Store-Proximity Application Launch With Conditional Signal Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing application launching methods on mobile terminals require manual user intervention, leading to inconsistent and cumbersome operational experiences across different payment and service applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes a mobile terminal's location sensor and signal receiver to automatically launch applications when the terminal approaches a store, enabling the signal receiver only when necessary, and upon receiving a specific signal within the store, thereby automating the application launch process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the signal receiver is kept enabled continuously to receive signals within the store, then the application can be launched automatically when needed, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic application launchVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by enabling the signal receiver only when location sensor data indicates the mobile terminal has approached the store. This conditional enabling based on proximity detection allows the system to prepare for automatic application launch only when necessary, rather than keeping the receiver continuously enabled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The signal receiver's operational state is made dynamic rather than static. It switches between enabled and disabled states based on real-time location information from the location sensor, adapting its power consumption characteristics to the actual operational needs of the application launch function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual operations are required to launch applications for code-based payment, then the user maintains control over when the application runs, but the operational process becomes cumbersome and inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational consistencyVSAvoidmanual operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service functionality by automatically launching the application when the mobile terminal enters the store and the signal receiver detects the transmitted signal. This eliminates the need for manual user intervention to launch the application, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the mobile terminal's location and the store's signal transmission before automatically launching the application. This preliminary action ensures that the application launches at the appropriate moment without requiring manual user input, achieving operational consistency across different payment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the signal receiver is enabled only when the mobile terminal approaches the store, then the power consumption is reduced, but the application launch may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidapplication launch speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The location sensor continuously monitors the mobile terminal's position and performs preliminary detection to determine when the terminal has approached the store. This preliminary action triggers the enabling of the signal receiver in advance, ensuring that when the terminal enters the store, the receiver is already active and can immediately detect the transmitted signal for rapid application launch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the signal receiver's operational state based on real-time location data. By transitioning the receiver from disabled to enabled state when proximity is detected, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and response time, ensuring rapid application launch only when operationally necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Simplifies user operations by eliminating the need for manual application launches, reduces power consumption, and ensures appropriate screens are displayed based on the store's capabilities, enhancing user experience and service encouragement.

Implementation Method 1

a location sensor configured to acquire a current location of the mobile terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSatellite positioning:

Implementation Method 2

a signal receiver configured to receive a signal that is transmitted within the store

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal reception:

Data Source

PatentUS20250298678A1Method for launching application, launch system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing launch program code

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 RAKUTEN GROUP INC

AI summary

A method for launching an application installed on a mobile terminal is provided. The mobile terminal includes a location sensor and a signal receiver switchable between an enabled state and a disabled state. The method includes acquiring a current location of the mobile terminal, acquiring store information that includes a store location, upon detecting that the mobile terminal has approached the store based on the store location and the current location, enabling the signal receiver in the disabled state, and, when the signal receiver receives the signal that is transmitted within the store, automatically launching the application.