Proximity-Based Network Registration for Shared Workspace Peripherals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network registration and configuration of shared computer peripherals in a hybrid work environment is cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in hoteling arrangements where desks and cubicles are shared by transient employees, requiring manual pairing and registration of devices which wastes precious time and may involve handling of proprietary data.
Innovation Solution
A proximity-based system that automatically configures and registers shared computer peripherals with a user's device as they approach the workspace, using location inference from electromagnetic signals to pre-configure devices for immediate use and seamlessly manage network pairings and unpairings based on the user's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual network registration and configuration is performed for shared peripherals, then device pairing can be completed, but it consumes valuable time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs network registration and device pairing actions in advance before the user actually needs to use the workspace. When a user reserves a workspace, the system proactively registers their device with the peripherals at that workspace, so that when they arrive, everything is already configured and ready for immediate use, eliminating manual setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-registration where the shared peripherals autonomously pair with user devices without requiring manual intervention. The peripherals detect the user's device and automatically complete network registration and configuration, allowing the workspace to configure itself based on the reserved user's device information
2Adaptability or versatility
If shared workspaces are used in hoteling arrangements, then resource utilization is improved, but manual device pairing and configuration becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic device pairing where peripherals at shared workspaces autonomously detect and pair with a user's device based on reservation information. The user simply arrives at their reserved workspace and their device automatically connects to the peripherals without any manual pairing steps, making the hoteling arrangement seamless and easy to use
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a workspace management system as an intermediary that handles the complex device pairing and network registration processes. This intermediary system communicates between the user's device and the workspace peripherals, automatically managing connections and configurations, thereby simplifying the user experience while enabling flexible workspace sharing
3Speed
If network pairings are maintained for shared devices, then quick access is enabled, but security risks increase when users vacate workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs network registration in advance when the user reserves the workspace, enabling quick access when they arrive. However, the pairing is time-bound and automatically invalidated when the user's reservation ends or when they vacate the workspace, preventing unauthorized access and security risks from lingering connections
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic pairing where network connections are automatically created when needed (when user arrives at reserved workspace) and automatically destroyed when no longer needed (when user vacates). This dynamic approach maintains security by ensuring connections only exist during authorized usage periods, while still enabling fast access during those periods
Data Source
AI summary
Shared hoteling workspaces and computer equipment are preconfigured based on location. A location associated with a mobile device is monitored. As the mobile device moves toward a workspace, computer equipment associated with the workspace are automatically preconfigured for use. Different configuration events and operational states may be implemented, based on a locational proximity of the mobile device to the workspace. When the mobile device arrives at the workspace, the mobile device has been automatically paired/registered with the computer equipment at the workspace. Moreover, when the location of the mobile device no longer matches the workspace, the network pairings/registrations may be automatically torn down and deleted, thus making the workspace available for a next occupant.