Beacon-Based Proximity Notification for Retailer Shopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location-based notification systems are inefficient for prompting contacts to make purchasing requests, as they require manual input and do not streamline communication, leading to oversaturation of information and extra steps for users, especially when passing by or entering retailers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses beacons to automatically notify contacts of a user's proximity to a retailer, allowing for instantaneous communication of shopping requests without the need for manual messaging or calls, by receiving a beacon signal and transmitting notifications to contact devices based on pre-designated protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual messaging or calls are used to notify contacts of retailer proximity, then communication can be established, but the process requires extra steps and time that reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures notification rules and contact lists before the user visits the retailer. When the user enters the retailer location, the system automatically sends notifications to pre-selected contacts without requiring the user to manually compose messages or make calls at that moment, thus saving time while maintaining ease of communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic notification generation and transmission based on pre-set parameters. The mobile device automatically detects retailer proximity via location services and sends notifications to contacts without requiring active user intervention during the shopping trip, making the communication process self-serving and efficient.
2Loss of information
If location-based notifications are sent to individuals entering locations, then reminders can be provided, but the system does not streamline communication with multiple contacts simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple communication functions into a single automated notification process. Instead of requiring separate manual messages to multiple contacts, the system merges the notification task into one automatic action that can reach multiple pre-selected contacts simultaneously, reducing device complexity while ensuring reminder delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system is designed to handle multiple communication scenarios universally. A single notification mechanism can contact individual persons, groups, or distribute messages across different communication channels based on pre-configured settings, making the system multi-functional without increasing operational complexity.
3Loss of information
If broadcasting location information to broad audiences is used, then location sharing can be achieved, but information oversaturation and notification fatigue occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by sending notifications only to specific contacts or groups relevant to the user's needs, rather than broadcasting to all contacts. The notification content and recipients are customized based on local context such as pre-defined contact categories and retailer types, preventing information oversaturation while ensuring relevant information reaches the right people.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by selectively notifying only certain contacts based on pre-configured rules, rather than notifying all possible contacts. This selective approach prevents notification fatigue by delivering information only where needed, while still achieving comprehensive location information delivery to relevant parties.
4Measurement precision
If individualized manual input for location designation is required, then precise location tracking is achieved, but the system lacks convenience for routine activation by multiple individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of location parameters and contact lists before actual use. Users pre-define which retailers and contacts should be involved in notifications, allowing the system to automatically handle precise location tracking and notification routing without requiring manual input during each routine activation, thus achieving both precision and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic location designation and contact selection based on pre-configured settings. When multiple individuals need to activate notifications, the system self-servingly applies the pre-defined rules to automatically identify relevant locations and contacts, eliminating the need for repeated manual input while maintaining precise location tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings a method including: receiving a beacon signal, from a beacon signal provider when a user mobile device is within a range of the beacon signal provider; generating a first notification to transmit from the user mobile device to one or more contact mobile devices based on an associated protocol; transmitting the first notification to the one or more contact mobile devices; and receiving a shopping request from the one or more contact mobile devices; wherein communication between the user and the one or more contacts is automatically facilitated so that the user is relieved of establishing and maintaining communication with one or more contacts; and wherein communication with the one or more contacts by the first notification is undertaken substantially instantaneously upon receiving the beacon signal.