Wireless Accessory Dynamic Connection Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current short-range wireless systems, such as Bluetooth, lack a dynamic and user-friendly method for a wireless accessory to selectively send commands to multiple connected mobile devices, often resulting in ambiguity and undesired activation of both devices when issuing commands like dialing.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for dynamically selecting an active connection from multiple connections between a wireless accessory and mobile devices based on criteria such as usage frequency, priority, and availability history, allowing for intuitive command targeting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless accessory maintains multiple concurrent connections to multiple mobile devices, then the accessory can serve multiple users and devices simultaneously, but ambiguity arises when sending commands as it is unclear which device should receive the command

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to connect to multiple devicesVSAvoidcommand targeting clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connection state tracking where the accessory continuously monitors which mobile device is currently active or being used. When a command needs to be sent, the system dynamically determines the target device based on real-time usage state rather than using a static selection method. This allows the accessory to adaptively switch between connected devices based on actual user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the accessory receives status information from connected devices about their current state and usage. This feedback loop enables the accessory to understand which device the user is currently interacting with, allowing intelligent routing of commands to the appropriate device based on real-time feedback about device usage states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If the wireless accessory sends commands to the last paired device, then the connection target is determined automatically, but this static method does not align with user expectations when the desired device is not the last paired one

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic connection selectionVSAvoiduser expectation alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the wireless accessory to autonomously determine the appropriate target device by monitoring its own usage state and the states of connected devices. The system self-services by automatically identifying which device the user intends to use based on active connection states, eliminating the need for manual user selection while aligning with user expectations through intelligent state detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static last-paired-device selection to dynamic selection based on real-time connection states. The accessory continuously updates its understanding of which device is actively being used, allowing automatic command routing that adapts to current user needs rather than relying on historical pairing information alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple independent connections are maintained between wireless accessory and mobile devices, then concurrent communication is enabled, but command routing becomes ambiguous and may activate both devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent connection capabilityVSAvoidcommand routing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the wireless accessory acts as a smart mediator between multiple mobile devices. Rather than allowing direct peer-to-peer commands that could cause ambiguity, the accessory intermediates by receiving commands and intelligently routing them to the appropriate target device based on monitored connection states, preventing simultaneous activation of multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains multiple concurrent connections for productivity while implementing dynamic command routing for reliability. The accessory dynamically determines the active target device based on real-time connection states, ensuring that commands are reliably routed to the intended device even while maintaining multiple simultaneous connections for concurrent communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2375709B1Method and apparatus for providing active connection to electronic devices

Publication Date: 2018.01.24 BLACKBERRY LTD

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AI summary

Method and apparatus for connecting a wireless accessory to a plurality of mobile devices in a short-range wireless system. Connections between the wireless accessory and the plurality of mobile devices are established. A request for an active connection is received at the wireless accessory. The active connection is dynamically selected from the connections based on a criteria. The request is sent from the wireless accessory to a device through the active connection. A communication is established on the active connection.