Proximity-Based Collaborative Control for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device systems struggle with collaborative control when devices are not subscribed to the same media service, especially in scenarios where synchronized output is desired without relying on a server, such as in close proximity settings like parties or group listening experiences.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows electronic devices to invite nearby trusted devices to control media output or editing sessions via short-range wireless communication, enabling collaborative control without server subscription, using proximity as a trust indicator and encrypted invitations to ensure privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices are subscribed to the same media service through a server for synchronized output, then synchronized media content delivery is achieved, but device complexity and dependency on external services increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses proximity-based trust relationships as an intermediary mechanism to enable direct peer-to-peer communication between devices. Instead of requiring a server mediator for all operations, devices that are physically close to each other can establish trusted connections and communicate directly, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable synchronized output through the trust relationship established via proximity detection.
2Reliability
If devices use server-based subscription for media service, then content synchronization is reliable, but user privacy and data security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of trust verification from the server environment and implements it locally through proximity-based detection. By taking out the trust establishment mechanism from the centralized server and placing it at the device level through short-range communication, the system maintains content synchronization reliability while eliminating the need to share personal information data with external servers, thus preserving user privacy.
3Loss of information
If devices establish direct peer-to-peer connection for collaborative control, then user privacy is protected, but reliability of connection and communication decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary trust establishment through proximity detection before actual peer-to-peer communication begins. By using short-range wireless communication to verify that devices are physically close to each other, the system pre-establishes a trust relationship that enables reliable direct connections. This preliminary action of proximity verification ensures that subsequent peer-to-peer communications are both private and reliable, as the physical proximity constraint provides a foundation for trusted interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the subject technology provide systems and methods for providing collaborative control by multiple electronic devices. Collaborative control may include providing, by a first device that is outputting content, such as audio content, an invitation to a second device to control the content that is being output by the first device. The content may be being output by the first device directly, or via a third device, such as a media output device. The media output device may be a speaker, a television, or other media output device. The second device may be provided with the ability to control the output of the first device while in proximity to the first device and/or the media output device. Control commands from the second device for controlling the output of the first device may be provided to the first device over a network.