Swipe-Based Device Selection Using BLE Angle of Arrival
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems lack intuitive and efficient methods for users to designate and connect with communication devices, such as printers, for executing print jobs, especially in environments with multiple potential devices nearby.
Innovation Solution
The system employs Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for advertisement and connection requests, allowing the information processing apparatus to detect the direction and proximity of communication devices using multiple antennas and calculate the Angle of Arrival (AoA) or Angle of Departure (AoD) to determine device positions, enabling users to select the target device through a swipe operation on the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually selects a communication apparatus from a list, then the connection can be established, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming in multi-device environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical selection (tapping through lists) with a gesture-based selection system. Users perform swipe gestures on the screen to select communication apparatuses, and the system determines the target device based on the swipe direction and detected device positions, eliminating the need for manual list navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gesture recognition system as an intermediary between the user and the device selection process. The gesture recognition unit detects swipe gestures and translates them into device selection commands, while the direction determination unit acts as another intermediary that maps swipe directions to specific communication apparatuses based on their spatial positions.
2Loss of information
If the system displays all available communication apparatuses, then the user has complete information, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device selection interface into two functional parts: a simplified gesture input area and a spatial positioning system. Instead of displaying all devices with detailed information in a complex list, the system uses the physical arrangement of devices in space and overlaying graphical representations on the screen, allowing users to select devices through intuitive gestures without overwhelming interface elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional list interface to a three-dimensional spatial representation. Communication apparatuses are displayed with their actual physical positions and directions relative to the terminal, and users perform swipe gestures in the horizontal dimension to select devices, adding a spatial dimension to the selection process that simplifies the interface while maintaining information completeness.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses traditional wireless communication for device connection, then connectivity is achieved, but the process lacks precision in determining device position and direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication apparatuses serve multiple functions: they not only transmit data wirelessly but also act as directional beacons that emit signals containing direction information. The terminal uses these signals for both connection establishment and precise direction determination, allowing the same hardware to perform positioning and communication functions without adding separate complex positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where communication apparatuses transmit direction information back to the terminal during the connection process. The terminal receives this directional feedback, processes it through the direction determination unit, and uses it to accurately identify which device the user intends to connect to based on the swipe gesture direction, improving position detection precision through iterative feedback.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer of an information processing apparatus is caused to execute steps, the steps including a first specification step of specifying a first direction of a position of a communication apparatus with respect to a position of the information processing apparatus based on communication between the information processing apparatus and the communication apparatus through a predetermined communication method; a reception step of receiving a predetermined operation for designating a direction from a user; a second specification step of specifying a second direction corresponding to the received predetermined operation; a third specification step of specifying the communication apparatus corresponding to the second direction from among a plurality of the communication apparatuses present in a vicinity of the information processing apparatus based on the first direction and the second direction; and an execution step of executing a process relating to the communication apparatus corresponding to the second direction.