Social Network Proximity Discovery via Server Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack the ability for mobile device users to easily exchange contact information based on personal attributes, such as pictures and social network profiles, without hardware brand limitations, and do not allow for seamless connection between members of different social networks in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a computing device to manage connections between mobile devices by sharing personal attributes, calculating proximity based on static and dynamic locations, and facilitating connections through a social network server, allowing users to discover and connect with others in their vicinity based on shared interests and proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth technology is used for contact information exchange between mobile devices, then communication can occur without a common telecommunication service provider network, but the system is limited to same brand devices due to compatibility and security issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that mediates communication between mobile devices. The server receives contact information from one device, processes it, and delivers it to the target device. This intermediary approach allows cross-brand communication while maintaining reliability, as the server handles the complex pairing and security protocols rather than requiring direct device-to-device Bluetooth connections between different brands.
2Reliability
If security codes are required for Bluetooth device pairing, then device security and privacy are maintained, but user interaction in social settings becomes cumbersome and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing trust relationships through the server before direct communication is needed. Users can share contact information and establish connections through the server's mediation without needing to exchange security codes in real-time. The server handles authentication and security protocols in advance, allowing seamless social interactions while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infrared Beam technology is used for information exchange, then contact information can be shared between devices, but the system requires line-of-sight and is limited to similar brand hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a server as an intermediary to receive and relay contact information between devices. This eliminates the need for direct device-to-device protocols like infrared Beam technology, allowing communication between any brand of mobile devices. The server handles the information exchange, removing line-of-sight requirements and hardware compatibility constraints while maintaining operational convenience.
4Ease of operation
If ad hoc mode communication is used between mobile devices, then direct peer-to-peer exchange is achieved, but the system lacks centralized management and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as a central coordinator that manages communication between mobile devices. The server receives requests from devices, matches contact information, and facilitates connections. This centralized management simplifies the system coordination complexity by handling matching and routing logic on the server side, while devices maintain simple send/receive capabilities through the server intermediary.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for allowing members of the same social network using mobile devices to discover others in the vicinity by personal attributes and in specific picture(s) and name for the purpose of connecting, and the ability to use functions provided by a social network such as SMS, e-mail, chat/instant messaging, multimedia, or video by using unique hardware identification of each member mobile device and personal login information that are stored in a network server computing device; and associating the unique apparatus of the members' hardware with the members' personal profile such that when a search is initiated between members, the results contain the members' profile's picture(s), name, location and additional information as stored in the profiles. The proximity of the users is determined by static or dynamic location of the actual device location identified through mobile radio frequency location technology and internet IP information and saved in the user profile.