Distributed Association Engine for Real-Time Spatial Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Server-based search systems face delays due to round-trip signal travel and processing, failing to support real-time searches in dynamic spaces and underutilizing available computing resources on user devices, as they are centralized and unable to model dynamic objects or respond timely to requests.

Innovation Solution

A distributed association engine that processes multi-instant relationships between users and objects of interest in real-time by distributing processing load across devices, running spatial and social search algorithms locally or across multiple devices, and leveraging additional processing power to model physical and virtual worlds of objects and relationships.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If server-based search systems are used, then centralized processing and data management are achieved, but response time increases due to round-trip signal travel and processing delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized processingVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized search processing into distributed components across multiple user devices. Each device runs local search algorithms and maintains local indexes, eliminating the need for constant server round-trips while preserving search functionality through peer-to-peer communication and distributed consensus mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new architectural dimension by moving search processing from a single server layer to a distributed network layer across user devices. This dimensional shift enables parallel processing across multiple nodes, reducing response time while maintaining centralized coordination through distributed protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If server-based systems process all search operations, then consistent data management is maintained, but computing resources on user devices remain underutilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata management consistencyVSAvoidcomputing resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables user devices to perform search operations autonomously using local computing resources. Each device maintains local data indexes and executes search algorithms locally, serving its own search needs without constantly relying on server processing, thereby utilizing previously idle computing resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes user devices multi-functional by enabling them to act as both clients and servers in the search network. Devices can perform local search operations, share data with peers, and contribute to distributed index maintenance, transforming single-function client devices into versatile nodes in the search infrastructure.

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

3Device complexity

If current search engines map single static object relationships, then simple data structures are maintained, but dynamic objects and real-time changes cannot be modeled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata structure simplicityVSAvoiddynamic object modeling
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static search data structures into dynamic ones that can model real-time changes. Objects are represented with temporal attributes and state information, enabling the system to track and query dynamic properties such as location, time, and changing relationships while maintaining efficient search capabilities through incremental updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends basic object representations by adding temporal and state parameters to objects and relationships. This allows the same data structures to handle both static and dynamic scenarios by varying parameter values over time, maintaining simplicity while increasing adaptability to model real-world dynamic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9462015B2Distributed association engine
Publication Date: 2016.10.04 VIRTUAL BEAM
  • US9462015B2 patent drawing
  • US9462015B2 patent drawing
  • US9462015B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for a distributed association engine, comprising searching, by a processor, for one or more objects of interest within a spatial bounded area, identifying, by the processor, the one or more objects of interest responsive to the search, and mapping, by the processor, one or more relationships between a user and the one or more objects of interest in a personal network.