Light-Based Social Connection System for Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current social networking technologies fail to seamlessly integrate with physical social environments, preventing individuals from forming both remote and in-person connections simultaneously, especially in time-constrained situations, and lack the ability to visually identify potential social contacts in crowded spaces.
Innovation Solution
A light-based system combining controllable solid-state lighting with networked communications, allowing users to form remote connections while interacting with those nearby by transmitting light settings and signals to match ambient lighting, enabling visual identification of potential social contacts through lighting changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users use existing social networking technologies to form remote social connections, then remote social connections can be established, but users cannot simultaneously engage in meaningful social interactions with individuals physically present around them
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments social connection formation into two distinct modes: remote social connections through web-based platforms and in-person connections through physical presence in social establishments. This segmentation allows users to simultaneously engage in both types of interactions without conflict, as each mode operates independently through different technological channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal social connection system that can handle multiple functions simultaneously: forming remote social connections, facilitating in-person interactions, and integrating both modes within a single platform. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to diverse social interaction needs without requiring users to choose between different technologies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If social networking technologies are designed to help individuals form social connections, then connection formation is enabled, but the technologies do not leverage advances in controllable solid-state lighting to visually identify potential social contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges social networking technology with controllable solid-state lighting technology to create an integrated system. This combination allows the lighting system to visually identify and highlight potential social contacts in physical spaces while the networking component facilitates connection formation. The merging of these two technologies resolves the contradiction by enabling both connection formation and visual identification of potential contacts simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllable solid-state lighting acts as an intermediary between users and potential social contacts. The lighting system visually signals and identifies potential connections in the physical environment, making them detectable and measurable. This intermediary function bridges the gap between social networking capabilities and visual identification, allowing users to easily detect and measure potential social opportunities.
3Loss of time
If individuals have only a few hours of recreational time and cannot schedule far in advance, then time constraints are imposed, but currently available social networking technologies do not offer viable solutions under such circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying and highlighting potential social contacts through lighting before users arrive at social establishments. This preliminary visual identification allows users to immediately engage with compatible individuals upon arrival, eliminating the need for extensive searching or advance scheduling. The preliminary action of visual identification through lighting resolves the time constraint issue by preparing the social connection opportunity in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to skip the traditional time-consuming process of meeting and evaluating potential social contacts by using lighting-based visual identification. Users can rapidly identify compatible individuals through the lighting system and immediately initiate connections, rushing through the social discovery process efficiently. This skipping of traditional interaction steps allows users to form meaningful connections within limited recreational timeframes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Light-based systems for formation of social connections are disclosed. One or more lighting controllers controlling individually controllable luminaires are used in conjunction with communication networks in order to identify and form remote light-based social connections. Additionally, visualization controllers are used in conjunction with visualization infrastructures, visualization actuators, localization systems and identification systems to visually identify proximally present potential social connections.