Signal-Based Product Identification System for Remote Data Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for product identification, such as computer-implemented image recognition and physical tags, are not always accurate or user-friendly, as they require descriptive keywords or direct interaction, lacking a single platform for identification and purchase at any location.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transmitter unit that broadcasts a unique signal, a receiver unit that decodes and retrieves product data from a memory module based on the signal, and an output unit that displays the product information, allowing users to identify and purchase products seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If computer-implemented image recognition techniques are used to identify products, then product identification can be performed remotely, but the accuracy is not 100% due to errors occurring during the image recognition process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmittable product identity (signal) as an intermediary carrier that bridges the product and its identification system. This signal, transmitted by a transmitter unit coupled to the product, serves as a reliable mediator that enables accurate remote identification without the errors associated with image recognition. The receiver unit receives this signal and converts it into the transmittable product identity for database matching, ensuring high accuracy while maintaining remote operation capability.
2Loss of information
If physical tags with product descriptions are used, then product information is directly available, but consumers are reluctant to read the description printed on the tag due to privacy concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The transmittable product identity signal acts as an intermediary that enables indirect access to product information. Instead of requiring consumers to directly read physical tags on products (which raises privacy concerns), the system uses a transmitter unit coupled to the product to emit a signal that the receiver unit can capture and convert into product identity. This intermediary mechanism allows consumers to access product information without direct physical interaction or privacy intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically reading tags with an electromagnetic signal-based system. The transmitter unit emits electromagnetic signals containing product identity information, which the receiver unit captures and converts. This substitution eliminates the need for consumers to physically approach and read tags, thereby addressing privacy concerns while maintaining information accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no unified platform exists for product identification and purchase, then consumers can identify products at any location, but they must separately visit merchant shops or web-stores to purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the product identification function and purchase transaction function into a single integrated system. The receiver unit not only identifies products by converting received signals into transmittable product identities and retrieving product data from the database, but also enables direct purchasing through the same device. This combination eliminates the need for separate steps of visiting merchant shops or web-stores, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining location flexibility for product identification.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for facilitating user identification of a product. The system includes: a receiver unit configured to receive a signal; a memory module in communication with the receiver unit, the memory module having stored thereon product data that is stored in association with a transmittable product identity, wherein the receiver unit is further configured to (i) convert the received signal into its corresponding transmittable product identity and (ii) retrieve the product data from the memory module based on a comparison between the stored transmittable product identity and the converted transmittable product identity; and an output unit configured to output the retrieved product data to a user for facilitating user identification of the product.