Proximity Presence Status Detection in Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing presence information systems provide an incomplete picture of an individual's availability, as they cannot distinguish between temporary unavailability and true unavailability, hindering effective communication.
Innovation Solution
A presence information system that determines a proximity presence state by using wireless receivers to detect the location of system subscribers within a specified range, providing more granular presence information through proximity presence detection messages and updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional presence states (Online/Offline) are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the presence information is incomplete and cannot distinguish between temporary and true unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The presence state is segmented into multiple components: traditional availability status (Online/Offline) combined with proximity status (Near/Far). This segmentation allows the system to provide more complete presence information by distinguishing between temporary absence (Near) and true unavailability (Far), while maintaining the simplicity of the original binary state model.
2Measurement precision
If proximity detection technology is added to determine location, then the accuracy of presence information is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing wireless communication infrastructure (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular networks) that subscribers already possess for communication purposes. These multi-functional devices serve both communication and proximity detection functions, eliminating the need for dedicated tracking hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence information system utilizes location data that is already being collected and processed by wireless communication systems for their primary function. By repurposing this existing data for presence determination, the system avoids the complexity of implementing separate detection mechanisms while improving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If continuous location tracking is implemented, then the proximity presence status is accurately maintained, but the energy consumption and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous tracking, the system updates presence information periodically or event-driven (when location changes significantly). This periodic action maintains reliable presence status by checking at intervals rather than continuously, significantly reducing energy consumption and processing requirements while preserving the essential functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A presence information system reports proximity presence status to presence subscribers. The proximity presence status conveys how far an individual is from a phone, computer, or any other endpoint through which the individual communicates, how far the individual is from a presence information server which tracks presence changes, or how far the individual is from any other location, such as an office or a conference room. The proximity presence status supplements static presence states such as ‘Online’ and ‘Offline’. As a result, the proximity presence status helps to provide a more accurate picture of the true presence status of an individual. The presence information system may also track and report proximity presence status of mobile users. The mobile user proximity presence status may be derived from cellular position data obtained from a cellular service provider.