Cloud Phone Notifications via WiFi Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bluetooth's limitations in range, bandwidth, and connectivity make it impractical for certain wireless communication scenarios, such as when devices are out of range, multiple devices share the connection, or environmental conditions are unsuitable, leading to dropped connections and impractical data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first wireless device detects when a second device is out of range or disconnected and switches to a WiFi connection, using a cloud computing system to store and relay data, allowing seamless data transfer between devices even when Bluetooth limitations are exceeded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If Bluetooth connection is used for wireless communication between devices, then low-power and short-range communication is achieved, but the connection becomes unreliable when devices are out of range or environmental conditions are unsuitable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements multi-functionality by enabling devices to operate with dual wireless communication capabilities - Bluetooth for low-power short-range communication and WiFi for reliable long-range communication. The wearable device can seamlessly switch between these two communication modes depending on the situation, making the system universally adaptable to both power-efficient and reliability-critical scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the wearable device and the cloud computing system. When the wearable device experiences connectivity issues with the cloud (out of range or unsuitable conditions), the mobile device receives notifications locally and facilitates alternative communication paths, mediating the interaction between the wearable device and external systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If Bluetooth connection is used for wireless communication, then short-range communication is achieved, but data transfer becomes slow and limited in bandwidth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoiddata transfer rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a single-dimension Bluetooth communication model to a multi-dimensional communication architecture. Data can be transferred through multiple dimensions: directly via Bluetooth when in range, or indirectly through the mobile device and cloud computing system when out of range. This dimensional expansion allows the system to maintain high data transfer rates regardless of physical distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cloud computing system serves as an intermediary that enables high-speed data transfer between the wearable device and remote systems. When direct Bluetooth connection is not feasible due to range limitations, the cloud platform mediates data synchronization, allowing fast data exchange without being constrained by Bluetooth's short-range bandwidth limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If Bluetooth connection is used for wireless communication, then low-power communication is achieved, but connectivity is lost when devices are out of physical range or environmental conditions are unsuitable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconnectivity adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic adaptability by continuously monitoring Bluetooth connection status and automatically switching communication strategies. When the wearable device is within range, it uses low-power Bluetooth mode. When out of range or environmental conditions deteriorate, the system dynamically transitions to using the mobile device and cloud computing system for communication, maintaining connectivity while adapting to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system achieves universality by being able to operate in multiple communication modes - direct Bluetooth notifications when in range, and indirect notifications through the mobile device when out of range. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain low power consumption in optimal conditions while gaining broad adaptability across all environmental conditions.

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

4Reliability

If Bluetooth pairing is required for wireless communication, then secure direct connection is achieved, but the pairing process becomes impractical when devices are frequently moved or lose power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidpairing convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary pairing between the wearable device and mobile device in advance. Once paired, this preliminary action establishes a trusted relationship that persists across device power cycles and movements. The mobile device then acts as a persistent intermediary, eliminating the need for repeated pairing operations while maintaining secure communication through the pre-established trust relationship.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves as a persistent intermediary that maintains the trusted connection relationship. Instead of requiring direct pairing between the wearable device and every target device, the mobile device mediates communications, having already performed the secure pairing operation. This intermediary approach preserves connection security while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10028309B2Cloud phone notifications
Publication Date: 2018.07.17 APPLE INC
  • US10028309B2 patent drawing
  • US10028309B2 patent drawing
  • US10028309B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This relates to a method of sending data, such as documents, notifications, alerts, and messages, from a first wireless device to a second wireless device through a wireless connection, such as WiFi, when the limitations of Bluetooth capabilities are exceeded. The method of sending data can include, for example, the first wireless device storing the data on a remote server in a cloud computing system, and the second wireless device accessing the stored data from the remote server. The wireless devices can be configured to detect when another wireless device is out of physical range, when there are too many devices sharing the connection, if the environmental conditions are unsuitable, or if a device has powered down, for example. Additionally, the user or application may require a higher data transfer rate or a more secure connection.