Bluetooth Low Energy State Segmentation for Proximity-Based Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a wireless connection between devices can be complicated due to the multitude of communication techniques and protocols, making device discovery and selection cumbersome for users.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus and method operating in Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, with states allowing for discoverability and connectability, using RSSI and identity/address criteria to determine and respond to connection requests, facilitating a user-friendly 'touch-to-select' technique for device discovery and connection setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device operates in discoverable state to allow multiple connection requests, then device discoverability is improved, but connection security and power consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the discoverable state into two distinct operational modes: a first discoverable state where the device accepts connection requests from any device, and a second discoverable state where the device only accepts requests from specific devices identified in a whitelist. This segmentation allows the system to balance between broad discoverability and secure, selective connectivity by transitioning between states based on connection requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device processes all connection requests in discoverable state, then connection opportunities are increased, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic state transitions between two discoverable states based on real-time connection requirements. The device can switch from a high-power first discoverable state (accepting all requests) to a low-power second discoverable state (accepting only whitelisted requests), thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining necessary connection opportunities
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously maintaining the full first discoverable state, the patent applies partial action by using the second discoverable state with restricted acceptance criteria. This partial operation mode consumes less power while still providing connection opportunities for authorized devices, eliminating the need for excessive power consumption
3Reliability
If device selection criteria are made strict to improve connection quality, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic whitelist management where the device autonomously identifies and adds frequently connected devices to the whitelist without requiring manual user configuration. This self-service mechanism maintains strict security criteria while simplifying operation, as the system automatically adapts to user preferences over time
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A technique for operating a wireless communication apparatus is provided. According to an example embodiment, the technique comprises operating a wireless communication apparatus in one of a plurality of states, said plurality of states comprising at least a discoverable state wherein the wireless communication apparatus is discoverable but not connectable and a connectable state wherein the wireless communication apparatus is both discoverable and connectable, receiving, when operating the wireless communication apparatus in the discoverable state, one or more requests from a remote wireless communication apparatus, and changing from the discoverable state to the connectable state in response to said requests fulfilling predefined criteria.