Wireless Device Search via Server Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users with low IT literacy face difficulties in establishing wireless connections between PCs and network devices due to varying wireless communication systems and protocols, lacking an intuitive method to detect and connect with desired devices.
Innovation Solution
A device search apparatus with a communication device, input device, display device, and processing unit that searches for devices using multiple communication systems, displays device indications including communication systems and images, and facilitates connection through simple user interactions, enabling users to easily select and connect with desired devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication systems and protocols are used for device connection, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and user operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that manages device information and connection protocols. The server receives connection requests, identifies target devices, and facilitates communication between devices with different wireless protocols, thereby reducing the complexity of direct peer-to-peer connection procedures while maintaining multi-system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices transmit their wireless communication capabilities to the server, which then provides appropriate connection instructions and device information back to the user. This feedback loop simplifies the connection process by automatically matching compatible devices and guiding users through appropriate protocols
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication systems and protocols are used for device connection, then communication versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where devices automatically register their capabilities with the server, and the server autonomously manages device information and connection matching. Users simply need to input basic device identifiers, and the system automatically handles protocol selection and connection establishment, making operation simple while supporting multiple communication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that shields users from complex protocol details by automatically managing device compatibility matching and connection procedures across different wireless communication systems
3Ease of operation
If device search and identification procedures are simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but information completeness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Devices perform preliminary actions by automatically transmitting their identification information and wireless communication capabilities to the server during registration. This pre-collected information is then used to facilitate simple user device search and selection without requiring users to manually input detailed device specifications, maintaining both simplicity and information accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A device search apparatus includes: a communication device which wirelessly communicates with a device; an input device to which information is inputted; a display device which displays information; and a processing device which, if input information including a predetermined keyword is received via the input device, searches for a device, using the communication device, extracts a device associated with a device name included in the input information from among the devices detected by the search, and displays a device indication representing each of the extracted devices on the display device.