Kiosk RFID Location Tracking with Payment Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking systems for amusement parks and similar areas do not effectively integrate transceivers in kiosks that allow users to locate individuals while also dispensing identification markers and managing payment.
Innovation Solution
A location tracking system comprising RFID tags embedded in wearable bracelets that communicate with kiosks, which use cooperative location algorithms to determine and display the location of markers, and allow payment and dispensing through integrated mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID tags are used in wearable markers for location tracking, then location tracking capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to integration with kiosks for dispensing and payment
Solution Approach 1:
The kiosk is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an RFID transceiver for location tracking, a dispensing machine for distributing wearable markers, and a payment terminal for processing transactions. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into a single integrated unit, resolving the contradiction by managing complexity through functional consolidation rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the RFID transceiver, marker dispensing mechanism, and payment processing system into a single kiosk unit. By merging these previously separate functions into one integrated device, the system achieves reliable location tracking while avoiding the complexity that would arise from multiple independent systems needing to communicate and coordinate.
2Measurement precision
If multiple kiosks are deployed throughout the area, then location determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The location tracking system is segmented into multiple distributed kiosks placed throughout the monitored area. Each kiosk independently performs RFID transceives and location calculations, with the overall system achieving high precision through the collective data from multiple segmented units. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision while managing infrastructure complexity through modular, standardized kiosk units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple kiosks positioned at different spatial locations to create a three-dimensional tracking network. By distributing transceivers throughout the area rather than using a single centralized system, the patent achieves improved location determination accuracy through spatial diversification, transforming a single-point system into a distributed multi-dimensional network.
3Ease of operation
If kiosks integrate payment processing and marker dispensing, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kiosk is designed as a universal device that handles multiple user needs in one location: purchasing markers, dispensing markers, and tracking locations. This multi-functionality improves user convenience by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function, while the internal integration manages the inherent complexity through unified system architecture.
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 efficient location tracking and payment processing within defined areas, enhancing user convenience and security by integrating payment and location determination in a single kiosk system.
Implementation Method 1
Each location marker of the plurality of location markers has a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag with an identification code
Data Source
AI summary
A location tracking system for tracking locations of individuals in a defined area such as an amusement park includes a plurality of location markers, each of which has a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag with an identification code. Each location marker of the plurality of location markers is in wireless communication with at least one kiosk of a plurality of kiosks. The RFID tag of each location marker transmits identification signals to at least one kiosk of the plurality of kiosks. The kiosks are in communication with each other. The plurality of kiosks cooperatively determine a location of each location marker of the plurality of location markers via a location algorithm. A selected kiosk of the plurality of kiosks is configured for communicating a location of a chosen location marker of the plurality of location markers to a user.