Mobile Device Bag-Drop Control via Virtual Zone Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bag-drop systems require fixed consoles at airports, which occupy space and can be inefficient, as they do not ensure that users remain within a specific area during the bag-drop process, potentially leading to issues with signal reception and procedure completion.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system using signal emitters at bag-drop stations creates a virtual zone that mobile devices can detect, triggering and aborting the bag-drop procedure based on proximity, allowing mobile devices to control the process and eliminate the need for fixed consoles by ensuring users stay within a defined area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed consoles are used at bag-drop stations, then users can control the bag-drop process, but the system occupies more space and requires more hardware infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical fixed console with a virtual copy implemented as a mobile application on users' smartphones. The mobile device replicates all console functions (bag registration, weight input, destination selection) in software form, eliminating the need for physical hardware while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical console system with an electronic/mobile-based system. Instead of users interacting with physical buttons and displays at a fixed station, the system uses mobile device screens, touch interfaces, and wireless communication to achieve the same bag-drop control functions.
2Device complexity
If fixed consoles are removed in favor of mobile devices, then hardware requirements are reduced, but users may leave the designated area during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback through the mobile application that monitors procedural progress and provides real-time guidance to users. The system tracks which steps have been completed (bag registration, weight input, destination selection) and guides users through the remaining steps, ensuring procedure completion even when users move away from the physical station.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires users to complete all necessary bag-drop procedures (registration, weight input, destination selection) through the mobile application before physically leaving the designated area. The system validates and processes all information in advance, so users have already completed the procedural requirements before moving on to drop the bag.
3Reliability
If users are required to stay within a specific area during bag-drop, then signal reception is improved, but user mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the control interface from a fixed spatial location (physical console at a specific spot) to a portable dimension (mobile device that moves with the user). The mobile application maintains the communication link and control capability regardless of the user's physical position, effectively adding the dimension of user mobility while maintaining system connectivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A computerized system of controlling a bag-drop process via a mobile device is provided. The system is arranged to create a virtual zone in front of a bag-drop station using signal emitter(s) located at the bag-drop station. Signals emitted by the signal emitter(s) are received by a mobile device to determine whether the mobile device is located within a triggering range in the virtual zone. If it is determined that the mobile device is located within the triggering range the start of a mobile-device controlled bag-drop procedure at the bag-drop station is triggered. If it is determined based on the signals received from the signal emitter(s), that the mobile device has left the virtual zone, the bag-drop procedure at the bag-drop station is aborted.