Mobile Device Group Joining via Patterned Light and Sound Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile device users face challenges in efficiently joining communication groups with others having common interests at social gatherings, as conventional methods require tedious messaging and information exchange, lacking an easy way to connect with similarly-minded individuals in real-time.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using light and/or sound signals emitted by signaling devices, such as strobe lights or speakers, which mobile devices can receive and decode to provide connectivity information for joining communication groups, allowing users to join groups based on proximity and shared interests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional messaging methods are used to establish group communications, then users can contact each other, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming requiring protracted messaging and information exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having groups broadcast their identification signals (light patterns, sound signals, or both) before any communication takes place. When a user enters a location, their mobile device automatically detects these pre-broadcast signals and retrieves group information, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual messaging and information exchange to establish group communications.
2Ease of operation
If light signals and sound signals are broadcast to enable easy group joining, then users can quickly connect with groups, but the device complexity increases requiring multiple sensors and signal processing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the multi-functionality of mobile devices by using existing components for multiple purposes: the camera and light sensor detect light signals containing group information, the microphone detects sound signals with group identifiers, and the processor handles both signal types. This universal use of existing components enables easy group joining without requiring dedicated specialized hardware, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple signal types (light and sound) are used for group broadcasting, then reliability of group connection is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts signal detection based on environmental conditions. The mobile device monitors ambient light levels and noise levels, then dynamically adjusts which signal types to prioritize for detection. In bright environments, light signals are detected; in noisy environments, sound signals are detected. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliable group connection while minimizing energy consumption by not continuously processing all signal types regardless of conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables users to quickly and efficiently connect with others by converting light and sound patterns into actionable group membership information, simplifying the process of joining communication groups and enhancing social interactions in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
A camera of the mobile device may receive the light signals
Implementation Method 2
A microphone of the mobile device may receive the sound signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for joining a communication group by receiving and processing light and/or sound signals in a mobile device. The signaling may be light or audible signals, such as lights and/or music, that may be emitted in particular sequences. The mobile device may receive the light and/or sound signals with sensors, such as cameras and/or microphones, and may process the light and/or sound signals to obtain information encoded within the signals. The mobile device may decode detected signaling information and identify connectivity data that may be used to join and transmit messages to the communication group. In an embodiment, light and/or sound signals related to unknown third parties may be used by the mobile device to identify the third party based on queries to the communication group. In an embodiment, the mobile device may determine parameters for receiving and/or transmitting signals based on ambient conditions, such as ambient noise.