Nearby Media Device Tracking via Pre-Connection Status Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing authentication and association processes in wireless networks, such as those following the IEEE 802.11 standard, do not allow users to discern the capabilities or compatibility of connecting devices until after the connection is established, making it cumbersome to create networks of specific types or compatible devices, and do not provide adequate information for users to select suitable devices for media streaming.
Innovation Solution
A media player can organize and display nearby media device information before a complete connection is established by sending and receiving messages that include device names and status, allowing users to accept or reject messages based on compatibility, and then send acknowledgement messages with unique device names and statuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the standard authentication and association process is used, then devices can connect to the network, but users cannot discern device capabilities or compatibility before connection is established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having devices exchange capability information during the authentication and association phase, before actual data transmission begins. This allows users to review device capabilities, compatibility, and characteristics in advance, enabling informed selection of target devices for media streaming without compromising network connection functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If all connected devices are displayed to users, then users can see available devices, but sifting through many devices becomes unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling users to specify desired device characteristics or types, and the system then filters the displayed devices to show only those matching the criteria. This selective display approach maintains visibility of relevant devices while eliminating unnecessary options, making device selection manageable even in environments with many connected devices.
3Loss of time
If the authentication process is simplified, then connection speed improves, but device compatibility verification becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs capability information exchange during the authentication and association phase, allowing compatibility verification to occur in parallel with connection establishment rather than as a separate subsequent step. This preliminary verification of device capabilities and compatibility ensures reliable device selection while maintaining efficient connection speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
A media player is adapted to organize and display nearby media device information between communicating media devices before a complete connection is established. A nearby media device receives a message that is either generally or specifically sent from another media device. The nearby device determines whether the sending media device is blocked and whether to accept the message. The nearby device accepts the message if it originates from a compatible source. If the message is accepted, the nearby device sends an acknowledgement message containing a unique device name and a device status to the sending device. The sending device then displays the unique device name and status.