Stadium Seat Mesh Nodes for Seamless Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stadiums lack an efficient and integrated system to provide fans with seamless access to various amenities, information, and services such as seat confirmation, ordering food, and real-time event data, while managing seating arrangements and issues like double booking or maintenance requests.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mesh network system that connects smart devices to stadium seats via processor modules, enabling wireless communication and data exchange for accessing amenities, ordering services, and managing seating through a network of nodes that dynamically form and communicate with consumer electronics devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mesh network system is implemented to connect fans to stadium services, then access to amenities and information is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stadium network is segmented into multiple independent mesh nodes distributed across individual seats. Each node operates autonomously, relaying data locally without requiring centralized control for basic functions. This segmentation enables the system to provide comprehensive service coverage while maintaining manageable complexity at each node level.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network nodes are designed with multi-functionality, serving as wireless access points, location trackers, service order receivers, and information distributors simultaneously. This universal design consolidates multiple system functions into a single network infrastructure, improving service access while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If wireless mesh networking is used for stadium services, then fan access to amenities is improved, but network stability deteriorates due to frequent node joins and leaves
Solution Approach 1:
Stadium seats are pre-equipped with mesh network nodes before events begin. These nodes are pre-configured and activated in advance, creating a stable foundational network structure. When fans arrive, they simply connect to the pre-established network rather than initiating node creation, thereby maintaining network stability while enabling easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network implements continuous feedback mechanisms where nodes monitor network conditions, node availability, and connection quality in real-time. This feedback enables dynamic route adjustment and automatic reconnection protocols, maintaining stable service delivery even as fans move in and out of the stadium throughout the event.
3Productivity
If processor modules are integrated into each stadium seat, then service delivery is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network nodes in stadium seats are designed to operate autonomously, making local decisions about data routing, connection management, and service delivery without requiring expensive centralized processing for each transaction. This self-service capability reduces the need for high-performance (and high-cost) processors while maintaining efficient service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective, standardized processor modules that can be manufactured at scale and integrated into seats. These modules are designed for simplicity and reliability rather than high performance, accepting that individual nodes may need replacement or upgrading. This approach prioritizes manufacturing efficiency and scalability over individual component sophistication.
4Loss of information
If real-time communication is enabled between fans and stadium services, then information access is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network implements periodic communication cycles rather than continuous real-time transmission. Nodes broadcast service information and fan devices check for updates at scheduled intervals. This periodic approach provides timely information access while allowing devices to enter low-power states between communication cycles, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Mesh node modules are associated with stadium seats and companion nodes such as fan CE devices can dynamically form a mesh network which uploads information of the nodes to a network. Sporting information may be downloaded to a fan's CE device or services provided to the fan while in a seat based on information sent through the node modules in the stadium.