Ad Hoc Social Networking Proxy Elements for Privacy and Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing social networking systems face challenges in efficiently managing and updating contact and access information across multiple platforms and devices, particularly when changes occur, leading to difficulties in conveying information to all members and devices within and outside social networks.
Innovation Solution
A social network-centric approach that allows users to manage contact and device access dynamically, enabling real-time updates and rerouting of access to secondary devices while maintaining anonymity, with features like Ad Hoc social networking groups and proxy elements for anonymous communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If contact information is shared across social networks, then communication efficiency is improved, but user privacy and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a social network as an intermediary layer between users and their contact information. Instead of sharing actual contact details directly, users interact through the social network platform which mediates all communications, thereby maintaining privacy while enabling efficient communication across different networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of contact information within the social network environment. Users have profile pages and virtual contact details that replicate the functionality of actual contact information without exposing the real data. These virtual copies enable communication while the original contact information remains private.
2Measurement precision
If access information is updated across all devices, then information accuracy is improved, but system complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates access information management into a centralized location within the social network profile. Instead of managing contact information across multiple devices and platforms separately, all access information is merged into a single profile that can be updated once and automatically synchronized across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes access information in advance within the social network profile before actual communication needs arise. Users pre-configured their profile pages with contact information and access details, so when communication is needed, the information is already prepared and readily available, eliminating the need for real-time updates during interactions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact information channels are provided, then communication versatility is improved, but information management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal profile page structure that can accommodate multiple types of contact information and communication channels within a single interface. The profile system is designed to be multi-functional, supporting various contact methods (email, phone, social media handles, etc.) in a unified manner, thereby providing communication versatility without increasing management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An Ad Hoc social networking environment enables information and device access management between social networking groups and social networking members with or without access restrictions and anonymity. Contact and access information can be exchanged and updated on the fly without requiring users to notify other contacts or contacting devices and can support underlying contact information changes, enable extemporaneous termination or modification of contact access, enable temporary access, and the like. Ad Hoc social networking can utilize unique identifiers, proxy elements, or the like to support various levels of membership anonymity and Ad Hoc social networking. Proxy elements enable SNET tear down or dissolution by retracting the proxy service from a member. Storing social group contact information in shared databases can enable sharing and updating of contact information without the need to inform affected contacts. Some social networks can include various specialized devices and related services.