Beacon-Based Device Pairing for Precise LAN POS Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple point of sale devices and display devices on a LAN, establishing precise 1-to-1 pairings for device communication is challenging due to difficulties in discovering and connecting the correct devices, especially when devices move within the network and IP addresses change.
Innovation Solution
Devices utilize wireless beacon transmissions with static identifiers to initiate connections, determining proximity and obtaining connection parameters through LAN discovery, and implementing dynamic switching and reestablishment protocols to maintain pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LAN discovery protocols are used to find devices on the network, then devices can discover each other, but it becomes difficult to establish specific 1-to-1 pairings among multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacon signals as an intermediary mechanism between device discovery and pairing. The beacon contains a unique identifier that acts as a mediator, allowing devices to be discovered via LAN protocols and then specifically paired by matching the beacon identifier with the discovered device, resolving the contradiction between general discovery and specific pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by having devices broadcast beacon signals containing their identifiers before actual pairing occurs. This preliminary beacon broadcasting allows the receiving device to obtain connection parameters and establish pairings more efficiently, reducing the operational complexity of pairing multiple devices.
2Productivity
If multiple point of sale terminals and display devices are deployed in the store, then service coverage is improved, but device pairing and connection management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection parameters from the complex pairing process and embeds them in simple beacon signals. Each device broadcasts its identifier and connection information in the beacon, allowing other devices to automatically obtain the necessary connection details without complex management procedures, thus enabling expanded deployment while simplifying connection management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically obtain connection parameters from beacons and establish pairings without manual intervention. Devices autonomously manage their connections by listening for beacons, extracting parameters, and initiating connections, which simplifies management as more devices are added to the network.
3Measurement precision
If beacon signals are used for proximity-based pairing, then connection accuracy is improved, but additional signal processing requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides device identification, connection parameters, and proximity indication through signal strength. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signal processing systems, as the same beacon infrastructure supports both accurate proximity-based pairing and connection establishment, mitigating the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method including receiving, at a first device from a second device, a wireless beacon transmission; obtaining, by the first device from the wireless beacon transmission, an identifier for the second device; initiating, by the first device, a connection to the second device via a local area network using connection parameters determined based on the identifier; and establishing a pairing relationship between the first device and the second device based on the connection.