Mobile Terminal Device Selection via Directional Wireless Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals face difficulties in quickly and conveniently selecting devices to connect, especially when multiple devices of the same type are present, as they often have similar names, complicating the selection process.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing directional wireless communication, such as UWB, to search, identify, and connect with target devices by displaying relative position information and allowing users to select devices based on angle and distance criteria, simplifying the connection process through visual interfaces and touch controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If device names are displayed generically for devices of the same type from the same manufacturer, then device identification consistency is maintained, but device selection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice identification consistencyVSAvoiddevice selection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces relative position information as an intermediary element between the device list and the user's spatial perception. By displaying not only device names but also their relative positions (distance and direction from the mobile terminal), the system provides an additional dimension of identification that resolves the ambiguity of generic device names, allowing users to quickly distinguish between multiple devices of the same type without compromising identification consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional device list (by name only) to a two-dimensional display incorporating both device information and spatial relationship information. This dimensional expansion allows users to differentiate devices based on their physical location relative to the terminal, effectively solving the selection difficulty while maintaining consistent device naming conventions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices of the same type are connected simultaneously, then device connectivity is enhanced, but selection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidselection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by customizing the display characteristics for different devices based on their relative positions. Devices at different distances and directions are presented with differentiated visual information, allowing users to quickly identify and select the intended device. This localized differentiation reduces selection complexity while maintaining the ability to connect to multiple devices of the same type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If generic device names are used for consistency, then system simplicity is maintained, but information sufficiency for selection decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidinformation sufficiency for selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges device identification information with spatial relationship information into a unified display interface. By combining the generic device name (maintaining system simplicity) with relative position data (providing sufficient selection information), the system achieves both simplicity and information sufficiency simultaneously, eliminating the need to choose between the two

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3985505A1Method, apparatus, mobile terminal, and storage medium for interacting information
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3985505A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3985505A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3985505A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for interacting information is provided. The method is for a mobile terminal. The method may include the following. A target device is searched for, in which the target device is a device that supports an establishment of a directional wireless communication connection. At least one searched target device is determined. Identification information of the at least one searched target device is displayed.