Physical Token Mediator for Discreet Social Connection Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
People have become less comfortable with face-to-face interactions due to overwhelming connectivity to social media and mobile devices, making it difficult to initiate connections in physical locations without awkwardness or intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A computing system that allows users to establish connections through physical gestures, using a connect app that utilizes GPS location and time information to match initiators with potential interestees, enabling discreet and secure connections without needing to approach each other, with features like gesture recognition and social media integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users initiate connections through direct face-to-face interaction, then connection establishment is straightforward, but users experience discomfort and awkwardness due to overwhelming social media connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical token as an intermediary object that mediates between users who wish to connect. Instead of direct face-to-face interaction, users exchange tokens that contain encoded connection information, allowing connection initiation without direct personal contact and reducing user discomfort while maintaining ease of connection establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/social system of direct face-to-face interaction with a digital/token-based system. Connection information is encoded in physical tokens that can be exchanged without requiring users to engage in awkward direct interactions, substituting the social friction of personal introduction with a standardized token exchange mechanism
2Object-affected harmful factors
If users maintain social distancing in physical locations, then user comfort and safety are improved, but connection initiation becomes more difficult without direct approach
Solution Approach 1:
The physical token serves as a mediator that bridges the gap created by social distancing. Users can exchange tokens through asymptomatic contact or handoff mechanisms that maintain physical distance, allowing connection initiation without direct approach while preserving social distancing comfort
Solution Approach 2:
Users prepare tokens in advance with encoded connection information before encountering someone they wish to connect with. This preliminary action allows the token to carry all necessary connection data, eliminating the need for direct approach or real-time information exchange and enabling easy connection initiation while maintaining social distance
3Productivity
If connection information is exchanged directly between users, then connection establishment is efficient, but security and privacy risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct user-to-user information exchange with a secure token-based system. Connection information is encoded in physical tokens that can be exchanged and verified without exposing users to security risks, maintaining connection establishment efficiency while significantly improving security through the intermediary token medium
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of exchanging sensitive personal information directly, the system creates a copy of connection information in the form of a physical token. The token contains encoded data that represents connection information without exposing the actual user data, allowing efficient connection establishment while protecting privacy and security
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for forming connections is disclosed herein. The computer system can include a server in communication with a first computing device and a second computing device over a network. A connect request can be received from a first computing device. A connect request can be received from a second computing device.