TECHNIQUES FOR COMMUNICATING VIA EXCHANGES OF PHYSICAL CHARMS

Number: 20190068603
Published: 2019-02-28
Filed: 2017-08-25
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: GOSLIN; Michael, PAOLILLI; Larra, BASSETT; Katherine M., ROSENTHAL; Janice
CPC: G06F16/90335; H04L51/212; G06F21/34; G06F16/00; H04L63/101; G06F21/6209
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Communicating via exchanges of physical charms (interactive physical objects, Goslin).

Abstract

In one embodiment, a charm application enables user devices to communicate via physical charms. Upon receiving, from a first user device, a read request that is associated with the physical charm, the charm application identifies a message and an authorization list that are associated with the physical charm and previously received from a second user device. The charm application then determines whether a first user associated with the first user device is authorized to read the message based on the authorization list. If the first user is authorized to read the message, then the charm application transmits the message to the first user device. Notably, each physical charm may be exchanged between any number of users, but only read by authorized users via a user device. Accordingly, user devices may communicate private messages including any type of data with other user devices irrespective of whether technical infrastructures are accessible.

Background

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to communications technology and, more specifically, to techniques for communicating via exchanges of physical charms.Description of the Related Art

Many people rely on technical infrastructures to discreetly communicate information to specific persons or groups of persons, where that information can be consumed by the recipients immediately or at a later time that is more convenient for the recipients. For example, many people use cellular networks to send text messages to personal and work acquaintances. In another example, many people use the Internet to send email to personal and work acquaintances.

One limitation of communicating via a technical infrastructure is that the technical infrastructure may not always be available or accessible. For example, some schools prohibit students from using cell phones during school hours. In another example, cellular networks and the Internet are not always available in remote locations, such as the more remote regions of some national parks.

When technical infrastructures are unavailable or inaccessible, privately communicating information with a specific person or group of people becomes challenging. In particular, techniques for communicating without a technical infrastructure typically suffer limitations related to content and/or privacy. For example, if a writing instrument is available, then a person co

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for communicating via a physical charm, the method comprising: receiving, from a first user device associated with a first user, a first read request associated with a first physical charm; in response to receiving the first read request, identifying a message and an authorization list that are associated with the first physical charm and previously received from a second user device; determining that the first user is authorized to read the message based on the authorization list; and transmitting the message to the first user device. 9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of: receiving, from a first user device associated with a first user, a first read request associated with a first physical charm; in response to receiving the first read request, identifying a message and an authorization list that are associated with the first physical charm and previously received from a second user device; determining that the first user is authorized to read the message based on the authorization list; and transmitting the message to the first user device. 17. A system for communicating via a physical charm, the system comprising: a memory storing a charm application; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein when executed by the processor, the charm application configures the processor to: receive, from a first user device associated with a first user, a first read request associated with a first physical charm; in response to receiving the first read request, identify a message and an authorization list that are associated with the first physical charm and previously received from a second user device; determine that the first user is authorized to read the message based on the authorization list; and transmit the message to the first user device.