Location-Based Network Addressing for Public Conveyance Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems fail to efficiently facilitate communication among random users in public spaces without requiring prior knowledge of each user's network address, especially in environments where devices with limited networking capabilities are prevalent.
Innovation Solution
A system that assigns temporary network addresses based on the physical location of communication devices within a defined space, such as seats in public conveyances, allowing devices to communicate by using their seat assignments as network addresses, and enabling control units to manage and direct messages between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional network address assignment methods are used, then devices can communicate over networks, but users must know each other's network addresses in advance and devices with limited networking capabilities cannot participate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary that manages network address assignment. The controller receives location information from devices and assigns appropriate network addresses, mediating between physical location and network communication requirements. This allows devices with limited networking capabilities to communicate through the controller without needing complex networking knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual network address configuration mechanism with an automated system based on physical location detection. Instead of manually entering or pre-configuring network addresses, the system automatically detects device location (through sensors, GPS, or other positioning mechanisms) and assigns network addresses based on that location, substituting mechanical configuration with automated spatial-based assignment.
2Ease of operation
If network addresses are assigned based on physical location, then communication can be established without prior address knowledge, but the system requires infrastructure to track and manage device locations
Solution Approach 1:
The central controller serves multiple functions: it tracks device locations, assigns network addresses, routes communications, and manages device registration. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces the need for separate complex infrastructure components while achieving location-based communication management.
3Productivity
If location-based network addressing is implemented, then seamless communication among random users is enabled, but privacy concerns arise from tracking user physical locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-based addressing where network addresses are specific to particular physical locations or zones rather than tracking detailed user movement patterns. This localized approach allows communication efficiency within defined areas while minimizing privacy intrusion by not requiring continuous or precise location tracking beyond what is necessary for address assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system and method in which advantage is taken of the fact that a great percentage of the general public have on their person some form of communication device. When such communication devices are within certain pre-defined physical locations their relative position can serve to allow communications to be directed to the device simply by using the location of that device as a network address. In one embodiment, the defined space is a public conveyance, such as an airplane, train or bus, having defined seating. In such a situation, the network address for a device is the seat location of the device.