Proximity Communication Cluster for Simplified Device Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices face inconvenience in searching and connecting with external devices for proximity services, particularly in NAN communication, requiring users to activate NAN communication, perform pairing modes, and conduct inquiry and paging operations, which is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a first and second communication circuit, configured to support different communication protocols, allows for clustering with external devices, receiving information about short-range communication devices, and displaying indicators based on received information, thereby simplifying the connection process and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pairing mode and inquiry paging operations are used for device discovery, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple manual steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring device information and establishing connection parameters before actual connection is needed. The system performs preliminary device discovery and information exchange through the first communication circuit, preparing connection data in advance so that the actual connection can be established quickly and reliably without requiring users to perform manual inquiry and paging operations at the moment of connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported for device compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple communication circuits required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the communication functionality into distinct communication circuits, each dedicated to a specific communication protocol. The first communication circuit handles the first communication protocol for device discovery and information exchange, while the second communication circuit handles the second communication protocol for actual data transmission. This segmentation allows the device to support multiple protocols without requiring a single complex circuit to handle all protocols, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If automated device discovery is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential undetected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a first communication circuit as a mediator between device discovery and actual connection. This intermediary circuit performs preliminary information exchange and device detection using the first communication protocol, gathering comprehensive device information before the second communication circuit establishes the actual connection. The intermediary process ensures that automated discovery captures relevant device information that would otherwise be lost, while still providing the convenience of automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain embodiments, an electronic device comprises a first communication circuit configured to support a first communication protocol; a display; and at least one processor operatively connected to the first communication circuit and the display, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: configure a cluster with at least one external electronic based on the first communication protocol device through the first communication circuit, receive through the first communication circuit, from the at least one external electronic device, information identifying at least one short-range communication device connected to the at least one external electronic device via a second communication protocol, and control the display to display at least one indicator of the at least one short-range communication device based on the information received from the at least one external electronic device.