Single Barcode Retail System for Multi-Vendor Item Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods require separate scanning of barcodes for each item when purchasing multiple items, such as gift cards and greeting cards from different vendors, leading to inefficiency and preventing these items from being sold as a single product with a single barcode.
Innovation Solution
A method where multiple items from separate vendors can be sold as a single product by scanning a single computer-readable marking, allowing for joint charging of prices to the consumer and separate disbursement of payments to vendors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate barcodes are scanned for each item, then each item can be independently processed, but the purchasing process becomes inefficient and requires multiple retailer actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate items (gift card and greeting card from different vendors) into a single packaged product with a single barcode. This allows both items to be processed through one retailer action (single barcode scan) instead of requiring separate scanning and processing actions for each item, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the number of retailer actions required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If items from separate vendors are sold separately, then each vendor maintains independent control, but the items cannot be sold as a single product with a single barcode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packaged product into distinct items from different vendors (gift card and greeting card) while maintaining a single external barcode for the package. The system internally tracks and processes each item separately through the database and payment disbursement mechanisms, allowing the package to be sold as one unit with a single barcode scan while preserving vendor independence and item-specific processing capabilities.
3Productivity
If a single barcode is used for multiple items, then the scanning process is simplified, but the system must reference and process multiple item prices separately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the single barcode scan and the multiple item processing steps. When the barcode is scanned, the database stores and provides reference information for all items included in the package, allowing the system to retrieve and process multiple item prices and details through a single scan action. This intermediary structure simplifies the scanning process while enabling complex multi-item processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and medium are provided for processing multiple items for retail sale via a single retailer action. Upon scanning a machine-readable marking that is associated with multiple items provided by various vendors, a marking identifier associated with the machine-readable marking is recognized. The marking identifier corresponds with each price of the multiple items. Each price of the multiple items is presented to a consumer for payment that can be disbursed to the appropriate vendors.