Zhidong L Lu

US Patent:

8478663, Jul 2, 2013

Filed:

Jul 28, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/192617

Inventors:

Zhidong Lu - Boxborough MA, US
John Stauffer - Framingham MA, US

Assignee:

True Fit Corporation - Woburn MA

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 267, 705 261

Abstract:

Some embodiments of the invention provide techniques for recommending a size of a subject item to fit a subject consumer. In some embodiments, clusters of consumers with fit characteristics similar to the subject consumer are identified, using one or more data clustering algorithms, based on any of numerous consumer attributes (e. g. , self-reported and/or inferred height, weight, body shape, body characteristics, and/or purchase histories (e. g. , consumers with high overlap in terms of sets of products purchased)). Information on other consumers in the cluster may be analyzed to draw conclusions on how different sizes of the subject item may fit the subject consumer. For example, the purchase history of other members of the cluster may be analyzed to determine whether other members purchased a particular size of the item, and if so, the size purchased by the other members may serve as a basis to recommend a size that may best fit the consumer. For example, if other members of the cluster purchased a particular size, then that size may be recommended to the subject consumer, or if other members of the cluster purchased and then returned a particular size (e. g. , for being too small), then another (e. g.

US Patent:

20120030060, Feb 2, 2012

Filed:

Jul 28, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/192576

Inventors:

Zhidong Lu - Boxborough MA, US
John Stauffer - Framingham MA, US

Assignee:

True Fit Corporation - Woburn MA

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00
G06F 15/18

US Classification:

705 267, 706 12

Abstract:

Some embodiments of the invention determine whether a particular item is likely to suit a consumer from a fit and/or style standpoint, using objective data produced as a result of the consumer's experiences. For example, some embodiments of the invention analyze information regarding a consumer's experiences with certain products (e.g., purchase and return history, identification of “favorite” items, etc.) and data regarding attributes of those items (e.g., technical dimension data, stylistic and fit attributes, etc.) to determine the consumer's measurements and fit and/or style preferences, so that a prediction may be made regarding how a particular size of an item may suit the consumer.

US Patent:

7979299, Jul 12, 2011

Filed:

Jun 21, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/158264

Inventors:

Shail Mehta - Boston MA, US
Reed B. Breneman - Kings Mills OH, US
John C. Stauffer - Framingham MA, US
Douglas K. McIver - Cambridge MA, US
Vishwamitra S. Ramakrishnan - Belmont MA, US
Zhidong Lu - Boxboro MA, US
Pavandeep S. Kalra - Shrewsbury MA, US
Brian Sheppard - Concord MA, US

Assignee:

Oracle Int'l. Corp. - Redwood Shores CA

International Classification:

G06Q 99/00

US Classification:

705 729, 705 735, 705400

Abstract:

The invention provides methods and apparatus for optimizing markdown scheduling that group multiple retail sites into bins (or buckets) for purposes of scheduling markdown pricing on an item (or group of related items) sold by those sites. The groupings can be based, for example, on a metric that is a function of the current inventory of the item (or items) and its expected sales at each site. A markdown schedule is generated for the combined grouping of stores in each bucket, rather than for the individual stores that make up that bucket, thereby speeding price optimization determination. A report of those schedules can be used, for example, by pricing managers or other personnel to set prices at the sites. Alternatively, or in an addition, the schedules can be used in conjunction with an inventory control system to set prices for the items and/or on RFID or other electronic shelf displays.