Automatic Wireless Pairing via RSSI Threshold for Mobile Sleds
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of pairing and connecting mobile computing devices with sled attachment RFID readers using short-range communication protocols is cumbersome and inconvenient, requiring manual intervention and complex procedures, especially when frequently switching between devices.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a wireless communication connection between a mobile computing device and an RFID reader based on measured received signal strength (RSSI) exceeding a calibrated threshold, allowing automatic pairing and disconnection without user intervention, using existing short-range wireless signals like Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pairing procedures are used to establish wireless communication between mobile computing device and sled attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome multi-step procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-provisioning the sled attachment with a unique identifier and by the mobile device continuously monitoring for this identifier in the background before user-initiated connection. This preparation work is done in advance so that when the user places the sled on the mobile device, the pairing can be automatically completed without manual intervention, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability through pre-validated pairing information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent switching between devices is required, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated connection and disconnection procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring for the sled's unique identifier even when not actively connected. This allows the device to be ready for immediate connection when the sled is placed on it, eliminating the need to go through full pairing procedures each time. The preliminary monitoring state enables rapid switching between different sled attachments while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting the sled's presence through its unique identifier and autonomously establishing the wireless connection without requiring user intervention for pairing. The mobile device independently manages the connection process, including automatic disconnection when the sled is removed, which significantly reduces the time required for frequent device switching while maintaining full adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If automatic connection based on RSSI threshold is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase for accurate RSSI-based detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a unique identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between the mobile device and sled attachment. Instead of relying solely on RSSI measurements which require high precision, the system uses this identifier as a reliable signal that the sled is present and should be connected. The identifier acts as a mediator that simplifies the connection decision process, improving ease of operation while reducing the stringency of RSSI measurement precision requirements.
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
Enables automatic and seamless wireless communication between devices when physically joined, reducing user effort and time spent on connection procedures, while allowing easy switching between devices and conserving power by automatically disconnecting when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring, by the mobile computing device, a received signal strength (RSSI) associated with the short-range wireless signal from the RFID reader device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for establishing a bidirectional wireless communication link between two otherwise detachable devices when these devices are physically joined together for use as a physically joined device are provided. An example method includes receiving by a mobile computing device a short-range wireless signal from an RFID reader device; monitoring, by the mobile computing device, an RSSI associated with the signal from the RFID reader device; and establishing, by the mobile computing device, a wireless communication connection to the RFID reader device based on the measured RSSI associated with the signal from the RFID reader device being greater than a threshold RSSI value, wherein the threshold RSSI value is calibrated based on an RSSI value associated with the short-range wireless signal from the RFID reader device measured by the mobile computing device when the mobile computing device is physically joined to RFID reader device for use as a joined device.