Co-location Connection Service for Proximity-Based Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing messaging applications lack the ability to dynamically adjust user experiences based on the physical proximity of user devices, failing to provide engaging co-location experiences that leverage near-field communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
An online co-location connection service that pairs user profiles on messaging clients equipped with sensors, detects proximity, and modifies the user interface to offer co-location experiences such as augmented reality and interactive games when devices are within a predetermined range, including consent-based pairing and visualization of co-location events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If messaging applications use traditional communication methods, then reliability is maintained, but adaptability to physical proximity conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two communication channels (Wi-Fi Direct for proximity detection and internet communication for data transfer) into a unified messaging system. The system merges the advantages of both methods by using Wi-Fi Direct to detect when devices are in close proximity and then switching to internet-based messaging for reliable data transmission, thus achieving both adaptability to physical proximity and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (proximity detection service) that mediates between the physical proximity condition and the communication channel selection. This intermediary service monitors physical proximity through sensors and automatically triggers the appropriate communication mode without requiring user intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If messaging applications add co-location detection features, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the messaging system into distinct functional modules: a proximity detection service that handles sensor data and co-location detection, a communication channel selection module that decides which channel to use, and the core messaging functionality. This segmentation allows the co-location features to be added as a separate layer without fundamentally complicating the core messaging architecture, thus improving adaptability while managing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If messaging applications continuously monitor proximity, then adaptability to proximity changes improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic proximity monitoring instead of continuous monitoring. The system checks physical proximity at regular intervals using sensors, and only activates the alternative communication channel when proximity changes are detected. This periodic approach maintains real-time responsiveness to proximity changes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The online co-location connection service is provided by a messaging system configured to selectively pair user profiles associated with respective client devices equipped with sensors that communicate with each other within the predetermined physical proximity range. The pairing is effectuated without requiring that the two client devices, at the time of pairing, are within a communication range permitted by their respective short range communication sensors and without requiring a communication between the first client device and the second client device via a short-range wireless communication technology. Subsequent to the pairing, the messaging system monitors physical proximity of the client devices based on the sensor data obtained by the co-location connection service from the respective messaging clients executing at the respective client devices. In response to detecting that the client devices are within a predetermined physical proximity range the messaging system generates a co-location experience.