IT202100009188A1 - METHOD FOR SELECTING AND PREPARING ITEMS IN A STORE ACCORDING TO A USER'S SHOPPING PREFERENCES - Google Patents

Description

Title: "Method for selecting and preparing items in a store according to a user's purchasing preferences"

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention refers to a method for selecting and preparing items in a point of sale focused on the preferences of a user interested in purchasing items from the point of sale in the field of e-commerce and the marketplace. Preferably, the method ? applied to outlets that sell clothing.

State of the art

From the state of the art online purchase systems are known for different types of articles capable of following the customer's choices on the type of online store, the frequency of online purchases and the types of products purchased and viewed. These systems allow the subsequent shipment of the items purchased to the user. Furthermore, online purchase methods are also known (selection of an item and subsequent purchase) for collection in the relative chosen sales point.

Problems of the Prior Art

Well-known online shopping methods have numerous disadvantages.

In the first place, the online purchase brings with it? the difficulties? by the user to have immediate feedback between compliance? of the product and the expectations generated during the online purchase phase.

Secondly, online purchasing also entails a poor level of assistance and support from the managers of the purchasing platform which is reflected not only on the user's mood but also on its difficulty in purchasing. to receive/choose the article of interest. These disadvantages assume greater importance for particular product categories for which personally ascertaining the product and trying it on are of primary importance such as, for example, clothing.

In the end, ? it should be noted that the integration of online sales systems (e-commerce and marketplace) with physical sales points can be difficult for the low technological skills of certain outlets as well as? due to the lack of an infrastructure for managing orders and sending them to buyers.

On the other hand, with regard to online purchases for in-store collection, as well as extending the waiting times for the collection of the purchased items, it can be cause long procedures for the exchange of goods and the generation of vouchers or refunds of money that slow down the normal activity? commercial.

Purpose of the Invention

Purpose of the invention in question? that of realizing a method for selecting and preparing articles in a point of sale according to the purchase preferences of a user capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, ? The object of the present invention is to provide a method for selecting and preparing articles capable of optimizing the purchasing process in a point of sale.

The technical task specified and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a method for selecting and preparing articles in a point of sale according to the purchasing preferences of a user comprising the technical characteristics set out in one or more? of the joint claims.

Advantages of the invention

Advantageously, the method according to the present invention makes it possible to provide a highly personalized service for the user by reducing the time needed to choose the articles.

Advantageously, the method according to the present invention allows a user to reduce the time spent in the point of sale in case of crowding of the point of sale itself.

Advantageously, the method according to the present invention makes it possible to facilitate online purchases in a physical point of sale while maintaining a high degree of personalization of the service.

Advantageously, the method according to the present invention makes it possible to simplify the organization and management of customers in the point of sale as well as online order management.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a method for selecting and preparing articles in a point of sale according to the purchasing preferences of a user:

figure 1 shows a block diagram of the method for selecting and preparing items in a sales point according to the purchasing preferences of a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual characteristics described with reference to the specific embodiments must be understood as accessory and/or interchangeable with other characteristics, described with reference to other embodiments.

The present invention relates to a method for selecting and preparing articles in a point of sale according to the purchasing preferences of a user indicated as a whole with 1 in figure 1. The method for selecting and preparing articles? applicable to any type of outlet, preferably clothing outlets.

The method 1 object of the present invention ? configured to select and prepare items for a user to purchase in a store based on the user?s preferences.

The method for selecting and preparing articles 1 object of the present invention comprises a series of steps set out below and shown schematically in the block diagram of figure 1.

The method comprises step a) of providing a list of points of sale which can be selected by a user. It should be noted that the list of selectable points of sale includes points of sale registered via an online platform and saved in a database. Specifically, the online platform allows points of sale to register and exhibit their articles in a virtual showcase accessible on a user interface according to the structure of a marketplace or e-commerce known to the technical expert in the sector. In detail, the virtual showcase, structured as a web page and/or application, is accessible and visible through a user interface associated with (and accessible through) a fixed device, such as a computer, or a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet of a user.

The method comprises step b) of providing user-selectable shopping preference lists for a user wherein each shopping preference list comprises a plurality of shopping preferences. of shopping preferences. Specifically, the list of purchase preferences, relating to one or more articles are visible and selectable from the virtual showcase through the user interface. It should be noted that shopping preference lists are stored in the database together with the store list.

Preferably, purchasing preferences are chosen between item types, price, color, size and/or a combination thereof. In this way, how will it be? clarified below, the method allows you to generate guidelines for the selection of items in the store. Pi? preferably, purchasing preferences can be constantly updated by uploading them to the database and then to the virtual shop window so that they can be proposed to the user to refine the selection of items.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method 1 comprises a preliminary step of providing an online platform accessible to points of sale by means of its own point of sale interface for registering and uploading shopping preferences as well as for generating a virtual showcase accessible to users through the user interface.

