Augmented Reality Overlay for Real-World User Networking

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for systems and methods that utilize augmented or virtual reality to facilitate networking or other social connections or interactions.

Innovation Solution

The use of augmented-reality overlays in real-world or virtual environments to facilitate networking among users, including features such as user location mapping, match identification, and interactive interfaces for communication and meeting coordination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If augmented reality overlays are used to facilitate networking, then user engagement and social interactions are enhanced, but device complexity and information processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of servers and databases that mediate between users and the augmented reality interface. This intermediary handles complex tasks such as profile matching, location tracking, and interaction coordination, thereby simplifying the user experience while managing system complexity through distributed processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The augmented reality interface is designed to perform multiple functions including networking, communication, location mapping, and profile management within a single unified platform. This multi-functionality consolidates various networking tools into one system, enhancing user engagement while avoiding the need for multiple separate applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If real-time location tracking and match identification are implemented, then networking efficiency is improved, but data processing requirements and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetworking efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic updates for location tracking and match identification rather than continuous real-time processing. The augmented reality interface refreshes user profiles and locations at intervals, which maintains networking efficiency while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by selectively processing and displaying only relevant user profiles and location data that match predefined criteria. Instead of processing all possible data, the system filters and presents only the most relevant matches, improving networking efficiency while minimizing energy expenditure on data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If comprehensive user profile information is displayed in augmented reality overlay, then social connection quality is enhanced, but information processing load and privacy concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocial connection qualityVSAvoidprivacy protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The augmented reality interface displays different levels of user profile information in different contexts and locations. Sensitive personal information is selectively revealed only when appropriate conditions are met, such as mutual interest confirmation or user permission, while basic profile information is always visible. This local quality approach enhances social connection quality while protecting user privacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary filtering and verification of user profile information before displaying it in the augmented reality overlay. User data is pre-processed to identify and protect sensitive information, and matching algorithms pre-screen potential connections. This preliminary action ensures that only appropriate information is displayed, maintaining connection quality while preventing privacy violations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12213025B2Systems and methods for real-world networking using augmented reality interface
Publication Date: 2025.01.28 HOHMAN CHARLES
  • US12213025B2 patent drawing
  • US12213025B2 patent drawing
  • US12213025B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for networking or interacting with users of a network are described that utilize elements presented on a user device. Each element preferably presents information about a user associated with the element and can be a link to additional information about that user. The elements can be presented on or using the user device based on information received from a server, which can analyze a location of the user relative to other users in a real or virtual world and compare information about the users to determine a likelihood that each pair of users may be a match. The analysis can be based on characteristics of the users as well as user input such as preferences and so forth. The potential matches can be presented to the user.