Automatic External Device Connection via Volume Key Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices require multiple cumbersome procedures to connect with external devices for function sharing, such as pairing and selecting devices, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that automatically connect with external devices having a connection history, using a processor to detect volume key inputs and establish wireless connections, allowing the current function of the electronic device to be performed via the connected external device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic connection with external devices is implemented, then connection convenience is improved, but connection security and device selection control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection convenienceVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing connection history and device information in advance. When a volume key is pressed, the electronic device automatically retrieves and connects to a previously connected external device without requiring the user to go through pairing procedures again, thus improving connection convenience while maintaining security through pre-established trusted connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device serves itself by automatically managing external device connections based on stored history. The device independently detects volume key inputs, retrieves connection history, selects appropriate external devices, and establishes connections without user intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining connection security through automated trusted device selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple connection procedures (pairing, selection) are required, then connection security is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and separates the essential connection function from the complex multi-step pairing and selection procedures. By storing connection history and using volume key detection to automatically retrieve and execute connections to previously paired devices, the system removes the cumbersome intermediate steps while maintaining the security benefits of initial pairing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs pairing and device selection actions in advance by storing connection history. When connection is needed, the pre-stored information is retrieved and used to automatically establish connections, eliminating the need for users to repeat pairing and selection procedures, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2790392B1Method for connecting with external device and electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2790392B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2790392B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2790392B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A method for connecting with an external device and an electronic device thereof are provided. The method includes determining whether an input for increasing a volume is received is determined while the volume of the electronic device is at a maximum value. If the input for increasing the volume is received, an external device is detected, the electronic device connects with the external device, and the external device outputs an output associated with a current function of the electronic device.