Methods for putting a buttonless or permanently sealed Bluetooth device into pairing, discovery, or reset mode

Abstract

Methods for putting a buttonless or permanently sealed Bluetooth device into pairing, discovery, or reset mode. The invention relates to a method for pairing a Bluetooth device and a smart device. In some embodiments, the method consists of emitting a sequence of light signals from a light source on the smart device; detecting the sequence of light signals with a light detector on the Bluetooth device; and, if the sequence of light signals is recognized by the Bluetooth device, entering a pairing mode between the Bluetooth device and the smart device.

Description

Title of Invention: Methods for placing a buttonless or permanently sealed Bluetooth device into pairing, discovery, or reset mode

[0001] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form which are described in more detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the main features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0002] Bluetooth communication is ubiquitous. The creation of wireless networks that reduce the need for wired connections has wide-ranging commercial, industrial, and military applications, among others. Bluetooth has enabled the development of a multitude of portable devices, giving a user freedom of movement without the risk of tripping or otherwise being hindered by wires. Conventional methods of pairing Bluetooth devices require the manual manipulation of a button on the device in order to put the device into discovery mode, so that it can be paired with other devices.

[0003] As technology advances, Bluetooth may be used in applications and environments where devices are waterproof, dustproof, permanently sealed, or otherwise too small or impractical to have mechanical pairing means built into the device. Therefore, systems and methods are needed for better pairing of Bluetooth devices.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for pairing a Bluetooth device and a smart device comprises: emitting a sequence of light signals by a light source of the smart device; detecting the sequence of light signals by a light detector of the Bluetooth device; and if the sequence of light signals is recognized by the Bluetooth device, entering a pairing mode between the Bluetooth device and the smart device.

[0005] In another embodiment, the method comprises scanning a visual identification (ID) pattern of the Bluetooth device by the smart device; and recognizing the visual ID pattern by the smart device. The emission of the sequence of light signals by the light source of the smart device is based on the recognized visual ID pattern.

[0006] In one embodiment, the visual ID pattern is unique to a Bluetooth device. In another embodiment, the visual ID pattern is a QR code. In another embodiment, the visual ID pattern is a serial number. In yet another embodiment, the visual ID pattern is a barcode.

[0007] In one embodiment, scanning the visual ID pattern is performed with an application of the smart device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method also includes placing the light source of the smart device near the light detector of the Bluetooth device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sequence of light signals is unique to a Bluetooth device. In another embodiment, the light source is the flashlight of the smart device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the light detector of the Bluetooth device comprises: a photodiode; an aperture covering the photodiode; and a microcontroller that is operatively coupled to the photodiode.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method also includes transmitting the sequence of light signals with an application on the smart device.

[0012] In one embodiment, a method for pairing a Bluetooth device and a smart device includes: periodically monitoring the Bluetooth device for a radio frequency (RF) signal sequence; transmitting the RF signal sequence through an antenna of the smart device; detecting the RF signal sequence through an antenna of the Bluetooth device; and if the RF signal sequence is recognized by the Bluetooth device, entering a pairing mode between the Bluetooth device and the smart device.

[0013] In another embodiment, the method also includes scanning a visual ID pattern of the Bluetooth device by the smart device; and recognizing the visual ID pattern. The predetermined sequence of RF signals transmitted by the smart device is based on the recognized visual ID pattern.

[0014] In one embodiment, the predetermined sequence of RF signals emitted by the smart device is unique to the specific Bluetooth device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the visual ID pattern is unique to a specific Bluetooth device. In another embodiment, the visual ID pattern is a QR code. In another embodiment, the visual ID pattern is a serial number. In yet another embodiment, the visual ID pattern is a barcode.

[0016] In one embodiment, the Bluetooth device is buttonless or sealed.

