Ping Function for Locating Paired Bluetooth Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, particularly those using the BLUETOOTH standard, there is a need to simplify the process of identifying and locating electronic devices that are paired but may be forgotten or misplaced, as existing methods require user input and are cumbersome for quality control testing.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a 'ping' function in both master and peripheral devices that generates and transmits a control message over an ad hoc wireless network to actuate indicator elements on paired devices, allowing users to easily locate them without manual intervention, and using this method for quality control testing in device manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing methods for identifying paired devices are used, then device identification can be achieved, but the process requires user input and is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of identification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated device identification where the pinging device automatically sends ping messages to paired devices, which then self-identify by actuating their indicator elements without requiring user input or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with an automated electronic messaging system that uses wireless communication to transmit ping messages and trigger automatic device responses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual device location methods are used, then paired devices can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient for quality control testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of device identificationVSAvoidtime required for quality control testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic ping messages that can be sent to multiple paired devices in sequence, allowing quality control testing to efficiently verify device pairing status across the network without time-consuming manual procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The ping function is pre-configured in the device software, allowing quality control testing to immediately begin sending identification messages without requiring setup or configuration steps during the testing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7869762B2Ping feature for electronic devices

Publication Date: 2011.01.11 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A pinging electronic device, a pingable electronic device and a network for the devices are disclosed. The ping electronic devices comprising a ping function and a transmitter wherein the ping function is adapted to generate and the transmitter is adapted to transmit over an ad hoc wireless network at least one associated ping control message to at least one pingable electronic device paired to the pinging electronic device for actuation of at least one indicator element of the at least one pingable electronic device.