BTLE Beacon Proximity Detection and Matchmaking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated customer service systems lack effective zero-step proximity detection and private matchmaking capabilities using mobile devices, especially in contexts requiring social distancing, where existing technologies are not widely adopted and can be cumbersome for users.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Bluetooth Low-Energy (BTLE) beacons and mobile devices for zero-step proximity detection, which calculates proximity between users and facilitates private matchmaking by emitting beacon signals, receiving signal strength information, and triangulating distances to alert users of each other's presence, allowing for secure and seamless interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Bluetooth Low-Energy (BTLE) beacons are used for proximity detection, then proximity detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal presence of BTLE capabilities in modern mobile devices, making the proximity detection system widely accessible without requiring specialized hardware. The same BTLE infrastructure serves multiple functions including proximity detection, signal strength measurement, and device identification, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the mobile device's own BTLE capabilities to perform proximity detection and signal strength measurement without requiring external specialized equipment. The device serves itself by using its integrated BTLE radio to detect beacons and measure signal strengths, eliminating the need for additional complexity in the detection system
2Measurement precision
If triangulation is used to calculate relative distances, then proximity measurement precision is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having mobile devices continuously scan for and respond to BTLE beacons, pre-collecting signal strength data that will be needed for triangulation. This preliminary data collection simplifies the actual distance calculation process, as the raw signal strength measurements are already available when needed for proximity determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that handles the complex triangulation calculations centrally, rather than requiring each mobile device to perform complex computations independently. This intermediary approach distributes the computational burden and simplifies the implementation on individual devices while maintaining high measurement precision
3Ease of operation
If automatic proximity alerts are sent to mobile devices, then customer service quality is improved, but information loss increases due to notification overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by sending targeted proximity alerts only to specific mobile devices that are actually in proximity to each other, rather than broadcasting to all devices. This selective approach improves customer service quality for relevant users while minimizing notification overhead and information loss for the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors proximity detections and sends alerts only when meaningful proximity events occur. This feedback-based approach ensures that customers receive useful information about nearby customers or staff without being overwhelmed by excessive notifications, maintaining high service quality while minimizing information loss
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 users to be alerted to others in proximity without needing to focus on their mobile devices, enhancing customer experience by allowing natural interaction with the environment and staff, while promoting social distancing and efficient transaction processes.
Implementation Method 1
emit a beacon signal with short-range wireless communications; wherein the beacon signal comprises identifying information and application information
Implementation Method 2
receive a first response from a first mobile device reached by the emitted beacon signal, the first response comprising a first device identifier for the first mobile device, a first signal strength of the beacon signal as received by the first mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for zero-step proximity detection and private matchmaking using mobile device low emissions beacons, which uses user mobile devices, a single or plurality of BLUETOOTH™ low-emissions (BTLE) beacons, a network, a server, and an application that may operate separately on a mobile device and the single or plurality of BLUETOOTH™ low-emissions (BTLE) beacons, which calculates the proximity between two or more users, which allows users to be alerted to other users in their proximity, and which provide a means for verifying and managing meetups between two or more users of the mobile devices.