Electronic Waiting Number System Using Location-Based Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for issuing waiting number tickets require users to constantly monitor a number calling machine, leading to unnecessary paper waste and time wastage, as users cannot perform other tasks during long waiting periods.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for providing electronic waiting numbers and waiting times using a location-based service system, which includes a terminal with a positioning module and a server with platform technologies, determining waiting numbers and times based on user location and providing relevant content during the wait.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If paper waiting number tickets are issued, then users can obtain their waiting number, but paper resources are wasted unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper wasteVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical paper tickets with electronic copies delivered to mobile terminals. The waiting number information is transmitted digitally through communication networks, creating a virtual copy of the traditional paper ticket that eliminates paper consumption while maintaining the same functional purpose of identifying user queue position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical paper issuance system with an electronic information transmission system. Instead of physically dispensing paper tickets through a ticket machine, the system uses wireless communication to send waiting number data to mobile terminals, replacing mechanical paper handling with electromagnetic signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If users must monitor the number calling machine, then users can know when their turn is called, but users waste time and cannot perform other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser waiting timeVSAvoiduser monitoring requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated feedback system where the waiting number notification device actively sends alerts to users when their queue number is called. This reverse feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to continuously monitor the calling machine, as the system proactively notifies them of status changes, allowing users to engage in other activities during waiting periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically managing the notification process without requiring user intervention. The notification device autonomously monitors queue status and sends alerts to appropriate terminals, freeing users from the burden of manual monitoring while ensuring they receive timely notifications when their turn arrives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If users hold the vibration call receiver, then users can be notified when their number is called, but users must remain at the location and cannot leave

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification capabilityVSAvoiduser mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical vibration call receiver with an electronic notification transmitted to mobile terminals. The notification data is copied and delivered through wireless communication networks to users' personal devices, eliminating the need for users to physically hold or remain near a specific notification device, thereby enabling free movement while maintaining notification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2761895B1Method and apparatus for providing content
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2761895B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2761895B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2761895B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8a

AI summary

A method of providing content is provided. The method includes providing an interface for providing a service based on information regarding a wireless transceiver positioned close to an apparatus for providing content, the information being received from the wireless transceiver; requesting a waiting number for providing the service via the interface; and receiving the waiting number for providing the service, a waiting time, and content based on the waiting time.