Mobile Token Reader for On-Site Event Registration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass on-site event registration processes for events like endurance races and trade shows are inefficient due to the lack of interoperability between registration systems, leading to time-consuming manual data entry and registration deadlines, which diverts staff from critical event-day tasks.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device with an integrated token reading device is used to read participant identification data, query a remote registration system for prior registration data, and transmit it to a local system, facilitating on-site registration and payment processing, thereby streamlining the registration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual data entry is used for on-site registration, then staff can register participants at the event, but the process is time-consuming and diverts staff from critical event-day tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual data entry process with an automated electronic system. Mobile computing devices with token reading capabilities automatically capture participant identification data, query remote registration systems, and transmit data electronically, eliminating the need for staff to manually enter registration information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service registration where participants' identification data is automatically read from tokens, their registration information is automatically retrieved from remote systems, and payments are processed electronically without requiring staff intervention for data entry tasks.
2Productivity
If registration deadlines are enforced before the event, then data management is simplified, but participants who neglect to register early cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically querying and retrieving participant registration data from remote registration systems before the participant even approaches the registration desk. This pre-fetching of data eliminates the need for manual data entry and enables quick processing of both early and late registrants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile computing devices with integrated token reading and communication capabilities as intermediaries between participants, remote registration systems, and local event systems. This intermediary enables seamless data transfer and coordination between different registration systems, allowing flexible accommodation of late registrants while maintaining efficient data management.
3Reliability
If experienced staff perform manual registration, then accurate data entry is achieved, but their time could be better spent on critical event-day issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data entry performed by staff with an automated electronic data capture and transmission system. Mobile devices automatically read token data, query remote systems, and transmit information electronically, eliminating the need for staff to manually enter data while maintaining high accuracy through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service data entry where the mobile computing device automatically captures identification data from tokens, retrieves registration information from remote systems, and transmits data to local systems without requiring staff intervention for the actual data entry, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and systems of registering participants for an event at an event site are disclosed. Identification data specific to a participant encoded on a first token object is read with a mobile computing device. A query is generated from the mobile computing device to a remote event registration system for prior registration data based upon at least a subset of the received identification data. The prior registration data is received on the mobile computing device. A first subset of the prior registration data is transmitted to a local event registration system, and a payment success indicator is received upon successful payment processing. Registrant identification data is generated by the local event registration system in response to recording the first subset of the prior registration data and the payment success indicator.