User Presence Detection Using Overlapping Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing advertisement delivery systems rely on unreliable historical data for demographic targeting, leading to mistargeted content delivery.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi messaging to create overlapping coverage zones for detecting user presence and absence, allowing for real-time adjustment of content delivery based on user profiles and preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If historical data projections are used to determine demographic, then content delivery can be automated, but targeting reliability deteriorates due to inherent inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent delivery automationVSAvoidtargeting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/statistical approach of using historical data projections with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals are transmitted to detect user presence and location, providing real-time, accurate demographic information rather than relying on outdated projections. This substitution of detection methods resolves the contradiction by enabling both automation and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously transmits signals and receives feedback about user presence, location, and device identifiers. This real-time feedback loop allows the system to dynamically update demographic information and adjust content delivery accordingly, maintaining both automation and targeting reliability through continuous adaptation to actual user behavior rather than relying on static historical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If real-time user detection using multiple signals is implemented, then targeting precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser location precisionVSAvoidsignal transmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into distinct functional components: Bluetooth signal transmission for short-range detection, Wi-Fi signal transmission for longer-range detection, and a processing system that analyzes responses from both. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while the overall system achieves high precision through coordinated operation of the divided parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multiple signal types (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) that can operate independently or together, providing universal detection capability across different scenarios. The same processing infrastructure handles both signal types, and the system can adaptively select which signals to use based on requirements, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If continuous signal transmission is used to monitor user presence, then content targeting accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser presence detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal transmission energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic signal transmission rather than continuous transmission. The system transmits signals at predetermined time intervals to detect user presence and location, receiving responses that indicate whether users are within detection ranges. This periodic action maintains sufficient detection accuracy for effective content targeting while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by transmitting signals only when necessary to maintain detection accuracy, rather than continuously. The predetermined time intervals are optimized to provide sufficient sampling of user presence without excessive transmission, achieving the right balance between detection accuracy and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12614211B2Presence detection and targeted content
Publication Date: 2026.04.28 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC
  • US12614211B2 patent drawing
  • US12614211B2 patent drawing
  • US12614211B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are methods and systems for detecting locations and positions of users to determine best options for consuming content. In one implementation, advertisements can be tailored and presented to the detected users. The methods and systems can also detect when a user is no longer in a position to consume content and can take other actions, such as presenting a default advertisement or tailoring advertisements for a different user.