Polymorphic Profiles Unified Database for Peripheral Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peripheral device wireless connection profiles lack flexibility and efficiency, hindering user and developer experience, reliability, availability, and serviceability, while also limiting future feature extensibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A peripheral device that selectively activates one of multiple low-energy communication profiles based on connection profile state maintained across power cycles and special button combinations, using a unified database file with polymorphic GATT tables to enable seamless switching between profiles like HID, RFID Scanner, and PC/SC-like devices without the need for re-flashing, leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate profile files are used for different connection profiles, then profile functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connection profiles (HID, Reader/Scanner, PC/SC-like device) into a single unified database file. This unified database contains polymorphic GATT tables that can dynamically represent different device profiles, eliminating the need for multiple separate profile files and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified database file serves multiple functions by containing polymorphic GATT tables that can represent different device profiles. A single database structure provides universal support for multiple connection profiles, allowing the peripheral device to function as different device types without requiring separate dedicated files for each profile.
2Adaptability or versatility
If re-flashing is used to switch connection profiles, then profile switching is achieved, but operational stress increases and device lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic profile switching by maintaining connection profile state in non-volatile memory. The peripheral device can switch between different connection profiles (HID, Reader/Scanner, PC/SC-like device) by loading different GATT tables from the unified database without requiring re-flashing, making the switching process dynamic and reversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified database file is pre-configured with multiple polymorphic GATT tables representing different connection profiles. This preliminary preparation allows the device to switch profiles by simply selecting and loading the appropriate pre-existing table, eliminating the need for re-flashing operations that would otherwise be required to install new profiles.
3Device complexity
If connection profile state is not maintained across power cycles, then device simplicity is maintained, but user experience and serviceability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral device maintains connection profile state autonomously across power cycles by storing the active profile state in non-volatile memory. When the device is powered back on, it automatically restores the previously active connection profile without requiring user intervention or complex reconfiguration procedures, enabling the device to serve itself in maintaining its operational state.
Data Source
AI summary
A peripheral device at startup selectively activates one of a plurality of connection profiles for low-energy communication with a central device. The profiles determine the behavior of the peripheral device as viewed by the central device, such as a selected one of a HID, a Reader/Scanner, and a PC/SC-like device. The activated profile is selected based on connection profile state maintained across power cycle events and in view of special button combination events at startup. According to embodiment, the profile can also be selected (in conjunction with a reboot) as commanded under select circumstances by an application running on the central device or based on the peripheral reading a configuration card. According to embodiment, the activated profile corresponds to selected sub-portions of a unified database file of the peripheral device. The unified database includes profile components enabling activation of a selected one a plurality of low-energy communication profiles.