BLE Beacon Automatic Check-In via Unique Device Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current check-in processes using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons are time-consuming and inefficient, often requiring manual device interaction and can fail due to limitations in handling multiple users simultaneously, leading to frustration and delays in payment transactions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing BLE beacons to automatically check in users by assigning a unique device identifier and broadcasting it, allowing for quick connection and content delivery, while freeing up resources for other devices, and enabling efficient communication through a network interface and processor-based system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual device interaction is used for check-in, then user authentication can be verified, but check-in time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic check-in where the mobile device autonomously communicates with the BLE beacon to verify authentication and complete the check-in process without manual intervention. The device automatically searches for the beacon, establishes connection, and completes verification through automated protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interaction (physical presentation of device, manual scanning) with automated wireless communication protocols. The BLE beacon automatically transmits signals and the mobile device automatically processes authentication through electronic communication rather than manual operations.
2Productivity
If automated check-in is implemented, then check-in speed increases, but the system can only handle limited number of devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the check-in process into distinct phases: beacon broadcasting unique identifiers, device scanning and connection establishment, authentication verification, and content delivery. This segmentation allows the system to manage multiple devices by processing them through different stages simultaneously rather than requiring all devices to be handled at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the system can adaptively manage connections based on current load. The beacon and server can dynamically establish connections with devices that need service while maintaining the ability to handle multiple concurrent devices through flexible connection management and prioritization.
3Productivity
If multiple devices are checked in simultaneously, then user throughput increases, but system resources become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication verification function from the physical check-in process and handles it remotely through the server. The beacon only needs to transmit unique identifiers and establish basic connections, while complex authentication and resource management are handled by the remote server, reducing the resource burden on the beacon system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote server acts as an intermediary between the BLE beacon and the mobile devices. It manages the complexity of authentication, connection tracking, and resource allocation, allowing the beacon to focus on simple signal transmission while the server handles the computational burden of managing multiple simultaneous devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for checking many users in to a location using a Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) beacon. The provided systems and methods may allow a BLE beacon to facilitate a check in with a remote server that processes check ins and then disconnect from the device used to check in. The device may be assigned a unique identifier that may be broadcast from the device during the check in so that the BLE beacon can quickly scan for the identifier and connect with the device based on the identifier to provide content and other information to the device.