We are all familiar with the impact smart phones have had on our lives. We are also becoming aware of virtual reality and how it intends to affect our perception of the world around us. Beacon technology integrates smart phone and virtual reality technologies by connecting people with relevant, time-sensitive, location-specific information via their smart phone. Beacon technology started with retailers sending customers special incentives and opportunities through their cell phones while shopping. Museums, airports and hotels are now exploring and using Beacon technology.
What’s next?
The objective of the first semester of this IPRO project in spring 2017 was to explore, perhaps for the first time, the use and benefits of Beacon technology in a campus setting — specifically at Illinois Tech. We will explore this very new technology and show how it can serve the students, staff, faculty, athletes and visitors by enhancing their Illinois Tech experience.
The goal of Part II of this IPRO project for fall 2017 is to transition the focus from Illinois Tech to creating a prototype for this new approach toBeacon technology that can be promoted to other campuses and facilities. As a result, the IPRO team will:
All students are welcome to join this IPRO project team. We envision that the following students will find it particularly appropriate in applying knowledge from their majors: architecture, business, computer science, computer engineering, information technology, psychology, humanities and social sciences.
