Proximity Sensor Wireless Device Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless systems with one-way transmitters require cumbersome and costly button-press pairing methods, which can be frustrating for users and are prone to errors due to the assumption that no other devices will be in pairing mode simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a proximity sensor system in both wireless peripherals and hosts that automatically detects each other's presence and initiates a binding process using magnetic, electrical, or optical triggers, allowing for a more intuitive and error-free pairing without the need for physical buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional button-press pairing method is used, then devices can be paired, but the system complexity increases due to requiring physical buttons on both host and peripheral
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pairing initiation function from physical buttons and relocates it to an automated proximity-detection mechanism. The peripheral device's proximity sensor automatically detects the host's presence and triggers pairing without requiring physical buttons on either device, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining pairing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing process becomes self-service through automated proximity detection. When the peripheral device detects the host device nearby via proximity sensor, it automatically initiates the binding process without human intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually press buttons while ensuring accurate pairing through automated device recognition.
2Ease of operation
If physical buttons are added for pairing, then pairing function is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for physical buttons on both host and peripheral devices by extracting the pairing initiation function and assigning it to the peripheral's proximity sensor. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble physical buttons, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of operation through automated detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical/electromagnetic proximity detection system. The proximity sensor uses non-contact detection methods to identify the host device's presence, substituting mechanical components with electronic sensing mechanisms that are cheaper to manufacture and eliminate the need for physical buttons.
3Reliability
If buttons are placed out of the way to prevent accidental pressing, then accidental pairing is reduced, but user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pairing initiation function from physical buttons entirely and relocates it to automated proximity detection. This eliminates the contradiction by removing the need for buttons to be placed in specific locations, as pairing is now triggered automatically when devices are brought into proximity, ensuring both accuracy and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service pairing by automatically detecting when the host and peripheral devices are in proximity through the proximity sensor. This eliminates the need for user interaction with physical buttons, ensuring pairing accuracy through automated recognition while maintaining ease of operation through simple proximity-based activation.
4Reliability
If conventional pairing method is used, then pairing can be established, but user frustration increases due to difficult button location and pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service pairing where the peripheral device's proximity sensor automatically detects the host device and initiates the binding process without user intervention. This maintains reliable pairing functionality while dramatically improving user convenience by eliminating the need to locate and press difficult-to-reach buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing operation with automated proximity detection. The proximity sensor uses optical or electromagnetic fields to detect the host device's presence, substituting the need for manual button pressing with an automated sensing mechanism that is both reliable and convenient for users.
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
This solution simplifies the binding process, reduces costs by eliminating the need for physical buttons, and ensures accurate pairing by automatically detecting and synchronizing devices within proximity, preventing accidental data transmission to incorrect hosts.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of a proximity sensor system in both wireless peripherals and hosts that automatically detects each other's presence and initiates a binding process using magnetic, electrical, or optical triggers
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of a proximity sensor system in both wireless peripherals and hosts that automatically detects each other's presence and initiates a binding process using magnetic, electrical, or optical triggers
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a peripheral device, comprising a sensor to trip when in proximity to a host device, and a transmitter coupled to the sensor to transmit a bind request to a host device. Further described is a method of binding the peripheral device to a host device.