Indirect Device Communication via Visual Code Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication technologies, such as Bluetooth and physically bumping devices, face challenges in initiating secure and intuitive connections between devices, with complexities in initialization, potential device damage, and vulnerability to eavesdropping.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a communications device that associates a data service with an identity code, broadcasts this code through a non-radio frequency interface, and uses a server to manage connections, allowing for secure and instant initialization of communications between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bluetooth standard is used for device pairing, then devices can communicate wirelessly, but the initialization process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device identity and service information from complex Bluetooth communication protocols and represents it as a simple visual code (QR code or similar). This visual code contains essential pairing information that can be scanned and processed automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually configure Bluetooth settings and reducing initialization complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual code as an intermediary carrier that bridges two devices for pairing. Instead of direct Bluetooth negotiation between devices, the visual code serves as a mediator that pre-encapsulates device identity and service information, allowing rapid pairing by simply scanning the code with another device.
2Speed
If physical bumping method is used for device pairing, then devices can be paired instantly, but devices may be damaged and the process is vulnerable to eavesdropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bumping action with a visual scanning operation. Instead of physically contacting devices together, users simply scan a visual code displayed on one device with the camera or scanner of another device. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and damage while maintaining instant pairing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (code representation) of the device's identity and service information that can be transmitted optically through scanning. This copy replaces the need for physical contact or direct radio frequency communication during the initial pairing phase, providing both speed and security by avoiding eavesdropping vulnerabilities of other communication channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If broadcast communication is used instead of dedicated transmission, then devices can discover each other more easily, but security against unauthorized pairing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the visual code device-specific and service-specific. Each device generates a unique visual code that encodes its own identity information and the specific service it offers. When scanned, this code enables pairing only for that particular service on that particular device, providing both broad discoverability and precise security control.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed means for in a communications device enabling an indirect communications channel between the communications device and at least one further communications device. A data service selected from a set of data services is associated with an identity code. The identity code identifies the communications device. Data related to the identity code is transmitted to a server. The data is preferably transmitted through a radio-frequency based communications interface. The identity code is broadcasting during a predetermined period of time and intended to be received by the at least one further communications device. The broadcast is preferably transmitted through a short-range non-radio frequency based communications interface.