Beacon Signal Device Setup Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video conferencing systems are complex and costly to set up, requiring multiple types of computer hardware to interact seamlessly, making it challenging to rapidly and easily configure and control electronic devices for communication between multiple users at different locations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and electronic device that uses beacon signals to analyze and transmit control information wirelessly to auxiliary devices, allowing for the automatic setup and control of video conferencing systems, audio devices, and other electronic devices, enabling easy interaction and communication without the need for extensive user input or specialized hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated video conferencing hardware and multiple computer hardware types are used, then sophisticated video conferencing functionality is achieved, but device complexity and setup cost increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo conferencing functionalityVSAvoidhardware configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling smartphones and tablets to function as video conferencing devices through wireless connection to external displays and audio equipment. The mobile device's camera, microphone, and processor serve multiple purposes: they become the video conferencing system's camera, audio input, and control unit, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by replicating video conferencing capabilities on mobile devices through software applications rather than requiring physical copies of dedicated hardware. The mobile device copies the functionality of professional video conferencing systems using existing components, achieving similar results with different, more accessible equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of computer hardware are used for video conferencing, then sophisticated features are provided, but setup time and user configuration effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo conferencing featuresVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automatic device discovery and configuration. When a mobile device approaches the display, the system automatically detects the device, establishes wireless connection, and configures video conferencing parameters without user intervention. The mobile device itself performs the setup tasks that would otherwise require manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the video conferencing environment with beacon signals that contain connection information and device capabilities. This preliminary setup allows the mobile device to instantly connect and begin video conferencing without real-time configuration delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If dedicated video conferencing locations with fixed hardware are used, then reliable video conferencing is achieved, but ease of operation and accessibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo conferencing stabilityVSAvoiddevice accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, fixed-location video conferencing hardware to dynamic, mobile device-based conferencing. The system adapts to different locations and devices automatically, allowing video conferencing to occur anywhere the mobile device can connect to a display, rather than requiring presence at dedicated conferencing rooms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If extensive hardware setup is required for video conferencing, then communication quality is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidsystem deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables universal deployment by using mobile devices with universally available components (camera, microphone, processor, wireless communication) instead of specialized hardware that requires complex manufacturing and deployment. The same mobile device can serve video conferencing purposes in any location without additional manufacturing or setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10116899B2Method and apparatus for facilitating setup, discovery of capabilities and interaction of electronic devices
Publication Date: 2018.10.30 LOGITECH EUROPE SA
  • US10116899B2 patent drawing
  • US10116899B2 patent drawing
  • US10116899B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure provided herein generally include a system and a method of configuring and/or controlling one or more electronic devices using a portable electronic device based on the interaction of the portable electronic device with a beacon signal generating system that is disposed at a desired location. Embodiments of the disclosure may include a system and a method of collecting and analyzing useful information received by the portable electronic device based on the receipt of a beacon signal. The portable electronic device may then perform one or more desirable functions or processes based the portable electronic device's interaction with the beacon signal generating system. Some aspects of the invention may include an apparatus, method and/or one or more computing device software applications that are configured to more easily setup, configure and/or reliably control an additional electronic device based on the interaction of the portable electronic device with the beacon signal generating system.