Prioritizing Discovered Device List by RSSI

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Solution Overview

Problem

In densely populated WPAN environments, existing technologies take time to present a user-friendly list of discoverable devices due to the sequential retrieval of friendly names, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method that prioritizes the discovered device list based on Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), ordering devices from highest to lowest signal strength, allowing for quicker identification of closest devices and facilitating faster connection establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If devices are listed in order of discovery time (existing technology), then the list is simple to generate, but the user cannot quickly identify the desired device among many discovered devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice selection efficiencyVSAvoidTime to retrieve friendly names
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent retrieves friendly names for devices in advance, before the user needs to make a selection. By pre-populating the device list with friendly names obtained through sequential requests during the discovery process, the system eliminates the waiting time that would occur if names were retrieved only after the user initiated connection. This preliminary action ensures that when devices are displayed, their identifying names are already available, significantly improving selection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If all discovered devices are presented to the user (existing technology), then complete device information is available, but the list becomes cumbersome and difficult to navigate in densely populated WPAN environments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice list navigabilityVSAvoidNumber of devices in list
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions during the device discovery process by obtaining friendly names early and maintaining them in memory. This allows the complete device list to be presented with full identifying information already in place, making navigation easier despite the large number of devices. The preliminary retrieval of names prevents the need for users to wait during browsing, improving navigability even when many devices are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach reduces the time required to select and connect with the desired device by presenting the strongest signal first, enhancing user experience and efficiency in WPAN device pairing.

Implementation Method 1

A method and mobile device for prioritizing a discovered device list based on the received signal strength of signals received from devices within a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReceived Signal Strength Indication (RSSI):

Data Source

PatentEP2547044B1Method and mobile device for prioritizing a discovered device list
Publication Date: 2015.03.25 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2547044B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2547044B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2547044B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The described embodiments relate generally to methods, systems and computing devices, including at least a mobile device, for ordering a discovered device list according to a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of each device in the discovered device list. Thus, the discovered device list has at the top of the list the device that has the highest RSSI, with the remaining devices in the discovered device list presented in descending order of RSSI.