User Equipment Identifier Association via Perceivable Cues

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, users face challenges in establishing private peer-to-peer (P2P) conversations without prior knowledge of each other's electronic identifiers, especially in crowded environments where multiple users are within visual range but not close enough for direct communication.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves associating a unique electronic identifier of a UE with a perceivable cue, allowing users to initiate communication by selecting the cue displayed on their devices, which is then used to establish a P2P connection through a network communications hub, enabling users to connect with intended peers even without prior knowledge of their identifiers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a local peer registry is setup for peer announcement and discovery, then peer-to-peer communication can be established, but it becomes difficult to find a particular identifier of the other user in crowded environments with many people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of finding peer identifierVSAvoiddifficulty in locating specific identifier
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual cues (analogous to color changes) by displaying graphical representations of perceivable cues on device screens. These visual indicators allow users to quickly identify and select their desired peer without sifting through lists of identifiers, solving the problem of finding specific peers in crowded environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the peer's identity through perceivable cues displayed on the screen. Instead of requiring users to search through actual identifier lists, the system presents visual representations that users can recognize and select, making the process analogous to identifying someone by their visual appearance rather than searching through a roster of names.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If electronic identifiers are transmitted for peer discovery, then P2P communication can be initiated, but users cannot easily associate the identifier with the actual user without prior knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of associating identifier with userVSAvoidlack of user identification information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual perceivable cues displayed on device screens to represent users. When users see these visual representations, they can immediately associate them with the actual people in front of them, eliminating the need to search through identifier lists or have prior knowledge of electronic identifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The perceivable cue acts as an intermediary between the electronic identifier and the user. Instead of directly presenting electronic identifiers that users cannot associate with people, the system introduces visual representations as a mediator that users can naturally link to the physical persons, thereby solving the association problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If Bluetooth pairing using shared numerical passkey is used, then device connection can be established, but it does not provide a solution for users who do not know each other's identifiers in a social setting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of device pairingVSAvoidapplicability to social environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to self-select their desired peer by visually identifying perceivable cues on another device's screen. This eliminates the need for manual identifier input or passkey sharing, allowing users to independently initiate communication by simply selecting the visual representation of their desired contact, making it adaptable to social environments where users don't know each other's identifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2875621B1Methods and apparatus for associating user equipment electronic identifiers with user equipements
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2875621B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2875621B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2875621B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for associating an electronic identifier of a user equipment (UE) with a user of the UE are described. In embodiments of an apparatus, system, method, and computer program of the present disclosure, a UE may transmit an electronic identifier associated with the UE via peer discovery, for receiving by a second UE. A perceivable cue associated with the electronic identifier may be indicated to a second user. The UE or the user of the UE may indicate the perceivable cue to the second user. Selection of the perceivable cue by the second user may cause the initiation of communications between the UE and the second UE.