Wireless Input Hub Operational Modes for Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared communication limitations, such as short distance and line-of-sight requirements, and the need for improved wireless connectivity in modern portable electronic devices, are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that separates the number pad from a keyboard into a separate device with a hub that supports multiple operational modes, using Bluetooth technology to connect with a computer via USB, allowing for enhanced communication capabilities and supporting a variety of peripheral devices, including a default embedded mode for easy connection and a Host Controller Interface mode for increased device compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Infrared communication is used for wireless connectivity, then short distance communication is achieved, but line-of-sight requirements and limited communication distance restrict usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless communication system into two distinct modes: Embedded mode for basic reliable communication and Host Controller Interface mode for extended functionality. This segmentation allows the system to switch between modes depending on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes based on connection requirements. The hub can transition from Embedded mode (with limited device support) to Host Controller Interface mode (with full Bluetooth capabilities) to adapt to different communication scenarios, thereby achieving both reliability and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hub supports multiple operational modes for different device configurations, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is designed with multi-functionality to support both Embedded mode and Host Controller Interface mode, allowing a single device to handle multiple operational scenarios. This universal design enables the hub to work with different numbers of devices (M in Embedded mode, N in Host Controller Interface mode) without requiring multiple specialized hubs, thus improving compatibility while managing complexity through consolidation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth technology is used instead of Infrared, then wireless connectivity without line-of-sight is achieved, but connection management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub acts as an intermediary device that manages Bluetooth connections between the computer and multiple peripheral devices. By positioning the hub as the central mediator, the system simplifies connection management compared to direct peer-to-peer Bluetooth connections, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining the flexibility advantages of Bluetooth technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system for a computer includes a hub coupled to the computer. The hub includes a first module and a second module, the first module configured to receive commands from one or more wireless input devices, the second module configured to control the first module and interface with the computer. A first wireless input device is configured to be linked to the hub to input a first command to the computer via the hub. A second wireless input device is configured to be linked to the hub to input a second command to the computer via the hub. The hub is configured to support a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The first module transmits the first and second commands received from the first and second input devices to the computer via the second module during the first operational mode. The first module transmits the first and second commands received from the first and second input devices to the computer without using the second module as an interface to the computer during the second operational mode.