Entitlement Token Automated Social Check-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in completing location-based social media check-ins due to GPS limitations, device requirements, and user forgetfulness or lack of time, leading to 'check-in fatigue' as existing solutions are dependent on specific hardware and software combinations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an entitlement token, linked to a user's account, to automatically check-in at recognized locations by presenting the token at a fixed location, allowing the social network to update the user's status as if they had checked in from a mobile device, using NFC and other communication protocols for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If GPS-based automatic check-in is implemented, then check-in automation is improved, but device compatibility and hardware requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an entitlement token as an intermediary object that mediates between the user and the check-in system. Instead of relying on GPS hardware and location services, the token serves as a universal identifier that can be presented across different devices and platforms. The system verifies the token at the venue and automatically performs check-in, eliminating the need for GPS-dependent applications while maintaining automation.
2Measurement precision
If active user participation in check-in process is required, then location verification accuracy is improved, but user effort and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by allowing the entitlement token to automatically verify the user's presence at the venue without requiring active user participation. The token contains sufficient information for the system to confirm location and perform check-in autonomously. Users simply need to present the token, and the system handles verification and check-in completion without requiring users to search for locations, initiate check-in requests, or interact with GPS services.
3Measurement precision
If GPS location confirmation is required for check-in, then location accuracy is improved, but check-in availability and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location verification function from GPS-dependent mobile applications and embeds it directly in the entitlement token system. Instead of relying on external GPS services to determine location, the system uses the token presentation itself as proof of presence at the venue. This extraction removes the dependency on GPS hardware, cellular triangulation, and location services, making check-in available across all devices regardless of their location capabilities.
4Extent of automation
If multiple device requirements are imposed for automated check-in, then automation capability is improved, but system complexity and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The entitlement token is designed as a universal identifier that functions across multiple devices, platforms, and venues without requiring device-specific implementations. The same token can be used on smartphones, tablets, computers, or any device with internet connectivity. The system maintains a single centralized database of tokens and venues, eliminating the need for separate automated check-in systems for different device types while preserving full automation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A user with a user account on a social network uses an interface to communicate user identification information and the user's intent to participate in a social network application. The user also communicates an identifier associated with an entitlement token to the social network application. When a server receives, from a device at a fixed location, a message indicative of the user's presence at the fixed location as determined by the receipt of the identifier and a site specific identifier, the server generates and sends a communication sufficient to cause the social network to implement a behavior as if the user had generated a message to the social network from their mobile device.