Input Device Automatic Link Switching via Keyboard Activity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience when switching between multiple computing devices with separate input devices, as existing methods like manual switches or camera-based visual orientation for establishing communication links are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and prone to inaccuracy.

Innovation Solution

A single input device that automatically disconnects from one computing device and connects to another based on keyboard activity, using a processor to determine the active state of the keyboard and manage wireless communication links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual switch is provided in the input device for switching amongst computing devices, then the user can manually change the communication link, but the user may forget to change the switch and the switching process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of switching between computing devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of input device with manual switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input device automatically detects keyboard activity from different computing devices and switches communication links without user intervention. The processor monitors for keyboard activities and autonomously establishes or terminates communication links based on detected activity, making the system self-serve the switching function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical switch is replaced with an automated electronic detection and switching system. The processor electronically detects keyboard activities and automatically manages communication links, substituting the mechanical switching operation with an electronic automation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If a camera-based visual orientation method is used to establish communication links, then the system can automatically detect user orientation, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of communication link establishmentVSAvoidtime consumed in capturing and analyzing images

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The camera-based visual detection system is replaced with a keyboard activity detection system. Instead of using optical sensors and image processing, the system uses the existing keyboard input mechanism to detect user presence and determine which computing device the user is interacting with, achieving automation without the time and resource overhead of visual processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If camera-based visual orientation is used to determine user focus, then automatic link establishment is possible, but accuracy decreases when user gaze shifts between devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic link establishment capabilityVSAvoidaccuracy of determining active computing device

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses keyboard activity as feedback to determine which computing device is actively being used. By monitoring keyboard inputs in real-time, the system receives direct feedback about user interaction with each device, allowing accurate determination of the active device based on actual usage rather than inferred visual orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11474618B2Communication link based on activity on a keyboard

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Examples of establishing a communication link based on an activity on a keyboard are described. In an example, the activity may be detected on the keyboard of a computing device. Based on the detection, the computing device may send a request to an input device for establishing a wireless communication link with the computing device. Upon receiving an acceptance of the request by the input device, the computing device may establish the wireless communication link with the computing device.