Authentication Token Linking Physical and Virtual Shopper Identities
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Solution Overview
Problem
In frictionless store systems, there is a challenge in associating a tracked item with another tracked item across different parts of the store, particularly in making decisions from images to determine if an item captured in one part is the same as the item captured in another part.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that map a physical shopper to a virtual identity using sensors like cameras, BLUETOOTH beacons, and biometrics, generating an authentication token to link physical and virtual identities, enabling tracking and charging of customers throughout the store.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If frictionless store systems use image processing to track items, then automation extent is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication token that mediates between the physical shopper and the virtual item tracking system. This token serves as a bridge to associate physical items with virtual representations, enabling automated tracking while simplifying the detection process by providing a clear identification mechanism rather than relying solely on complex image processing to determine item identity across different locations.
2Measurement precision
If systems collect and process customer data to identify shoppers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the critical identification function into a separate authentication token mechanism. By separating the identification process from the broader data collection and processing systems, the system achieves precise customer identification through the token while reducing the complexity of the overall data processing architecture. The token acts as a distilled identifier that contains essential customer information without requiring complex continuous processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for mapping a virtual shopper to a physical shopper. The systems and methods may include receiving, at a backend system, unidentified customer data including information about an unidentified customer. Customer identity data including identifying information about the customer may be received from the customer. An authentication token may be generated that links the unidentified customer data to the customer identity data.