[0017] The foregoing aspects and most of the associated advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] is a schematic diagram of an exemplary device Bluetooth according to the present invention;

[0019] [Fig.lB] [Fig.lB] illustrates interactions between an exemplary Bluetooth device and a smart device according to the present invention;

[0020] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] is a schematic diagram of an exemplary Bluetooth device according to the present invention;

[0021] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] illustrates an interaction between an exemplary Bluetooth device and a smart device according to the present invention;

[0022] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a flowchart of a pairing mode setting method of a Bluetooth device according to the present invention;

[0023] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4A] is a schematic diagram of an exemplary Bluetooth device according to the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.4B] [Fig.4B] is an embodiment of an exemplary smart device according to the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a flowchart of a pairing mode setting method of a Bluetooth device according to the present invention.

[0026] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0027] In some embodiments, the disclosed technology includes a Bluetooth device having a visual ID pattern. In some embodiments, the Bluetooth device is relatively small and therefore does not have space for a Bluetooth pairing button. In other embodiments, the Bluetooth device may be permanently sealed, thus also having no accessible controls or points that can be used during Bluetooth pairing. In some embodiments, a smart device scans the visual ID pattern to recognize the Bluetooth device. If the smart device recognizes the Bluetooth device, then the smart device can initiate pairing. In the context of this disclosure, wireless connections that transfer data between two paired devices are referred to as Bluetooth connections.However, it should be understood that other wireless technologies, for example, WiFi, LTE, etc., may be used with the technology of the invention.

[0028] In other embodiments, the inventive technology includes a Bluetooth device having a light detector. In some embodiments, the smart device sends a light pattern to the light detector through a light source on the smart device. In some embodiments, this light pattern puts the Bluetooth device into pairing mode.

[0029] In other embodiments, the present invention includes a Bluetooth device having an antenna. In operation, a smart device sends an RF signal through an antenna on the smart device. In some embodiments, when the antenna of the Bluetooth device receives the RF signal, the Bluetooth device is placed in pairing mode.

[0030] [Fig. 1 A] is an example of a Bluetooth device according to the present invention. The Bluetooth device 1000 includes a visual ID pattern 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the visual ID pattern 110 is a QR code. In other embodiments, the visual ID pattern 110 may be a bar code, a serial number, or another graphical representation.

[0031] The visual ID pattern 110 may be unique to a Bluetooth device 1000. In other embodiments, the visual ID pattern 110 may be the same for other Bluetooth devices 1000 of the same model or type. In some embodiments, the visual ID pattern 110 is printed on the Bluetooth device 1000. In some embodiments, the visual ID pattern 110 is etched on the Bluetooth device 1000. Some non-limiting examples of the Bluetooth devices 1000 are a portable UV or blue light sensor, a pollution sensor (e.g., NO2, PM2.5, etc.) wearable, a wearable sweat monitoring device, a wearable pH monitoring device, a wearable temperature monitoring device, a wearable glucose monitoring device, a personal name badge / bib tag, a wearable activity monitoring device, an asset tracking tag, a proximity marketing beacon, and a navigation beacon. In some embodiments, these Bluetooth devices may be single-use (e.g., disposable, non-rechargeable, non-battery replaceable, etc.). .

[0032] [Fig. 1B] illustrates an example of interaction between a Bluetooth device 1000 and a smart device (or host device) 2000. The Bluetooth device 1000 includes a visual ID pattern 110. The smart device 2000 is illustrated as a mobile phone but in other embodiments, the smart device 2000 takes the form of any number of other computing devices such as a smart watch, a tablet and the like.

[0033] In operation, the Bluetooth device 1000 is in listening mode by default. The pairing operation may proceed as follows. The smart device 2000 scans the visual ID pattern 110 on the Bluetooth device 1000 by aligning the Bluetooth device 1000 with the camera of the smart device 2000. As illustrated, the user may align the visual ID pattern 110' on the interface of the smart device 2000 with a scanning device of the application. For example, the smart device 2000 scans the visual ID pattern 110, and if it recognizes the visual ID pattern 110, then the smart device 2000 initiates pairing.

