WO2017208130A1

WO2017208130A1 - Identification system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2017208130A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/053145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carl Weidner VISAGIE
Original assignee: Visagie Carl Weidner
Priority date: 2016-05-30
Filing date: 2017-05-29
Publication date: 2017-12-07

Abstract

The invention discloses an identification system, which includes identification means operated by means of a mobile device of a user and being adapted to identify assigned mobile devices assigned to persons/users located at a specific location; identify specific characteristics and/or features of the assigned mobile devices; and identify the position and/or location of the assigned mobile devices. The position and/or location of the assigned mobile device is identified by means of Bluetooth means, triangulation means, GPS means and/or location services. The position and/or location of the assigned mobile device is identified as being relative to the user. The system includes object identification means to discover and/or identify the person/user. The object identification means is adapted to be used to identify the user associated with a specific assigned mobile device.

Description

IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an identification system and method.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an identification system and method for identifying people within a specific location.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Face-to-face interaction is a concept in sociology, linguistics, media and communication studies describing social interaction carried out without any mediating technology. The concept of face-to-face interaction has been of interest to scholars since at least the early 20th century. Face to face interaction is one of the basic elements of the social system, forming a significant part of individual socialization and experience gaining throughout one's life time. Similarly it is also central to the organization and development of various groups and organizations composed of those individuals.

Study of face-to-face interaction is concerned with issues such as its organization, rules, and strategy. Face to face communication could easily be interrupted or avoided by just pulling out a cell phone or electronic device. When it comes to communication and understanding one another fully 93% is non-verbal and body language and 7% is written. According to research studies show that there are an estimated total of over 300 million cell phones users in the United States. Owning a cell phone becomes a distraction in everyday life whether if you get a phone call, text message, e-mail, etc. Any alert in general is a distraction because of the settings that you can customize.

Historically, mediated communication was much rarer than face-to-face one. Even though humans possessed the technology to use technology to communicate in space and time for millennia, majority of world's population lacked skills such as literacy to use them. This began to change with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg that led to the spread of printed texts and rising literacy in Europe from the 15th century. Since then, face-to-face interaction has begun to steadily lose ground to mediated communication.

Despite the advent of many new information and communication technologies, face- to-face interaction is still widespread and popular. Face-to-face interaction is the preferred means to activate contact and maintain strong ties. Face-to-face communication has been however described as less preferable to mediated communication in some situations, particularly where time and geographical distance are an issue. For example, in maintaining long-distance friendship, face-to-face communication was only the fourth most common way of maintaining ties, after telephone, email and instant messaging.

Networking is a socioeconomic business activity by which businesspeople and entrepreneurs meet to form business relationships and to recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities, share information and seek potential partners for ventures. Since the closing decades of the twentieth century, "networking" has become an accepted term and concept. In the 2000s, "networking" has expanded beyond its roots as a business practice to the point that parents meeting to share child-rearing tips to scientists meeting research colleagues are described as engaging in "networking".

A business network is a type of business social network which is developed to help businesspeople connect with other managers and entrepreneurs to further each other's business interests by forming mutually beneficial business relationships. There are several prominent business networking organizations that create models of business networking activity that, when followed, allow the business person to build new business relationships and generate business opportunities at the same time. A professional network service is an implementation of information technology in support of business networking. Chambers of Commerce and other business-oriented groups may also organize networking activities.

Many business people contend business networking is a more cost-effective method of generating new business than advertising or public relations efforts. This is because business networking is a low-cost activity that involves more personal commitment than company money. In the case of a formal business network, its members may agree to meet weekly or monthly or less frequently, with the purpose of sharing information, exchanging business leads and making referrals to fellow members. To complement this business activity, members often meet outside this circle, on their own time, and build their own one-to-one business relationship with fellow members.

Before online business networking, there existed face-to-face networking for business. This was achieved through a number of techniques such as trade show marketing and loyalty programs. Though these techniques have been proven to still be an effective source of income. "Schmoozing" or "rubbing elbows" are expressions used among professional business professionals for introducing and meeting one another in a business context, and establishing business rapport.

The problem with face-to-face networking for business or social purposes is that it is difficult to identify the persons of interest and by randomly approaching people one loses time and the networking becomes ineffective.

It is an object of this invention to suggest an identification system and method which will assist overcoming the aforementioned problem.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, an identification system includes identification means operated by means of a mobile device of a user and being adapted to

(a) identify assigned mobile devices assigned to persons/users located at a specific location;

(b) identify specific characteristics and/or features of the assigned mobile devices; and

(c) identify the position and/or location of the assigned mobile devices.