Does the method include phase c) of associating, by means of a first unit? of data processing, each list of purchase preferences to a related point of sale. Preferably by means of an aggregation algorithm the purchase preferences are associated with a point of sale by accessing the database in which the lists of points of sale and the lists of purchase preferences are stored. It should be noted that the relative purchase preferences visible and selectable by a user are associated with the virtual showcase of a store.

Alternatively, during registration, the point of sale can indicate on the platform the relative list of purchase preferences to be subsequently proposed to the user on the user interface through a virtual showcase.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the point of sale can be a clothing store and the list of shopping preferences can? understand the type of garment (trousers, sweaters, shirts, socks, etc.), the color (blue, black, red, etc.), the size (XS, S, M, L XL, etc.), the season (spring, autumn, winter, summer), the price range (the total price that the user wants to spend, the average price for each single item), the number of items of interest, possible combinations between items (trousers-shirt, skirt-shirt) and brands.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, step c) provides for making available to the user interface the list of points of sale and the list of purchase preferences which can be selected by means of a purchase preference and/or by means of a point of sale with the relative virtual shop window.

The method comprises step d) of selecting by means of a user interface in signal communication with the first unit? of data processing: at least one point of sale from the list of selectable points of sale and one or more? shopping preferences from the shopping preferences list associated with the selected store. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, step d) provides for selecting the purchase preferences and subsequently the point of sale.

Specifically, the user interface allows the user to access the list of points of sale and purchase preferences to select a point of sale of interest in which to make the purchase.

It should be noted that through the? user interface ? It is possible to filter the points of sale according to the purchase preferences, for example, if the user is interested in a specific brand, he could choose the brand as the purchase preference and eliminate all the points of sale without the aforementioned brand and subsequently choose the point of sale in function of proximity to the user's home.

Preferably, phase d) provides for selecting a date and time for the preparation of a box comprising one or more? selected articles, how will it be? clarified below, and the collection of the box in the selected store. In this way ? It is possible to facilitate the organization of both the point of sale and the user for collection.

Does the method include phase e) of generating using the first unit? of data processing guidelines for the selection of items for the selected point of sale according to the selected purchase preferences. Specifically, through selection algorithms, the first unit? of data processing generates guidelines to facilitate the selection of items in the store selected by the user. These guidelines are based on the purchase preferences selected by the user. In other words, the guidelines facilitate an operator of the selected point of sale to select items and prepare a box for the user. It should be noted that the guidelines can be, for example, a list of items present in the store associated with the selected purchasing preferences, the position of the items according to the selected purchasing preferences in order to easily direct the operator to a warehouse or physical point of sale, a list of items with their location selected using artificial intelligence algorithms according to the selected shopping preferences, the simple list of selected shopping preferences or a combination thereof.

Does the method include phase f) of sending the generated guidelines to a second unit? of data processing associated with the selected point of sale. So that the guidelines are received and managed in the selected store. Preferably, such guidelines can be viewed by a store operator via a store interface associated with the second unit. of data processing. For example, the point of sale interface can be a web page and/or an application that can be viewed from a computer or tablet screen in the store.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, step d) comprises step d1) of sending a selection confirmation signal via the user interface to the second unit? of data processing associated with the selected point of sale. When the confirmation signal is sent, phase d1) can? provide for a withdrawal from the user of a commission for the confirmation of the selection. Preferably, the sending of the confirmation signal corresponds to the user?s confirmation of the purchase order.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, step f) comprises step f1) of receiving from the second unit? of data processing the selection confirmation signal which can preferably be sent via the relevant point of sale interface. In this way, the selected point of sale safely initiates the subsequent phases of selection and preparation of the box. Once the selection confirmation signal has been received, phase f) includes a phase f2) to evaluate the availability? of items in the store according to the generated guidelines. Specifically, by means of an inventory control algorithm or by means of a visual check by a store operator, phase f2) involves checking for the presence of items that match the generated guidelines as well as? with the purchase preferences expressed/selected by the user. Downstream of the evaluation of the availability, the phase f) includes the phase f3) of generating through the second unit? of data processing a signal of acceptance or a first signal of rejection according to the availability? of articles evaluated. Specifically, the evaluation of the availability? allows through the second unit? of data processing to generate an acknowledgment signal or a first refusal signal in order to communicate to the user the result of his operation. Furthermore, step f3) provides for generating a second reject signal whenever the generation of the take charge signal or the first reject signal exceeds a predefined waiting time, preferably two hours. In other words, if the point of sale through the second unit? of data processing does not generate an acknowledgment signal or a first refusal signal generates a second refusal signal for the user. Finally, step f) includes step f4) of sending the take charge signal, the first the reject signal, or the second reject signal by means of the second unit? of data processing to the user interface. This sending can take place by e-mail, message, or notification and contain the message for example ?take charge? if a take charge message or ?box not confirmed? if a first or second rejection signal is generated. Preferably, following the generation of the refusal or acceptance signals, the sending of the signal can take place via the relevant point of sale interface.