[0034] [Fig.2A] is a schematic diagram of an exemplary Bluetooth device according to the present invention. The Bluetooth device 1000 comprises a visual ID pattern 110, a microcontroller 130, an aperture (e.g., a transparent cover) 150, and a light detector 120. In some embodiments, the light detector 120 is a photodiode. In some embodiments, the aperture 150 is made of glass. In other embodiments, the aperture 150 is made of another transparent material, such as plastic.

[0035] In operation, the aperture 150 allows for the detection of light by the light detector 120. The microcontroller 130 may continuously monitor the voltage across the light detector 120. When the microcontroller 130 detects a certain sequence of voltages across the light detector 120, it sets the Bluetooth device 1000 into pairing (or discovery) mode, as described in more detail with reference to [Fig.2B] below.

[0036] [Fig.2B] illustrates interactions between a Bluetooth device 1000 and a smart device 2000. The Bluetooth device 1000 includes a visual ID pattern 110 and an aperture 150. The smart device 2000 includes a light source 210 which is illustrated as the flashlight of a smart device 2000, but in other embodiments, the light source 210 may take other forms, such as an LED.

[0037] In operation, the smart device 2000 relies on an application that controls the light source 210. In some embodiments, the application recognizes a variety of Bluetooth devices 1000 by their unique visual ID pattern 110. In other embodiments, the application is tailored to the specific model or type of Bluetooth device 1000.

[0038] Once the smart device 2000 recognizes the Bluetooth device 1000, the smart device may broadcast the light 220 in a specific sequence. The aperture 150 allows the light 220 to be detected by the light detector 120. In some embodiments, the light detector 120 is a photodiode. The microcontroller 130 may monitor the voltage across the light detector 120. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 130 monitors the voltage continuously, but in other embodiments, the microcontroller 130 monitors the voltage sporadically or periodically. When the microcontroller 130 detects the specific sequence of light 220, it sets the Bluetooth device 1000 into pairing or discovery mode.

[0039] [Fig.3] is a flowchart of a method of putting a Bluetooth device according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the method may include additional steps or may be practiced without all of the steps illustrated in the flowchart.

[0040] The method 300 begins at block 305. At block 310, the host device (e.g., the smart device 2000) scans the visual ID pattern on the Bluetooth device. At block 315, if the Bluetooth device is recognized, then the method proceeds to block 320. If the Bluetooth device is not recognized, the method returns to block 310 and the host device scans the visual ID pattern again, until it recognizes the Bluetooth device.

[0041] At block 320, the user places the Bluetooth device and the host device proximal to each other. In some embodiments, the user aligns the flashlight or light source of the host device with the aperture on the Bluetooth device. At block 325, the host device emits a pairing light sequence. In some embodiments, the pairing light sequence is unique to the individual Bluetooth device. In some embodiments, the pairing light sequence is unique to the type of Bluetooth device.

[0042] At block 330, the Bluetooth device detects the pairing light sequence by, for example, the light detector 120. At block 335, the Bluetooth device and the host device are paired. At block 340, the Bluetooth device and the host device operate in paired mode. Finally, when the user is finished with the Bluetooth device, at block 345, the Bluetooth device and the host device are unpaired. At block 350, the method ends.

[0043] [Fig. 4A] is an example of a Bluetooth device 1000 according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the Bluetooth device 1000 includes an antenna 140, a microcontroller 130, and a visual ID pattern 110. In operation, the antenna 140 detects a radio frequency (RF) signal 230 that is transmitted by the smart device (as illustrated in [Fig. 4B]). The microcontroller 130 attached to the antenna 140 monitors whether the antenna 140 has received the RF signal 230. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 130 periodically listens for a sequence of RF signals. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 130 continuously listens for a sequence of RF signals.

