Proximity Server Device Pairing Whitelist
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hot desking environments, existing device pairing technologies face challenges with inadvertent pairing between mobile and non-mobile devices, leading to inefficient use of shared workspaces due to incorrect device associations, particularly when using ultrasound for initial pairing which can result in mobile devices connecting to the wrong non-mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A proximity server manages device pairing by using Near-Field Communications (NFC) for initial pairing and then switching to ultrasound for keep-alive messages, with a whitelist mechanism to ensure only authorized devices pair and remain paired, preventing inadvertent connections by controlling which devices can communicate with non-mobile devices based on whitelisted information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ultrasound is used for initial device pairing, then pairing speed and range are improved, but device association accuracy deteriorates leading to inadvertent connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pairing process into two distinct phases: initial pairing using ultrasound for speed and range, followed by verification using NFC for precision. This division allows each technology to operate in its optimal performance zone without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that coordinates between ultrasound and NFC technologies. The server receives signals from both technologies, validates the pairing information, and makes the final association decision, ensuring both speed and accuracy are achieved
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices can freely pair with non-mobile devices in hot desking environments, then workspace flexibility is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent pairing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification actions before finalizing device associations. The system pre-validates pairing requests by checking multiple signals (ultrasound proximity confirmation plus NFC authentication) against workspace allocation data, ensuring reliable connections while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the server continuously monitors device associations and workspace usage. When conflicts or errors are detected, the system provides feedback to reject inappropriate pairings and guide users toward correct associations, maintaining both flexibility and reliability
3Measurement precision
If manual user intervention is required for device pairing, then pairing accuracy is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service pairing where mobile devices automatically perform NFC authentication and exchange verification signals without requiring manual user actions. The system autonomously completes the pairing process based on pre-established workspace assignments, achieving both accuracy and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration of device associations based on workspace bookings before users arrive. When users enter the workspace, pairing is automatically activated through pre-configured protocols, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining precision
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 effectively prevents inadvertent pairing, ensuring that devices correctly associate with their intended non-mobile counterparts, optimizing workspace usage and reducing the need for manual user intervention during keep-alive message handling.
Implementation Method 1
A proximity server manages device pairing by using Near-Field Communications (NFC) for initial pairing
Implementation Method 2
switching to ultrasound for keep-alive messages
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a server obtains an indication that a first mobile device is in a predetermined proximity to a non-mobile device. In response, the server permits the first mobile device to pair with the non-mobile device. The server generates whitelisted information associated with the first mobile device by adding information associated with the first mobile device to a whitelist that controls mobile device pairing for the non-mobile device. The server also obtains an indication that a given mobile device has obtained one or more keep-alive messages from the non-mobile device. Based on the whitelisted information, the server determines whether to permit the given mobile device to pair or remain paired with the non-mobile device. In response to determining to permit the given mobile device to pair or remain paired with the non-mobile device, the server permits the given mobile device to pair or remain paired with the non-mobile device.