Store Location Tracking via Multi-Network Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating shoppers, associates, and vendors within stores are often complex, labor-intensive, and costly, leading to unreliable location tracking, which negatively impacts store operations and profit margins, especially in the grocery industry with thin profit margins.
Innovation Solution
A communication multi-network system that includes location tracking devices, logic engines, and communication multi-networks (mesh and star networks) to accurately track the presumed position of operators, providing real-time location data and enhancing the shopping experience while reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex location tracking systems are implemented, then location tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the store into multiple zones with wireless access points, and segments location tracking into zone-level detection rather than continuous precise tracking. Each access point independently detects devices in its zone, and the server aggregates zone-level location data, avoiding the need for complex continuous tracking infrastructure while maintaining reliable location information for customer service purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing wireless network infrastructure (wireless access points and devices) for dual purposes: both providing wireless internet service and enabling location tracking. The same wireless communications used for data transmission also carry location detection functionality, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If comprehensive location tracking is implemented, then customer service capability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Customer devices automatically perform location detection and reporting functions without requiring dedicated tracking hardware or additional customer actions. The mobile devices themselves serve as the sensing mechanism, detecting their own location relative to access points and automatically reporting this information to the server, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated tracking equipment and reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines customer service functions with location tracking by integrating location information directly into the customer service platform. The same server that manages customer accounts and service requests also processes location data, allowing staff to see both customer service history and current location on a single interface, improving service efficiency without adding separate costly systems.
3Loss of time
If real-time location tracking is implemented, then response time to customer queries is improved, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial location tracking by monitoring only zone-level positions rather than continuous precise coordinates. Location data is updated periodically and only when customers move between zones, rather than continuously tracking every movement. This partial action approach provides sufficient location information for customer service responses while significantly reducing the volume of data that needs to be processed and stored.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to one or more methods for locating a shopper's, associate's, manager's or vendor's presumed position in a store using a communication multi-network for communication in the store. Specifically, at least one location device is positioned in proximity to, for example, a shopper such that the shopper's presumed position about the store may be known continuously or upon demand to the store.