Wireless Software Kiosk Attribution System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for software distribution and sales lack the ability to track the effectiveness of demonstration versions and attribute sales to the responsible store, leading to inefficiencies in sales tracking and revenue sharing.
Innovation Solution
A method for wirelessly transmitting a demonstration version of software and identifying data from a kiosk to a portable device, which includes the store's identification, allowing for later purchase and generating a sale credit for the store through a network server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software is provided through retail stores with physical packaging and sales personnel, then consumers can obtain software directly, but floor space is consumed and overhead costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical software packaging with digital copies transmitted wirelessly to portable devices. Software is stored electronically at the kiosk and transferred as data rather than physical media, eliminating the need for shelf space while maintaining distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/physical distribution systems (packaging, shelving, manual handling) with wireless electronic transmission. The kiosk uses wireless communication protocols to beam software directly to devices, replacing the entire physical logistics chain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If demonstration versions are provided at the store, then consumer trial increases, but tracking sales attribution becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the kiosk captures device identifiers when demonstration software is accessed. This identifier is later used to trace the device when the full version is purchased, creating a closed-loop feedback system that attributes sales back to the originating store.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking system that bridges the demonstration phase and purchase phase. The device identifier acts as an intermediary link, connecting the initial store visit with the eventual online purchase, enabling attribution without direct store involvement in the transaction.
3Ease of operation
If consumers purchase software online after trying at the store, then convenience increases, but the store receives no credit for the sale
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by capturing device identifiers during the demonstration phase and later matching them with purchase transactions. This allows the store to receive automatic credit notifications and revenue sharing without requiring the consumer to return to the store or manually attribute the sale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service attribution where the system automatically tracks and attributes sales without human intervention. The tracking mechanism operates autonomously, matching device identifiers with purchase records and processing revenue sharing automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computer in a store can be carried past a kiosk and wirelessly receive from the kiosk demonstration versions of software, along with an ID of the store. Later, after using the demonstration version, the user can access a Web server and purchase a full version of the software. During the transaction, the store ID is provided to the server, which can then credit the particular store at which the demonstration version was obtained with a sale.