Proximity Management Platform for Automated Device Grouping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for establishing and managing relationship groups among devices, such as in a local area network, are inefficient and require extensive manual configuration, especially with the ubiquity of wireless networking, and lack automated means to recognize and engage in activities based on physical proximity.

Innovation Solution

A proximity management platform that enables computing devices to form and recognize relationship groups based on physical proximity patterns, using data collected from interactions and activities within a predetermined area, allowing for automated engagement in activities such as data sharing and presence detection without direct user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration is used to establish relationships among devices in a LAN, then device relationships can be established, but the configuration effort becomes extensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice relationship establishmentVSAvoidconfiguration effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices to automatically establish and manage their own relationship groups based on proximity detection. The mobile device autonomously identifies nearby devices, determines relationship types (e.g., friend, family, colleague), and configures group settings without requiring manual user intervention for each configuration step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual configuration mechanisms with automated electronic detection and classification systems. Proximity sensors and device identifiers automatically detect physical proximity and substitute for manual relationship definition, while algorithms automatically classify relationships and establish group policies without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual configuration is used for device relationships, then relationships can be established, but the process becomes complex and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelationship managementVSAvoidconfiguration process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Devices automatically manage their own relationship group memberships and configurations. The system self-organizes devices into appropriate groups based on detected proximity patterns and pre-defined relationship criteria, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration and simplifying management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts relationship group parameters such as membership, access rights, and interaction policies based on changing proximity conditions. When devices enter or leave proximity zones, the system automatically modifies group configurations to reflect current physical relationships, simplifying management through adaptive parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional LAN configuration methods are used, then device relationships can be established, but the system cannot adapt to devices continuously entering and leaving wireless network coverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelationship recognitionVSAvoiddynamic network adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors device proximity and dynamically updates relationship group memberships in real-time. As devices enter or leave wireless coverage areas, the system automatically detects these changes and adjusts group configurations accordingly, maintaining reliable relationship recognition despite network topology changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where proximity sensors monitor device locations, the system processes this information to determine relationship status, and automatically adjusts group configurations based on the feedback. This closed-loop approach ensures the system adapts to changing network conditions while maintaining reliable relationship management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If automated proximity-based group creation is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegroup creation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual configuration mechanics with automated electronic proximity detection and algorithmic relationship classification. The system uses sensor data and device identifiers to automatically establish groups, substituting manual processes with electronic automation that simplifies the user experience despite increased backend system capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8886128B2Method and system for providing proximity-relationship group creation

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

An approach for enabling computing devices to establish and recognize a relationship group based on physical proximity is described. A proximity management platform monitors a plurality of activities of a mobile device. The monitored activities include communications with one or more devices within a predetermined proximity of the mobile device. The proximity management platform stores the monitored activities and associated timing information.