Also according to the invention, a method for identifying people at a specific location includes the steps (a) of providing a user with an identification system having identification means operated by means of a mobile device of the user;

(b) of identifying assigned mobile devices assigned to persons/users located at a specific location;

(c) of identifying specific characteristics and/or features of the assigned mobile devices; and

(d) of identifying the position and/or location of the assigned mobile devices.

The mobile device and/or the assigned mobile devices may be a mobile phone.

Each assigned mobile device may include identification means.

Each assigned mobile device may be associated with a person and/or potential contact.

The location may be a networking premises and/or room and/or hotel and/or conference venue and/or restaurant and/or spread over a specific area.

The location may be pre-determined and/or pre-programmed.

The assigned mobile devices may be identified by means of their digital ID.

The position and/or location of the assigned mobile device may be identified by means of Bluetooth means, triangulation means, GPS means and/or location services.

The position and/or location of the assigned mobile device may be identified as being relative to the user. The system may include object identification means to discover and/or identify the person/user.

The object identification means may be adapted to be used to identify the user associated with a specific assigned mobile device.

The position and/or location of the assigned mobile device may be identified as being relative to the user.

The system may be adapted to display which assigned mobile device and accordingly person is which in a room full of people.

Once the user has zeroed in on the assigned mobile device, the user receives his/her public information and gain the upper hand in the initial conversation.

The system may be used as a tool to make all sorts of networking easier.

The system may be adapted to remove the need to talk to a whole room of 500 people and enable the user to talk to the 2 or 3 that matter to him/her and business, career and/or intentions.

A person and/or user may be able to enter all of their data into identification means. The identification means may include an app or application. The data may be personal and/or professional.

The app may be designed to easily market the user's professional brand or even for social reasons. The identification means and/or app may be backed up by a social media website platform that allows connectivity to new friends and connections and will act as a way to monitor progress and people.

The system may be adapted to be used to identify persons in emergency situations, such as doctors on an aircraft and/or identifying a patient's medical information during emergency information.

The system may be adapted to only function if the assigned mobile device is in close proximity to the person/user of the assigned mobile device.

The identification system and method may include three inputs working together in order to achieve the desired effect, namely:

(a) Facial Recognition

(b) Object Identification

(c) Bluetooth range and location indication

The above identification process may allow user A to assign a mobile phone to User B and then retrieve their profile details, this will give user A the ability to introduce themselves to the right people depending on their career needs. The unique identification process is important.

The identification system and method may include the usage of a watch in relation to Bluetooth location. The identification system and method may be adapted to be used for business purposes and sector, social purposes and sector and emergency requirements.

In the social sector, the identification system and method may be adapted to be used to do anything from matchmaking to tracking social traffic.

In the business sector, the identification system and method may be adapted to increase a person's reach in terms of creating contacts and to provide them with a simpler way to network at certain events.

In the emergency sector, emergency services may use the invention on callouts to find people in large crowds or even within buildings.

Thereby the time paramedics and the likes have to treat patients may be increased and the survival chance of those patients may be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

In the drawings various screens of an application incorporation the identification system and method according to the invention is shown as follows:

Figure 1 : Splash Screen - the splash screen is displayed every time the application is opened by the user by clicking on the application icon. The splash screen is displayed for 2 seconds and then fades into the next screen ; Figure 2: Registration Screen - when a user downloads the application they will not be able to browse the application without being registered or logged in;

Figure 3: Login Screen - can include facial recognition to login as an option and/or username and password;

Figure 4: Home: News Tab Screen - when the user first opens the application they will be presented with a home screen containing tabs navigation of News,

Calendar and Profile;

Figure 5: Home: Calendar Tab Screen

Figure 6: Home: Profile Tab Screen

Figure 7: News Screen - List views of news articles - the home news tab gives the user access to business news and articles;

Figure 8: News Screen - Scroll view;

Figure 9: Calendar Screen - Cards view of events and meetings - the home calendar tab gives the user tools to set meetings and events;

Figure 10: Calendar Screen - Scroll up - user can set events and meetings;

Figure 1 1 : Profile Screen - List view for the user profile options - the home profile tab gives the user access to Notifications, Connections, Edit Profile and Settings activities;

Figure 12: Profile Screen - Scroll up;

Figure 13: Notifications Screen - Applications notifications such as connection nearby and these notifications can be configures in the settings;

Figure 14: Connections Screen - User connections location map; Figure 15: Edit profile Screen - User can update/edit profile;

Figure 16: Settings Screen - About and settings for the application;

Figure 17: Home: Menu Screen - The user will be able to navigate around the application via the menu floating button of Discoverable (make user profile visible), Nearby List (List of other users nearby), Camera Objects

(Camera view of other users in view of camera);

