BLE Beacon Packet Sequence for Automatic User Check-in
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often face the tedious process of manually checking in every time they visit a merchant's physical storefront, which can lead to both users and merchants not fully benefiting from the checking-in process if it is not consistently performed.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons that transmit a specific packet sequence identifying a location, allowing users to be automatically checked in when their device receives and matches the sequence, enabling seamless integration with payment and social platforms for offers and promotions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual check-in process is used, then user can provide feedback and receive information, but user experience deteriorates due to tedious repeated actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having users check in once manually, then automatically enrolling them in recurring check-ins at the same location. The mobile device stores location information and automatically checks in the user when they return to that location, eliminating the need for repeated manual check-in actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile device to automatically perform check-ins without user intervention. The device uses stored location information to autonomously determine when to check in, send notifications to the server, and receive promotional content, freeing the user from manual operations.
2Extent of automation
If automatic check-in is implemented, then user convenience improves, but system complexity increases due to location tracking and automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses location information as an intermediary element to bridge the user and the check-in system. The mobile device stores location data from initial manual check-ins and uses this intermediary information to automatically trigger check-ins when the user returns to the same location, simplifying the automation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the location information from the initial manual check-in and stores it in the mobile device. This copied location data is then used to automatically reproduce the check-in action without requiring the original manual process to be repeated, reducing system complexity while maintaining automation.
3Loss of information
If users check in consistently, then merchant benefits from customer insights, but user burden increases due to repeated manual actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by collecting location information during the first manual check-in, then uses this pre-collected data to automatically perform subsequent check-ins. This ensures consistent customer presence data is captured without requiring the user to repeatedly perform manual check-in actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by sending promotional content and information back to the user after automatic check-ins are performed. This creates a closed-loop system where the merchant receives customer presence data and the user receives relevant information, maintaining data collection while reducing user burden.
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 convenient and automatic user check-in upon entering a merchant's location, enhancing user experience by providing exclusive deals and improving merchant awareness of customer presence, while reducing the need for manual check-ins and increasing engagement through targeted promotions.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons that transmit a specific packet sequence identifying a location
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed which may allow a user having a mobile device to check in to a location using a packet sequence that includes information for identifying the location transmitted by one or more Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) beacons at or near the location. The user may be able to store packet sequences for various locations that may allow the user to automatically check into these locations using the store packet sequences.