NFC Proximity Detection for Wireless Docking Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking stations with wireless capabilities require cumbersome user interfaces (UIs) operations for undocking and reconnecting clients, leading to user frustration and accessibility issues, especially when an incumbent client is not readily accessible.
Innovation Solution
Implementing near field communication (NFC) protocols that allow users to 'bump' or 'tap' devices to associate interfaces and establish communications between docking stations and clients, enabling automatic switching between incumbent and newly docked devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wireless docking procedures are used, then clients can be docked and undocked, but the process requires cumbersome UI operations and user accessibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proximity detector as an intermediary component that automatically detects when a client device is near the docking station and initiates docking procedures without requiring manual UI operations. This mediator bridges the gap between physical proximity and system-level docking actions, eliminating complex user interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system performs self-service by automatically detecting client presence through the proximity detector and autonomously executing docking/undocking procedures. The system serves itself by monitoring proximity signals and triggering appropriate docking actions without human intervention, thereby simplifying user operations.
2Reliability
If incumbent clients remain docked, then persistent connections are maintained, but undocking and reconnecting new clients involves cumbersome UI steps
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity detector continuously monitors for client devices in advance, detecting their presence before actual docking is needed. This preliminary detection enables the system to prepare for docking operations ahead of time, reducing the time required when reconnection is actually needed while maintaining stable incumbent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the proximity detector that continuously provides information about client presence and status. This real-time feedback loop allows the docking station to monitor incumbent clients and automatically manage connection transitions, reducing reconnection time while maintaining connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If UI operations are required for docking, then user control is maintained, but user frustration and failed docking attempts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical UI operations with an automated electronic detection and control system. The proximity detector uses electromagnetic fields to detect client presence and automatically triggers docking procedures, substituting the mechanical interaction of manual UI steps with an electronic sensing and control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station performs self-service by automatically detecting clients through proximity sensing and autonomously executing docking procedures. This eliminates the need for user intervention in the docking process, thereby increasing success rates while reducing the complexity of user interface requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the docking process, making it user-friendly by allowing quick and convenient connection of mobile devices to support devices without manual reconfiguration, even when the incumbent device is inactive or unavailable, and ensures seamless switching between clients.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communications compatible antenna and a switch operatively coupled to the near field communications compatible antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are techniques related to devices with wireless docking capabilities and more particularly near field communications-based techniques for docking and undocking devices. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.