Display Apparatus Dual Communication Protocol for Reliable Ambient Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display apparatuses struggle to maintain effective communication with mobile devices for ambient mode operations when users are not nearby, leading to inefficient standby mode management due to unreliable short-range wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

The display apparatus employs a dual communication protocol approach using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi, switching between them to maintain communication and ensure the ambient mode is only active when both protocols are available, and reverts to standby mode when either protocol is disconnected, utilizing MAC address retrieval through ARP requests and mobile app assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If short-range wireless communication (BLE) is used to detect user proximity for ambient mode operation, then the display apparatus can provide convenient ambient mode when user is nearby, but communication reliability deteriorates when user is not nearby causing unnecessary mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient mode operationVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Wi-Fi communication as an intermediary mechanism to verify user proximity. Instead of relying solely on BLE which has limited range and reliability, the system uses Wi-Fi as a mediator to confirm the mobile device's presence. The display apparatus checks for Wi-Fi connection status as an additional verification layer, ensuring that ambient mode is only activated when both BLE and Wi-Fi confirm user presence, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If dual communication protocol (BLE and Wi-Fi) verification is implemented to ensure reliable user presence detection, then communication reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universality of Wi-Fi technology which already exists in most modern mobile devices for internet connectivity. By utilizing this existing universal communication capability for proximity detection purposes, the system avoids adding specialized hardware or complex proprietary protocols. The Wi-Fi module serves multiple functions: internet connectivity, proximity detection, and mode verification, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the mobile device's own Wi-Fi connectivity status (which the user already maintains for normal operation) to self-verify presence. The display apparatus queries the mobile device's Wi-Fi connection state, and the mobile device provides this information from its own network stack. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional sensors or complex interaction protocols, as the mobile device's existing network infrastructure serves the dual purpose of both communication and proximity verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If ambient mode is maintained based on unreliable BLE communication, then ease of operation is preserved, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary screen activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the display apparatus continuously monitors both BLE and Wi-Fi connection statuses to dynamically adjust ambient mode activation. The system receives feedback from the mobile device regarding Wi-Fi connection state and uses this feedback to verify user presence before maintaining ambient mode. This multi-layer feedback system ensures that ambient mode is only sustained when both communication protocols confirm active user presence, preventing unnecessary screen activation and reducing power consumption while preserving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3720101B1Electronic apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3720101B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3720101B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3720101B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes: a first communication circuit configured to perform wireless communication in a first mode; a second communication circuit configured to perform wireless communication with an access point in a second mode; and a processor configured to control the electronic apparatus to: obtain first identification information for a first mode-based wireless communication of an external apparatus through the first communication circuit, obtain address information for a second mode-based wireless communication of the external apparatus through the first communication circuit, obtain second identification information for the second mode-based wireless communication of the external apparatus through the second communication circuit using the obtained address, identify whether communication connection with the external apparatus is established through the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit based on the obtained first identification information, address information and second identification information, and perform an operation based on whether the communication connection with the external apparatus is established.