Beacon-Triggered Chat Initiation Without a Dedicated Mobile App
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beacon-based notification systems require a specific app installed on the customer's smartphone to transmit notifications, limiting their effectiveness when the app is not available.
Innovation Solution
A method involving beacon detection, chat invitation, and chatbot initiation in a standard instant messaging app without the need for a specific app, using Bluetooth and location services to launch a chat with a chatbot for product information and customer interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific app is installed on the smartphone to receive beacon notifications, then the notification transmission is enabled, but the accessibility and ease of use deteriorates due to the additional app installation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling beacon notifications to work through multiple communication channels (Bluetooth, NFC, location services) and multiple existing apps (messaging apps, browser, notes app) rather than requiring a single dedicated app. This makes the system universally accessible to all smartphone users without additional installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary elements such as standard messaging apps, web browsers, and notes applications that already exist on smartphones as mediators between the beacon and the customer. These intermediaries enable notification delivery without requiring a dedicated beacon app, thus maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a dedicated beacon app is used for communication, then the notification delivery is reliable, but the device complexity increases due to requiring additional software
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by utilizing existing multi-functional applications (messaging apps, browsers, notes apps) that customers already have installed on their devices. These apps can handle beacon notifications without requiring customers to install and maintain a separate dedicated beacon application, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving notification delivery reliability.
3Ease of operation
If standard instant messaging apps are used for chat, then the ease of operation improves by using existing apps, but the reliability of customer service communication may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard instant messaging apps as intermediary communication channels between customers and customer service. These familiar apps provide ease of operation while maintaining communication reliability through established connection protocols and user interfaces that customers already trust and understand.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables product-specific notifications and customer engagement without requiring a specific app, leveraging standard messaging apps for dynamic product information and feedback, enhancing customer experience.
Implementation Method 1
beacons operating using the Bluetooth standard are used on shop floors
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based method for initiating communication with a prospective customer by means of a beacon installed on a shop floor is disclosed. The following steps are provided: detecting that a smart device is approaching the beacon; transmitting a chat invitation signal to the smart device; receiving a chat confirmation signal; and launching a chat on the smart device, in particular with a chatbot. A communications system and a computer program are also proposed.