It should be noted that in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the user interface on which it is? accessible the virtual showcase pu? be implemented through the use of HTML and CSS for the case of online pages and the corresponding Flatter for the development of applications or mobile devices. Specifically, the user interface in the selection phase can? provide a form for sending information on the user side with a POST type call to an API service and for the second unit? of data processing? Is the point of sale interface foreseen, for example an administrative panel, for the management of the signals coming from the user interface and from the first unit? of data processing for the management of the boxes. As regards, the implementation of the algorithms for the first unit? of data processing can? performed in C # language with .NET Framework 4.7.2 technology, with the use of ASP.NET MVC and WebAPI as regards the models and controllers, as well as? the internal API services, while for the management of the management/preparation times of the boxes pu? be employed WebJoB (cron).

Does the method include step g) of selecting one or more? articles according to the guidelines sent. Specifically, according to the guidelines ? is it possible to select one or more? articles for the user to be offered during collection at the point of sale.

In detail, by following the guidelines, the store operator can select items. For example, in the case of a clothing outlet, the operator can select one or more heads according to the guidelines as well as? to the preferences expressed by the user or simply withdraw the articles if the guidelines already indicate? items to select.

The method includes phase h) of preparing a box comprising one or more boxes in the selected store. items selected according to the guidelines sent to the selected point of sale. In detail, once you have selected one or more? articles these are placed inside a box to then be viewed/tested by the user. Preferably, the box pu? be taken as purchase envelope by the user.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, step h) comprises step h1) of evaluating a state of completion of the preparation of the box as a function of the date and time selected by the user. Specifically, phase h1) involves evaluating that the preparation of the box satisfies the guidelines within the set times, thus avoiding overcrowding in the store or delays that could cause the user?s mood. Following the evaluation, phase h) includes phase h2) of generating through the second unit? of data processing a box ready signal or a delay signal depending on the completion status of the preparation of the box. In this way ? It is possible to notify and/or alert the user regarding the withdrawal of the box. Finally, the phase h) includes the phase h3) of notifying the signal of box ready or the signal of delay by means of the unit? of data processing to the user interface, permissibly via the point of sale interface.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, method 1 comprises step i) of notifying the user on the user interface if an acknowledgment signal, a first refusal signal or a second refusal signal is generated. Specifically, the second unit? of data processing sends to the user interface an e-mail, message, or notification containing the message for example ?Box ready? if a box ready signal or ?box not confirmed? if a delay signal is generated.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the method 1 comprises a step 1) of evaluating the prepared box comprising the selected items. In detail, the evaluation phase of the prepared box? carried out in the point of sale by the user in order to evaluate the selected items according to purchase preferences and possibly try and/or test the items. For example, in the case of clothing, the user can? try on the selected garments and feel the fabric of the same.

Preferably, phase l) comprising the phases of l1) evaluating the items included in the prepared box and l2) generating a total approval signal, a partial approval signal or a negative signal on the box depending on the evaluation of the items included in the prepared box . Pi? preferably, phase l2) corresponds to the choice by the user to approve all the selected items, a part of the selected items or none of the selected items in order to subsequently proceed with the purchase.

According to a preferred embodiment, method 1 comprises step m) of generating a purchase voucher. This phase m) can? be conducted in the point of sale to generate a specific purchase voucher for the items selected and present in the box or a generic purchase voucher in the point of sale or in a place associated with the user (for example his home).

Preferably, step m) comprising step m1) of selecting the point of sale selected in step d) by means of the user interface and an amount for the purchase voucher as a function of the total approval signal and the partial approval signal. It should be noted that alternatively ? It is possible to generate generic purchase vouchers with standard amounts by selecting the relative amount from the user interface.

Subsequently, phase m) includes phase m2) of generating by means of the first unit? of data processing a unique code based on the selected point of sale and the selected amount. Once the unique code has been generated, phase m) includes phase m3) of associating the unique code generated to the purchase voucher with the relative amount. Finally, phase m) comprises phase m4) of sending the purchase voucher to the user interface. This purchase voucher can be in QRcode format to be shown at the point of sale.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a step n) of buying the prepared box according to the total approval signal or the partial approval signal. This phase of purchase n) pu? take place via a classic payment method or via a generated purchase voucher.

