Bluetooth Group Pairing for Peripheral Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional BLUETOOTH connection processes require peripheral devices to be connected to each client device one at a time, making it time-consuming and cumbersome to switch between multiple Information Handling Systems (IHSs).
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows a coordinated set of peripheral devices to connect and disconnect as a group to multiple IHSs, using a common secret group identity key to identify devices within the group and manage seamless transitions between IHSs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peripheral devices are connected to each client device one at a time using conventional BLUETOOTH processes, then individual device pairing is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome when switching between multiple Information Handling Systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual peripheral devices into a coordinated group that operates as a single unit. The group pairing process combines multiple device connections into one unified pairing operation, where all group members are paired with the host device simultaneously through a single pairing transaction initiated by the host device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing group pairing information and coordination mechanisms before actual connection needs arise. The group pairing data structure and secret key distribution are prepared in advance, enabling rapid connection establishment when switching between host devices without requiring individual device discovery and pairing each time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual peripheral devices are paired separately to multiple IHSs, then each device can be connected, but user effort increases and errors associated with individual device pairing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pairing operations for multiple peripheral devices into a single group pairing process. The host device interacts with the group as a unified entity, and all group members are paired simultaneously through this single operation, eliminating the need for users to manually pair each device individually and reducing operational errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated group of peripheral devices performs self-service by maintaining internal coordination and pairing information among group members. When one device is paired, the grouping mechanism automatically enables other group members to connect without requiring separate user intervention for each device, reducing user effort while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If a coordinated set of peripheral devices connects as a group to multiple IHSs, then seamless switching is enabled, but device complexity increases due to group management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary grouping mechanism that manages the complexity of coordinated device connections. The group pairing data structure and secret key distribution system act as intermediaries between the host device and individual peripheral devices, handling the coordination logic centrally while maintaining simple individual device interfaces. This intermediary layer enables seamless switching and high connection efficiency without requiring complex management at the individual device level.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating a coordinated set of peripheral devices that possess the ability to connect and disconnect as a coordinated set to each of multiple Information Handling Systems (IHSs). In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, an IHS may include computer-executable instructions to receive an advertisement from a first peripheral device from among a plurality of peripheral devices. Each peripheral device is configured with a common secret group identity key that identifies the peripheral devices as belonging to a coordinated group. When the first peripheral device is recognized as a member of the coordinated group according to the advertisement, perform a discovery operation to identify the first peripheral device and the other peripheral devices using the secret group identity key, and connect the IHS with the first peripheral device and the other peripheral devices that belong to the coordinated set.