Proximate Device Communication for Information Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in accessing necessary information for unfamiliar devices, often requiring them to open packaging to determine if the device works properly during purchase.

Innovation Solution

A computing system utilizing proximate communication between a user device and a target device, enabling wireless information retrieval through protocols like RFID, near-field communication, or wireless data connections, allowing users to detect, identify, and obtain technical specifications, user manuals, and perform operations on the target device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users physically open packaging to verify device functionality, then they can access necessary information about the device, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires physical interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to device informationVSAvoidtime to verify device

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of opening physical packaging with wireless communication between devices. The user device wirelessly communicates with the target device to retrieve information such as device identity, technical specifications, and operational status without physically touching or opening the packaging, thus substituting mechanical interaction with electromagnetic communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the user and the target device. This intermediary enables information transfer without direct physical contact, allowing users to access device information through wireless protocols while the device remains in its packaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users physically interact with the device to access information, then they can obtain technical specifications and manuals, but the process becomes complex and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of information accessVSAvoidcomplexity of verification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service functionality where the target device automatically provides information about itself when detected by the user device. The target device transmits its own identity, technical specifications, and operational status without requiring the user to manually extract or search for this information, making the process intuitive and self-contained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal communication protocol that can retrieve multiple types of information (device identity, technical specifications, user manuals, operational status) through a single wireless communication interface, eliminating the need for separate processes for each type of information access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11817939B2Proximate communication with a target device

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods may use proximate communication to retrieve information pertaining to a target device. In one example, the method may include detecting the target device within a vicinity of a user device, receiving an information request response communication including information pertaining to the target device, and receiving an operation request response communication including information pertaining to a performed operation.