistance with automated wireless communication technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical product location information through RFID tags. Each product has an RFID tag containing its identification data, which the mobile device reads to determine the product's exact location. This digital information copy enables rapid product location without physically searching through the shop.
4Reliability
If consumers search for products manually in large shops, then they can potentially find the product, but they waste valuable time and may miss alternative products that would have been more suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the consumer during the shopping process. When the mobile device detects an RFID tag, it immediately provides feedback about the product's location and availability. This real-time feedback enables the consumer to quickly verify product location without manual searching and to be informed of alternative products if the desired item is unavailable.
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
This method allows users to efficiently find products without staff assistance, receives real-time availability updates, and facilitates seamless navigation within the shop, reducing time and effort, even when products are out of stock or mislocated.
Implementation Method 1
a direct contactless connection is established between said mobile device and a RFID element with which said product is marked
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for directing a user of a mobile device from a current location to a product, wherein an identification code of the product is recorded in the mobile device and transmitted to a name server. The identification code is used in the name server among others for loading product-related data into the mobile device, e.g. a geographical location where the product can be bought. Following this, the user of the mobile device can go to said geographic location. For directing said user to the product, a direct contactless connection is established between said mobile device and a RFID element with which said product is marked, by using the same identification code or product-related data previously supplied by the name server.