Directional Infrared Interface for Wireless Connection Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience when attempting to establish a wireless connection between a portable terminal and a distant device, such as a television, as they must stand up to touch or identify the device, which is burdensome.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device equipped with a directional infrared interface that sends signals to allow users to select a connection target without physically moving, using a directional signal to specify the target device and establish a wireless connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a user touches a distant device to establish a wireless connection, then the connection can be established accurately, but the user must physically move to the device which increases user burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection target specification accuracyVSAvoiduser operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch operation with an optical signaling system. The portable terminal emits infrared directional signals that can be detected by distant devices, allowing connection target specification without physical contact or movement to the device location.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces infrared directional signals as an intermediary between the user's selection intent and the target device. The signals act as a mediator that carries identification information from the portable terminal to the distant device, enabling accurate connection establishment without direct user interaction with the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection target candidates exist, then the user has more options, but it becomes difficult to identify and select the necessary target

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection target selection flexibilityVSAvoidtarget identification difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual differentiation through display highlights and indicators to help users identify the currently targeted device among multiple candidates. The display device shows different visual states for different connection targets, making it easy to distinguish and select the desired device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback by displaying which device is currently being targeted when the infrared pointer points at it. This feedback mechanism helps users confirm their selection intent and adjust the pointing direction accordingly, simplifying the selection process among multiple candidates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to easily select and connect to a target device without the need to physically move, reducing user burden and improving the convenience of wireless connection establishment.

Implementation Method 1

a first wireless interface (infrared interface) for sending a directional signal (infrared signal) having directivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3013079B1Wireless communication device and communication control device
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3013079B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3013079B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3013079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To provide a mechanism for allowing a user to select easily a target to be connected wirelessly without causing the user to perform an operation that imposes a burden on the user. [Solution] Provided is a wireless communication device including: a first wireless interface configured to send a first wireless signal having directivity; a second wireless interface; and a controller configured to allow the second wireless interface to establish a connection with a first device when a second wireless signal received by the second wireless interface includes an indicator indicating that the first wireless signal is received by the first device being a sending source device of the second wireless signal.