Location-Based E-Ink Membership Code Device for Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for managing multiple membership cards, such as loyalty programs and tickets, are cumbersome and slow due to the need to navigate through software applications and deal with reflective or poorly lit smartphone screens, leading to inefficiencies in scanning barcodes.
Innovation Solution
A location-oriented membership code device that stores identifiers associated with specific locations, uses past user behavior to select the relevant identifier, and displays it on an E-Ink display for easy scanning, minimizing the need to carry multiple cards and streamline the scanning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple membership cards are stored on a keychain, then the user has all necessary cards available, but the keychain bundle becomes cumbersome and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the user's location using GPS coordinates and retrieves the appropriate membership card without requiring manual selection. The device serves itself by autonomously matching location data with stored membership information, eliminating the need for users to physically search through multiple cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically handling and searching through multiple keychain cards with an electronic information processing system. GPS location data is processed electronically to automatically display the correct membership card information on a screen, substituting manual card selection with automated digital retrieval.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software applications are used to store membership cards, then multiple cards can be managed in one location, but the user must turn on the display and navigate through applications which slows down the scanning process
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads multiple membership card information into the device's memory during a setup phase. When the user needs a card, the information is already prepared and stored, requiring only automatic retrieval based on current location rather than manual navigation through applications at the moment of need.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically determines location and retrieves the appropriate membership card information without requiring user interaction to navigate applications. The system self-services by autonomously matching GPS coordinates with stored membership data and displaying the correct card immediately.
3Illumination intensity
If smartphone screens are used to display barcodes, then the display can show the code, but the screen may be too reflective or the brightness may not be high enough causing scanning problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the display parameter from a standard smartphone screen to an E-Ink display technology. E-Ink displays have different optical properties with higher reflectivity and better visibility in various lighting conditions, fundamentally changing the display characteristics to improve barcode scanning reliability without requiring increased brightness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and a computer product are provided for a location oriented membership code device. The method includes storing, in a memory of a device, one or more identifiers, wherein each of the one or more identifiers is associated with one or more locations; determining that the device is within a range of a location associated with at least two of the identifiers; selecting which of the least two identifiers to retrieve from the memory of the device based at least partially upon past user behavior; and displaying an indication of the selected identifier on a display of the device.