Apple turns to UV to help iPhones find proximate models to share data with
Apple receives a patent for a method to allow an iPhone to find a proximate unit to share data with
Apple notes that “it should be understood that any number of devices, e.g., 3, 4, or more, in close proximity can establish a de facto communication network, using ultrasound signals to determine range of devices, RF signals to synchronize devices, and either or both signals to transfer relevant data.” In fact, with three or more iPhones trilateration can be used to create 3D maps.
The patent also mentions that the receiving phone could calculate how crowded a particular band is. All things being equal, a less populated frequency has a lower chance of creating interference from the other users communicating over the same band. Once one of the devices switches to another less crowded band, it could send out an RF signal to broadcast the change to another frequency allowing all of the connecting devices to coordinate the ultrasound communications.
In some situations, the patent informs us, optical signals such as IR signals, visible light signals, and others can be used alongside RF signals or as a replacement for ultrasound ranging. In addition, ultrasound signals could be deployed by public devices to send messages from businesses, restaurants, museums, and shopping malls. These signals would include “business information or online ordering” to proximate devices without the latter having to reveal their locations or even their presence.
Apple currently offers AirDrop which allows iPhone units together in a limited range (roughly 30-feet) to share documents, photos, and other files with another nearby iPhone user. If someone has his AirDrop settings set to receive files from everyone (as opposed to contacts only or having the feature turned off) it allows a bad actor to send X-rated material to other iPhone users on a subway car (which really did take place). Last July, a JetBlue flight headed to Tampa from Newark had to be evacuated when passengers with an iPhone received the image of a suicide vest through AirDrop. Police went through the plane with a fine-tooth comb, found nothing, and let the plane depart. Despite the limited range of AirDrop, police never were able to find the responsible person. But it is experiences like these that Apple would like to eliminate by developing a way for iPhone users to make sure that the coast is clear before they communicate with each other.
The patent was originally filed in March 2013 by Apple and patent 10,707,971 was published today.