Wireless HID Device Multi-Host Association via IP Service Abstraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless human interface devices are limited by their 1:1 association with a single host and require extensive cabling, which restricts their flexibility and scalability in multi-host environments.

Innovation Solution

The development of wireless human interface devices that virtualize their functionality as a service on a networked client, allowing them to be easily discovered, associated, and utilized with multiple networked clients without the need for switching mechanisms, using IP-based wireless networks and abstraction of physical device functionality into a service resident on the client.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless technologies are used to break cable reliance, then cable constraints are mitigated, but 1:1 association between device and host is imposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable constraintsVSAvoidhost association flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless HID device is designed to function with multiple host computers simultaneously through a service architecture that allows the device to be accessed by any client on the network, transforming it from a single-function device to a multi-functional universal interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A service component is introduced as an intermediary between the wireless HID device and multiple hosts, enabling the device to communicate with multiple clients without direct 1:1 connections, thus resolving the association flexibility issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If analog switching devices are used to support multiple hosts, then host matrix support is improved, but cabling requirements increase exponentially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehost matrix supportVSAvoidcabling requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical analog switching system with a software-based service architecture running over IP networks, eliminating the need for physical switching boxes and extensive cabling while maintaining multi-host support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless HID device itself is designed to support multiple hosts directly without external switching devices, making the switching function inherent to the device rather than requiring separate switching infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9477569B2Windows rally wireless HID device

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A system and method that identifies and effectuates communication between a connectable client and a wireless human interface device. The wireless human interface device utilizes technologies to abstract the complexities of IP based wired and wireless networks to provide mechanisms to easily discover, associate, utilize and diagnose the wireless human interface device. Through the ensuing abstraction the wireless human interface device can be associated with an unlimited number of connectable networked clients or hosts thus eliminating the requirement of analog switch boxes to connect human interface devices to each connectable host or client, and further providing for the control of local and/or Internet based hosts or clients.