Recurring Purchase Notification System Using Transaction Interval Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers often forget to purchase recurring items due to reliance on memory, leading to inconvenience and wastage of time and money, as they may not know when specific goods or services need to be replenished.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that identifies recurring purchases, determines a purchase interval for each item, and sends electronic reminders to consumers through messages, such as shopping lists, to notify them when an item needs to be purchased again, based on historical transaction data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If consumers rely on memory to track purchases, then no additional system is needed, but consumers forget to purchase recurring items and waste time and money
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks purchase history, determines purchase intervals, and sends reminders without requiring consumer intervention or memory. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring transaction data and proactively notifying consumers, eliminating the need for consumers to manually track their own purchases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to consumers about their purchase history and predicts when items will run out by analyzing past purchase patterns. This feedback loop helps consumers understand their consumption behavior and receive timely reminders, improving reliability while reducing time loss.
2Reliability
If consumers make frequent trips to stores to ensure they have items, then item availability is ensured, but time and money are wasted on unnecessary trips
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of purchase history and predicts future purchase needs before items run out. By calculating purchase intervals from past data, the system proactively identifies when consumers should shop next, allowing them to plan trips efficiently and avoid both running out of items and making unnecessary trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of consumers manually tracking and remembering purchase dates with an automated electronic system that processes transaction data, calculates intervals, and sends digital reminders. This substitution eliminates the need for consumers to mentally track purchases and reduces unnecessary shopping trips.
3Device complexity
If consumers wait until items are completely out before purchasing, then no inventory management system is needed, but inconvenience increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors purchase history and calculates when items will run out based on consumption patterns, eliminating the need for consumers to manually manage their own inventory. The system serves itself by autonomously tracking data and providing timely notifications, greatly improving convenience without requiring complex consumer-side management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of item depletion based on purchase history and sends advance notifications before items are completely consumed. This allows consumers to shop proactively rather than reactively, improving convenience while keeping the system relatively simple by using straightforward interval calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer program products for identifying recurring purchases of the same good or service based upon item-level electronic transaction data. Item-level electronic transaction data is analyzed to determine a purchase interval of a good or service. A consumer is reminded to purchase the good or service based on the determined purchase interval by receiving an electronic message at a consumer computer or mobile communication device, e.g., in the form of an electronic shopping list. Purchase intervals of different items may be determined such that a list generated at one time may include certain goods and services but a list generated at another time may include other goods and services due to the variable time between purchasing different goods and services.