Wireless Link Establishment via Device Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of wireless communication environments, with numerous devices operating in close proximity, makes it difficult for non-technical users to establish wireless connections between devices without burdensome menu interactions.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes device orientation and movement to approximate the location of a target device, combined with direction-of-arrival estimation, to narrow down potential devices and facilitate connection establishment, allowing for automatic linking with trusted devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional menu interfaces are used for device selection, then all wireless-enabled devices can be selected, but the configuration process becomes overly burdensome and complex for non-technical users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual menu navigation and keying with automatic device identification based on wireless signal detection and orientation sensing. The system automatically determines target device location using the device's orientation relative to the target, eliminating the need for users to manually search through configuration menus and select devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic device discovery and selection without requiring user intervention in the configuration process. The wireless communication device automatically identifies potential target devices, determines their location based on orientation, and presents a simplified selection interface, allowing the system to serve itself in the device discovery and connection establishment process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all wireless-enabled devices within range are displayed for selection, then complete device availability is provided, but the selection process becomes prohibitively time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using the device's orientation to define a specific spatial region of interest. Instead of treating all devices uniformly, the system prioritizes devices located in the direction the device is pointing, creating a localized selection context that reduces the effective search space while maintaining the ability to connect to any device if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the population of wireless devices into different categories based on their spatial relationship to the user's device orientation. Devices are divided into those within the target direction (prioritized) and those outside it (secondary), allowing the system to present a segmented, manageable list rather than a single overwhelming list of all devices.
3Ease of operation
If orientation-based target location approximation is used, then device selection is simplified, but measurement precision of target location is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using orientation data to approximate target location only to the extent necessary for simplified device selection. The system uses orientation to define a broad region of interest rather than precisely pinpointing the target, which is sufficient for reducing the device list to a manageable subset while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary step where orientation-based approximation serves as a preliminary filter before final device selection. The approximate location derived from orientation acts as an intermediary that narrows down the search space, after which more precise device identification can occur through simplified user selection or additional detection methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the process of establishing wireless connections by reducing the number of potential devices to select from, making it easier for users to connect devices without extensive menu navigation, even in crowded wireless environments.
Implementation Method 1
A WCD may interpret a combination of orientation and/or movement to approximate a target device location
Implementation Method 2
This approximate target location may be utilized in combination with a direction-of-arrival estimation to narrow the total population of wireless-enabled devices within communication range
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for establishing a wireless link from a wireless communication device (WCD) to at least one target device. The process of both identifying the target device and establishing a link to this device may incorporate the orientation and/or movement of the WCD into the procedure in lieu of the extensive use of traditional menu interfaces. A WCD may interpret a combination of orientation and/or movement as an approximate target device location that may be utilized to narrow the total population of all located devices into a subset containing those devices located within of near the approximate target device location. The subset of devices may be formulated and displayed as potential target devices for selection by a user. If any of the potential target devices are known by the WCD, a link may be established automatically.