Optical Pairing Method for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pairing methods for electronic devices with wireless communication functions are complex and difficult for unaccustomed users, often leading to unintended pairings with devices within the radio wave range, especially when multiple devices are present.

Innovation Solution

A pairing method using light receiving units to detect time series data of light intensity changes, allowing electronic devices to pair based on matching patterns of light reception, thereby simplifying the pairing process and preventing undesired connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional pairing methods are used, then electronic devices can establish wireless communication, but the operation becomes complicated and difficult for unaccustomed users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing operation simplicityVSAvoidpairing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical button-pressing pairing operations with an optical field-based light receiving unit detection system. Users simply point a light source (such as a flashlight) at the light receiving unit, and the system automatically detects the light intensity changes to establish pairing, eliminating the need for complex manual input operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-identification and self-pairing by automatically detecting light intensity patterns from the light source. The light receiving unit captures the optical signal, the control unit analyzes the intensity changes, and the pairing is established automatically without requiring user intervention in the pairing process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If radio wave-based pairing is used, then wireless communication can be established, but unintended pairings occur when multiple devices are within accessible area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing accuracyVSAvoidunintended pairings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to establish pairing between devices. Instead of relying solely on radio wave transmission which can be intercepted or accidentally received, the system uses optical signals that require direct line-of-sight exposure. The light receiving unit must directly detect the light source to establish pairing, preventing unintended connections with devices that are merely within radio wave range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a localized pairing condition by requiring the light source to be physically pointed at the light receiving unit. This localizes the pairing action to a specific spatial position and direction, ensuring that only devices with the light source directly exposed to their light receiving unit can pair, rather than allowing any device within the broader radio wave coverage area to connect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If password-based pairing is used, then communication partners can be defined, but much trouble is required for pairing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication partner definitionVSAvoidpairing operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the cognitive task of remembering and entering passwords with a simple physical optical detection mechanism. Instead of requiring users to input authentication codes, the system uses the light receiving unit to detect optical signals, automatically verifying identity and establishing pairing without any typing or code entry operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method enables easy and accurate pairing of specific electronic devices by analyzing light intensity patterns, reducing operational complexity and preventing incorrect pairings, even among devices from different manufacturers.

Implementation Method 1

a light receiving unit to detect receiving light amount

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9271109B2Pairing method between electronic devices including communication function and electronic device

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a pairing method which pairs electronic devices. Each electronic device includes a communication unit to communicate data and a light receiving unit to detect receiving light amount. The method includes the following. The electronic devices are set to a pairing standby state. Light intensity on the light receiving units is changed under a same light receiving environment. Time series data of receiving light amount detected by the light receiving unit of a second electronic device is transmitted from the second electronic device to a first electronic device. The electronic devices are paired based on time series data of receiving light amount detected by the receiving light units.