? further object of the present invention is a system for the selection and preparation of articles in a point of sale according to the purchasing preferences of a user configured to carry out the steps of method 1. The system comprises the first unit? of data processing to which ? associated with the database. The unit of data processing? configured to receive lists of points of sale and lists of preferences as well as? to manage the online platform and the related online showcases accessible respectively to the points of sale and to the users. Preferably, the first unit? of data processing? configured to generate the guidelines to be sent to the points of sale for the preparation of the boxes and to manage the dates and times of collection / preparation of the boxes as well as? orders/purchases by users. It should be noted that the first unit? of data processing? located in an operational headquarters.

Does the system include second units? of data processing associated with the points of sale registered on the online platform. The second units? of data processing are in signal communication with the first unit? of data processing for sending and receiving guidelines, preference lists and any orders. Preferably, the second unit? of data processing? associated with a point of sale interface (for example a computer or tablet screen) by means of which the guidelines are transmitted or by means of which a point of sale operator can interact with the first unit? of data processing.

The system also includes user interfaces associated with mobile or fixed devices of the users, placed in signal communication with the first unit? of data processing through the online showcase. Preferably, the user interface allows you to select the points of sale of interest and purchasing preferences. Furthermore, the user interface also allows you to put the user in signal communication with the second unit? data processing for example to send the confirmation signal and vice versa, for example to send the acceptance signal or one of the refusal signals or the box ready signal or the delay signal. Preferably, the user interface comprises an application or website accessible via a device (mobile or stationary) associated with the user through which the store lists and selectable shopping preference lists and/or online showcases. It should be noted that once you have accessed the user interface, the user himself can select and send confirmation signals as well as? make payments and generate vouchers according to method 1.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises the network of points of sale registered on the online platform in which ? a collection area for the boxes prepared according to the user?s purchasing preferences has been set up.

Claims (10)

1. Method (1) for selecting and preparing items in a store according to a user's shopping preferences, method (1) comprising the steps of: a) provide a list of points of sale that can be selected by a user; b) provide shopping preference lists for a user selectable by a user, each shopping preference list comprising a plurality of? of purchase preferences; c) associate, through a first unit? of data processing, each list of purchase preferences to a related point of sale; d) select by means of a user interface in signal communication with the first unit? of data processing: - at least one store from the list of selectable stores; - one or more shopping preferences from the list of shopping preferences associated with the selected store; e) generate using the first unit? data processing guidelines for the selection of items for the selected point of sale according to the selected purchase preferences; f) send the generated guidelines to a second unit? of data processing associated with the selected point of sale; g) select one or more? articles according to the guidelines sent; h) prepare a box in the selected store including one or more items selected according to the guidelines sent to the selected point of sale. The method (1) according to claim 1, wherein - phase d) comprises phase d1) of sending a selection confirmation signal via the user interface to the second unit? of data processing associated with the selected point of sale. 3. Method (1) according to claim 2, wherein step f) comprises the steps of: f1) receiving from the second unit? of data processing the selection confirmation signal; f2) evaluate the availability? of items in the store according to the guidelines generated if the second unit? of data processing associated with the point of sale has received the confirmation signal; f3) generate using the second unit? of data processing a signal of acceptance or a first signal of rejection according to the availability? of articles evaluated, step f3) providing for the generation of a second refusal signal if the generation of the acceptance signal or the first refusal signal exceeds a predefined waiting time; f4) send the acceptance signal, the first refusal signal or the second refusal signal through the second unit? of data processing to the user interface. 4. Method (1) according to claim 3, wherein the method comprises a step i) of notifying the user on the user interface if an acknowledgment signal, a first refusal signal or a second signal is generated of refusal. 5. Method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein step d) provides for selecting a date and time for the preparation of the box and the collection of the box at the selected vending point. 6. Method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein step h) comprises the steps of: h1) evaluate a state of completion of the preparation of the box according to the date and time selected by the user; h2) generate using the second unit? of data processing a box ready signal or a delay signal depending on the completion status of the preparation of the box; h3) notify the ready box signal or the delay signal through the unit? of data processing to the user interface. 7. Method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein purchasing preferences are chosen among types of items, price, colour, sizes and/or a combination thereof. 8. Method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method comprises a step l) of evaluating the prepared box comprising the selected articles, the step l) comprising the steps of: l1) evaluate the items included in the prepared box; 12) generating a total approval signal, a partial approval signal or a negative signal on the box according to the evaluation of the items included in the prepared box. The method (1) according to claim 8, wherein the method comprises step m) of generating a purchase voucher, step m) comprising the steps of: m1) select via the user interface: - the point of sale selected in phase d); - an amount for the purchase voucher based on the total approval signal and the partial approval signal; m2) generate using the first unit? data processing a unique code based on the selected point of sale and the selected amount; m3) associate the unique code generated with the purchase voucher m4) send the purchase voucher to the user interface. 10. Method (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the method comprises a step n) of purchasing the prepared box as a function of the total approval signal or the partial approval signal.