Augmented Beacon System Using Software Geofencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beacon systems rely on physical radio signals and require separate networks, power sources, and connectivity, limiting their flexibility and user control, especially in providing localized digital content.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of software-based augmented beacons that define geographical areas of interest, allowing for the delivery of digital content to devices without physical hardware proximity, using a cloud-based system that enables user-defined geo-fences and personalized content access, independent of radio strength and connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical beacons using Bluetooth radio signals are deployed, then localized digital content can be delivered to devices, but the system requires separate networks, power sources, and physical hardware infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent delivery reliabilityVSAvoidhardware infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of physical beacon functionality through software-based geofencing. Instead of requiring actual physical beacons at every location, the system uses GPS coordinates and software-defined geofences to replicate beacon behavior, eliminating the need for physical hardware while maintaining content delivery capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical beacon system with a software-based solution. Instead of using Bluetooth radio signals from physical devices, the system uses GPS location data, software-defined geofences, and server-based content delivery to achieve the same localized content distribution function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical beacons are used for geo-fencing, then devices can receive localized content, but user control and flexibility are limited by advertiser-driven choices and radio connectivity requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control flexibilityVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to independently define their own geofences using GPS coordinates without requiring physical beacon deployment. Users can create, modify, and delete their own geofenced areas and associated content preferences, giving them full control over their personalized content experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic geofences that can be easily created, modified, and deleted through software. The system allows real-time adjustments to geofence boundaries, content preferences, and delivery settings without requiring physical hardware changes, providing flexible and adaptive user control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If software-based augmented beacons with user-defined geo-fences are implemented, then user experience is optimized with personalized content access, but the system requires cloud-based infrastructure and location tracking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experience qualityVSAvoidsystem infrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cloud-based server as an intermediary between users and content delivery. The server manages geofence definitions, stores content, processes location data, and coordinates content delivery, simplifying the user interface while handling the computational complexity in the cloud

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If physical beacons require radio connectivity and power sources, then localized content can be delivered, but the system suffers from dependence on radio strength and connectivity availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent delivery consistencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the radio-based physical beacon system with a GPS and software-based solution. Instead of relying on Bluetooth or other radio signal strength, the system uses satellite-based GPS location data which has global coverage and does not require local power sources at each beacon location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9565531B2Augmented beacon and geo-fence systems and methods

Publication Date: 2017.02.07 FRENSEE LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing augmented beacons are described. In one implementation, an augmented beacon server receives a definition of an augmented beacon defining a geographical area of interest, where digital content is associated with the augmented beacon. Based on a determination that a target device is within the geographical area of interest of the augmented beacon, the augmented beacon server provides an unique identifier associated with the augmented beacon to the target device, where the unique identifier comprises an indication that the digital content associated with the augmented beacon can be displayed by the target device.