Wireless Guest Medallion Location Tracking via BLE Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless devices struggle to accurately track the location of persons and assets within low-power wireless networks, particularly in resource-constrained environments like cruise ships, leading to inefficiencies in guest engagement and contact tracing.
Innovation Solution
A guest engagement system utilizing wireless sensing technologies, including medallions and sensor networks, for secure identification and seamless service provision, with enhanced location tracking and communication capabilities using BLE and NFC standards, and sensor network peripherals to manage sensor data without on-board processing power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wireless devices are used for location tracking in low-power wireless networks, then device simplicity is maintained, but location tracking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wireless network into two distinct segments: low-power wireless devices (medallions, tags) for identification and high-power wireless devices (smartphones, tablets) for location tracking. This segmentation allows each device type to be optimized for its specific function, improving location tracking accuracy while maintaining simplicity of the primary identification devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where high-power wireless devices act as intermediaries to enhance location tracking. These devices supplement the low-power network by providing additional location data through wireless communication, thereby improving overall tracking accuracy without requiring the low-power devices themselves to become more complex.
2Use of energy by moving object
If low-power wireless networks are used in resource-constrained environments, then energy consumption is reduced, but location tracking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two wireless network technologies: low-power wireless networks (BLE, NFC) for energy-efficient identification and high-power wireless networks for enhanced location tracking. By combining these networks, the system achieves both low energy consumption and high location tracking accuracy, with each network compensating for the other's limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal wireless system that serves multiple functions through different device types. Low-power devices handle identification and basic communication, while high-power devices provide location tracking and data processing. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain low energy consumption overall while achieving high location tracking accuracy when needed.
3Ease of operation
If guests must proactively identify themselves, then service personalization is achieved, but guest engagement convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where guests are automatically identified and recognized by the wireless sensing system without needing to proactively present identification or remind staff of their preferences. The medallions and tags continuously broadcast identification information, and the system automatically retrieves and applies guest preference information, making the guest experience seamless and convenient while preventing loss of personalization data.
Data Source
AI summary
A guest engagement system and associated methods provide seamless engagement with guests of facilities through the use of wireless sensing technologies. The system makes use of individual guest devices which are carried by guests and used to automatically identify and authenticate the guests throughout the facility. Services can thereby be seamlessly provided to the guests throughout the facility. The services include contact tracing, automatic unlocking of doors, including hotel or state room doors, based on the guests' immediate proximity to their assigned room's door. The services also include automated payment services provided at checkout or vending terminals, and automated log-on to interactive displays and portals, among others, based on secure wireless authentication of the guest devices. The guest devices can each include a device health sensor configured for measuring at least one health function of a user wearing the guest device.