Virtual Intercom System Using Location Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional intercom systems are expensive, difficult to install, and require physical infrastructure, making them costly and inflexible, while also compromising occupant privacy by revealing identifying information to visitors.
Innovation Solution
A virtual intercom system using a mobile app, computer program, or website that facilitates secure communication between facility occupants and visitors by verifying visitor location through GPS and allowing occupants to control access and communication methods, maintaining privacy and security without physical installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional intercom system is physically installed, then communication between occupant and visitor is enabled, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical intercom system with a software-based virtual intercom application. Instead of physical intercom hardware installed at the facility, the system uses mobile applications on visitor and occupant devices that communicate through a server. This substitution eliminates the need for physical installation while maintaining communication functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and installation complexity.
2Reliability
If a traditional intercom system is physically installed, then communication between occupant and visitor is enabled, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the traditional intercom system using software applications instead of physical hardware. The virtual intercom app replicates the communication functionality of traditional intercoms but runs on existing mobile devices, eliminating the need to manufacture and install specialized physical intercom equipment. This approach significantly reduces system costs while maintaining communication reliability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional intercom system is used, then visitor can communicate with occupant, but occupant privacy is compromised by revealing identifying information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the visitor and occupant devices. The server routes communications and controls information flow, allowing the occupant to remain anonymous while still enabling communication. The system can reveal identifying information to the visitor only when the occupant explicitly authorizes it, thus maintaining privacy while preserving communication functionality.
4Ease of manufacture
If virtual intercom system is used, then installation cost is reduced and privacy is protected, but system reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of existing mobile devices and communication infrastructure to build the virtual intercom system. By using widely available smartphones, tablets, and standard internet communication protocols, the system achieves high reliability without requiring specialized hardware installation. The multi-functionality of mobile devices ensures the system can operate reliably across different platforms and networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for a virtual intercom. In some implementations, a request from a visitor device to communicate with an occupant of a particular unit of the facility is received. A location of the visitor device is received. Based on the received location, it is determined that the visitor device is within a predetermined bounded area. An occupant profile is identified based on the received request. Information associated with the occupant profile is obtained. Based on the obtained information, it is determined the occupant has registered a profile. Based on the obtained information, a communication path to an occupant device is identified. The request from the visitor device is sent, using the communication path, to an occupant device belonging to the occupant. A response from the occupant device is received. Based on the response, an action is performed.