User Location System Using Transmitter Identification Codes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining user location in areas, such as quick service restaurants and retail stores, face congestion issues and inefficiencies when users need to collect orders, as they often congregate near order-collection points, and staff face challenges in locating users in large areas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a transmitter providing device and a plurality of receiving devices to associate and transmit an identification code with a user, allowing the user location determining device to pinpoint the user's location within the area, using a transmitting device that can be provided to the user, either as a dedicated device or a mobile device, and determining the user's location based on signal strength from receiving devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users are provided with order numbers and signs to locate themselves in seating areas, then users can move freely while waiting for orders, but staff spend excessive time locating users in large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical search process with an automated electronic location system. Transmitters in seating areas and a central processing unit automatically determine user locations through signal detection and triangulation, eliminating the need for staff to physically search for users with order numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transmitters and a central processing unit as intermediaries between users and staff. These devices automatically track and communicate user locations, serving as a mediator that eliminates the time-consuming direct search process while maintaining user mobility.
2Ease of operation
If users congregate near order-collection locations to collect orders, then order collection is simplified, but congestion occurs particularly when order-collection location is also the food-ordering location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical congregation of users at order-collection points with an automated notification system. Transmitters and a central processing unit send notifications to users' mobile devices or display screens when orders are ready, eliminating the need for users to physically gather at collection points and thereby reducing congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces notification devices (mobile devices, display screens) as intermediaries between the order preparation system and users. These intermediaries deliver order readiness information without requiring users to physically congregate at collection points, thus maintaining ease of order collection while eliminating congestion.
3Ease of operation
If notification systems are implemented to alert users when orders are ready, then users can wait in seating areas, but users may not become aware of notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple notification channels (mobile device notifications, display screens at seating areas, audible alerts) tailored to different user preferences and situations. This ensures that at least one notification method reaches the user, improving reliability while maintaining the ability to wait in seating areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can acknowledge receipt of notifications, and the system can retry or escalate notifications if not acknowledged. This ensures reliable communication of order readiness while allowing users to wait comfortably in seating areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the location of a user in an area. A user requests a transmitting device from a transmitter providing device. The transmitter providing device associates an identification code with the user, and the transmitting device transmits that identification code. One or more of receiving devices receive the identification code transmitted by the transmitting device, and send details of the received identification code to the user location determining device. The user location determining device then determines the location of the user, using the received details from the one or more receiving devices.