WO2023227925A1

WO2023227925A1 - Automated interface kit, for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system associated therewith

Info

Publication number: WO2023227925A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/054942
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianrocco CATALANO
Original assignee: Silva Hotel Splendid S.R.L.
Priority date: 2022-05-26
Filing date: 2022-05-26
Publication date: 2023-11-30

Abstract

Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, adapted to manage a plurality of users (20), remotely by means of at least a central monitoring server (2) installed in a hotel facility (30) comprising: at least a central electronic device (4), comprising a frame (4.1) and a screen (4.2), adapted to generate a QR code, a. plurality of state of the art electronic devices (3), comprising a QR code reader and a display (3.1), provided to each user when checking into a hotel facility and/or upon request for a visit; a plurality of beacons installed throughout the entire hotel facility; a. battery charger station ( 1.4).

Description

“Automated interface kit for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system associ ated therewith”

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of radio technologies and hotel structures. More in detail, this patent application relates to a novel automated kit for hotel structures, associated with a usable system, independently of the designated staff, providing services to customers and users in general at any time they request it.

Prior art

At the current state of the art, a variety of radio communication devices and systems are known which use vehicle, fixed, portable and switching equipment. They are designed and used by specific organizations and not only by the general public. The Internet is now an integral part of the hotel industry, which has to deal with negative reviews on the one hand and with unexpected bookings and recommendations on the other. For a hotel, having a website is now obvious, which necessarily allows quick access to the information and images that are most important to the customer. New mobile equipment allows to use the Internet in an innovative way, with applications that are becoming increasingly important because they put fun and creativity above productivity. The digitization boom at the beginning of the third millennium is bound to continue over the years to come. Social networks have become increasingly influential opinion makers, and the tourism industry has also had to come to terms with this. Hotel review sites have changed the way accommodation facilities are run. A survey has revealed that 56% of tourists rely on the ratings by other guests when deciding where to spend their holidays. Hotels of the future will have to offer customers various possibilities of digital entertainment, on the assumption that customers will be able to access the web anytime and anywhere. For example, with “QUADRA Systems”, the hotel constantly determines and updates all the economic data of Revenue Management and in general of the Management Control, without any additional activity with respect to those required by the normal operational management of the facility. The integration with 5 stars for the acquisition of sales data and the parameterization of the operations of recording purchases allow to feed all the statistics relating to sales and purchase. All this flexibly given the use of the cloud technology.

As regards patent scope, the industry is vast and features the utility model CN212034248U or patent CN11752250A to mention but a few. The former describes a monitoring device for hotel management and refers to the technical field of monitoring devices. The device, in this case, comprises a box-like body, a hydraulic pump fixed to the bottom of the inner wall of the box by means of bolts and a video camera fixed to the outlet end of the hydraulic pump. Depending on the utility model, an infrared detection sensor is used to detect and actuate the motor and hydraulic pump to operate.

The second relates to a management platform for smart hotel terminals, which comprises a management system, a terminal monitoring system and a terminal. The management subsystem comprises a pre-processing unit, a first terminal detection unit, a first cross- validation unit and a database, the smart hotel terminal monitoring system comprises a terminal monitoring module, a terminal exception management module, and a database. The terminal monitoring module comprises a second terminal detection unit and a second cross- validation unit. The first terminal detection unit performs the first terminal detection based on the terminal reference value of a smart hotel and the terminal data of a smart hotel; the second terminal detection unit performs the second detection based on the first detection result. The first cross-validation unit performs the first cross-validation based on the system inspection data, and the second cross-validation unit performs the second cross-validation based on the first cross-validation result of the anomalous terminal of the smart hotel in other management subsystems. Also in the latter case, it is an invention relating to the management of customers inside the hotel that constantly requires - both the customers and users in general - to interface with the staff of the hotel structures.

Up to now, the devices listed above lack features that make them usable, regardless of the staff involved, providing services at any time the customer requests it and automating the interface device.

There does not seem to be any patent which effectively solves the aforementioned problems. Therefore, the object of the present industrial invention patent is to create a kit for the assistance, localization and monitoring of users in a hotel facility, who can access the sendees offered through the use of advanced hardware and software tools capable of bringing considerable improvements in the internal hotel monitoring and management process.

