Mobile E-Commerce via Remote Service Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile handsets lack the capability to engage in e-commerce to the same extent as personal computers due to processing limitations and single-tasking operating systems, restricting users from multitasking and purchasing related products while using applications like music or video streaming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that provide metadata to mobile handsets to enable users to purchase products relevant to streamed content through a user interface feature, allowing e-commerce transactions without terminating the original application, using a mobile device service system that includes a service unit for processing and billing, and a streaming unit for delivering content and metadata.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile handsets use powerful processors and large components to enable e-commerce multitasking, then e-commerce capability is improved, but device size and weight increase beyond hand-held limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality by separating the mobile handset from the e-commerce processing backend. The handset contains only lightweight client software that communicates with remote servers handling complex e-commerce transactions, allowing minimal local hardware while maintaining full e-commerce capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A service unit acts as an intermediary between the mobile handset and e-commerce websites. The service unit receives purchase requests from the handset, processes transactions through billing systems, and returns results, enabling e-commerce without requiring powerful local processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile handsets use multiple application windows like PCs, then multitasking capability is improved, but processing power and memory requirements increase beyond mobile constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multitasking function by allowing only one application window at a time on the handset, while the service unit manages multiple transaction states and processes in the background, effectively separating the user interface from the processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The service unit automatically manages transaction processing, billing, and coordination with e-commerce websites without requiring the user to manually manage multiple windows or processes, providing multitasking capability through automated background service management.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If mobile handsets conserve battery power through limited processing, then battery life is improved, but e-commerce functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The service unit serves as a power-efficient intermediary that handles complex e-commerce processing remotely. The handset only needs to communicate simple requests and receive responses, minimizing local processing and battery consumption while maintaining full e-commerce functionality through the remote service unit.
4Ease of operation
If mobile handsets use simple browsers with limited windows, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to conduct e-commerce while using other applications is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The service unit provides multi-functionality by handling both application control and e-commerce transactions through a single interface. Users can initiate purchases from within any application context, and the service unit manages the entire e-commerce workflow including browsing, selection, and payment without requiring separate browser windows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for system and method that enables e-commerce on a mobile handset device is provided.