Proximal User Networking via Near-Field Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networking applications lack safety and effectiveness in connecting users based on spatiotemporal commonality, as they expose users' information and fail to accurately estimate proximity, leading to potential misuse and inefficient networking.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a service server to record and provide proximity context information from near-field communication networks, including UUIDs, community identifiers, timestamps, and RSSI, to facilitate user networking based on shared spatial and temporal commonalities, while encrypting GPS information for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional networking applications expose users' information to establish connections, then networking between users can be achieved, but user safety and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service server as an intermediary that mediates user connections. Instead of users directly exposing their information to each other, the service server receives proximity context information from users, processes it, and facilitates connections through the server infrastructure, thereby protecting user safety while enabling networking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts sensitive user information from direct user-to-user communication and separates it into a structured proximity context information format that is processed by the service server. This extraction allows networking functionality to be maintained while removing the direct exposure of personal information between users
2Adaptability or versatility
If proximity-based networking is implemented without accurate distance estimation, then user connections in vicinity can be facilitated, but networking effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct physical distance measurement with an indirect measurement system using near-field communication signal strength (RSSI) and duration of coexistence as proxies for proximity. This substitution enables effective proximity-based networking without requiring precise mechanical distance measurement, achieving sufficient accuracy for the networking purpose
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct distance to composite proximity indicators including RSSI signal strength and duration of coexistence within effective communication range. This parameter transformation allows the system to assess proximity accurately enough for networking decisions without requiring exact distance measurements
3Measurement precision
If GPS information is transmitted in plain text for location-based services, then location accuracy is improved, but security and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The service server acts as an intermediary that receives and processes location information. Instead of users directly sharing GPS coordinates, the server handles the location data in a controlled manner, enabling location-based networking while maintaining security and privacy through centralized management
4Adaptability or versatility
If blind meeting applications connect complete strangers with no mutual connection links, then networking opportunities are increased, but networking quality and effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where users can view proximity context information including lists of other users in their vicinity, connection statistics, and networking history. This feedback allows users to make informed decisions about whom to connect with, improving networking effectiveness while maintaining the opportunity for new connections
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 enhances user safety by enabling informed networking based on mutual spatiotemporal commonalities and estimates proximity, reducing the risk of misuse and improving the effectiveness of user connections.
Implementation Method 1
a guest device that receives the ad packet in the vicinity uploads relevant information to a service server
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a proximal user networking service by means of a near-field communication network and a system therefor. Specifically, the present disclosure implements an environment in which, when an ad packet is broadcast using a certain host device, a guest device that receives the ad packet in the vicinity uploads relevant information to a service server, thereby allowing the host device to check guest devices that have been present in proximity thereto in the vicinity.