Beacon-Based Chat Initiation Without Dedicated Smartphone Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beacon systems require a specific app on the customer's smartphone to transmit notifications, limiting their effectiveness for customers without the appropriate app installed.
Innovation Solution
A method involving detecting a smart device approaching a beacon, transmitting a chat invitation, receiving a confirmation signal, and launching a chat with a chatbot in a standard instant messaging app, without requiring a special app, using beacons on product pallets to provide location-specific information and offers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific app is installed on the customer's smartphone to receive beacon notifications, then the notification transmission is enabled, but the customer convenience and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling beacon notifications to work through multiple communication channels (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram) instead of requiring a proprietary app. This allows the same beacon system to reach customers through various messaging platforms they already use, making the system universally accessible without compromising notification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses messaging platforms as intermediaries between the beacon system and the customer's smartphone. Instead of direct communication requiring a specific app, the messaging platforms serve as mediators that relay notifications from the beacon to the customer through familiar interfaces, maintaining notification capability while improving ease of access
2Reliability
If a proprietary app is required for beacon communication, then the notification system works reliably, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by implementing multi-platform support within the beacon communication architecture. The beacon can send notifications through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram using their respective APIs, eliminating the need for customers to install a dedicated app while maintaining reliable communication through multiple established platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by leveraging the existing messaging apps that customers already have installed on their devices. Instead of requiring customers to download and configure a new proprietary app, the system uses the messaging platforms the customers already use, allowing them to receive beacon notifications through their existing setup without additional installation or configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based method for initiating communication with a prospective customer by means of a beacon (14) installed on a shop floor (12) is disclosed. The following steps are provided: detecting that a smart device (22) is approaching the beacon (14); transmitting a chat invitation signal to the smart device (22); receiving a chat confirmation signal; and launching a chat on the smart device (22), in particular with a chatbot. A communications system and a computer program are also proposed.