Biometric Presence Detection for Proximity Message Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems face challenges in delivering information to users who are not always near their mobile communication devices, as they may be occupied with other devices or not actively using their primary device, leading to delayed or missed notifications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize user presence data from various communication devices to identify and deliver messages to the nearest or most actively used device, ensuring timely notification, even if the user is not directly interacting with their primary device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If messages are delivered only to the primary mobile communication device, then device simplicity is maintained, but message delivery reliability deteriorates when the user is not near the device
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only receives and stores messages but also actively scans for nearby users using biometric sensors (camera, microphone, fingerprint sensor) and communicates with remote systems to relay messages. This multi-functionality allows the device to serve as both a traditional message receiver and a proactive message delivery system, improving reliability without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote computing system acts as an intermediary between the message sender and the user. The remote system receives messages, identifies nearby users through the communication device's sensors, and facilitates message delivery. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve reliable message delivery to nearby users without significantly increasing the complexity of the user's primary device.
2Loss of time
If the system continuously monitors user presence across multiple devices, then message delivery timeliness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic scanning at predetermined intervals to detect nearby users. The communication device activates sensors and communicates with the remote system at scheduled times rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while still achieving timely message delivery. The periodic nature of the scanning allows the device to enter low-power states between scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device autonomously performs user detection using its built-in biometric sensors (camera, microphone, fingerprint sensor) without requiring constant external input or processing. The device self-manages the scanning process and communicates detection results to the remote system, reducing the energy burden on the overall system while maintaining timely message delivery capability.
3Measurement precision
If biometric scanning is performed to identify nearby users, then message delivery accuracy is improved, but privacy security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric scanning function is selectively activated only in specific local contexts: when message delivery is anticipated and when users are physically near the communication device. The system uses location and proximity data to determine when scanning is appropriate, rather than continuously scanning in all situations. This localized application of biometric scanning improves identification accuracy for relevant messages while minimizing unnecessary privacy intrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where users can control and adjust the biometric scanning behavior. Users receive notifications about scanning activities and can provide feedback to modify scanning parameters or disable specific sensors. This feedback loop allows the system to balance identification accuracy with user privacy concerns, adapting to user preferences and contextual appropriateness.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device identifies presence of a user in proximity to the device. The communication device includes: at least one input device that captures biometric data associated with at least one user; a network interface device that connects the communication device to at least one second device via an external network; and a processor communicatively coupled to the other devices/components. The processor executes a messaging module to: receive biometric data from the at least one input device; determine if the biometric data matches reference biometric data associated with the at least one user. The processor further, in response to determining that the biometric data matches the reference biometric data associated with the at least one user: generates user presence data, the user presence data indicating that the at least one user is within a vicinity of the first communication device; and transmits the user presence data to the second device.