Remote Check-In System Using Proxy Beacons
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check-in systems for electronic commerce are limited to physical locations, preventing remote users from accessing services or making purchases, resulting in lost sales and missed opportunities for merchants.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a remote check-in system using short-range wireless beacons and mobile devices, allowing proxy users to check in on behalf of remote users, enabling transactions and service access without physical presence through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communications and networked servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional check-in systems are used, then consumers can receive services and make payments at physical locations, but remote consumers cannot access these services resulting in lost sales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy user as an intermediary who physically visits the merchant location on behalf of the remote consumer. The proxy user checks in using their mobile device, and the system associates the remote consumer's account with the location through this intermediary action, enabling remote access to location-based services
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation of the check-in experience for remote consumers through the proxy user's mobile device. The proxy user's check-in data is transmitted to the server, which then provides the remote consumer with the same services, offers, and payment capabilities as if they were physically present
2Ease of operation
If check-in services are limited to physical locations, then system complexity remains manageable, but consumer accessibility and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device application serves multiple functions: it acts as a check-in tool for proxy users, a communication bridge between proxy and remote consumers, a payment terminal, and a service delivery interface. This multi-functionality consolidates complex operations into a single accessible platform
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the server receives check-in data from the proxy user's mobile device, processes the remote consumer's account information, and returns service offers, payment options, and confirmation data to both the proxy user and remote consumer, creating a closed-loop system that manages complexity through structured information flow
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables remote users to access and utilize check-in services and make purchases from any location, increasing accessibility and convenience while maintaining secure transactions and targeted promotions.
Implementation Method 1
allowing proxy users to check in on behalf of remote users, enabling transactions and service access without physical presence through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communications and networked servers
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating remote check-in and associated proxy shopping operations. A proxy customer of a merchant may be a friend of a remote customer that is making a purchase at the merchant on behalf of the remote customer. A beacon may alert the proxy customer to check-in to the merchant. The proxy customer may forward the alert to the remote customer. The remote customer may request remote check-in responsive to the alert. A payment provider or service provider may perform a remote check-in of the remote customer and a proxy check-in of the proxy customer. When the proxy customer wishes to make a proxy purchase for the remote user, the merchant may verify the proxy customer's identity and charge the payment provider. The payment provider may then transfer funds from remote customer's account to the merchant's account.