WIRELESS DEVICES THAT ESTABLISH A WIRELESS CONNECTION WITH A MOBILE INFORMATION APPARATUS BY WIRELESSLY DETECTING, WITHIN PHYSICAL PROXIMITY, THE MOBILE INFORMATION APPARATUS

• US 20170286027A1
• Filed: 06/19/2017
• Published: 10/05/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Flexiworld Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Chang, William Ho, Liu, Christina Ying
• Granted Patent: US 10,140,073 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1203 Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1205 resulting in increased flexibility in print job configuration, e.g. job settings, print requirements, job tickets
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1208 resulting in improved quality of the output result, e.g. print layout, colours, workflows, print preview
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/122 with regard to computing resources, e.g. memory, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1226 Discovery of devices having required properties
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1228 Printing driverless or using generic drivers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1229 Printer resources management or printer maintenance, e.g. device status, power levels
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1236 Connection management
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1238 Secure printing, e.g. user identification, user rights for device usage, unallowed content, blanking portions or fields of a page, releasing held jobs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1245 by conversion to intermediate or common format
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1247 by conversion to printer ready format
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1253 Configuration of print job parameters, e.g. using UI at the client
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1258 by updating job settings at the printer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/128 Direct printing, e.g. sending document file, using memory stick, printing from a camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1284 Local printer device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1285 Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1286 via local network
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1288 : in client-server-printer device configuration
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1292 : Mobile client, e.g. wireless printing
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/14 : Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/162 : Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 : Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/02 : using printers
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/181 : Receiving print data characterized by its formatting, e.g. particular page description languages
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/1836 : Rasterization
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 : specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/22 : Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialogue
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/30 : Distributed recognition, e.g. in client-server systems, for mobile phones or network applications
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 2015/223 : Execution procedure of a spoken command
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/303 : Terminal profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/51 : Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 : with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00283 : with a television apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 : with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00403 : Voice input means, e.g. voice commands
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00411 : the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00488 : providing an audible output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00854 : Recognising an unauthorised user or user-associated action
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00938 : Software related arrangements, e.g. loading applications program loading in general G06F9/445
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32534 : details of interfacing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32582 : Output interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/4413 : involving the use of passwords, ID codes or the like, e.g. PIN
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/442 : using a biometric data reading device
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0039 : Connection via a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0041 : Point to point H04N2201/0039 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0053 : Optical, e.g. using an infrared link
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 : By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0094 : Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/16 : Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/068 : using credential vaults, e.g. password manager applications or one time password [OTP] applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 : Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 : Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 : Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Abstract

Wireless devices that establish a wireless connection with a mobile information apparatus (e.g., smart phone) by wirelessly detecting, within physical proximity, the mobile information apparatus are herein disclosed and enabled. For example, to set up the wireless device (e.g., audio output devices, television controllers, Internet appliances) for connecting with a smart phone, simply place the device and phone within a physical distance for the device and phone to wirelessly discover each other. During wireless detection, the smart phone and the wireless device may exchange, transmit, or receive device information for storing in memory to facilitate future wireless connections. Subsequent to wireless detection and storing of the device information, the device and the smart phone may be locked or paired for wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth connection) such that future wireless connections between the device and the phone can be established without having to repeat the wireless detection.

Claims

1. A wireless connection method for setting up a wireless device to establish a wireless connection with a smart phone based, at least in part, on the wireless device having wirelessly detected the smart phone or the smart phone having wirelessly detected the wireless device, the wireless device being a distinct device from the smart phone, and the wireless device includes wireless communication circuitry, memory, and one or more processors or controllers, wherein the wireless device:

(1) uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly detect the smart phone based, at least in part, on physical proximity between the wireless device and the smart phone, the wireless detection includes either the wireless device wirelessly detecting the smart phone or the smart phone wirelessly detecting the wireless device, and the wireless detection using the wireless communication circuitry is based on direct short range wireless communication between the wireless device and the smart phone when the wireless device is within a physical distance from the smart phone;

(2) uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly receive, first information from the smart phone wirelessly detected in (1), the wireless receiving of the first information is based, at least in part, on physical proximity between the wireless device and the smart phone, and the wireless detection is when the wireless device is within the physical distance in (1) to the smart phone, the first information includes at least one of identification information, identity information, device information, a name, security information, or authentication information, individually or in any combination; and

(3) uses the memory of the wireless device to store at least part of the first information wirelessly received from the smart phone in (2); and

wherein, subsequent to having stored at least part of the first information in the memory of the wireless device in (3), the wireless connection method comprises;

