Server-Mediated Device Pairing via Ambient Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting electronic devices, such as using Bluetooth, WiFi, or NFC, require direct interaction, which can be inconvenient as users need to remove their devices from pockets or bags, leading to usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an external auxiliary device to sense situation information like sound, vibration, or motion to facilitate connection between electronic devices, allowing them to communicate and share connection information to establish connections without direct user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct device-to-device connection methods (Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC) are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because users must remove devices from pockets or bags to tag them with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that facilitates device connections. Instead of requiring direct device-to-device tagging, the server mediates the connection process by receiving connection requests from devices, managing the pairing information, and establishing connections. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable connections through server-mediated authentication while dramatically improving ease of operation since devices can be connected while remaining in pockets or bags, eliminating the need for physical extraction and manual tagging.
2Reliability
If direct device tagging is required for connection, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple communication protocols and direct interaction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a security intermediary that handles the complex authentication and connection management tasks. Devices only need to communicate simple connection requests and receive connection tokens from the server, rather than implementing multiple communication protocols for direct device tagging. This reduces device complexity while maintaining security through server-side validation and managed connection establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex connection management and security authentication functions from the devices themselves and relocates them to the server. Devices are simplified to only handling basic connection requests and data transmission, while the server manages pairing information, authentication, and connection establishment. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining security through centralized server-side control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for connecting communication through an electronic device are provided. The method includes identifying situation information related to the electronic device, based on the situation information, communicating with a first external device, based on communication with the first external device, acquiring connection information on the first external device, and providing the connection information to a second external device communicating with the electronic device such that the first external device and the second external device subsequently directly communicate with each other using the connection information.