Proximity-Based Wireless Network for Spatial Content Differentiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peer-to-peer networks are impersonal and inefficient in connecting individuals with shared interests, as they do not differentiate between content from nearby users and those distant, and often require centralized coordination, failing to leverage physical proximity for social interaction.

Innovation Solution

CloudNet enables portable wireless devices to form ad-hoc or infrastructure networks, allowing users to share content and information within spatial vicinity through a shared public directory, using existing wireless technologies like IEEE 802.11x, and supports digital rights management, facilitating connections based on shared interests by recognizing physical proximity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If peer-to-peer networks are used for connecting individuals, then connectivity between users is improved, but the ability to differentiate between local and distant content is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidspatial information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating between local and distant content through spatial awareness. The system assigns different characteristics to content based on its geographic origin, allowing users to identify and prioritize locally-sourced information versus remote content, thus preserving spatial information while maintaining network connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If centralized coordination is implemented in peer-to-peer networks, then network management is improved, but the efficiency of connecting users with shared interests is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork managementVSAvoidconnection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network management functions by introducing specialized infrastructure components (access points, directory servers) that handle coordination tasks, allowing peer devices to focus on content sharing and user interaction. This segmentation enables both centralized management capabilities and efficient peer-to-peer connections simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If Internet chat rooms are used for gathering individuals with like interests, then connection capability is improved, but impersonality and safety are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidimpersonality and safety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer through infrastructure-based networks that mediate between users. Access points and directory servers act as trusted intermediaries that verify device identities and manage connections, providing a safer alternative to direct peer-to-peer interactions while maintaining connection capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If physical proximity is not utilized in network connections, then network coverage area is improved, but social interaction potential is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidsocial interaction potential
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the network system adaptive to physical proximity conditions. The infrastructure network dynamically adjusts connection priorities and content delivery based on user location, enabling enhanced social interaction for nearby users while maintaining broad network coverage through the infrastructure backbone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7619999B2Proximity based wireless network
Publication Date: 2009.11.17 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US7619999B2 patent drawing
  • US7619999B2 patent drawing
  • US7619999B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless communication method consistent with certain embodiments involves, at a first portable wireless device (PWD), receiving a beacon indicating that the first PWD has entered a wireless network's communication range; the first PWD responding to the beacon with a request for authorization on wireless network; receiving authorization for the first PWD to communicate using the wireless network; sending a request for the first PWD to be associated with the wireless network; the first PWD receiving confirmation of association with the wireless network; the first PWD broadcasting a first announcement over the wireless network, the announcement comprising at least an identifier that notifies other PWDs associated with the wireless network of the identity of the first PWD; receiving at least one reply announcement broadcast from a second PWD associated with the wireless network that identifies the second PWD; and at the first PWD providing a first shared public folder with contents that can be accessed by the second PWD. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.