Window Covering Selection via Visual Display and QR Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in identifying and selecting the correct window coverings for their windows, leading to a complicated and error-prone purchasing process, even with existing solutions like QR codes and information labels.

Innovation Solution

A window with a removable representation item showing a visual representation of a window covering device and a machine-readable identifier, such as a QR code, allows users to envision the covering device's appearance and size, and directs them to an online store for compatible products through a mobile terminal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a QR code or information label is applied on the window to provide window information, then the user can identify window size, type, and generation, but the user still faces difficulties in accurately selecting and purchasing compatible window covering devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow information accessibilityVSAvoidselection and purchasing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile terminal to automatically scan the QR code, retrieve window information, and present compatible covering devices without requiring manual input from the user. The window itself serves as the information source, eliminating the need for separate information gathering steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using the scanned QR code information to dynamically generate and present a list of compatible window covering devices. The mobile terminal receives the window information, processes it to identify compatibility criteria, and provides targeted recommendations based on the specific window characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If different window coverings specifically adapted to different sizes, types, and generations are made available, then the fit is assured, but the device complexity and user selection difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility assuranceVSAvoidvariety of covering devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The QR code serves multiple functions: it stores window information, enables automatic identification, triggers compatible device selection, and provides direct purchasing guidance. This single universal identifier replaces the need for multiple separate information sources and selection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary that processes the QR code information and matches it with compatible window covering devices. Instead of directly presenting all possible covering devices to the user, the system uses the mobile terminal to filter and recommend only compatible options based on the scanned window information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If users manually select window covering devices based on window information, then purchasing flexibility is maintained, but the risk of erroneous ordering increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurchasing flexibilityVSAvoidordering accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-matching window covering devices with specific window types, sizes, and generations before the user makes a selection. The compatible devices are identified and presented in advance based on the QR code information, so users only need to review pre-filtered options rather than searching through all possible devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual selection and verification processes with automated scanning and digital matching. Instead of manually comparing window specifications with covering device requirements, the mobile terminal automatically scans the QR code, retrieves window information, and electronically matches it with compatible devices, eliminating manual errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3869438B1Window with machine-readable identifier
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3869438B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3869438B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3869438B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a window for a building. The window comprises a window pane and a frame, wherein the pane is arranged in the frame. The window further comprises a removable representation item comprising a visual representation of a window covering device, and the window additionally comprises a removable identification item comprising at least one machine-readable identifier. Accordingly, the removable representation item covers at least a first part of the window pane. The visual representation illustrates a window covering device mounted at the window.