Mobile Contact Exchange via Server Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for exchanging contact information between mobile devices are limited by hardware compatibility issues, security/privacy constraints, and the need for direct communication between similar devices, restricting the ability to share personalized information such as pictures and social profiles across different brands and networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows mobile devices to discover others by personal attributes, enabling the exchange of contact information over the internet through a cellular network or Ethernet connection, bypassing Bluetooth limitations, and using a network-linked storage facility to facilitate bi-directional data exchange and the creation of custom social cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bluetooth technology is used for direct device-to-device communication, then security and privacy are maintained through passkey entry and pairing requirements, but device compatibility is limited to same-brand devices and ad hoc mode only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that mediates communication between mobile devices. Instead of direct peer-to-peer Bluetooth communication requiring pairing, devices communicate through the server which handles authentication and data exchange. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining security through server-mediated authentication while enabling cross-brand compatibility through standardized server interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into distinct phases: initial discovery via Bluetooth, followed by data exchange through the server. This segmentation allows the security requirements of Bluetooth pairing to be satisfied for device discovery, while the actual personal attribute exchange occurs through the more versatile server infrastructure that supports multiple device types.
2Speed
If direct ad hoc communication between mobile devices is implemented, then real-time exchange is achieved, but the system requires line-of-sight and similar hardware brands, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a mediator that receives data from one device and forwards it to the target device, eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight communication. This allows devices of different brands to communicate without requiring identical hardware capabilities, as the server handles the actual data transmission through its network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct spatial communication (requiring line-of-sight) to network-based communication through the server. This dimensional shift from physical proximity to network connectivity enables cross-brand compatibility while maintaining efficient data exchange through the server's routing capabilities.
3Reliability
If Bluetooth pairing with passkey entry is required, then security is maintained, but user convenience is reduced and social interaction is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication and security setup are performed in advance during server registration, rather than requiring passkey entry at the moment of interaction. Users establish trusted connections with the server beforehand, enabling convenient spontaneous social interactions without repeated authentication ceremonies.
Solution Approach 2:
The server automatically handles authentication and data exchange processes that would otherwise require manual user intervention. Once initial setup is complete, the system performs security verification and data routing automatically, freeing users from repeated passkey entry while maintaining security standards.
4Loss of information
If infrared Beam technology is used for information exchange, then line-of-sight communication is achieved, but the ability to exchange personal attributes like pictures is limited and hardware compatibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The server mediates the exchange of personal attributes between devices, receiving complete data packets including pictures and social profiles from one device and forwarding them to the target device. This eliminates the information loss limitations of infrared technology while maintaining the ability to exchange comprehensive personal attributes through standardized server protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and application for mobile phone users provides an ability to discover personal attributes including photo of other individuals in vicinity covered by a short range wireless network, such as Bluetooth or similar signals operating in a wireless free spectrum, such as WiFi. The users can elect to exchange, send or receive contact information with ones that are in the vicinity that includes photos.