Proximity Determination via Visible Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current social software methods for determining proximity between devices rely on acquiring geographic locations, which raises security concerns and invades user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine proximity relations between devices by acquiring and analyzing their association with visible light sources, allowing for proximity sorting and precondition determination without revealing actual device locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geographic location acquisition is used to determine device proximity, then proximity determination accuracy is improved, but user privacy security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visible light sources as intermediary objects to mediate the proximity determination process. Instead of directly comparing geographic coordinates, the system uses light sources (such as LEDs) that emit visible light as intermediaries. Devices detect these light sources and determine proximity based on which devices can detect the same light sources, thereby avoiding direct exposure of precise geographic location data while still achieving accurate proximity determination.
2Reliability
If actual geographic location data is collected, then proximity relation determination is improved, but information security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information for proximity determination without collecting complete geographic location data. Instead of acquiring full location coordinates, the system extracts minimal information by detecting which visible light sources are visible to each device. This extraction approach allows proximity determination to be performed reliably while minimizing the collection and storage of sensitive location information, thereby protecting user privacy and information security.
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity relation is determined in various example embodiments. A method can comprise: acquiring a proximity relation between devices and at least one visible light source associated with each device of the devices in at least one moment; and determining a proximity relation of the devices according to the proximity relation between the devices and at least one visible light source associated with each device of the devices in at least one moment. A solution is thus provided for determining a proximity relation without acquiring actual geographic locations of the devices, which improves security and protects user privacy.