Accessory Device Identifier Change for Radio Link Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for managing radio links between master and accessory devices fail to prevent accidental reestablishment of connections when the physical link is disconnected, leading to incorrect pairing with former master devices.

Innovation Solution

The accessory device changes its device identifier from a first identifier to a second identifier after detecting a disconnection, preventing former master devices from reestablishing a radio link, and only allows pairing with a new master device after a predefined pairing routine is performed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the accessory device automatically reestablishes the radio link using stored pairing data, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental connections with former master devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic reestablishment of radio linkVSAvoidaccurate device pairing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the device identifier parameter of the accessory device when a physical disconnection is detected. This parameter change prevents former master devices from automatically reestablishing radio links, as they will recognize the identifier as unknown. The accessory device maintains a mapping between the changed identifier and the original identifier to enable proper routing of communication packets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mapping mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the changed device identifier and the original identifier. This mapping stored in the accessory device allows the system to translate communication requests from the new identifier back to the original identifier, enabling seamless communication despite the identifier change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the accessory device uses a fixed device identifier, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates when switching to new master devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice identifier consistencyVSAvoidswitching to new master devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the device identifier dynamic rather than fixed. The accessory device changes its identifier based on the connection status with master devices. When a physical disconnection occurs, the identifier is changed to prevent automatic reconnection, and it can be changed again when connecting to a new master device, providing adaptability while maintaining stability during active connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes to the device identifier based on connection events. The identifier remains stable during active use but changes when physical disconnections are detected, allowing the device to adapt to different master devices while maintaining compositional stability during each connection phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the accessory device sends out the device identifier frequently, then the productivity of link establishment is improved, but the loss of energy deteriorates due to continuous radio transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink establishment speedVSAvoidradio transmission energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic broadcasting of the device identifier at predefined intervals rather than continuous transmission. This periodic action maintains the ability to be discovered by master devices while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous broadcasting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3620320B1Method and system for managing a radio link between a master device and an accessory device and corresponding master and accessory device for the system
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3620320B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3620320B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3620320B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is concerned with a method for operating an accessory device (11) that is designed to be connected to a master device (12) over a predefined physical link (13), wherein a control unit (15) of the accessory device (11) sends out a first device identifier (20) of the accessory device (11) over a radio interface (17) for establishing a radio link (14) to the master device (12), when the control unit is switched on. The invention is characterized in that the control unit (15) observes a connection status of the physical link (13) and, if a disconnection of the physical link (13) is detected, the next time the control unit (15) is switched on, the control unit (15) changes the first device identifier (20) into a second device identifier (21) and sends out the second device identifier (21) over the radio interface (17).