Mobile Terminal Inventory Retrieval via Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing household inventory are inefficient, often requiring manual updates and leading to forgotten purchases, especially when users are unaware of nearby shopping locations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile communication terminal to automatically retrieve and display household inventory from a central memory, utilizing GPS or triangulation for location-based information, allowing for spontaneous and efficient purchases by alerting users of needed items when near relevant retail locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual shopping list management is used, then users can track inventory, but users must actively retrieve and update inventory information which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the inventory to automatically retrieve and update its own information from the central memory without requiring user intervention. The mobile communication terminal autonomously queries the central memory for inventory status and shopping list updates, eliminating the need for users to manually track and update household inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-fetching and storing inventory information in the mobile communication terminal before the user needs it. The terminal automatically retrieves the shopping list and inventory status in advance, so when the user opens the application, the information is already available without requiring real-time retrieval during the shopping trip.
2Reliability
If users manually track inventory, then they can identify needed goods, but users may forget to purchase items if they are unaware of nearby shopping locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the user's location via GPS and comparing it with stored shopping list items and nearby retail locations. When the user approaches a relevant shopping location, the system provides immediate feedback by displaying the shopping list and notifying the user of needed items, ensuring reliable purchase completion without requiring the user to remember all shopping locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile communication terminal serves multiple functions: it acts as a location tracker, a shopping list manager, a retail location database, and a notification system. This multi-functionality integrates inventory tracking with location-aware reminders, ensuring that users reliably purchase needed items by combining these functions into a single universal device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inventory information is stored centrally, then multiple users can access current inventory, but the system requires automatic retrieval mechanisms to keep information current
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication terminal performs self-service by automatically initiating queries to the central memory to retrieve updated inventory information. The system autonomously maintains current data by periodically or event-driven retrieving the shopping list and inventory status, enabling multiple users to access accurate information without manual intervention.
4Productivity
If the system provides location-based inventory information, then spontaneous purchases are easier, but the mobile terminal must continuously determine position and retrieve inventory data
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by updating location-based inventory information only at relevant moments rather than continuously. The mobile terminal determines position and retrieves inventory data periodically or when triggered by location changes, providing timely information for spontaneous purchases while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding constant active querying.
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 solution reduces the need for manual shopping list management, enables timely purchases, and optimizes resource usage by providing users with current inventory information, thereby enhancing user-friendliness and reducing the likelihood of forgotten items.
Implementation Method 1
The position can be determined, for example, by GPS (GPS: Global Positioning System) if the mobile communication terminal is equipped with a GPS receiver
Implementation Method 2
alternatively by triangulation with mobile radio base stations
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for utilizing an inventory of household products (4) stored in a central memory (3), said method at least comprising the following steps: determining a position of a mobile communication terminal (1), and the communication terminal (1) automatically performing at least one action if the determination of the position has ascertained that the mobile communication terminal (1) is within the range of a location (5), in particular a trading location, which is relevant to the inventory of products (4). The invention also relates to a device, in particular a smart phone and/or a household appliance (6), for carrying out said method.