Figure 18: Home: Menu Discoverable Screen - (Make user profile visible) - this is not a new activity, but rather a permission request for Bluetooth permission;

Figure 19: Nearby List Screen: Activity List of other application users nearby. These users should have turned the discoverable menu option above to be discovered. List of other users nearby - option to filter list by proximity. Proximity is divided into the following: Immediate (very close to each other), Near (about 1 -3 metres between the devices), Far (further away or the signal is fluctuating too much to make a better estimate);

Figure 20: Camera Objects Screen - Activity of selectable human figures - Human body detection and link user profile based on device location and can utilise face recognition and/or Bluetooth location identifier therefore;

Figure 21 : Profile Screen - Profiles activity selected via nearby of human figure from the camera view - Selected via Nearby List or Object View. The user can make contact view with the profile menu Floating button; and

Figure 22: Profile Menu Screen: Contact Options - Email and call. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, an identification system and method according to the invention is shown.

The identification system, according to the invention, includes identification means operated by means of a mobile device of a user and being adapted to

(c) identify the position and/or location of the assigned mobile devices. The mobile device and/or the assigned mobile devices can be mobile phones. Each assigned mobile device includes identification means.

Each assigned mobile device is associated with a person and/or potential contact.

The location can be a networking premises and/or room and/or hotel and/or conference venue and/or restaurant and/or spread over a specific area.

The location can be pre-determined and/or pre-programmed.

The assigned mobile devices are identified by means of their digital ID.

The position and/or location of the assigned mobile device is identified by means of Bluetooth means, triangulation means, GPS means and/or location services. The position and/or location of the assigned mobile device is identified as being relative to the user.

The system includes object identification means to discover and/or identify the person/user.

The object identification means is adapted to be used to identify the user associated with a specific assigned mobile device.

The position and/or location of the assigned mobile device can be identified as being relative to the user.

The system is adapted to display which assigned mobile device and accordingly person is which in a room full of people.

The system is to be used as a tool to make all sorts of networking easier.

The system is adapted to remove the need to talk to a whole room of 500 people and enable the user to talk to the 2 or 3 that matter to him/her and business, career and/or intentions.

A person and/or user is able to enter all of their data into identification means. The identification means includes an app. The data can be personal and/or professional. The app is designed to easily market the user's professional brand or even for social reasons.

The identification means and/or app can be backed up by a social media website platform that allows connectivity to new friends and connections and will act as a way to monitor progress and people.

The system is adapted to be used to identify persons in emergency situations, such as doctors on an aircraft and/or identifying a patient's medical information during emergency information.

The system is adapted to only function if the assigned mobile device is in close proximity to the person/user of the assigned mobile device.

The system and method is adapted to be used as follows:

Business

(a) Scan the nearby area for potential business connects, assuming they have the app and their privacy settings allow.

(b) Narrow these people down using a filter to find the perfect fit.

(c) Display information of to be targeted businessman, Work, Experience, etc.

(d) Establish contact and exchange E-Business cards.

This will be the basic function of the system in order to create a point of contact with the correct people. It cuts out the middle man or stops wasting time at conferences or gatherings. Instead of speaking to 1000 people, the user can go straight to the one he/she needs. The app is based on the same principle as Linkedln™ and will also have a website platform to work off of and display info, etc.

The system will have a news feed similar to Linkedln™ and Facebook™ and will allow the user to keep up to date with all its connections.

Social

(a) Find friends at festivals or clubs using the same concept as business above.

(b) Create a point of contact for those looking to date, hang out, etc.

(c) Make new friends by using the same idea as Happn™ or Tinder™.

(d) Because of the website backing up the app, the user can basically use it to replace Facebook™ for social needs.

(e) Create Statuses, track travels, and show people what you're doing.

(f) Sit in a crowded space and just scope people out.

Emergency Services:

(a) Allows Paramedics or Fireman to locate victims of Crashes, Fires and more.

(b) If a paramedic uses his version of the app it can display medical information of the victim, making it easier to treat them. (Medical Aid, Medical History)

(c) It can be used for a "Checklist" each person involved can show others that they are okay.

The identification system according to the invention can be defined as a networking and business related App that tells you who someone is before you even speak to them, imagine scanning a room and seeing "Person A" is an investor and CEO of a certain company etc. the rough idea is a barcode scanner for people that have a profile, using their phones location on said person to determine identity.

If the person has his/her phone on her during a car accident - medical staff will be able to determine pre-existing conditions as well as the presence of a medical aid. This will help greatly in the decision making or emergency staff and could reduce total loss of lives. This info will be visible only to certified holders of the 'emergency app' version of the software as to avoid people getting their hands on other's medical information.

