Bluetooth Beacon Device Orientation Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customizing content for multiple viewers with disparate preferences on a shared television display is challenging due to the high cost of optical facial recognition technologies and the limitations of infrared remote controls, which lack personalized identity transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method using Bluetooth beacons for user equipment devices to automatically connect with partner devices, such as set-top boxes, by transmitting orientation and elevation information to select the appropriate device for content customization, allowing personalized content delivery without the need for line-of-sight communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical facial recognition technology is used to identify viewers, then viewer identification accuracy is improved, but device manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Bluetooth signals to create a digital copy of viewer identity information that already exists in the mobile device, eliminating the need for expensive optical sensors. The mobile device's Bluetooth transmitter sends identity data that the entertainment system receives and processes, achieving viewer identification through data copying rather than optical scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical facial recognition system with an electromagnetic field-based Bluetooth communication system. Instead of using cameras and optical processors to detect facial features, the system uses radio frequency signals to transmit and receive identity information wirelessly.
2Reliability
If infrared remote control is used for device control, then line-of-sight communication is achieved, but personalized identity transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as both the identity carrier and the communication device. The same Bluetooth-enabled mobile device that users carry for personal use also transmits identity information to the entertainment system, eliminating the need for separate remote controls or identity tokens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Bluetooth signal transmission as an intermediary mechanism between the mobile device and entertainment system. The Bluetooth protocol mediates the transfer of identity information, enabling communication without requiring direct line-of-sight or physical contact between devices.
3Ease of operation
If Bluetooth technology is used for device connection, then line-of-sight requirement is removed, but signal penetration through walls may cause unintended device selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the entertainment system receives Bluetooth signals from multiple mobile devices and uses orientation sensors to determine which device the user is actually facing. The system compares signal strength with spatial orientation data to select the correct target device, preventing unintended connections to devices in adjacent rooms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective, line-of-sight-independent content customization for individual viewers by leveraging Bluetooth technology to infer device location and orientation, ensuring targeted content delivery even in multi-user environments.
Implementation Method 1
A user equipment device selects an intended partner device with which the user equipment device may desire to interact. The user equipment device transmits a message to the selected partner device... Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances
Data Source
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AI summary
A User Equipment (UE) device of a user may automatically determine an intended partner device with which the user desires to interact by determining its own UE orientation value and receiving a beacon signal that includes a device identifier of a candidate partner device and a device orientation value that indicates an orientation of the candidate partner device. The signal strength value for the beacon signal is determined. The UE selects the candidate partner device as the intended partner device based on at least the signal strength value, the device orientation value that indicates the orientation of the candidate partner device, and the UE orientation value. The UE then transmits a message to the intended partner device using the device identifier of the candidate partner device.