Proximate Mobile Device Identification via Sensory Identifier Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying proximate mobile devices are cumbersome, prone to errors, and often rely on manual input or burden the mobile telephone network, lacking a simple and efficient mechanism to determine proximity and identity independently of the network.
Innovation Solution
Mobile devices detect a shared sensory identifier, sending a request message and receiving an acknowledgement to establish mutual identification, using IR or RF transmitters, and optionally verifying the identifier through a server to ensure accuracy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of telephone numbers is used to identify mobile devices, then identification can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical entry of telephone numbers with an automated optical recognition system. A camera captures an image of a visual identifier (such as a barcode or QR code) displayed on another mobile device, and image processing automatically extracts the identifier information, eliminating manual typing and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual identifiers (barcodes, QR codes, or displayed number sequences) as copyable representations of device identity information. Instead of manually entering the actual telephone number, users simply capture an image copy of the visual identifier, which is then automatically processed to retrieve the identification data.
2Loss of information
If stored phone lists are used for identification, then device identity can be retrieved, but no information regarding availability and proximity is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the visual identifier display function universal across all mobile devices, enabling them to present their identification information in a standardized visual format that can be captured by any other device's camera. This eliminates the need for device-specific identification protocols while providing both identity and proximity confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual identifier (displayed on screen or as a physical sticker) as an intermediary carrier of device identification information. This intermediary enables non-contact identification and proximity verification without requiring direct device-to-device communication or complex network queries.
3Measurement precision
If GPS or triangulation is used to determine device positions, then proximity can be identified, but the system burdens the mobile telephone network and may be inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification and proximity verification function from the mobile telephone network to a local visual recognition system. By using camera-based capture of visual identifiers, the system eliminates dependency on network-based location services like GPS or triangulation, providing accurate proximity detection without burdening the telecommunication network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables mobile devices to perform self-identification and mutual proximity verification through local camera and display components. Each device independently presents its visual identifier and captures images from other devices, allowing the system to determine proximity and establish connections without external network assistance.
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 method simplifies and enhances the identification of proximate mobile devices, reducing errors and network load, allowing for efficient proximity detection without requiring absolute device positions, and enabling secure and accurate identification for gaming and data exchange applications.
Implementation Method 1
a camera unit for detecting a visual identifier
Implementation Method 2
a microphone unit for detecting an audio identifier
Implementation Method 3
a movement detection unit for detecting a movement identifier
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of identifying proximate mobile devices, the method comprising the steps of: providing a sensory identifier (ID), a first mobile device (1) detecting the sensory identifier (ID), a second mobile device (2) detecting the sensory identifier (ID), the first mobile device (1) sending a request message associated with the sensory identifier (ID) to the second mobile device (2), and the second mobile device (2) sending an acknowledgement message to the first mobile device (1) so as to establish mutual identification. The sensory identifier (ID) may comprise a visual identifier, such as a bar code, and/or an audio identifier, such as a sound signal. An audio identifier may be produced by tapping the mobile devices together.