Description of the invention

According to the present invention, a new user interface, assistance, location and monitoring kit is provided that is programmed to maintain a constant connection with a central monitoring server in order to guarantee monitoring, data collection and efficient management of user-only activities and sendees offered.

The system associated with the kit in question is installed in every member-hotel facility and it allows to increase the efficiency of the internal monitoring process through the data, recording allowed through a hardware and a. wireless antenna. The hardware is installed in a central electronic device and it is connected to a wireless antenna installed inside said device. In addition, it allows the constant connection between the central electronic device and the central monitoring controller.

The kit comprises at least a. central electronic device provided with a frame and a screen for displaying a QR code. The latter is generated by the aforementioned device which, in the following order: creates a random code, sends it to the aforementioned central monitoring server marked by the identifier thereof and transforms it into a QR code. In one of the rear surfaces thereof, the central electronic device comprises a battery charger station, installed inside a compartment, which allows to charge the integrated batteries of the mobile electronic devices, by connecting to a plurality of sockets integrated inside said compartment.

In turn, the central electronic device is constantly connected to a power-supply system.

In a further version, the aforementioned central electronic device is provided with a section adapted to facilitate the integration of the central monitoring server with a plurality of external management software and to allow to extract data and to implement integrations with the main systems in the hotel industry.

A plurality of state of the art. electronic devices are provided - upon entry into the hotel - to each user and they are programmed to read, through a reader, the QR code generated by the central electronic device. Through a display, they allow user interaction, the display of messages, notifications and content. The display supports various optional sections and a summary dashboard, which manages in an automated fashion together with settings such as brightness, color and any other functionality connected to the hotel facility that is being utilized by each user.

Following the recognition of a newly generated code, the aforementioned electronic devices, provided to each user, access a reserved and dedicated presentation area: advantageously, they comprise a plurality of sections, which can be activated by means of simple touchscreen inputs and designed to select the operations required of each user through a single click.

A plurality of beacons, which constantly transmit radio signals in the surrounding areas allowing each of the nearby mobile electronic devices to receive customized notifications and interact with the sendees available in the hotel, are installed throughout the hotel area.

The micro-location system, operating by means of the aforementioned beacons, identifies mobile electronic devices that are at a distance of 10 cm or up to more than 60 meters.

Each of the aforementioned actions is allowed by the presence of a wireless antenna that constantly connects the central electronic device with the central monitoring server, which in turn collects and organizes all the transmitted data. Furthermore, the aforementioned central server collects all the activities carried out by the central electronic device and by each of the mobile electronic devices, carrying out statistical analyses to adapt the management of the orders of the hotel facility, to evaluate and recalculate any correct use and/or redistribution of the loads of the offered activities.

Possibly, one of the advantages of the aforementioned server is the collection of a database starting from the data recorded by each of the mobile electronic devices on the activities carried out by the users and on any feedback collected.

In a further advantageous version, mobile electronic devices comprise a plurality of functionalities which allow a high level of monitoring, assistance and utility:

- a control panel section which provides data on the user, the distance travelled and shows the details of the tasks to be performed as well as the selected and completed tasks,

- a “details” section which show's the list of scheduled tasks and allows each administrator to provide progress of tasks, attach photos, documents, and additional notes.

- a section which provides for the management and the maintenance works, programming every deadline related to a routine maintenance of the entire kit through any activity to this end.

In a further and advantageous version, the aforementioned central device is connected to an application programmed for the communication between several users and to allow rapid interaction with the central monitoring server and sending requests as well as feedback on the activities carried out. This application can be installed on state of the art mobile devices upon authorization.

The aforementioned central electronic device varies in size and it can be modified, according to the size of the entrance of the hotel facility in which it is installed. While the possibly and advantageously surrounding frame is molded using ABS material - ivory or black-colored and/or any other color and tone - based on the customer's request.

The advantages offered by the present invention are apparent in the light of the description set forth herein and will be further clarified by the accompanying figures and the detailed description thereof.

The invention will be described hereinafter in at least a preferred embodiment by way of non-limiting example and with the aid of the attached figures, wherein:

- FIGURE 1 show's the components of the kit 1 comprising a central electronic device 4 connected to a central monitoring server 2 and a plurality of state of the art mobile electronic devices 3 provided with a display 3.1

- FIGURE 2 show's the aforementioned central electronic device 4 in a front facade comprising a screen 4.2 and a frame 4.1 and in a rear facade comprising a compartment 1.3 containing a station 1.4 for charging the mobile electronic devices 3.

