Real-Time Pricing Quote Display for Product Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic commerce websites lack the ability to provide users with a convenient way to compare prices of products and customized products with optional features in real-time, requiring repetitive data entry and failing to display price impacts of feature selections simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that calculates and displays real-time pricing quotes for products with optional features, allowing users to select and compare prices of different feature combinations on a single screen, utilizing a server-based system with software for product selection and feature customization, and a computer-readable medium for generating web pages that showcase price impacts of feature selections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users select and customize product features on separate pages, then product customization capability is improved, but user operation convenience deteriorates due to lack of simultaneous price comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the feature selection interface and real-time price display into a single integrated web page. When users select optional features, the system dynamically updates and displays multiple pricing quotes simultaneously on the same page, eliminating the need to navigate between separate pages for customization and price comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by automatically calculating and displaying updated pricing quotes immediately when users modify their feature selections. The pricing information updates dynamically without requiring users to submit forms or navigate away, providing continuous feedback on the cost impact of customization choices.
2Measurement precision
If the system requires extensive information input for price calculation, then pricing accuracy is improved, but information input burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating base prices and storing product configuration data before users make selections. When users arrive at the customization page, the system has already prepared the foundational pricing information, allowing for rapid real-time quote generation without requiring users to provide all basic information from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically calculating pricing quotes based on user selections without requiring manual intervention. The pricing engine autonomously processes feature combinations and generates accurate quotes in real-time, eliminating the need for users to manually compute or estimate costs.
3Loss of information
If the system displays detailed feature pricing breakdowns, then price transparency is improved, but page complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pricing information display by organizing it into distinct sections: base product price, optional features with individual costs, and total pricing quotes. Each feature and its associated cost are presented as separate, clearly delineated elements, making the complex pricing structure manageable and easy to understand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing detailed pricing breakdowns specifically for the optional features section while keeping the overall page layout clean and organized. Each feature group has its own localized pricing information, allowing users to focus on specific areas of interest without being overwhelmed by the entire pricing structure at once.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing multiple real-time pricing quotes based on optional consumer variables is disclosed. A user accesses a web site and is provided with a web page enabling the user to choose a product with multiple optional features. Upon selection of the product and desired features, the user is provided with pricing information for the selected products and features and provided with the option to modify the product be selecting different features. Upon selection of the modification, the user is provided with a web page simultaneously displaying the original selection and associated feature prices and the modification and associated feature prices.