Low Power Wireless Device Configuration via Beacon Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring electronic devices, such as printers, during shipment or delivery are inefficient as they require external power and manual setup, which increases handling steps and time, especially when configuring multiple devices to specific customer requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a low power wireless communication device that transmits a beacon signal with configuration settings, allowing a computing device to establish a connection and store configuration settings in local memory without powering the device, enabling configuration before or during shipment, and allowing devices to self-configure upon activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If external power and manual setup are used to configure electronic devices, then configuration can be performed, but handling steps and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring devices during the shipping process before they reach the customer. Configuration data is transmitted and stored in memory while devices are in transit, eliminating the need for manual setup upon arrival. This resolves the contradiction by performing configuration work in advance, thereby increasing productivity while reducing handling time at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic configuration processes. Devices automatically receive and store configuration data via wireless communication during shipping, and automatically apply this configuration when activated. This eliminates manual intervention, thereby increasing configuration speed while reducing the time and effort required for handling.
2Ease of operation
If devices are configured during shipment using low power beacon signals, then handling steps are reduced, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the configuration function from the main device power system. A dedicated low-power wireless communication device with its own power source (battery or energy harvesting) handles configuration tasks independently. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by simplifying the main device operation while isolating power management complexity to a separate, specialized component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by transitioning the wireless communication device between different power states. The device operates in ultra-low power mode during most of the shipping journey, then activates beacon transmission and configuration reception only when needed. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while managing power complexity through controlled state transitions.
3Extent of automation
If configuration settings are stored in local memory during shipping, then devices can self-configure upon activation, but memory security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using encrypted data transmission and authentication protocols as mediators between the configuration source and local memory. Configuration data is transmitted through secure wireless channels with encryption, and the memory system includes authentication mechanisms to verify data integrity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling automatic self-configuration while maintaining security reliability through intermediary security layers.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for systems, methods, and devices for configuring an electronic device for use by a particular end-user. The electronic device can include a low power wireless communication device that transmits a periodic or occasional low power wireless beacon signal. A user operating a computing device within the proximity of the electronic device can detect the beacon signal and establish a corresponding low power wireless communication session. The computing device can then transmit configuration settings specific to the electronic device through the low power wireless communication session to the corresponding low power wireless communication device. The configuration data can be stored in a memory on the low power wireless medication device. When the electronic device coupled to the low power wireless communication device is powered up, it can access the configuration data stored in the memory.