Mobile Scan Notification for Oversized Item Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience and time wastage when attempting to purchase oversized items in shopping facilities, as they cannot physically transport these items to the point of sale, requiring assistance from facility attendants which can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to scan oversized items using their mobile devices, generating notifications for facility attendants with retrieval information, including location details, enabling efficient retrieval and delivery of the items after purchase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users scan oversized items using mobile devices and store them in electronic shopping carts, then users can purchase items without physically transporting them to the point of sale, but users still face inconvenience when retrieving oversized items as they must locate facility attendants manually
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates a notification to the facility attendant's mobile device in advance, containing the user's location and item information, before the user completes the purchase. This preliminary notification allows the attendant to prepare for retrieval, eliminating the need for the user to manually locate an attendant after shopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a facility computing device and notification system as an intermediary between the user's mobile device and the facility attendant. This intermediary automatically transmits retrieval information and location data, replacing the manual process of users seeking out attendants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If facility attendants manually assist users with oversized items, then users can retrieve items they cannot transport, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming for both users and attendants
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the user's shopping cart information and location are automatically transmitted to the facility attendant's device. This real-time feedback enables attendants to respond efficiently to retrieval requests, optimizing their routes and reducing unnecessary movements throughout the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system enables a form of self-service where the system automatically manages the communication and coordination between users and attendants. Users simply shop and complete purchases normally, while the system handles the complex coordination of item retrieval, reducing the burden on both users and attendants.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for providing a product to a user includes determining that an item obtained by a mobile computing device corresponding to the user is indicative of an oversized item. A first notification is generated indicating the oversized item and retrieval information related to the oversized item. The first notification is transmitted to a first facility computing device corresponding to a first facility attendant. When the user completes a transaction for the purchase of the oversized product at one of the point of sale terminal, terminal information related to the point of sale terminal is obtained. A second notification is generated related to the terminal information. The second notification is transmitted to a second facility computing device corresponding to a second facility attendant.