Transient Local Commerce Search System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional local search websites are unable to effectively include transient merchants, such as mobile food vendors, in search results due to their inconsistent schedules and locations, making it difficult for users to find products offered by these merchants.
Innovation Solution
A network-based system that allows users to search for products by specifying both time and location, using a database and web crawlers to aggregate information from transient merchants, and providing results on a map or list, including similar products if the desired item is not available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional local search websites are used to search for merchants, then search results are provided for merchants with permanent physical locations, but transient merchants with inconsistent schedules and locations cannot be effectively included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static merchant location data to dynamic, time-dependent location and schedule information. The system now handles merchants whose locations and operating hours change over time, allowing transient merchants to be effectively included in search results based on their current status rather than requiring permanent fixed locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by collecting and storing schedule and location information for transient merchants in advance. This pre-collected data is then used to determine merchant availability at specific times, enabling the system to provide accurate search results for transient merchants without requiring real-time location tracking during the search process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If search results are limited to merchants with permanent locations, then system complexity is reduced, but the comprehensiveness of local commerce search is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating merchant data into distinct categories: permanent location merchants and transient merchants. Each category is handled with appropriate data structures and search logic, allowing the system to manage transient merchant complexity independently without affecting the simplicity of permanent merchant searches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a database that stores and manages transient merchant schedule and location information. This intermediary data structure mediates between the search query and the transient merchant data, simplifying the search process by providing pre-organized information about merchant availability and locations.
3Loss of information
If users search without specifying time, then search is simpler to perform, but users cannot find products available only at specific times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the time parameter optional and context-dependent in the search interface. Rather than requiring time specification for all searches, the system allows users to perform simple location-based searches when time is not relevant, while enabling time-based filtering when users need to find products available at specific times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a search system that handles both time-based and time-independent queries through a unified interface. The same search mechanism can accommodate merchants with fixed locations and those with transient locations, as well as handle searches with or without time specifications, making the system versatile for different user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and computer-implemented method for a transient local commerce search service is provided. A search query including a user specified location and a user specified time period is received. One or more transient merchants temporarily located within the user specified location at least during the user specified time period are identified. A user interface displaying a map and an indicator of temporary location of the one or more transient merchants is displayed.