Short-Range Wireless Connection Mediation via Master Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional short range wireless communication systems are inconvenient for establishing a new connection between devices when one device already has an established connection with another, requiring the release of the old connection.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first device can establish a connection with a third device through a second device that already has a connection, without directly exchanging signals with the third device, by broadcasting a discovery signal and receiving a response from the second device that includes connection information, allowing the first device to display and select a connectable device list and establish a new connection without releasing the old connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device establishes a connection with another device in conventional short range wireless communication systems, then a stable connection is formed, but the device cannot establish new connections without releasing the old connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidconnection establishment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a master device as an intermediary that mediates between the first slave device and the second slave device. The master device receives connection requests from the first slave device and forwards them to the second slave device, enabling indirect communication and connection establishment without releasing the existing connection. This intermediary approach allows multiple connections to coexist and be managed through a central coordinating device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a device maintains an existing connection, then connection stability is preserved, but the ability to connect to new devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmulti-connection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection management function by introducing a master device that handles connection coordination separately from the direct slave-to-slave communication paths. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple independent connection paths simultaneously - the existing connection between the master and second slave device remains stable while new connections through the master to additional slave devices are established without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If direct connection establishment between devices is required, then connection speed is improved, but connection complexity increases when devices already have existing connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment speedVSAvoidconnection management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the master device pre-establish and maintain connection pathways to multiple slave devices. When a new connection is needed, the master device already has the communication channel prepared and can quickly forward connection requests without requiring complex real-time negotiation or releasing existing connections. This preliminary setup of communication pathways speeds up connection establishment while keeping management simple through the master device's coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3567974B1Methods and devices for connecting device in short-range wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3567974B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3567974B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3567974B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (loT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the loT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. According to the present invention, a method for connecting a first device in a short-range wireless communication system comprises the steps of: transmitting, to a second device, a discovery signal including a connection information request; receiving, from the second device, a discovery response signal including information on a third device connected with the second device; and establishing a connection with the third device on the basis of the discovery response signal.