- FIGURE 3 show's a block diagram of the interrelations between the components of the kit 1 according to the system 10 associated therewith: in each facility 30, a hardware 40 is installed that is connected to a wireless antenna 50, which constantly allow the connection between the central electronic device 4 and the central monitoring server 2 and the transmission of QR codes and the data exchange. Each user 20 of the service is then provided with at least a mobile electronic device 3, programmed for reading the QR code provided by said central electronic device 4.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention will now be illustrated by way of non-limiting or binding example, using the figures which illustrate some embodiments in relation to the present inventive concept.

With reference to FIG. 1 all the technological components of the interface kit 1 , automated, for the assistance and monitoring in hotel structures are shown; each of them comprises at least:

- a central monitoring server 2,

- a central electronic device 4,

- a plurality of mobile electronic devices 3,

- a plural i ty of b eacon s,

- a wireless antenna 50 and hardware 40,

- a battery charger station 1.4.

Fig. 2 shows the central electronic device 4 which has the main function of generating a random code and transforming it into a QR code which can be scanned through an integrated screen 4.2. The aforementioned device 4 sends the generated and marked QR code of the identifier thereof to said central monitoring server 2 which in turn allows the generation of new codes different from each other. This function ensures exclusive and secure access for each of the different users who utilize the service accessible through the kit 1 in question.

The aforementioned central electronic device 4 is substantially rectangular-shaped, it varies in size and it can be adapted to the size of the entrance of a hotel facility in which it is installed and it comprises:

- on a front facade, a frame 4.1 and the aforementioned screen 4.2; the aforementioned frame 4.1 is molded using ABS material - ivory or black-colored and/or any other color and tone - based on a customer’s request;

- on a rear side, on the other hand, it comprises a compartment 1.3 in which the aforementioned battery' charging station 1.4 is installed for charging the integrated battery of each of said mobile electronic devices 3, such charging is allowed by connecting to a plurality of sockets integrated in said compartment 1.3.

Fig. 3 shows the system 10 associated with the kit 1 in question, structured on the constant connection between said central electronic device 4 and central monitoring server 2, it collects and organizes all the data that is transmitted thereto thanks to said hardware and to said wireless antenna 50.

A plurality of state of the art mobile electronic devices 3 are given to whenever each user registers in the hotel facility or upon request to visit the facility.

Each of these comprises a QR code reader and at least a display 3.1, for displaying messages and content and - following the recognition of a newly generated QR code - to access a reserved and presentation area allocated to each user. These mobile devices 3 manage - in an automated fashion - the settings such as brightness and color and they comprise a summary dashboard containing a plurality of optional sections which can be activated by means of touch-screen inputs and are designed to select the operations required of each user through a single click. These sections include a control panel section, a “details” section, and a management and maintenance section. All of these functions guarantee the provision and the saving of the data relating to the user experience, including those relating to the routes taken and the activities carried out. At the same time, they contain a list of scheduled tasks, tasks to be performed, or selected tasks and completed tasks. In addition, they allow each administrator to provide progress on tasks, attach photos, documents, and additional notes, along with maintenance management, by scheduling each deadline for routine maintenance of the entire kit 1 .

The entire hotel facility is provided with a plurality of beacons, which transmit radio signals in the surrounding areas, allowing each of the mobile electronic devices 3 found within a distance of 10 cm or up to more than 60 m, to receive customized notifications and interact with the services available in the identified area.

The entirety of the information exchanged between the components of the aforementioned kit 1 is recorded by the central server 2 which constantly collects the activities carried out by the central electronic device 4 and by each of the mobile electronic devices 3 while simultaneously carrying out a statistical analy sis for adapting the management of the orders of the facility and a redistribution of the loads of the activities offered in the case of detection of malfunctions of the system 10. In this manner, furthermore, the server creates a database starting from the data recorded by each of said mobile electronic devices 3 on the activities carried out by the users and on any feedback collected.

The integration of the central server 2 with new external management software is allowed in a dedicated section, installed in the central electronic device 4, which facilitates and allows to extract the data involved and implements integrations with the main systems in the hotel industry.

