Proximity-Aware Mesh Interface for Device Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device configuration processes require separate device-specific applications and lack differentiation between closely positioned devices, leading to confusion and increased labor during setup, particularly in home/office environments where multiple devices need to be interconnected.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mobile mesh network system that utilizes location and proximity awareness to automatically identify and configure nearby devices through a centralized admin node, which broadcasts and receives node IDs, determines signal strength, and performs lookups to group and control devices based on proximity, reducing the need for multiple screens and simplifying the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate device-specific applications are used to configure each device, then device configuration capability is achieved, but device complexity and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device-specific configuration applications into a single unified application. The system detects multiple devices in proximity and allows configuration of different device types (lights, television, etc.) through one interface, eliminating the need for separate applications for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified configuration application performs multiple functions: detecting various device types, determining their locations through proximity sensing, displaying device icons on a map interface, and configuring different devices through a single interface. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized applications.
2Reliability
If wireless pairing process is used to configure devices, then device interconnection is achieved, but differentiation between similar closely positioned devices is lost causing confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to device identification by displaying devices as icons on a map interface with their physical locations represented. This visual spatial arrangement allows users to differentiate between similar devices based on their location rather than relying solely on device names or manual selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a map interface as an intermediary between device detection and configuration. This intermediate display layer provides visual feedback about device locations and allows users to select specific devices for configuration based on their spatial position, preventing confusion between similar devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screens are used to access and configure nearby devices, then comprehensive device control is achieved, but user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges device detection, location display, and configuration functions into a single screen interface. The map display shows all detected devices with their locations, and users can select and configure devices without navigating to separate screens or applications, reducing the number of screens needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary device detection and location determination automatically before the user needs to configure devices. Devices are detected and displayed on the map in advance, so when users need to configure a device, it is already identified and ready, eliminating the need for manual device searching or additional setup screens.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for controlling multiple devices connected in a mesh network. The user interface may dynamically respond to the devices connected in the mesh network. The user interface may respond to devices based on their proximity or location. The user interface may allow for grouping of device controls.