Rule Copying Between Devices via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small form factor devices, such as sensors, with limited user interfaces pose challenges in configuring multiple devices to operate according to the same rules, requiring cumbersome interactions with external interfaces or servers, which is inefficient and frustrating for users.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allow users to duplicate rules from one device to another through user interaction, such as motion, position, or proximity-based actions, enabling rules to be applied directly between devices without needing external interfaces or servers, thereby simplifying the configuration process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users configure multiple devices to operate according to the same rules through external interfaces or servers, then consistency across devices is achieved, but user interaction complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables rule copying from a source device to a target device through direct device-to-device communication. When devices are in proximity, the target device can automatically receive and apply configuration rules from the source device, eliminating the need for users to manually replicate settings through external interfaces or servers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a proximity-based detection mechanism as an intermediary that facilitates automatic rule transfer. The detection mechanism senses when devices are in proximity and triggers the rule copying process, serving as an automated mediator that eliminates complex manual configuration steps while ensuring consistent device operation.
2Productivity
If users manually configure each device individually through external interfaces, then device functionality is established, but configuration time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the source device with complete operational rules in advance. When the target device is brought into proximity, the pre-configured rules are automatically transferred without requiring the user to perform configuration steps for each device individually, significantly reducing setup time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies configuration rules from the source device to the target device automatically through direct communication. This copying mechanism eliminates the need for repeated manual configuration, reducing both user effort and setup time while maintaining consistent device functionality across the network.
3Device complexity
If devices have limited user interfaces, then device size and complexity are reduced, but device configurability and ease of setup worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration capability of the source device with the target device through automatic rule transfer. The source device acts as a configuration repository, and its rules are automatically applied to the target device when in proximity. This merging approach allows devices to maintain simple interfaces while achieving full configurability through peer-to-peer rule copying.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration rules are copied from the source device to the target device, enabling the target device to inherit full configurability without requiring its own complex interface. This copying mechanism allows devices to remain physically simple while functionally configurable through automatic rule acquisition from peer devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are described for allowing rules that are applied to one device to be applied to another device based on a user's interaction with only the devices. A rule-copy action, such as simultaneous shaking of the two devices, proximity of the two devices to each other, and/or the relative positions of the two devices, may be detected at one of the devices (e.g., a first device to which the user desires the rules or a copy of the rules to apply). In response to the rule-copy action, another device (e.g., a second device configured to operate according to the at least one rule) may be identified. The at least one rule may then be caused to be applied to the first device in response to detection of the rule-copy action, so as to configure the first device to operate according to the at least one rule.