Location-Based Service Notification for Disabled Customer Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disabled customers face difficulties in efficiently and discreetly communicating their assistance needs to service providers, leading to delays and potential safety concerns when receiving services, especially in self-service environments like petrol stations and mobile assistance services.
Innovation Solution
A method using a portable communications device with location determining means to select and message service providers about intended visits, including separation information and assistance requirements, allowing for pre-allocation of staff and improved service efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disabled customer uses traditional methods (horn, hazard lights) to signal assistance needs at a petrol station, then the customer can attract staff attention, but this causes embarrassment to the customer and delays service to other customers
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends a first message to the provider before the customer arrives, alerting them in advance of the approaching disabled customer and their assistance needs. This preliminary notification allows the provider to prepare and allocate staff beforehand, eliminating the need for the customer to draw public attention upon arrival and preventing service delays for other customers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a petrol station provides assistance service to disabled customers, then disabled customers can receive help, but two members of staff must be present on the premises which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the location of the portable communication device relative to the provider and automatically sends subsequent messages (second and third messages) as the customer approaches. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual staffing arrangements and complex coordination, allowing the same staff members to handle multiple assisted customers efficiently.
3Ease of operation
If a person requests assistance from a traveling provider (e.g., vehicle breakdown service), then the person can receive mobile assistance, but safety concerns arise as the person cannot verify the trustworthiness of the arriving provider
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device serves as an intermediary between the customer and the provider, facilitating verified communication through the network. The system authenticates and relays messages between parties, providing a trusted channel that enhances safety and reliability while maintaining ease of access to mobile assistance services.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of tracking and communicating information about a person to a provider of goods or services is disclosed. A GPS enabled mobile phone is used to search for nearby sites of providers of a specific service. Once a service provider is selected, a route to that provider is advised and as the person travels towards the provider the separation between them is determined. As one or more geofences are broken during the journey warning messages are sent to the service provider indicating the pending arrival. The method is particularly useful where the service is to be provided to a disabled person as their accessibility needs can be identified in the message.