Patron Management Server for Proximity-Based Group Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current restaurant management systems fail to efficiently select venues that meet complex group preferences and manage patron information, leading to navigation challenges and ordering difficulties, especially in crowded environments.
Innovation Solution
A proximity-based system that uses location beacons and a patron management server to automatically identify patrons, provide their location, and facilitate communication and navigation, allowing for rapid modification of patron information and group operations like venue selection and ordering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a host manually tracks and remembers detailed preferences for multiple patrons, then personalized service can be provided, but the host may lose track of orders and patrons in crowded areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the host and patron information. The device stores and retrieves detailed patron preferences, dietary requirements, and order histories, allowing the host to access this information without manually remembering it. This intermediary prevents information loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of patron information including preferences, dietary restrictions, and order histories. These copies are stored on the mobile device and can be quickly retrieved during service, eliminating the need for the host to remember all details while ensuring accurate information is always available.
2Productivity
If patrons navigate crowded areas to interact with hosts or place orders, then service can be provided, but navigation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical navigation through crowded areas with an electronic communication system. Patrons can use mobile devices to communicate orders and interact with hosts remotely, eliminating the need to physically move through crowded spaces while maintaining service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary that enables communication between patrons and hosts without requiring physical proximity. This allows service to be delivered efficiently while patrons remain in comfortable locations, reducing navigation time and improving overall productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If groups manually select venues and coordinate preferences, then all group needs can be considered, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual patron profiles into a single group profile that consolidates all preferences, dietary requirements, and ordering preferences. This unified profile allows the group to select venues and coordinate orders efficiently while still accommodating all individual needs, reducing the time required for group decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides universal functionality for group management that works across different venues and scenarios. The group profile system can accommodate various types of groups with different preferences and requirements, making the venue selection and coordination process efficient regardless of the specific group composition.
4Ease of operation
If hosts interact face-to-face with patrons in crowded venues like bars or outdoor festivals, then orders can be taken, but both patrons and hosts need to navigate crowded areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of face-to-face communication in crowded areas with electronic communication through mobile devices. Orders can be taken and communicated remotely, eliminating the need for hosts and patrons to navigate crowded areas while maintaining full order-taking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for proximity-based patron discovery and group creation, comprising a patron management server that receives location and ID information from a plurality of client devices via a network, directs a patron interaction manager, groups client devices based on information similarities, and produces group information for a group; and a display manager that presents group information for review.