Wireless Product Guidance System for Retail Information Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing product information in retail environments are limited, with outdated information and source control issues leading to error-prone results, lacking comprehensive and up-to-date data on product locations, pricing, and loyalty programs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing local wireless communication to receive and parse signals from transmitters at products, retrieving and displaying product information, including location, pricing, and loyalty details, using portable computing devices, enabling users to locate products, order, and pay, while allowing updates to planograms and product layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional product information systems (UPC, coupons, displays) are used in retail environments, then basic product identification is achieved, but information accuracy and currency deteriorate due to source control issues and outdated data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical information systems (physical displays, printed coupons, manual UPC scanning) with a wireless communication system. Portable computing devices receive real-time product information via wireless signals from transmitters located at product locations, eliminating the need for physical information carriers and enabling automatic updates without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication technology as an intermediary between the retail store's inventory system and the customer's portable device. This intermediary enables real-time transmission of product information, pricing, and loyalty program data without requiring direct physical interaction with product displays or manual information retrieval.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive product information is provided through multiple channels (displays, websites, coupons), then information completeness improves, but system complexity and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information delivery channels (product location data, pricing information, loyalty program details, inventory status) into a single integrated wireless communication system. All this information is transmitted through one unified channel via portable computing devices, eliminating the need to manage separate physical displays, printed materials, and website updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal information delivery system where a single wireless communication infrastructure serves multiple functions: providing product location guidance, displaying pricing information, delivering loyalty program details, and updating inventory status. This multi-functional system replaces numerous specialized information channels with one versatile platform.
3Ease of operation
If real-time product information is made available to all users, then user experience improves, but information management complexity and update frequency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service information delivery system where portable computing devices automatically receive and display product information without requiring manual updates by store staff. The system autonomously manages information distribution, allowing employees to focus on customer service while the technology handles information management tasks automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing wireless guidance in a retail space includes a portable computing device configured to wirelessly receive a signal from a first transmitter located at a product in a retail space, parse the first signal for a plurality of textual elements, the plurality of textual elements including a first identifier that is a transmitter identifier and at least a second identifier, retrieve at least a product information datum using the plurality of textual elements, generate a display element using the product information datum, and display the display element to the user.