Relay Device Protocol Conversion for Inter-Device Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to establish a service connection between devices with different service protocols, as existing technologies often fail to facilitate communication between peripheral devices with varying service protocols and host devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where a first device acts as a repeater to relay service data between a second device and an external device, converting data formats and protocols as necessary to enable communication, using physical connections via Bluetooth, NFC, or other communication methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices with different service protocols communicate directly, then communication simplicity is maintained, but service connection fails due to protocol incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice connectionVSAvoidcommunication system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A repeater device is introduced as an intermediary between the first device and the second device. The repeater receives service data from the first device, converts it from the first service protocol to the second service protocol, and transmits it to the second device. This mediator approach enables reliable service connection between devices with different protocols without requiring direct protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a repeater is introduced to enable protocol conversion, then service connection between different devices is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater device is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple service protocols simultaneously. It can detect the protocol type of incoming data, perform appropriate conversion, and transmit to the target device. This universal design allows a single repeater to serve multiple protocol pairs, reducing the need for separate conversion devices for each protocol combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The repeater dynamically changes protocol parameters based on the detected service protocols of the communicating devices. It adjusts data format, transmission rules, and protocol specifications in real-time to match the requirements of both the source and destination devices, enabling flexible adaptation without fixed protocol mappings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If protocol conversion is performed at each communication node, then interoperability is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater performs protocol conversion in advance before data transmission is complete. Upon receiving service data, it immediately begins conversion to the target protocol while the transmission channel is being established. This preliminary conversion action reduces the overall transmission time by eliminating protocol conversion delays during the actual data transfer phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2936923B1Methods and apparatuses for communication between devices
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2936923B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2936923B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2936923B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and a system in which a second device provides a service along with an external device via a first device is provided. The method includes, when a service connection to at least one external device has failed, searching for the first device that will relay service data for the external device, transmitting a relay request signal to the first device, and transmitting the service data for the external device to the first device, wherein the transmitted service data is converted by the first device, and wherein the converted service data is provided to the external device.