Beacon-Based Event Management System for Streamlined Check-In
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current event management systems face inefficiencies in managing event-related tasks at events, such as slow check-in processes and purchases, due to limitations in existing technologies like NFC and RFID systems, which require specialized equipment and infrastructure not always available to all attendees.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network-based event management system using beacon devices that periodically transmit unique identifiers, allowing user devices to initiate specific process flows for tasks like check-in, purchases, and information delivery, enhancing the user experience and flexibility by leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy or iBeacon protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If NFC system is used for check-in and purchases, then transaction speed is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen due to need for specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses beacon devices that transmit identifier signals which user devices can detect and process. Instead of requiring specialized NFC hardware at every interaction point, the system creates a simplified copy of the identification process using widely compatible beacon technology that works with standard mobile devices, thereby maintaining speed while reducing infrastructure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic coupling required by NFC systems with a signal transmission and detection mechanism using beacons. This substitution allows communication over greater distances without requiring precise proximity alignment or specialized hardware, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining transaction efficiency
2Speed
If RFID system is used for check-in and purchases, then transaction speed is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to need for specialized bracelets and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the beacon detection capability universal by implementing it in standard mobile devices that attendees already possess. Instead of requiring specialized RFID bracelets, the system uses the user's existing smartphone or tablet to detect beacon signals, making the technology accessible to all attendees without additional equipment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a software-based copy of the RFID functionality using beacon technology and mobile device sensors. This allows the same check-in and purchase functions to be performed using familiar devices, eliminating the need for specialized physical tokens while maintaining operational speed
3Ease of operation
If bar code scanner is used for check-in, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity worsens due to slow entry process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service check-in by allowing user devices to automatically detect beacon signals and complete the check-in process without requiring manual scanning or intervention. The device autonomously initiates communication with the beacon, retrieves ticket information, and completes verification, thereby maintaining simplicity while dramatically increasing entry throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of scanning bar codes with automatic wireless signal detection. The user device continuously monitors for beacon signals and automatically processes check-in when the appropriate signal is detected, eliminating the need for manual scanning operations while increasing processing speed and throughput
4Reliability
If dedicated point of sale terminals are used for purchases, then reliability is improved, but productivity worsens due to long and slow moving lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service purchasing where user devices automatically detect beacon signals at point of sale locations, retrieve product and pricing information, and complete transactions autonomously. This eliminates the need for dedicated terminal interactions and long queues, maintaining transaction reliability through secure authentication while dramatically increasing purchase throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the purchasing process into discrete beacon-triggered events at different locations within the venue. Instead of centralized terminal queues, multiple distributed beacon points handle transactions independently, parallelizing the purchase process and increasing overall system throughput while maintaining reliability through distributed verification
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
This solution enables faster and more efficient event-related processes, such as streamlined check-in and purchases, at greater distances without the need for specialized equipment, improving the overall attendee experience and reducing congestion at events.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy or iBeacon protocols
Implementation Method 2
leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy or iBeacon protocols
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for facilitating customized process flows at an event. A beacon generating device is positioned at the event and is configured to transmit information including a unique identifier associated with the beacon generating device. A user having a mobile communications device running an event management application detects the transmission and sends the detected unique identifier to an event management server. Alternatively, the user's mobile communications device generates and transmits a beacon that is detected by an event organizer device. The event management server returns information to allow the mobile communications device or the event organizer device to run an event-related process.