Microprocessor Automatic Host Switching for Wireless Input Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless human machine interface devices, such as Bluetooth mice and keyboards, require manual operation to pair and reconnect with hosts, leading to inefficiencies and potential delays, especially when switching between multiple hosts, which can cause inconvenience and risk of device contamination between users.
Innovation Solution
A method and microprocessor with a software module and algorithm that enables devices to automatically detect and connect with either a preset or unpaired host, eliminating the need for a pairing button by using memory to store host identification codes and employing a first-in-first-out principle for host selection, allowing seamless switching between hosts without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual button operation is used for pairing and reconnecting with hosts, then the device can establish connection with hosts, but the user needs to spend extra time and manually operate the pairing button multiple times when switching between hosts
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects available hosts and initiates connection procedures without requiring manual button presses. The system self-manages the pairing process by monitoring host availability and automatically reconnecting to the appropriate host based on predetermined rules, eliminating the need for user intervention in the connection establishment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device stores identification information of multiple hosts in advance and establishes connection priorities before actual connection is needed. When a host becomes available or the device is powered on, it automatically retrieves the stored host information and initiates connection to the appropriate host without waiting for manual input, thus preparing connection parameters beforehand to reduce connection time.
2Ease of operation
If a pairing button is provided on the device, then the device can be paired with hosts through button operation, but the device requires physical contact which may propagate infectious diseases between users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing interaction with a wireless automatic detection and connection system. Instead of requiring physical contact between users and the device through button operation, the system uses wireless communication protocols to detect hosts, exchange pairing information, and establish connections automatically, thereby eliminating the mechanical contact point that could transmit pathogens.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device connects with only a single paired host, then the pairing process is simple, but the device cannot connect with multiple hosts such as different computers in different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to store identification information of multiple hosts simultaneously and maintain connection capabilities with several hosts. The system incorporates a host management module that can recognize, store, and manage multiple host profiles, allowing the device to switch between different hosts based on availability and predetermined rules, thus providing multi-host connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides its host management capability into separate functional modules: host detection module, host storage module, and host selection module. Each module handles a specific aspect of multi-host management independently, simplifying the overall complexity by breaking down the multi-host connection process into manageable segments that can operate autonomously according to predetermined rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A microprocessor for enabling a device to connect with plural hosts including a first host and a second host is disclosed. The microprocessor includes a first determination module configured to enable the device to determine if the first host is to be operable by the device; and a second determination module configured to, when the device has not been successfully connected with the first host, determine if the device has ever been paired with the second host: if yes, enabling the device to pair with the second host, and causing the second host to be operable by the device; and if no, enabling the device to reconnect with the second host, and causing the second host to be operable by the device.