Location Sensor-Based Device Resource Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer networking systems fail to efficiently provide access to devices like printers for mobile users who are constantly changing locations, as preconfigured devices may not be conveniently available due to their location, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method where a client device detects a location sensor, determines the proximity to available devices, and wirelessly receives an identifier to access resources such as printing services, allowing the device to be mapped and made available for use, with options for user selection and authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If preconfigured printers are mapped for users during virtual session establishment, then printer access is established for specific users, but mobile users traveling between different locations cannot access conveniently located printers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinter accessVSAvoidlocation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines printer availability based on the client device's current location rather than using static preconfigured mappings. Location sensors continuously provide position data, and the system automatically updates which printers are made available to the user based on their proximity to physical devices, enabling mobile users to access printers at their current location seamlessly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A location sensor acts as an intermediary between the user and the printer selection process. The sensor detects the client device's position and provides location data to the system, which then uses this information to automatically determine and make available the nearest or most appropriate printer, eliminating the need for manual printer selection or preconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual printer addition or policy preconfiguration is used, then specific printers are assigned to specific devices, but users moving between locations experience inconvenience and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinter assignmentVSAvoidtime to access printer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs printer selection and availability management based on location data without requiring user intervention. The client device's location is detected, the nearest printer is automatically identified, and printer resources are made available without the user needing to manually search for or configure printer connections, saving time and maintaining reliable access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If location-based device availability is implemented, then mobile users can access nearby devices seamlessly, but the system requires location sensor detection and wireless communication infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation-based accessVSAvoidsystem infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The location sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the client device's position, provides data for determining printer availability, and enables automatic printer selection. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining location-based adaptability

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

Data Source

PatentEP3292464B1Availability of devices based on location
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 CITRIX SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3292464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3292464B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3292464B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and systems for a client device wirelessly receiving, from a location sensor, an identifier for the location sensor in response to detecting the location sensor. A device corresponding to the identifier for the location sensor may be determined, and resources of the device may be made available to the client device. After making the resources of the device available to the client device, the client device may send data for accessing the resources of the device. The device may comprise a printer, and the resources of the device may comprise printing services. The data for accessing the resources of the device may comprise print job data.