Peer-to-Peer Wireless Connection via User ID Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in establishing peer to peer connections between devices using Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, as they need to recognize and connect to device IDs, which can be complex and time-consuming, especially when there are multiple devices available, and existing systems rely on intermediary nodes or routers for data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that identifies and alerts a first wireless device to the presence of a second user's device by transmitting user IDs and device IDs between servers and devices, allowing direct peer to peer connections without intermediaries, and automatically updates device IDs for the most recently used devices, ensuring secure and efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users connect based on device IDs in traditional peer to peer systems, then connection can be established, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming when multiple devices are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that stores and manages the mapping between user IDs and device IDs. When a user wants to connect, the server mediates the connection process by providing the correct device ID based on the selected user ID, eliminating the need for users to manually search through multiple device IDs. This resolves the contradiction by making connection establishment easier and faster through server-mediated assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary actions by pre-storing the mappings between user IDs and device IDs, and by proactively providing the correct device ID to the initiating device. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming search process during actual connection establishment, allowing users to quickly connect by simply selecting a user ID without having to manually search through multiple device identifiers.
2Reliability
If intermediary nodes or routers are used for data transfer, then data can be transmitted, but reliance on intermediaries increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the communication path adapts based on availability. The system initially attempts direct peer-to-peer communication between devices, and only falls back to server-mediated communication when direct connection is not possible. This dynamic approach reduces reliance on intermediaries while maintaining reliability, resolving the contradiction by minimizing system complexity through conditional direct communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to perform self-service by establishing direct peer-to-peer connections without requiring intermediaries when conditions permit. The devices autonomously determine whether direct communication is possible and execute it independently, reducing dependence on server intermediaries and lowering overall system complexity while maintaining data transfer capability.
3Ease of operation
If manual device ID recognition is required, then connection can be established, but the process becomes complicated especially with multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of device ID management. Instead of requiring users to manually recognize and select from multiple device IDs, the server receives the user ID selection and automatically provides the corresponding device ID. This mediation simplifies the user interface to show only user-friendly identifiers while the server manages the underlying device ID complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses user IDs as simplified copies or representations of the actual device IDs. Rather than requiring users to interact with complex device identifiers, the system presents simplified user ID copies that are easier to recognize and select. The server then maps these simplified copies back to the actual device IDs needed for communication, reducing connection process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a server on which there is stored a second device identifier, ID, for a second wireless device and a second user ID associated with a second user; wherein upon the server identifying that the second user ID is stored on a first wireless device, transmitting the second user ID and the second wireless device ID to the first wireless device to allow the first wireless device to associate the second wireless device with the second user; and wherein upon the first wireless device identifying that the second wireless device is within peer to peer communication range of the first wireless device, the first wireless device is arranged to provide an indication that the second wireless device is available for establishing a connection with the first wireless device for communicating with the second user.