Remote Counter Video Presence for Multi-Location Services
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counter service management systems are inefficient, costly, and limited in functionality, requiring users to physically visit offices, leading to time wastage and increased operational costs, especially in areas with fewer inhabitants or lower user demand.
Innovation Solution
A remote counter system with advanced features that allows simultaneous management of multiple user requests through a centralized system, utilizing video presence communication, AI operators, and centralized management to optimize operator usage, ensuring efficient and cost-effective service delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a local counter is set up to provide counter services, then users can receive personalized service, but operational costs increase and continuity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses video presence communication to create a virtual copy of the operator's presence at the local counter. The operator appears on a screen at the user's location through video transmission, allowing the user to interact with the operator remotely without requiring a physical counter staffed continuously. This copying of the operator presence enables personalized service while eliminating the need for continuous local staffing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical presence of a physical operator at a local counter with an electronic/video-based communication system. Instead of requiring a human operator to be physically present at the counter location, the system uses video transmission technology to substitute for the operator's physical presence, enabling service continuity without proportional increases in operational costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple local counters are operated simultaneously, then service coverage increases, but personnel requirements increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote operator workstation that can serve multiple local counters through video presence communication. A single operator at one location can simultaneously interact with users at different local counters via the video communication network, making the operator's presence multi-functional across multiple service points without requiring separate operators for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-to-one physical correspondence between operators and counters to a many-to-many relationship enabled by video transmission. By adding the dimension of electronic communication, a single operator can serve multiple counters simultaneously, decoupling the physical presence requirement from the service delivery function.
3Reliability
If operators are available continuously, then service availability increases, but infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The video presence communication system creates a virtual copy of the operator that can be deployed at multiple locations simultaneously. This allows the operator to be 'present' continuously across different time zones and locations without requiring physical infrastructure at each site, maintaining service availability while reducing the need for expensive local infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a video presence communication system as an intermediary between the operator and the user. This intermediary technology enables continuous service availability by transmitting the operator's presence and interactions remotely, eliminating the need for expensive local infrastructure at each counter location while maintaining reliable service delivery.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A remote counter system comprises one or more local counter (2) accessible locally by a plurality of users (U), one or more remote workstations (3) suitable to be placed in remote communication with one at a time of said local counters (2), video presence communication means (4) associated with each of said local counters (2) and suitable to remotely put said workstations (3) in contact with said local counters (2), a central management unit (5) remotely connected to each of said local counters (2) and suitable to receive requests from users (D) via said local counters (2) for providing a service and temporarily associating said remote workstations (3) with said local counters (2) according to a predetermined supply order based on one or more parameters.