Eye Contact Device Binding for Ad Hoc Group Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for enabling communication between devices often require pre-configuration and permission settings, making it cumbersome to establish connections between users in close proximity without prior knowledge or permission.

Innovation Solution

A method that enables communication between devices based on eye contact, where users perform specific actions like head nods or movements to create ad hoc groups, allowing devices to bind and communicate without pre-defined permissions or configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-configuration and permission settings are required for device communication, then security and control are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity and controlVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by establishing default communication permissions and group settings in advance. Users don't need to configure permissions manually; the system has already prepared the framework for communication, which is then activated through simple eye contact detection and predefined actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables devices to automatically establish connections and form groups without manual user intervention. The eye contact detection mechanism and predefined action recognition allow devices to self-configure communication channels and group memberships autonomously, eliminating the need for users to manually set permissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual configuration steps are required for device binding, then control and precision are improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol and precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical configuration steps (buttons, switches, menu navigation) with an optical detection mechanism. Eye contact detection using cameras or sensors automatically triggers device binding and group formation, substituting the mechanical interaction paradigm with an optical one that is both precise and instantaneous.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the interaction parameter from manual button pressing or menu selection to eye contact detection. This parameter change enables faster group formation while maintaining control through predefined actions that must be deliberately performed by users, ensuring intentional connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If complex permission settings are required before communication, then security is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal permission framework that works across different device types and communication scenarios. The same eye contact detection and predefined action mechanism handles group formation, device binding, and communication authorization universally, eliminating the need for device-specific configuration complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3046007B1Method, apparatus and computer program product for enabling communication between devices based on eye contact
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3046007B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3046007B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E
  • EP3046007B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for enabling communication between devices based on eye contact between two users. The communication may be enabled further based on an action performed by one or both users. Users may wear data glasses or other devices such that eye contact and actions may be detected. Multiple users may join a group by performing the specified action associated with the group, such that respective devices associated with members of the group may communicate with each other. Ad hoc groups may be created based on eye contact between users and performance of an action. Multiple groups may be configured such that a specified action or type of action is associated with a particular group. Information may be shared between devices of owners belonging to the same group.