Cross-device Information Exchange via Visual Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for exchanging information between devices in an open environment, such as retail stores or conference rooms, face limitations like requiring additional user configuration for WiFi connections, security concerns, and the need for specialized hardware like IR and RFID, which are not commonly installed on consumer devices.
Innovation Solution
Configuring devices to execute web browsers that display a unique identifier or image pattern, which can be detected by a camera on another device, allowing for wireless information exchange without a pre-established data connection, using techniques like steganographic display of patterns within video frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WiFi connection is used for information exchange, then wireless communication capability is improved, but user configuration complexity and security concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically discover and establish connections with each other without requiring user configuration. The first device displays a machine-readable code that the second device automatically scans and processes, eliminating the need for manual WiFi setup or user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
A machine-readable code serves as an intermediary carrier that bridges the gap between devices. Instead of direct WiFi connection or physical contact, the code acts as a mediator that contains connection information and enables automatic device pairing and information exchange.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized hardware like IR and RFID is used, then information exchange capability is improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal components already present in most smartphones (display screen and camera) to achieve information exchange functionality. Instead of requiring specialized IR or RFID hardware, the invention leverages the universal display and camera capabilities that consumers already possess.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces specialized hardware-based communication systems (IR, RFID) with an optical-based system using visible light display and camera detection. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized radio frequency or infrared hardware while achieving similar information exchange capabilities.
3Reliability
If anonymous visitors are present in the environment, then privacy is protected, but information customization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of visitors using machine-readable codes before providing customized information. By scanning codes on visitors' devices, the system pre-identifies them and retrieves their preferences, enabling immediate customization of displayed information without compromising privacy during the identification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine-readable code acts as an intermediary that enables identification without direct exposure of personal information. The code serves as a privacy-preserving mediator that allows the system to recognize and customize information for identified individuals while maintaining their anonymity during the interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for exchanging information between devices. Each device is configured to execute a web browser application. One of the devices is referred to as a streamer device, and the other a receiver device. The receiver device includes a camera for receiving images displayed by the streamer device. A user of the streamer device can orient the display of the streamer towards the camera of the receiver device. The receiver device uses the camera to observe images displayed by any streamer devices that are present within the field of view of the camera. The receiver device, via the camera, analyzes each video frame displayed by the streamer device for a pattern. If the pattern is detected and matches a predefined pattern, the receiver device can retrieve information associated with the pattern, and display that information in the web browser.