Wearable Pairing via BLE Segmentation and Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing devices face challenges in efficiently and reliably establishing wireless communication with host devices, particularly due to limitations in power consumption and data bandwidth, which affects their usability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for wirelessly communicatively coupling a wearable computing device to a host computing device using a low-power personal area network for initial pairing and then transitioning to a general personal area network for enhanced bandwidth, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth networks, and involving a bonding key exchange for secure pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy is used for initial pairing, then power consumption is reduced, but data bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct phases: initial pairing using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for low power consumption, and subsequent data transfer using classic Bluetooth for higher bandwidth. This segmentation allows each protocol to be used in its optimal performance regime, resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and data throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary pairing and authentication actions using BLE before transitioning to classic Bluetooth. By completing the power-intensive authentication and key exchange operations first using the low-power protocol, the system establishes a secure connection that can then leverage the higher-bandwidth classic Bluetooth protocol for data transfer without repeating the authentication process.
2Productivity
If classic Bluetooth is used for pairing, then data bandwidth is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication workflow is segmented into distinct phases with appropriate protocol selection: BLE handles initial connection and authentication (low bandwidth needs), while classic Bluetooth handles subsequent data transfer (high bandwidth needs). This segmentation ensures classic Bluetooth is only activated when high bandwidth is actually required, minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between communication protocols based on operational requirements. The wearable device and host device can transition from BLE to classic Bluetooth when high-speed data transfer is needed, and back to BLE for maintenance or low-data operations, optimizing the balance between bandwidth and power consumption in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented in wearable devices, then portability is improved, but connection reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by performing comprehensive authentication, bonding, and key exchange operations during the initial pairing phase using BLE. This preliminary setup creates a robust, pre-authenticated connection that is less susceptible to interference and disconnection issues during subsequent classic Bluetooth data transfer, thereby cushioning against potential reliability problems.
Solution Approach 2:
BLE acts as an intermediary that facilitates the establishment of a reliable classic Bluetooth connection. The low-power protocol mediates the initial handshake and authentication, creating a stable foundation that enables the higher-bandwidth classic Bluetooth protocol to operate more reliably without the overhead of repeated authentication handshakes.
Data Source
AI summary
A host computing device receives an advertisement packet via a low-power personal area network and, in response to the advertisement packet, transmits a connection request via the low-power personal area network, pairs via the low-power personal area network and transmits a data message when pairing via the low-power personal area network. The data message instructs a wearable device to pair via a general personal area network.