Presence Detection System Using Intermediary Server for Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing presence detection systems for electronic devices rely on user actions and lack comprehensive, secure methods to share presence information across communication platforms, such as Microsoft Teams and Cisco WebEx, without misusing user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a combination of sensors like microphones, radar, and machine learning algorithms to detect user presence based on acoustic and activity measurements, allowing secure communication of presence indicators to a centralized or distributed entity, enabling controlled access and customizable features within group applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If presence detection sensors are used to detect user presence, then presence detection accuracy is improved, but user privacy security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A presence indicator server acts as an intermediary between the presence detection sensor and the remote device. The sensor detects user presence locally and transmits this information to the server, which then sends presence indicators to remote devices. This intermediary approach allows presence information to be shared without direct access to the sensor data, thereby improving privacy security while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the necessary presence information (whether a user is present or not) from the sensor data and transmits this simplified indicator to remote devices, rather than transmitting raw sensor data. This extraction approach minimizes the amount of sensitive information shared while maintaining the functionality of presence detection across devices.
2Productivity
If presence information is shared across multiple devices, then communication efficiency is improved, but information security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The presence indicator server serves as a secure intermediary that collects presence information from local sensors and distributes it to authorized remote devices. This centralized intermediary approach enables efficient information sharing across multiple devices while maintaining security through controlled access and authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where remote devices can subscribe to presence information updates and receive notifications when users are detected. This feedback loop enables real-time communication efficiency while maintaining information security through selective subscription and permission-based access controls.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for presence detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the presence detection functionality by separating local sensor operations from remote communication functions. Local devices use simple sensors to detect presence and transmit this information to a centralized server, which handles the complexity of aggregating data from multiple sensors and distributing it to appropriate devices. This segmentation reduces individual device complexity while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence indicator server provides universal functionality by serving multiple purposes: collecting data from various sensor types, processing presence information, managing user permissions, and distributing indicators to different device types. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single system component rather than requiring each device to handle all detection tasks independently.
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
Enhances security and usability by accurately detecting user presence for secure communication setups, allowing for customizable presence indicators and automatic handling of communication processes based on user availability, ensuring privacy and reducing noise disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
The device will typically include at least one microphone (1) connected through an interface to a processor (9) for detecting sounds and activity in the vicinity of the device
Implementation Method 2
Other types of sensors (3) may also be used such as radar, keyboard activity, camera, etc
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and electronic device for detecting and monitoring user presence in the vicinity of the devices in the system. The device including a processor configured to, based on received sensor inputs, to detect a user presence, providing an indication signal to a processing and communication unit indicating whether or not the user is present. The processing and communication unit being configured to communicate the indication signal to at least one other device in a communication network.