Public Display Control via Proximity Codes and Relay Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing public display systems in public areas often limit user interaction to a single user at a time and do not allow input from multiple computing devices, leading to restricted engagement and high latency in content updates, especially when relying on SMS messages.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that allows client devices to control public display devices over a network using proximity codes and a relay service, enabling multiple users to interact synchronously with low latency through HTTP communication, bypassing direct access restrictions and human moderation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a kiosk computer is used to control the public display, then the display can show dynamic content, but only one user can interact with the display at a time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of usersVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the interaction by displaying a unique proximity code on the public display that users can capture with their personal devices. Each user's device becomes an independent control node, allowing multiple simultaneous interactions without requiring a complex multi-user kiosk system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity code acts as an intermediary between the public display and user devices. Instead of direct complex communication protocols, users simply capture the code image with their devices, which then serves as the mediation key for establishing control connections, greatly simplifying the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If SMS messages are used for user input, then remote users can send messages to the display, but significant latency occurs while waiting for message delivery and interpretation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelatencyVSAvoiduser interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the SMS message protocol with a direct network communication channel. Instead of sending text messages through carrier networks that require delivery and interpretation, user devices communicate directly with the display system over the internet, reducing latency while maintaining ease of use through the same mobile device interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If direct access to public display devices is restricted by security protocols, then device security is improved, but client devices cannot directly control the display

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The relay service acts as an intermediary that mediates between client devices and public display devices. Client devices send control commands to the relay service, which then forwards them to the display device, bypassing security restrictions that block direct access while maintaining secure communication through the authorized relay channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If human moderators filter message content before display, then inappropriate content is prevented, but significant delays occur while waiting for content interpretation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent approval delayVSAvoidinappropriate content

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces human moderation with automated content filtering performed by the relay service. The relay service receives control commands from user devices, interprets them according to predefined rules, and filters out inappropriate content automatically, eliminating the time delay associated with human review while maintaining content appropriateness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2789121B1Controlling public displays with private devices

Publication Date: 2016.12.28 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Techniques and tools for controlling public output devices (e.g., public display devices) with client devices over a network. In some examples, a time-limited proximity code is displayed by a public display device, and a client device can provide the code via a public network to verify that the client device is present within a proximity zone and is allowed to control the public display. Once authorized, the client device can provide control data to control visual content on the public display. A relay service can be used to relay data over a network via communication connections between client devices and public display devices. For example, the relay service can be implemented on a server connected to the network and can use HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) to relay data such as control data via messages from one device to another.