Virtual Button Paging System for Service Request Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for paging staff in stores, such as restaurants and hospitals, are inefficient as they do not provide the reason for the paging request, leading to unnecessary time and cost due to staff movement without context.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using virtual buttons on user devices to transmit a paging signal and service request, where the user device receives a store code, retrieves corresponding virtual buttons from a server, and sends the location identifier and button selection to a staff device, allowing for direct service requests without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional paging button is used to page staff in a store, then the paging signal can be transmitted, but the reason for the paging request is not provided, leading to unnecessary staff movement and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the paging function with the service request function into a single integrated system. When a customer presses a virtual button on their device, both the paging signal and the specific service request information are transmitted together to the staff device, eliminating the need for separate communication steps and reducing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the user device and staff device. The server receives the service request information from the user device, processes it, and then transmits both the paging signal and detailed service request to the appropriate staff device, ensuring complete information transfer and reducing unnecessary staff movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is deployed for paging and service requests, then service functionality is enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing user devices (smartphones, tablets) perform multiple functions by installing a virtual button application. The same device that customers use for general purposes also serves as the paging device and service request interface, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical buttons in the form of software interfaces on user devices. These virtual buttons replicate the functionality of physical paging buttons while adding service request capabilities, allowing the system to function without additional physical hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If virtual buttons are implemented on user devices, then service requests can be transmitted directly with location information, but requires software application on user devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user devices to automatically capture and transmit their own location information along with service requests. The virtual button application accesses the device's built-in location capabilities and automatically includes this data in transmissions to the server and staff devices, improving productivity without requiring complex additional software infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communicating devices using virtual buttons comprises receiving, by a user device, a store code and transmitting, by the user device, the store code to a server; searching, by the server, for virtual buttons corresponding to the store code, and transmitting, by the server, to the user device the virtual buttons corresponding to the store code; providing, by the user device, an interface configured to receive a location identifier and button selection input among the virtual buttons received from the server, and transmitting, by the user device, the location identifier and the button selection input to the server; transmitting, by the server, to a staff device the location identifier and the button selection input; and receiving, by the staff device, the location identifier and the button selection input and displaying information associated with the location identifier and requested service corresponding to the button selection input.