Device Connection via Distance and Time Thresholds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer Electric (CE) products interacting with each other lack user convenience in establishing and maintaining connections due to the absence of effective distance and time-based connection/disconnection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize both distance and time limits to connect and disconnect from external devices, employing a distance calculation unit, time calculation unit, and controller to determine connection or disconnection based on predetermined ranges and intervals, allowing for ad-hoc or infra connection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If connection is established based on distance alone, then connection speed is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance measurement and time-based verification before establishing connection. The controller measures distance via wireless signal exchange, calculates whether the device has remained within range for a predetermined time, and only then establishes connection - preventing premature or unstable connections
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors distance and time parameters during connection maintenance. The controller receives ongoing distance information, compares it against the reference range and time threshold, and dynamically maintains or terminates connection based on current conditions - creating a closed-loop control system
2Reliability
If connection is maintained indefinitely once established, then connection stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs periodic distance measurements and time calculations at intervals. The controller checks distance and accumulates time only when devices remain within range, enabling energy-efficient periodic verification rather than continuous active monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically terminates connection when distance exceeds reference range or time threshold is not met, without requiring manual user intervention. This self-managing mechanism prevents energy waste from maintaining unnecessary connections
3Ease of operation
If distance threshold is set to allow broader range, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the effective connection range by combining distance threshold with time duration threshold. Even though distance threshold allows broader range for ease of operation, the time parameter (predetermined duration within range) acts as an additional filter to ensure genuine proximity and intentional connection, maintaining reliability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5a
Figure 5b~6
AI summary
A method of connecting an external device to an apparatus including calculating a time during which the external device is located within a reference range from the apparatus when a distance between the apparatus and the external device is within the reference range, and connecting the apparatus to the external device when the calculated time exceeds a critical value.