Information processing device, information processing method, and system that determines a product and a consumption based on information relating to a fluctuation of a power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in managing inventory and placing orders for consumable products, as existing systems require manual tracking and ordering, which can lead to inefficiencies and missed replenishments.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device and method that acquires and analyzes fluctuations in power consumption of electrical products, such as air purifiers and air conditioners, to estimate product consumption quantities and automatically order replacements when thresholds are reached, using a smart plug, EC server, and center server connected via a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual inventory management and ordering is used, then users have control over product selection, but users face inefficiencies and missed replenishments
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic inventory management by having the electrical product self-report consumption data through power fluctuation analysis. The server automatically estimates consumption quantities, tracks inventory levels, and places reorders without user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user management
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring power consumption patterns to estimate product consumption before actual depletion occurs. It proactively places reorders when inventory reaches predetermined thresholds, ensuring products are replenished before running out rather than reacting after depletion
2Reliability
If automatic ordering based on power fluctuation is implemented, then replenishment timing is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs multiple functions within a single system: it receives power consumption data from electrical products, analyzes fluctuations to estimate consumption quantities, tracks inventory levels across multiple products, determines reorder timing based on thresholds, and places orders with vendors. This multi-functional approach improves reliability while managing complexity through consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between the electrical product and the vendor, translating power fluctuation data into consumption estimates and automatically managing the ordering process. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of data analysis and order management, shielding users from system complexity while maintaining accurate replenishment timing
3Extent of automation
If power consumption data is analyzed to estimate consumption, then automated product tracking is achieved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors power consumption continuously and collects more data than strictly necessary, analyzing partial patterns of power fluctuation that correlate with consumption events. By using partial action thresholds (e.g., ordering when inventory reaches a predetermined level rather than waiting for complete depletion), the system achieves reliable automation while being tolerant of measurement variations
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device has a control unit that acquires information relating to a fluctuation of power consumed by an electrical product operating around a user, and that estimates a product consumed by the user and a consumption quantity of the product based on the information relating to the fluctuation in the power.