Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons for Retail Player Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lottery industry faces a challenge in maintaining player foot traffic at retail establishments as electronic and online lottery ticket sales increase in popularity, necessitating innovative methods to integrate gaming into the mobile electronic communication age while preserving the mutually beneficial relationship between lottery authorities and retail vendors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) beacons to automatically detect players at authorized locations, inviting them to play games or conduct game-related activities through personalized messages on their mobile devices or at game consoles, maintaining engagement and encouraging visits to retail establishments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electronic and online lottery ticket sales are expanded, then lottery revenue and player convenience are improved, but foot traffic to retail establishments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electronic communication capabilities with physical retail locations by equipping stores with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons that communicate with players' mobile devices. This integration allows the retail establishment to serve both as a physical gaming location and an electronic communication node, combining the benefits of online engagement with the advantages of physical presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The BLE beacon system acts as an intermediary between the lottery system and players' mobile devices. The beacon transmits signals that trigger personalized messages on players' devices, creating a bridge that connects electronic communication capabilities with the physical retail environment, thereby maintaining retail foot traffic while enabling electronic interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If personalized messages are sent to players via mobile devices, then player engagement is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex centralized message distribution systems with a decentralized approach using BLE beacons. Instead of requiring a complex system to manage all player communications centrally, the beacons autonomously transmit signals to nearby devices, substituting a simple radio frequency mechanism for what would otherwise require complex logistics and infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service communication where players' mobile devices automatically receive and process personalized messages based on their proximity to beacons. The players' devices themselves perform the reception and display functions, eliminating the need for additional intermediary systems or complex message delivery infrastructure.
3Extent of automation
If Bluetooth Low Energy beacons are deployed at retail locations, then automated player detection is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy technology, which operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band and consumes minimal power. By changing the operational parameters to use low-energy radio frequency communication instead of more expensive or power-intensive alternatives, the system achieves automated detection while keeping implementation costs low and enabling widespread deployment in retail environments.
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 approach enhances player engagement, increases foot traffic to retail locations, and adapts lottery games to the mobile age by providing personalized invitations and instructions, thus supporting the traditional sales network while accommodating growing electronic gaming trends.
Implementation Method 1
The locations are configured with a transmitter device, such as a BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) beacon, that broadcasts an ID signal unique to the communication-enabled location
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided wherein players are automatically detected at a physical location and invited by an electronic component within the location to play a game of chance or perform other game related activities. The players have the capability to receive unique ID signals emitted by a transmitter device within the locations on a mobile smart device, or to broadcast an ID signal unique to the player for receipt by a receiver in the locations. When the player is at a first distance from the transmitter device or the receiver in the location, a game server generates a first personalized message to the player that invites the player to move to a game console within the location. When the player is at a second distance from the transmitter device or the receiver indicating the player has moved towards the game console, the game server generates a second personalized message instructing the player how to play a game or perform other game-related activities at the game console.