Gibraltar Industries has filed a patent for systems, methods, and software that enable self-guided tours of multi-unit residential facilities (MURFs). The method involves receiving guest information, payment information, and identification (ID) information from a client device, confirming the tour time, providing property access information, and receiving tour data. The patent aims to enhance the tour experience for prospective tenants, owners, and management of MURFs. GlobalData’s report on Gibraltar Industries gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData, Gibraltar Industries's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Self-guided tours of multi-unit residential facilities using smartlock devices
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230177413A1) describes a method and system for a self-guided tour of a multi-unit residential facility (MURF). The method involves receiving a signal indicating the location of a client device within a predetermined range of a smartlock device in a model unit of the MURF. In response to this signal, a model unit access screen is displayed on the client device, allowing the user to unlock the smartlock device. Once unlocked, the tour server provides tour directions for the model unit based on user input. The tour server also obtains tour data indicating the locations of the client device within the model unit, which is generated through the interaction of the client device with one or more beacons in the model unit. Based on this tour data, the tour server determines the actual tour path taken by the user.
The method described in the patent also includes additional features. It allows for the display of a scheduling screen on the client device, enabling the user to select a tour time. The tour server receives the tour time from the client device and displays a confirmation screen indicating the chosen tour time. The start and end times for the self-guided tour are determined by the tour server, and the model unit access screen is displayed on the client device based on these times.
The tour directions provided by the tour server can be displayed through one or more tour guide windows on the client device, which may include a map or a floorplan. The suggested tour path can be highlighted on the map or floorplan. Additionally, audible speech can be provided to the user, giving verbal instructions for navigating the model unit.
The system described in the patent includes one or more processors and computer-readable mediums with processor-executable instructions. These instructions facilitate the various steps of the self-guided tour method, including receiving the signal indicating the client device's location, displaying the model unit access screen, providing tour directions, obtaining tour data, and determining the actual tour path.
Overall, this patent presents a method and system for a self-guided tour of a multi-unit residential facility, allowing users to explore model units at their own pace and receive interactive tour directions.
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