Bluetooth Sink Switching Using Stored Source Device Lists

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bluetooth sink devices face inefficiencies in switching between source devices, requiring manual re-pairing and reconnection processes, which can be cumbersome for users.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus and method that facilitates Bluetooth source device switching by maintaining a source device list and enabling automatic or user-assisted selection and connection to a target source device through a Bluetooth communication protocol, reducing the need for manual re-pairing and reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a Bluetooth sink device performs manual re-pairing and reconnection to switch between source devices, then the connection reliability is maintained, but the operation convenience deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSource device switching operationVSAvoidTime for re-pairing and reconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sink device pre-stores pairing information and connection parameters of multiple source devices in memory. When source device switching is needed, the system retrieves pre-stored information and automatically initiates connection to the target source device, eliminating the need for manual re-pairing and reducing connection time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The Bluetooth sink device autonomously manages the source device switching process by automatically selecting target source devices from stored lists, retrieving connection parameters, and initiating connections without requiring user intervention for manual pairing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If the sink device automatically switches to a target source device using pre-stored information, then the operation convenience improves and time is saved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSource device switching automationVSAvoidConnection management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sink device maintains a universal connection management system that handles multiple source devices through standardized protocols. The system uses unified data structures for storing pairing information and implements a general-purpose switching mechanism that works across different source device types, reducing the need for device-specific complex logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250301514A1Electronic apparatus for bluetooth source switching and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic apparatus and an operating method is provided. The method includes connecting with a sink device based on a Bluetooth communication protocol; obtaining, from the sink device, a source device list, the source device list comprising information about one or more source devices that the sink device has connected with; selecting a target source device from among one or more source devices comprised in the source device list; and transmitting, to the sink device, information associated with the target source device, the information associated with the target source device indicating to the sink device that the sink device perform a connection operation with the target source device.