Location-Based Entity Identification Using Beacon Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-based tracking systems are cumbersome for users to identify specific entities, such as businesses or charitable organizations, near their location, as they typically require manual searching on maps with minimal information provided.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses beacons and a server to determine the user's location and identify nearby entities, allowing users to make donations or payments by selecting a button on a graphical user interface, which facilitates communication with a database to provide detailed information and process payments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually search for entities on displayed maps, then they can identify specific entities, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic entity identification by having the user device determine its own location and automatically query the server for nearby entities, eliminating the need for manual searching. The device serves itself by autonomously performing location determination and entity retrieval based on its current position.
Solution Approach 2:
The server pre-processes and stores entity information in databases organized by geographical locations. When a user device determines its location, the server can immediately retrieve pre-organized entity data without requiring real-time manual searching, thus saving time while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If maps display minimal information for nearby entities, then the map remains clear and simple, but users lack sufficient information to make informed decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates map display information from detailed entity information. The map shows only basic location data to maintain clarity, while detailed entity information is segmented into separate data structures stored in databases. Users can access comprehensive information on demand without it cluttering the map view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional map display to multi-dimensional information access. Basic location information remains on the 2D map for clarity, while detailed entity information exists in additional dimensions (databases, pop-up windows, separate screens) that users can access without compromising map simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the system automatically identifies entities based on user location, then the process becomes simpler, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between the user device and the entity databases. The user device only needs to determine its location and send this information to the server, which then handles the complex tasks of querying databases, retrieving entity information, and presenting results. This mediator approach simplifies the user device while distributing system complexity to the server infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is identifying entities based at least in part on the location of a user device. A server or the user device will determine the location of the user device and/or whether there are any beacons, such as proximity beacons, in the vicinity. The server or the user device will then determine where the user is and if there are any identifiable entities within a certain distance to that location. In performing these steps, the server and/or the user device may access a database for the geographical area. The user device will then receive information related to a function as indicated by the user, such as the facilitation of a donation, a non-obligated payment, or an obligated payment to the entity.