Proximity Notification System Using Visual Signage and Color Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a societal need for effective tools and methods to combat loneliness by facilitating dating among individuals, particularly in a community setting, where existing solutions are inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a notification system using visible signage and a software application to facilitate communication between compatible individuals in proximity, allowing members to express interest in contact through unique numbers and color coding for sexual preferences, with options for communication via prewritten messages or phone calls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a notification system using visible signage is implemented, then individuals can make their presence and interest known to compatible members in proximity, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of presence and interestVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual copies (signage, stickers, flags) to represent individual presence and interest rather than requiring direct electronic communication. These physical or digital visual markers serve as simplified representations that convey information about availability and preferences without complex interaction protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system divides information into separate visual components: presence indication (signage visibility), interest expression (unique numbers), and preference communication (color coding). This segmentation allows each element to function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive information transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If a recording system with unique numbers and color coding is implemented, then sexual preferences can be communicated efficiently, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to understand and follow specific protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication of sexual preferencesVSAvoiduser interaction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns specific colors to different sexual preferences (e.g., blue for heterosexual males, pink for heterosexual females, green for bisexual, purple for gay males, yellow for lesbian females). This color-coding system allows individuals to communicate their preferences instantly through visual signage without requiring verbal communication or complex digital interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses visual copies (colored signage, stickers, flags) to represent sexual preferences rather than requiring text-based or verbal communication. This visual representation system simplifies the communication process by translating abstract preference information into immediately recognizable color codes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If a communication system facilitating contact between compatible members is implemented, then dating opportunities increase, but the loss of time in matching and coordination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedating match rateVSAvoidtime for matching and coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent requires individuals to pre-attach signage, stickers, or flags displaying their unique numbers and preference colors before entering social environments. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time information exchange during interactions, as all necessary information is already visually displayed and accessible to potential matches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The unique number displayed on signage serves as an intermediary that facilitates communication between compatible members. Instead of requiring direct introduction or complex matching protocols, the system uses the displayed unique number as a simple reference point that enables direct contact through established communication channels (phone calls, messages).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11070660B2Dating method
Publication Date: 2021.07.20 SEALEY RICHARD
  • US11070660B2 patent drawing
  • US11070660B2 patent drawing
  • US11070660B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for facilitating dating amongst a community of persons includes a notification system by which members of the community can make their participation in the community apparent to other compatible members of the community when in physical proximity to one another. A recording system is provided by which each member of a community can, in respect of compatible members in the community to whom they have had proximity, make it known that a contact would be welcomed. A communication system is also provided which facilitates a communication between members of the community who have made it known to the recording system that they would each welcome contact with the other.