Accessory Device Endpoint Switching via Status Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional accessory devices require manual re-pairing with different host devices each time they are used, and often rely on secondary control devices to switch between communication protocols and radios, which is inconvenient for users who move between locations.
Innovation Solution
An accessory device with a controller body, user input devices, a communication device, and a status indicator that allows users to intuitively select and change endpoint connections between multiple host devices using a personality button and status indicators, enabling communication via different protocols such as 802.11n, 802.11ax, and Cloud-Direct, without the need for a secondary control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessory devices use conventional pairing methods with multiple host devices, then the device can communicate with different hosts, but manual re-pairing is required each time the host changes
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device stores pairing information and communication protocol configurations in advance for multiple host devices. When a host device changes, the accessory automatically retrieves and applies the pre-stored pairing information, eliminating the need for manual re-pairing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device autonomously manages the switching between different host devices by automatically selecting and applying the appropriate communication protocol and pairing configuration based on the detected host device, without requiring user intervention or secondary control devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory devices rely on secondary control devices to switch between communication protocols, then protocol switching can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device integrates multiple communication protocol stacks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cloud-Direct) and the logic for selecting between them directly into its own controller body. This consolidation eliminates the need for external secondary control devices to manage protocol switching, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device is designed with multi-functional capability to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously, with an integrated controller that can automatically select and switch between protocols based on the operational context and host device requirements.
3Ease of operation
If accessory devices lack local control mechanisms for protocol switching, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot intuitively change endpoint connections without a secondary control device
Solution Approach 1:
The status indicator serves as a visual intermediary between the accessory device's internal state and the user. It displays the current communication protocol and connection status, enabling users to intuitively understand and control the endpoint connections without requiring complex interfaces or secondary devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a controller body, at least one user input device supported by the controller body, a communication device, and a status indicator. The communication device communicates at least one property of the at least one user input device to a selected endpoint connection. The status indicator is located proximate a surface of the body, and the status indicator dynamically indicates the selected endpoint connection of the communication device, where the selected endpoint connection is selected from a plurality of endpoint connections including at least a local electronic device and an access point configured to communicate with a cloud service.