Dynamic VR Shopping Shelf Interface for Perishable Inventory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality (VR) shopping systems lack dynamic pricing and inventory management, failing to effectively display perishable items nearing expiration or best by use dates, which can lead to missed opportunities for restocking and inefficient shopping experiences.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that generates a dynamic VR shopping interface, displaying virtual items on virtual shelves with discounted items prioritized based on proximity to expiration dates. The system integrates with a smart container to track real-life item inventory and consumption history, suggesting replacements and optimizing item placement for easier user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If virtual reality shopping systems display items on virtual shelves without dynamic pricing or expiration tracking, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to manage perishable inventory and prioritize expired items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical items on virtual shelves that replicate the functionality and appearance of real items. These virtual representations include expiration dates and pricing information, allowing users to interact with digital versions that maintain inventory management capabilities without requiring physical manipulation of actual products.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a virtual shelf interface as an intermediary between the user and physical inventory. This virtual layer displays item information including expiration dates and prices, mediating the interaction so users can make informed decisions about perishable items without directly handling physical products.
2Ease of manufacture
If the system displays all items on virtual shelves without prioritizing discounted or expired items, then the visual layout is simpler and more uniform, but the effectiveness of promoting discounted perishable items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual characteristics to different items on the virtual shelf based on their status. Discounted or expired items receive special visual treatment such as highlighting, color changes, or positioning to make them stand out, while regular items maintain standard appearance. This local differentiation improves shopping efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual shelf layout dynamically adjusts based on inventory status. Items are automatically repositioned, highlighted, or removed from the shelf view based on their expiration dates and pricing status. This dynamic behavior promotes discounted perishable items effectively while maintaining overall interface simplicity through automated rather than manual reconfiguration.
3Device complexity
If the system does not integrate with smart containers to track real-life inventory, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide personalized replacement suggestions and optimize restocking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual shelf system is designed to serve multiple functions: displaying product information, tracking expiration dates, managing inventory levels, and providing personalized recommendations. By integrating with smart containers, the system gains the ability to access real-time inventory data from multiple sources (refrigerators, pantries, warehouses) and provide comprehensive inventory optimization across different storage locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where smart container inventory data is continuously monitored and fed back into the virtual shelf display. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically update item availability, prioritize expired items, and generate personalized replacement suggestions based on real-time inventory status and user consumption patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for providing virtual reality shopping provides generating, by a virtual reality (VR) engine, a VR user interface (UI) and a VR session within a VR device. A list of discounted items being discounted based on proximity to an expiration or best by use date is received from the computing device of an institution item source. A VR image of virtual items on virtual shelves in the VR UI is displayed. The virtual items are dynamically displayed in different positions between a first VR session and a second VR session. Virtual representations of the discounted items being discounted are displayed in positions of priority on the virtual shelves, relative to other virtual items on the virtual shelves.