Automated Local Device Connection via Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Establishing local connections between electronic terminals, such as for communication or data exchange, is complex and often requires technical expertise, limiting user-friendly operation, especially in scenarios involving wireless connections and accessory devices.

Innovation Solution

An external computer unit analyzes information data, such as image data captured by a terminal's camera, to determine the necessary settings for establishing a local connection between electronic terminals, thereby simplifying the process and eliminating the need for users to configure settings manually.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration and menu functions are used to establish local connections, then connection capability is achieved, but user operation complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an external computing unit as an intermediary that receives image data containing device information, analyzes it, and automatically establishes connections. This mediator handles the complex configuration processes, shielding users from technical complexity while maintaining connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration operations (menu navigation, setting adjustments) with automated image recognition and analysis systems. The camera captures device information visually, and software automatically processes this data to establish connections, substituting complex manual operations with automated optical and computational systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If technical assistance and support services are provided to help users establish connections, then connection success rate improves, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection success rateVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to perform self-service connection establishment through automated image analysis. The computing unit independently processes captured images, extracts device information, and configures connections without requiring external technical assistance, thereby maintaining high success rates while eliminating time delays and support costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of device information through image recognition before connection establishment. By pre-processing and understanding device characteristics in advance, the system prepares connection parameters proactively, ensuring successful connections without requiring time-consuming troubleshooting or support interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive configuration options and menu functions are provided, then adaptability to different devices improves, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the input parameter from complex configuration menus to simple image data. By accepting visual information as input and automatically extracting relevant device parameters, the system maintains adaptability to various devices while eliminating the need for users to navigate complex configuration options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal connection establishment method that works across different device types through image recognition. The same camera-based input and analysis process handles diverse devices, providing multi-functionality and broad compatibility without requiring device-specific configuration procedures.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2071800B1Method for creating local connections between electronic end devices
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 VODAFONE GMBH
  • EP2071800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2071800B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A first electronic terminal unit (10) is to be connected to a second electronic terminal unit (11). Data (12) providing information about the second unit (11) is produced or detected by the first unit (10). This data is transmitted (14) to an external computer (13). The computer contains an analysis unit (15) to which the data (12) is submitted. Based on the results, further data concerning formation of the connection is identified in the computer databank (16). Based on this data, the connection is formed.