Lastly, the aforementioned central device 4 can be connected to an application to be installed on state of the art mobile phone devices adapted to allow the interaction and communication of each user directly through the personal smartphone, upon authorization. This application being adapted to improve the communication between several users allowing to interact rapidly with said central monitoring server 2 to send requests and feedback on the activities carried out.

Claims

1. Automated interface kit (1), for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system

(10) associated therewith, adapted for managing a plurality of users (20), remotely by means of at least a central monitoring server (2), said kit (1) being installed in each hotel facility (30) which comprises said system (10) and being adapted to increase the performances and efficiency of the internal control process through the data recording by means of at least a hardware (40) adapted to be connected to common wireless antenna (50) installed within said central monitoring server (2); said kit (1) being characterized in that it comprises: at least a central electronic device (4), with substantially rectangular form. comprising a frame (4.1) and a screen (4.2), said device (4) being adapted to generate a random code and transform it into a QR code, said device (4) being adapted to send said QR code, marked with its own identification, to said central monitoring server (2); said screen (4.2) being adapted to show said QR code once sending has been carried out with success; a plurality of state of the art. mobile electronic devices (3), each of which comprising a QR code reader and at least a display (3.1) for displaying messages, notifications and content, adapted to automatically manage a summary; instrument panel containing a plurality of sections as desired and the setting such as brightness, color and any other function connected to the hotel facility that each user is enjoying; said mobile electronic devices (3) being adapted, following the recognition of a code just generated for accessing a private, presentation area dedicated to each user; each user being equipped with said mobile electronic devices (3) at the time of check-in in a. hotel facility and/or upon request for an exploratory visit; said mobile devices (3) comprising a plurality of sections adapted to be activated by means of input touchscreen and intended to select the operations necessary for each user through a single click; a. plurality of beacons installed in the entire hotel structure that has employed the present kit (1) and the system (10) associated therewith, said beacon being adapted to transmit audio signals in the surrounding areas, allowing each of said mobile electronic devices (3), which are situated nearby, to receive personalized notifications and interact with the services available in the structure; said beacon being adapted to estimate the position of the mobile electronic devices (3) and interact therewith, exchanging data, and information; said wireless antenna (50) being adapted to constantly connect said central electronic device (4) with said central monitoring server (2) adapted to collect and organize the transmitted data; a battery -charger station (1.4), installed in a space (1.3) positioned behind said central electronic device, adapted to charge the integrated battery of each of said mobile electronic devices (3), by means of the connection to a plurality of outlets integrated within said space (1.3); said central electronic device (4) being adapted to be constantly connected to a power supply plant; said central server (2) being adapted to constantly collect the activities performed by said central electronic device (4) and by each of said mobile electronic devices (3), carrying out statistical analyses in order to adapt the management of the workers of the hotel structure, evaluate the recalculate the correct use and/or a possible redistribution of the loads of the offered activities.

2. Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that said central device (4) has variable size, adaptable to the size of the entrance of a hotel structure; said frame (4.1) being printed in ivory /black color ABS material and/or of any other color and fantasy upon request of a. customer.

3. Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, according to one of the preceding ciaims 1 or 2, characterized in that said central electronic device (4) is provided with a section adapted to facilitate the integration of said central server (2) with a. plurality of external management software pieces and allow extracting the interesting data and implementing integrations with the main systems in the hotel sector.

4. Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said micro-localization system operating by means of said beacon is adapted to identify said mobile electronic devices (3) that are situated at a distance of 10 cm or up to over 60 meters distance.

5. Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control panel section adapted to provide the data relative to the user. to the distance traveled and to show the detail of the activities to be performed, of those selected and completed.

6. Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said central server (2) is adapted to collect a database starting from the data, recorded by each of said mobile electronic devices (3) on the activities performed by the users and on the possible collected feedback.

7. Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mobile electronic devices (3) comprise a detailed section adapted to show the list of the planned activities; said section being adapted to allow each administrator to provide the advancement state of the activities, to enclose photographs, documents and additional notes.

8. Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for managing the maintenance interventions by programming each deadline relative to a routine maintenance of the entire kit (1).

9. Integrated kit (1) for assistance and monitoring in hotel structures and system (10) associated therewith, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said central device (4) is connected to an application to install on latest-generation cellular devices adapted to allow the interaction and communication of each user directly through the personal smartphone, upon authorization; said application being adapted to improve the communication between multiple users, allowing quick interaction with said central monitoring server (2) with regard to the activities undertaken.