[0044] [Fig. 4B] is an example of a smart device 2000 according to the present invention. The smart device 2000 includes an antenna 240. In some embodiments, the visual ID pattern 110 of the Bluetooth device 1000 is detected by the smart device 2000 as described above with respect to [Fig. 1A] and 1B. In operation, with an application on the smart device 2000, the antenna 240 transmits an RF signal 230. The antenna 140 on the Bluetooth device 1000 receives the RF signal 230, and the microcontroller 130 puts the Bluetooth device into pairing mode.

[0045] [Fig. 5] is a flowchart of a method of placing a Bluetooth device in pairing mode according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the method may include additional steps or may be practiced without all the steps illustrated in the flowchart.

[0046] The method 500 begins at block 505. At block 510, the host device (e.g., the smart device 2000) scans the visual ID pattern on the Bluetooth device. At block 515, if the Bluetooth device is recognized, the method proceeds to block 520. If the Bluetooth device is not recognized, the method returns to block 510 and the host device scans the visual ID pattern again, until it recognizes the Bluetooth device.

[0047] At block 520, the host device transmits a special RF sequence through its antenna. In some embodiments, the RF sequence is unique to the specific Bluetooth device. In some embodiments, the RF sequence is unique to the type of Bluetooth device. At block 525, the Bluetooth device detects the RF sequence transmitted by the smart device. At block 530, the Bluetooth device and the host device are paired.

[0048] At block 540, the Bluetooth device and the host device operate in paired mode. Finally, when the user is finished with the Bluetooth device, at block 545, the Bluetooth device and the host device are unpaired. At block 550, the method ends.

[0049] Many embodiments of the technology described above may take the form of computer or controller executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computer or controller. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced on computer / controller systems other than those shown and described above. The invention may be incorporated into a specialized computer, controller, or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to carry out one or more of the computer executable instructions described above.Accordingly, the terms "computer" and "controller," as generally used herein, mean any data processor and may include connected devices and handheld devices (including handheld computers, laptop computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, programmable or processor-based consumer electronics, network computers, minicomputers, and the like).

[0050] From the foregoing, it will be understood that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but that various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the meter or controller may be based on a low-power step-down voltage regulator connected to a capacitor. In addition, while various advantages and features associated with certain embodiments have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also have such advantages and / or features, and not all embodiments need to have such advantages and / or features in order to fall within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention may encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

[0051] The present application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise indicated, these quantities and numbers should not be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also, in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number that is greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," etc. mean more or less than 5% of the stated value.

[0052] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing description. However, the aspects of the present invention, which are intended to be protected, should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments described. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be understood that variations and modifications may be made by others, and equivalents used, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, modifications, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed.

Claims

Claims

1. A method for pairing a Bluetooth device and a smart device, the Bluetooth device being buttonless or sealed, the method comprising: emitting a sequence of light signals by a light source of the smart device; detecting the sequence of light signals by a light detector of the Bluetooth device; and if the sequence of light signals is recognized by the Bluetooth device, entering a pairing mode between the Bluetooth device and the smart device; or periodically listening for a sequence of radio frequency (RF) signals by the Bluetooth device; emitting the sequence of RF signals by an antenna of the smart device; detecting the sequence of RF signals by an antenna of the Bluetooth device;and if the RF signal sequence is recognized by the Bluetooth device, entering a pairing mode between the Bluetooth device and the smart device.;

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: scanning a visual identification (ID) pattern of the Bluetooth device by the smart device; and recognizing the visual ID pattern by the smart device; wherein the light source of the smart device emits the sequence of light signals based on the recognized visual ID pattern.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: placing the light source of the smart device near the light detector of the Bluetooth device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: emitting the sequence of light signals with an application on the smart device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the sequence of RF signals transmitted by the smart device is unique to the specific Bluetooth device.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the visual ID pattern is unique to the specific Bluetooth device.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the visual ID pattern is a QR code, a serial number, or a bar code.

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