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 this IPRO project is to explore, perhaps for the first time, the use and benefits of Beacon technology in a campus setting– specifically 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 IPRO team will address the following goals:

• research the short history of virtual reality and Beacon technology and its pros and cons
• establish campus user groups for the use of Beacon technology
• create a campus map and messaging system and methodology for each user group
• develop a marketing program for promoting Beacon technology at Illinois Tech and other campus facilities — academic, corporate, industrial, healthcare, etc.

explore the programming of the Beacons to create a prototype for demonstration

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