Device-to-Device Communication via Physical Tap Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer and communication devices rely on keyboards or touch screens for user interfaces, which are often cumbersome and inconvenient, and touch screen emulations do not significantly improve upon traditional keyboards.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects physical contacts between devices, determines if they correspond to taps, initiates a discovery request, and establishes a communication link, allowing devices to interact and communicate based on tapping patterns, with features like regulating transmission power and utilizing Bluetooth profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keyboard or keypad is used for user interface, then device functionality is provided, but user convenience deteriorates due to cumbersome operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical keyboard/keypad input systems with a tactile sensing system that detects physical contact between devices. The sensor detects tap patterns through mechanical contact forces, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical input devices while maintaining input functionality through more intuitive physical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows devices to automatically initiate communication and data transfer when tapped together, eliminating the need for manual menu navigation or configuration. The tap gesture itself triggers the entire communication sequence, making the system self-activating based on user intent.
2Productivity
If traditional communication establishment is used, then devices can communicate, but time consumption increases due to menu navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures communication parameters and protocols so that when devices are tapped together, the communication link can be established immediately without requiring users to navigate menus or make selections. The tap gesture directly triggers pre-programmed communication sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the time-consuming menu navigation step from the communication establishment process. By detecting the tap pattern directly and automatically initiating communication based on pre-configured parameters, the system removes the intermediate manual configuration steps that traditionally slowed down device pairing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If open transmission is used for device discovery, then device communication is enabled, but security deteriorates due to spam and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a localized communication environment where transmission power is regulated to permit reception only by devices in immediate physical proximity (within approximately two meters). This spatial constraint ensures that only devices physically present at the tap location can receive discovery requests, eliminating remote spam and unauthorized access while maintaining local discoverability.
4Speed
If high transmission power is used for discovery request, then device detection range is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes transmission power parameters to the minimum level required for reliable communication over short distances (approximately two meters). By regulating power to this optimal level rather than using high power, the system achieves sufficient device detection capability while minimizing energy consumption during the discovery phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes detecting one or more physical contacts between the device and another device and determining whether the one or more physical contacts correspond to one or more taps. The method further includes initiating a discovery request to the other device, when it is determined that the physical contact corresponds to the one or more taps, and communicating to the other device when a communication link is established between the device and the other device based on the discovery request.