Wireless Connection Setup Using Background Application Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bluetooth devices require users to manually configure and manage connections, which is time-consuming and complex, especially in environments with multiple devices, as users need to know service names and protocols, making it difficult for non-experts to establish rapid and error-free wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

A user-friendly method and system that uses a portable computing device with a background application to simplify wireless connections by displaying a list of devices with user-friendly names and symbols, allowing users to select devices without needing to know technical details, using filters to show only authorized and relevant devices, and establishing connections quickly and securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users manually configure Bluetooth connections using service names and protocols, then connection establishment is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a background application as an intermediary that automatically handles Bluetooth connection configuration. This mediator translates user-friendly device selections into technical connection parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually configure service names and protocols while ensuring reliable connection establishment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The background application performs preliminary actions by automatically scanning for devices, retrieving their service information, and pre-configuring connection parameters before the user needs to connect. This advance preparation significantly reduces the time required for connection establishment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If users manually configure Bluetooth connections with service names and protocols, then connection can be established, but the operation becomes difficult for non-experts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoiduser friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The background application serves as an intermediary that shields users from technical complexity. It automatically retrieves and processes service names, protocols, and other technical parameters, presenting only simple device selections to users while ensuring proper connection configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically obtaining device information, interpreting service names, and configuring connection parameters without user intervention. The background application handles all technical aspects independently, making the process accessible to non-experts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If Bluetooth Manager is opened and steps are carried out for each device, then connection can be established, but productivity decreases due to repeated manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidconnection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The background application automates the entire connection process, performing all necessary steps independently without requiring user interaction. It automatically discovers devices, retrieves service information, configures parameters, and establishes connections, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining reliable connection establishment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The background application runs continuously in the background, maintaining an active list of available devices and their service information. This continuous operation allows immediate connection establishment when needed, eliminating the need to repeatedly open Bluetooth Manager and perform manual configuration steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocols are recorded for each device, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidprotocol management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The background application acts as an intermediary that manages multiple protocols transparently. It automatically selects and configures the appropriate protocol based on the target device and service requirements, allowing the system to support multiple protocols without exposing this complexity to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8126395B2Wireless communication method, device and system for establishing a connection

Publication Date: 2012.02.28 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A method for a user to establish a wireless connection between a wireless portable computing device and a wireless-equipped device in an industrial or electrical power or distribution plant. Actions of the method are carried out by a second computer program that provides information in a graphical user interface display to a user and opens a wireless connection with a selected industrial device. In other aspects a human-machine interface and a system are also described.