Mode Switching in Purchase Support Terminals

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing purchase support systems require users to perform a store entry operation to use a communication terminal in a real store, limiting their ability to support purchases and not facilitating internet-based purchases.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that includes receiving and processing means to switch between internet mail order and real-store purchase modes, allowing seamless transition to a store mode upon receiving a trigger, enabling efficient purchase support in both environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a communication terminal is used as a purchase support device in a real store, then purchase support in a real store is enabled, but the user must perform a store entry operation which limits usability and cannot support internet-based purchases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurchase support capabilityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as both an internet mail order purchase support device and a real store purchase support device. The terminal includes a mode switch that allows it to transition between these different operational modes, enabling a single device to serve multiple purchase support purposes without requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The purchase support device incorporates a mode switch that enables dynamic transition between different operational modes (internet mail order mode and real store mode). This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its functionality based on the user's needs and the shopping environment, eliminating the limitation of fixed functionality and improving overall usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the communication terminal operates in internet mail order mode, then internet-based purchase support is enabled, but it cannot support purchase in a real store without additional operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurchase support capabilityVSAvoidmode switching complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as both an internet mail order purchase support device and a real store purchase support device. The terminal includes a mode switch that allows it to transition between these different operational modes, enabling a single device to serve multiple purchase support purposes without requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the terminal with both internet mail order and real store purchase support capabilities. The mode switch is pre-set to allow seamless transition between modes, and the terminal automatically detects and switches to the appropriate mode based on the shopping context, reducing the need for complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a separate device is used for each purchase support function, then each function can be optimized, but device complexity and the number of devices required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction optimizationVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as both an internet mail order purchase support device and a real store purchase support device. The terminal includes a mode switch that allows it to transition between these different operational modes, enabling a single device to serve multiple purchase support purposes without requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate purchase support devices into a single communication terminal. By integrating both internet mail order and real store purchase support capabilities into one device, the system reduces the total number of devices needed while maintaining the optimized functionality of each mode through the mode switch mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240354820A1Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and program

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 FAST RETAILING

AI summary

To provide a technique advantageous in enhancing usability in a purchase support technique.An information processing apparatus that supports purchase is provided. The information processing apparatus includes receiving means for receiving a trigger for switching from a first mode for supporting purchase through Internet mail order to a second mode for supporting purchase in a real store, and processing means for performing a process of switching between the first mode and the second mode. In a case where the receiving means has received the trigger, the processing means starts the second mode for a store corresponding to the received trigger.