Image Capture Accessory Pairing With Auto Protocol Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users have to manually navigate the image capture device user interface to choose a communication protocol when connecting it to accessory devices, as there is no standard USB communication protocol, and similarly, establishing a low power, wireless connection requires manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

Implementations for auto-detection and auto-connection of communication protocols between an image capture device and an accessory device, including automatic detection of a wired connection, initiation of supported protocols, and seamless connectivity via both wired and wireless protocols like Bluetooth Low-Energy, without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual navigation of user interface is used to choose communication protocol, then user control is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple manual steps required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the accessory device type and selects the appropriate communication protocol without user intervention. The image capture device performs self-service by autonomously navigating the connection establishment process, including protocol selection and parameter configuration, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through automated decision-making algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple communication protocols (USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) within the device and prepares detection routines in advance. When an accessory device is connected, the pre-prepared protocol stack enables rapid automatic selection and activation, eliminating the need for manual user configuration and reducing operational steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication protocols are supported, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to protocol management

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image capture device incorporates multiple communication protocols (USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to achieve universal compatibility with various accessory devices. The system includes a protocol detection module that automatically identifies the accessory type and selects the appropriate protocol, enabling multi-functionality without requiring complex manual configuration or increasing perceived device complexity for the user

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

Solution Approach 2:

The communication protocol selection is dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors connection status and automatically switches between different protocols based on real-time detection of accessory device type and capabilities. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to handle diverse accessories while maintaining manageable complexity through context-aware protocol selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If automatic protocol detection is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but loss of time increases due to detection and processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-loading multiple communication protocol stacks and detection routines into the device memory before actual use. When an accessory device is connected, the pre-prepared protocols enable rapid automatic detection and selection, minimizing the time overhead while maintaining ease of operation. The detection algorithms are optimized to quickly identify accessory types and activate the appropriate protocol without extensive processing delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260006320A1Method and System for Auto-Detection and Auto-Connection Between a Device and an Accessory Device
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 GOPRO INC
  • US20260006320A1 patent drawing
  • US20260006320A1 patent drawing
  • US20260006320A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for auto-detecting and auto-connecting communication protocols with respect to an image capture device connected to an accessory device via an interface cable. A method for seamless connectivity including automatically detecting, by one of an image capture device and an accessory device, of a wired connection between the image capture device and the accessory device via an interface cable, automatically initiating, by the one of the image capture device and the accessory device, processing associated with a communication protocol supported by the image capture device and the accessory device, and automatically connecting the image capture device to the accessory device via the communication protocol when the processing is complete.