Light Beacon Content Association via Geolocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for associating content with light beacons are not user-friendly for non-administrators, as they require knowledge of beacon IDs and are not suitable for users who want to share content with others at specific events or locations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows users to associate content with light beacons using geographical indicators, enabling easy identification and selection of beacons, and configuring them to transmit data via visible light, allowing content reproduction on devices such as smartphones or augmented reality glasses, with options for time windows, reproduction conditions, and transmission conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a web portal requiring administrator credentials and beacon ID knowledge is used, then content can be associated with beacons, but the system becomes inaccessible to non-administrator users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures images of beacons. The camera enables non-administrator users to interact with the beacon system without needing to know beacon IDs or have administrator credentials. The captured image serves as the intermediary between the user and the beacon, allowing content association through a simplified workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service functionality where any user can associate content with beacons using their mobile device camera. Users independently perform the association task without requiring administrator intervention or access to complex backend systems. The process is self-contained and user-driven.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If administrators manually enter beacon IDs to associate content, then precise beacon identification is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeacon identification accuracyVSAvoidcontent association ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of typing beacon IDs with an optical recognition system. The camera captures an image of the beacon, and the system automatically extracts the beacon ID from the image. This substitution eliminates the need for manual data entry while maintaining accurate beacon identification.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to input beacon IDs directly, the system creates a visual copy of the beacon through camera imaging. This copied visual representation is then processed to extract the beacon identity, providing a simpler and more intuitive interface for beacon selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the system supports multiple user types with different access levels, then security is improved, but the user interface becomes less user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem securityVSAvoiduser interface simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the user interface into distinct functional areas: a simplified public-facing interface for content association using camera input, and a separate administrator interface for managing users and permissions. This segmentation allows different user types to interact with appropriate portions of the system without compromising security or usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 non-administrators to easily associate and share content with light beacons based on geographical locations, improving user experience by allowing content targeting specific groups or situations without requiring complex administrator interventions.

Implementation Method 1

each of said at least one light beacon being configured to transmit data via visible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVisible Light Communication (VLC): Light

Data Source

PatentEP3590205B1Associating content with one or more light beacons based on a geographical indicator
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3590205B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3590205B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3590205B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A system is configured to receive a geographical indicator, to determine at least one light beacon (61-69) based on the geographical indicator, to output information (82) identifying the at least one light beacon, to receive a selection of one or more (61-68) of the at least one light beacon, to receive a content item or a reference to a content item in relation to the one or more light beacons, and to associate the content item with the one or more light beacons. The association causes the one or more light beacons to transmit data via visible light which enables reproduction of the content item.