The identification system thus provides for a method for identifying people at a specific location which includes the steps

(a) of providing a user with an identification system having identification means operated by means of a mobile device of the user;

(d) of identifying the position and/or location of the assigned mobile devices.

The identification system and method according to the invention thus makes networking within professional environments easier and includes the following criteria:

(a) Simplicity of implementation

(b) Speed of process (c) Reliability

(d) Accuracy

The identification system and method includes three inputs working together in order to achieve the desired effect, namely:

(a) Facial Recognition

(b) Object Identification

(c) Bluetooth range and location indication

The above identification process allows user A to assign a mobile phone to User B and then retrieve their profile details, this will give user A the ability to introduce themselves to the right people depending on their career needs. The unique identification process is important.

The identification system and method includes the usage of a watch in relation to Bluetooth location.

The identification system and method is adapted to be used for business purposes and sector, social purposes and sector and emergency requirements.

In the social sector, the identification system and method can be used to do anything from matchmaking to tracking social traffic.

In the business sector, the identification system and method is adapted to increase a person's reach in terms of creating contacts and to provide them with a simpler way to network at certain events. For example, the invention allows young entrepreneurs to locate and contact potential investors and valuable contacts as they embark on their journey. In the emergency sector, emergency services can use the invention on callouts to find people in large crowds or even within buildings. The purpose is to increase the time paramedics and the likes have to treat patients and increase the survival chance of those patients.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1 . An identification system, which includes identification means operated by means of a mobile device of a user and being adapted to

(c) identify the position and/or location of the assigned mobile devices.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , in which the mobile device and/or the assigned mobile devices are a mobile phone(s).

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which each assigned mobile device includes identification means.

4. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which each assigned mobile device is associated with a person and/or potential contact.

5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the location is a networking premises and/or room and/or hotel and/or conference venue and/or restaurant and/or spread over a specific area.

6. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the location is pre-determined and/or pre-programmed.

7. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the assigned mobile devices are identified by means of their digital ID.

8. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the position and/or location of the assigned mobile device is identified by means of Bluetooth means, triangulation means, GPS means and/or location services.

9. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the position and/or location of the assigned mobile device is identified as being relative to the user.

10. A system a claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes object identification means to discover and/or identify the person/user.

1 1 . A system as claimed in claim 10, in which the object identification means is adapted to be used to identify the user associated with a specific assigned mobile device.

12. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to display which assigned mobile device and accordingly person is which in a room full of people.

13. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which once the user has zeroed in on the assigned mobile device, the user receives his/her public information and gain the upper hand in the initial conversation.

14. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to be used as a tool to make all sorts of networking easier.

15. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to remove the need to talk to a whole room of 500 people and enable the user to talk to the 2 or 3 that matter to him/her and business, career and/or intentions.

16. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a person and/or user is able to enter all of their data into identification means.

17. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the identification means includes an app or application.

18. A system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, in which the data is personal and/or professional.

19. A system as claimed in claim 1 6 or claim 17, in which the app is designed to easily market the user's professional brand or even for social reasons.

20. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the identification means is backed up by a social media website platform that allows connectivity to new friends and connections and will act as a way to monitor progress and people.

21 . A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 6 to 18, in which the app is backed up by a social media website platform that allows connectivity to new friends and connections and will act as a way to monitor progress and people.

22. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to be used to identify persons in emergency situations, such as doctors on an aircraft and/or identifying a patient's medical information during emergency information.

23. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to only function if the assigned mobile device is in close proximity to the person/user of the assigned mobile device.

24. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes three inputs working together in order to achieve the desired effect, namely: (a) Facial Recognition

(b) Object Identification

(c) Bluetooth range and location indication

25. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the identification process is adapted to allow user A to assign a mobile phone to User B and then retrieve their profile details, this will give user A the ability to introduce themselves to the right people depending on their career needs. The unique identification process is important.

26. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes the usage of a watch in relation to Bluetooth location.

27. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to be used for business purposes and sector, social purposes and sector and emergency requirements.

28. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is, in the social sector, adapted to be used to do anything from matchmaking to tracking social traffic.

29. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is, in the business sector, adapted to increase a person's reach in terms of creating contacts and to provide them with a simpler way to network at certain events.

30. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which, in the emergency sector, emergency services use the invention on callouts to find people in large crowds or even within buildings.

31 . A system as claimed in claim 29, whereby the time paramedics and the likes have to treat patients is increased and the survival chance of those patients are increased.

32. A method for identifying people at a specific location includes the steps

(d) of identifying the position and/or location of the assigned mobile devices.

33. An identification system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. A method for identifying people at a specific location substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.