RF Receiver Consumer Tracking System for Retail Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for collecting and analyzing consumer shopping behavior data are expensive, time-consuming, and face challenges in integrating data across different channels and regions, and may not accurately determine consumer interactions with products within stores.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing personal mobile wireless devices to transmit signals for identifying consumers, with RF receivers and processors generating consumer position data and associating it with identities, allowing for consumer-specific advertisements and product interaction tracking, and integrating with product and consumer profile databases for targeted marketing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional methods (surveys, data mining, observer counting) are used to collect consumer behavior data, then data can be gathered, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual observer counting and survey-based mechanical data collection with an automated electronic tracking system using RFID tags, sensors, and processors to automatically capture consumer behavior data such as time spent shopping, paths taken, and products viewed, eliminating the need for human observers and significantly reducing data collection time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data collection where consumers automatically generate tracking data through their own movements and interactions with products, which are captured by the RFID and sensor system without requiring active participation in surveys or manual data entry, thus reducing both time and cost
2Loss of information
If conventional data mining methods are used, then some consumer information can be obtained, but data integration across stores, industries, regions and countries becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data collection system using standardized RFID tags and sensors that can be deployed across multiple stores, regions, and countries, with a centralized processor that integrates data from various locations and channels (including internet and mail order), enabling comprehensive multi-channel consumer behavior analysis
3Measurement precision
If simple statistical analysis is used for market segmentation, then basic patterns can be identified, but detailed consumer interaction data (time spent shopping, number of visits before purchase) remains difficult to determine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple statistical analysis with an automated electronic tracking system that precisely measures consumer interactions including time spent in store, specific products viewed, shopping paths taken, and number of visits, using RFID tags, sensors, and processor-based data analysis to capture detailed behavioral metrics automatically
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
Enables efficient and accurate collection of consumer behavior data, allowing for precise targeting of advertisements and improved product placement strategies, while reducing costs and enhancing data integration across channels.
Implementation Method 1
At least some of the consumers may carry personal mobile wireless devices, each personal wireless mobile device transmitting signals for identifying the respective consumer. The system may include at least one RF receiver device arranged about the store for receiving communications from the personal mobile wireless devices
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system is for determining information about consumers at a store where at least some of the consumers may carry personal mobile wireless devices, and each personal wireless mobile device may transmit signals for identifying the respective consumer. The system may include at least one RF receiver device arranged about the store for receiving communications from the personal mobile wireless devices, and a processor coupled to the at least one RF receiver device. The processor may be for generating consumer position data of the consumers during movement about the store based upon communications from the respective personal mobile wireless devices to the at least one RE receiver device, and associating the consumer position data with respective identities of the consumers.