Mobile Print Ordering via Wireless LAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ordering print products that incorporate digital images, such as using kiosks or online websites, are inconvenient, often requiring customers to transfer files or remember to pick up ordered products, leading to discouraged purchases and forgotten orders.
Innovation Solution
A system and method allowing mobile computing devices to order print products through a wireless local area network, enabling communication with photofinishers for direct ordering, payment, and notification of product readiness, eliminating the need for file transfer and separate pickup trips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a kiosk is used to order print products, then the customer can upload photos and select print products, but the customer needs to save the digital image on a portable data storage device prior to arriving at the kiosk, which is inconvenient and discourages customers from using the kiosk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file transfer step from the ordering process by allowing customers to order print products directly from their mobile computing devices without transferring files to portable storage media. The system receives digital images and print orders directly from the mobile device, eliminating the intermediate portable storage device requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile computing device serve multiple functions: it stores digital images, creates print orders, and communicates with the fulfillment system. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate portable storage devices and simplifies the overall ordering process.
2Ease of operation
If a print product ordering website is used, then the customer can upload digital images and select print products, but the customer must remember to pick up the ordered product at a specific location and time, which leads to forgotten orders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a notification system that actively communicates order status and pickup information to the customer. The system sends notifications to the mobile computing device when the print product is ready for pickup, eliminating the need for the customer to remember pickup details and reducing forgotten orders.
3Ease of operation
If a print product ordering website is used, then the customer can place an order remotely, but the customer must make a separate trip to the pick-up location, which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ordering process with the pickup location by enabling orders to be placed through mobile devices within proximity to fulfillment centers using wireless local area networks. This merging allows customers to order and pick up products in the same location, eliminating the need for separate trips.
4Productivity
If the mobile computing device communicates with the photofinisher through a wireless local area network, then the ordering process is streamlined, but the customer must be within range of the wireless network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables customers to complete the entire ordering process before physically arriving at the fulfillment center by utilizing wireless networks in advance. Orders placed through mobile devices within network range are processed and ready upon customer arrival, streamlining the in-center experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for ordering a print product using a mobile computing device is provided. The system includes a photofinisher configured for receiving a print order from the mobile computing device and producing the print product based upon the print order. Further, a print product ordering module is configured for allowing the print order to be completed using the mobile computing device, wherein the print order includes the digital image and the print product selected using the mobile computing device. A wireless local area network is configured for placing the mobile computing device in communication with the photofinisher when the mobile computing device is located within a range of the wireless local area network. The print order completed using the mobile computing device is communicated to the photofinisher when the mobile computing device is located within the range of the wireless local area network.