Proximate Device Communication for Wireless Information Retrieval

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in accessing necessary information about unfamiliar devices, often requiring them to open packaging to determine if the device functions properly, highlighting a need for efficient information retrieval methods.

Innovation Solution

A computing system utilizing proximate communication between a user device and a target device, enabling wireless information exchange via RFID or near-field communication protocols, allowing users to detect, identify, and retrieve information such as specifications and operational data without powering on the target device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users open packaging to access device information, then they can determine device functionality, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice information accessibilityVSAvoidinformation retrieval process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of opening physical packaging with wireless communication technology. The user device uses wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC) to communicate with the target device and retrieve information electronically, eliminating the need to physically open packaging or manually access device components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication intermediary layer between the user and the target device. Instead of direct physical interaction, information is transmitted through wireless communication protocols, allowing users to access device information, specifications, and operational data without direct physical contact or packaging manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If users physically interact with the device to get information, then they can verify device details, but the process requires direct contact and packaging opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice information accessibilityVSAvoidinformation retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having device information, specifications, and operational data pre-loaded and accessible in the target device's memory or associated database. When a user approaches the device, the information is already prepared and can be instantly transmitted wirelessly, eliminating the time required for physical inspection or packaging opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual information retrieval processes with automated wireless communication. The user device automatically establishes communication with the target device and retrieves information electronically, significantly reducing the time required compared to physical interaction methods.

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

3Loss of information

If device information is stored only in physical packaging, then packaging serves as the information source, but users must open packaging to access information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice information storageVSAvoidinformation access method
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions device information from a two-dimensional physical format (packaging materials, printed labels) to a wireless digital dimension. Information is stored in the target device's memory and transmitted electronically through electromagnetic fields, allowing users to access the same information content without physical packaging manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of device information that resides both in the physical packaging and in the target device's memory. This digital copy can be instantly accessed and transmitted wirelessly, providing users with the same information content without requiring them to physically open or handle the packaging materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to effortlessly retrieve device information, including make, model, technical specifications, and operational data, enhancing the purchasing experience by providing necessary details without physically interacting with the device.

Implementation Method 1

The user device and the target device utilize radio-frequency identification (RFID).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio-frequency identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The user device and the target device utilize near-field communication.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3761685B1Proximate communication with a target device
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 INTEL CORP
  • EP3761685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3761685B1 patent drawingFigure 2

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.