Peer-to-Peer Mobile Device Staging via Audio Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring mobile computing devices to connect to networks often require devices to be in a specific location, limiting flexibility and efficiency in initial network connection and staging processes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for peer-to-peer sharing of staging profiles between mobile devices, where one device stores and transmits a staging profile to another using an output arrangement, enabling configuration without the need for a central location, utilizing communication links like wireless personal area networking or audio modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a device connects to a network or scans a barcode to obtain a staging profile, then the device can be configured with minimum network information, but the device must be brought to a specific location where these actions can be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration processVSAvoidlocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a copy of the staging profile data and transmits it via audio signal between devices. Instead of requiring physical presence at a network connection point or barcode scanning location, the configuration data is copied and transferred through audio communication, enabling remote device staging without location constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical interaction methods (network cable connection, barcode scanner contact) with acoustic field-based communication. Audio signals carry the staging profile data wirelessly between devices, substituting physical connection mechanisms with sound wave transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional network connection methods are used for device staging, then devices can obtain configuration information, but the process requires centralized infrastructure and specific locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configurationVSAvoidstaging infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to self-configure by exchanging staging profiles directly with each other through audio communication. Devices autonomously obtain and apply configuration data without requiring centralized staging infrastructure, network connections, or external scanning equipment, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If devices are staged using centralized network connections or barcode scanning, then configuration can be achieved, but multiple devices cannot be staged simultaneously without manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice staging speedVSAvoidmanual configuration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares staging profiles in advance on source devices and enables automatic transmission through audio communication channels. This preliminary preparation allows multiple devices to be configured in sequence without manual intervention for each device, as the system automatically manages profile distribution and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2406935B1System and method for peer-to-peer staging of a mobile device
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP2406935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2406935B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A system comprising a first mobile device and a second mobile device. The first mobile device includes a memory and an output arrangement. The memory stores a staging profile. The staging profile is used to configure at least a portion of the first mobile device. The second mobile device includes an input arrangement. The input arrangement obtains the staging profile from the output arrangement. At least a portion of the second mobile device is configured using the staging profile.