Wireless Keyboard Module, Portable Electronic Device And Methods For Charging And Pairing A Wireless Keyboard Module To A Portable Electronic Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of tablet PCs face the inconvenience of needing to carry separate wireless keyboards and stands for data input, and existing RF communication protocols lack a simple and secure pairing method, making them prone to security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A wireless keyboard module that automatically pairs with a tablet PC upon physical contact, using a wired connector to pass a charging signal and pairing code, and includes a microcontroller to initiate pairing and RF communication, eliminating the need for manual key exchange and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a peripheral keyboard is used with the tablet, then data input efficiency is improved, but the user must carry both the keyboard and a separate stand, increasing device complexity and reducing mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the keyboard module and stand into a single integrated wireless keyboard device. The keyboard includes an integrated stand mechanism that can support the tablet at various viewing angles, eliminating the need for a separate stand component. This merging of functions directly addresses the contradiction by maintaining data input efficiency while reducing the number of separate components the user must carry.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless keyboard is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a data input device and as a stand support for the tablet. The keyboard includes adjustable stand structures that can hold the tablet at multiple angles, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions. This universality resolves the contradiction by enabling the keyboard to replace both the traditional keyboard and stand components.
2Ease of operation
If wireless RF communication is used between keyboard and tablet, then freedom of movement is improved, but pairing security is worsened due to vulnerability to eavesdropping and security breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wired connector as an intermediary mechanism for secure pairing. When the keyboard physically contacts the tablet through the wired connector, it establishes a secure communication channel for exchanging pairing information. This intermediary physical connection prevents eavesdropping and security breaches by ensuring that pairing data is transmitted through a secure, controlled interface rather than vulnerable wireless broadcasts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary secure pairing through the wired connector before wireless communication begins. The keyboard and tablet establish secure pairing credentials through the physical wired connection prior to transitioning to wireless RF communication. This preliminary action ensures that security is established in advance, allowing subsequent wireless communication to occur securely without vulnerability to eavesdropping.
3Reliability
If manual pairing protocol is used for wireless keyboard connection, then security is improved through key exchange, but user interaction complexity increases and pairing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service pairing through the wired connector. When the keyboard physically connects to the tablet, the pairing process occurs automatically without requiring manual user intervention. The system autonomously exchanges pairing credentials and establishes secure communication through the wired connector, eliminating the need for users to manually enter codes or perform complex pairing steps. This self-service approach maintains security while dramatically reducing pairing time and user interaction complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless keyboard module, portable electronic device and methods for charging and pairing a wireless keyboard module to a portable electronic device are provided herein. According to one embodiment, the wireless keyboard module includes a wired connector configured to electrically connect to a wired connector on a back surface of the portable electronic device when the wireless keyboard module is mounted onto the back surface of the portable electronic device. Upon connecting the wired connectors of the wireless keyboard module and the portable electronic device, the wireless keyboard module is configured to receive a charging signal from the portable electronic device and configured to transmit a pairing code to the portable electronic device across the wired connectors.