NFC Mobile Search Query Transfer to Centralized Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for accessing product information in commercial establishments, such as barcoding and user-interactive terminals, are costly and lack user portability, with no easy way to save information for later use.
Innovation Solution
A portable, NFC-enabled communication device allows users to search for products or services by formulating a query, which is transmitted to an NFC-enabled terminal for database access, with the option to store search results directly on the device or via a higher-capacity communication link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bar codes are applied individually to items in an establishment, then product information can be accessed, but considerable expense in cost and manpower is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the information storage function from individual barcodes on items and consolidates it into a centralized database at the establishment. Users access this database through their mobile devices via NFC technology, eliminating the need for physical barcodes on each item while reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of product information stored in a centralized database, which can be accessed by multiple users simultaneously through their mobile devices. This eliminates the need for physical barcodes on each item and reduces the complexity of managing individual item tagging.
2Ease of operation
If a plurality of user-interactive terminals are provided throughout the premises, then information access is enabled, but expense is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the user's mobile device universal for accessing establishment information. Instead of providing dedicated terminals at each location, any mobile device with NFC capability can access the centralized database, eliminating the need for expensive terminal infrastructure throughout the establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to access product information independently through their own mobile devices without requiring interaction with dedicated terminals. The NFC-enabled mobile device directly communicates with the centralized database, allowing self-service information access and eliminating terminal expenses.
3Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used, then product information can be obtained, but there is no easy way to save acquired information for consideration after leaving the premises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the information acquisition and saving functions into a single integrated process. When users access product information through NFC, the system automatically saves the information to their mobile device's memory, combining the retrieval and storage operations into one seamless experience that enables later review.
4Ease of operation
If NFC technology is used for searching, then user portability is enabled, but the communication capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two phases: (1) Using NFC for initial connection and query transmission to establish communication, and (2) Using the mobile device's standard communication interfaces (Wi-Fi, cellular data) for receiving and displaying detailed search results. This segmentation allows NFC to provide portability while its limited capacity is compensated by alternative high-capacity communication channels.
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 provides a cost-effective, portable method for accessing and saving product information, reducing the need for multiple user terminals and enabling users to compare search results across establishments.
Implementation Method 1
The hand-held device can be placed within range of a NFC-enabled terminal at the establishment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for aiding shoppers. A shopper enters a product search query into a hand-held device and, via Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, transfers the query to a terminal at a shopping establishment. The terminal forwards the search query to a search engine over a network and the search engine, after consulting a database, returns results meeting the criteria of the search query to the terminal for presentation on a display at the terminal. The shopper is then offered the option of transferring the results data, via NFC devices located in the hand-held device and the terminal, from the terminal to a memory in the hand-held device.