Mobile Shopping List Optimization via Store Database Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing store shopping methods are inefficient and burdensome for both shoppers and retailers, as they fail to optimize the shopping list, manage data effectively, and integrate with existing infrastructure, leading to increased time and resource consumption, and do not adequately promote loyalty programs or manage real-time updates.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that optimizes the shopping list by associating user-listed products with available store products based on variables such as location and time, allowing for a revised list to be compiled and presented in an efficient order, enabling real-time updates and flexible user interaction, including barcode scanning and dynamic list management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If shoppers are provided with handheld scanners to scan items themselves, then the need to unpack items at checkout is reduced, but this does not assist shoppers with finding items on their shopping list or taking advantage of promotions and loyalty cards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout processVSAvoidshopping assistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device application serves multiple functions: it acts as a shopping list manager, barcode scanner, promotional offer detector, loyalty card integrator, and navigation guide. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by providing both checkout efficiency and comprehensive shopping assistance through a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer between the shopper and the store environment - a mobile application that communicates with both the shopper's needs and the store's database. This intermediary provides real-time information about promotions, loyalty rewards, and item locations without requiring direct complex interactions from the shopper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If shoppers are provided with an interface to generate a shopping list prior to shopping, then online shopping-like functionality is achieved, but this requires a high level of user input which takes time and is technically burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshopping list functionalityVSAvoidlist preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating shopping lists based on previously saved preferences, frequent purchases, and promotional offers. Users can set up their preferences in advance, and the system prepares optimized shopping lists beforehand, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual input during each shopping trip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically creating and updating shopping lists based on user preferences and store data. The application autonomously matches user needs with available products, promotions, and loyalty offers, requiring minimal user intervention while providing personalized shopping list functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a list is sent from a store database to shoppers, then data management is simplified, but this proves an unwanted burden on the store's IT infrastructure and still requires users to make time consuming choices from multiple options

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata managementVSAvoiduser decision time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of data delivery by sending targeted, personalized information rather than comprehensive product catalogs. The mobile application filters and prioritizes data based on user preferences, shopping history, and current promotions, transforming the raw store database into a concise, actionable shopping list that requires minimal user decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the shopping list optimization and data management are implemented, then shopper experience is improved, but it has been difficult to keep data up to date in real time and manage resources efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshopping experienceVSAvoiddata update efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile application continuously communicates with the store's database to receive real-time updates on product availability, pricing changes, and new promotions. Simultaneously, user shopping behavior data is fed back to personalize future recommendations and optimize the shopping list generation process, creating a dynamic real-time update system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11263688B2Shopping method and system for compiling a revised user list on a portable user device using a store list downloaded from a remote database to the portable user device

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 UBAMARKET LTD

AI summary

A computer-implemented method of optimising an electronic shopping list is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, at a user equipment, a user list of products; receiving, at a user equipment, a store list of available products, each available product characterised by at least one variable; compiling a revised list from the user list and the store list, comprising associating each product from the user list with one or more available products and arranging an order of the revised list depending upon the at least one variable; and presenting the revised list using the user equipment.