External Device Pairing via Arrangement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple portable communication devices, wireless communication pairing is preferentially performed with the device connected last, making it difficult to pair with a specific operation terminal, and existing systems face challenges in selecting a suitable connection destination, especially in scenarios requiring frequent changes.
Innovation Solution
An external device with an arrangement unit, arrangement detector, external communicator, and pairing command input unit that covers the display area of a touch panel, allowing for efficient pairing by transmitting a pairing request signal when the operation terminal is detected and receiving input for pairing execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication pairing is performed in an environment with multiple portable communication devices, then pairing can be established with available devices, but pairing is preferentially performed with the device connected last, making it difficult to pair with a specific operation terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The external device performs preliminary actions by detecting the arrangement of the operation terminal on its surface and proactively transmitting a pairing request signal before other devices can establish connection. This preliminary detection and request transmission ensures that the specific operation terminal is paired first, preventing the automatic pairing with the last-connected device and enabling reliable selection of the intended pairing target.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a function for switching connection destination is provided on the device, then connection destination can be changed, but in environments with a large number of switch targets, the number of switching channels is insufficient, making it difficult to select a switching destination
Solution Approach 1:
The external device serves as an intermediary platform that provides a physical arrangement detection mechanism. By detecting which operation terminal is arranged on its surface, it mediates the pairing process between multiple terminals and the system, eliminating the need for complex switching channels and making destination selection intuitive and easy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent connection destination changes are desired, then system flexibility is improved, but the insufficient number of switching channels makes frequent switching difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the operation terminal's arrangement on the external device before switching operations are needed. This preliminary detection state allows for instant and easy switching of connection destinations, as the system already knows which terminal is present and ready for pairing, eliminating the need for complex switching procedures even during frequent changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An external device includes: an arrangement unit for arranging an operation terminal in which at least a part of a display area of the operation terminal is covered; an arrangement detector for detecting that an operation terminal is arranged on the arrangement unit; an external communicator for transmitting, to the operation terminal, a pairing request signal for wireless communication; and a pairing command input unit provided in an area covering a display area of a touch panel and for receiving input of a command that instructs execution of pairing with the operation terminal, wherein the external communicator is configured to transmit the pairing request signal when the arrangement detector detects that an operation terminal is arranged on the arrangement unit, and pairing with the operation terminal is executed when the command is input and an input operation to a predetermined area of a touch panel is detected.