(4) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly receive second information from the smart phone, the second information includes at least identification information, identity information, device information, a name, security information, or authentication information, individually or in any combination;

(5) using the one or more processors or controllers of the wireless device to compare or to authenticate at least part of the second information wirelessly received from the smart phone in (4) with respect to at least part of the first information wirelessly received from the smart phone in (2) and that is stored in memory in (3); and

wherein based, at least in part, on a successful comparison or authentication in (5), the wireless connection method further comprises;

(6) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly establish a wireless communication link between the wireless device and the smart phone; and

wherein the wireless device is operable to repeat step (4) to step (6) for establishing the wireless communication link in (6) without the need for repeating at least step (1) and step (2), including the wireless detection of the smart phone in (1) and the wireless receiving of the first information from the smart phone in (2).

2. The wireless connection method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless device includes one or more chips or chipsets, and the wireless communication circuitry either includes the one or more chips or chipsets, or is part of the one or more chips or chipsets;

and wherein the one or more chips or chipsets supports at least part of a protocol within Bluetooth specifications; and

the establishing the wireless communication link in (6) includes using the one or more chips or chipsets for establishing the wireless communication link in (6) that is compatible with at least part of a protocol within Bluetooth specifications.

3. The wireless connection method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless device is a wireless output device that outputs or plays digital content, and the wireless output device is embodied as one or more of a wireless speaker, a wireless sound output device, a sound output system, a display device, a television, a television controller connectable to a television, a projector, a printer, or a Bluetooth-enabled audio output device, individually or in any combination;

and the wireless connection method further comprises;

(7) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly receive output data that is related to the digital content, over the established wireless communication link in (6), for outputting or playing at least part of the digital content at the wireless output device.

4. The wireless connection method according to claim 2, wherein the wireless connection method further comprises:

(7) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly receive information or data over the established wireless communication link in (6), the information or the data for wirelessly managing or for wirelessly driving the wireless device;

(8) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly send response data over the established wireless communication link in (6) subsequent to having wirelessly received the information or the data from the smart phone in (7), the response data includes at least one of status information, device attribute information, or user interface information, individually or in any combination; and

(9) repeating any combination of steps or operations in (7) and in (8), whereby the wireless device is further operable to be wirelessly managed or to be wirelessly driven by the smart phone.

5. The wireless connection method according to claim 2, wherein the one or more chips or chipsets further supporting at least part of a protocol within IEEE 802.11 standards, and wherein the wireless connection method further comprises:

(7) using the one or more chips or chipsets of the wireless device that support at least part of a protocol within Bluetooth specifications to wirelessly receive data or information from the smart phone over the established wireless communication link in (6), the data or the information includes security information or authentication information for establishing a wireless local area network communication; and

(8) using the one or more chips or chipsets of the wireless device that support at least part of a protocol within IEEE 802.11 standards to establish the wireless local area network connection between the wireless device and smart phone in response to receiving the data or the information from the smart phone in (7).

6. The wireless connection method according claim 1, wherein the wireless device further includes an interface with at least a button, or a voice command, or other controls operable by a user, and wherein the wireless detecting of the smart phone in (1) is in response to having received, via the interface of the smart phone, an indication from the user for initiating the wireless detection in (1), the wireless detection includes either the smart phone wirelessly detecting the wireless device or the wireless device wirelessly detecting the smart phone.

7. The wireless connection method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless device further uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly transmit device information related to the wireless device that is stored in the memory of the wireless device from the wireless device to the smart phone, the wireless transmission of the device information is when the wireless device is within the physical distance in (1) to the smart phone, and the wireless transmission of the device information is based, at least in part, on physical proximity between the wireless device and the smart phone, and wherein the wireless transmission of the device information from the wireless device to the smart phone is to facilitate, at least in part, the smart phone identifying or selecting the wireless device for service that includes establishing the wireless communication link in (6).

8. A wireless device for establishing a wireless connection with a mobile information apparatus, the wireless device being a distinct device from the mobile information apparatus, the wireless device includes:

wireless communication circuitry, and memory storing device information related to the wireless device, wherein the wireless device;

(1) uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly detect the mobile information apparatus, the wireless detection is based, at least in part, on physical proximity between the wireless device and the mobile information apparatus when the wireless device is within a physical distance to the mobile information apparatus, and the wireless detection of the mobile information apparatus includes either one of (i) the wireless device wirelessly detecting the mobile information apparatus or (ii) the mobile information apparatus wirelessly detecting the wireless device, and the wireless detection is based, at least in part, on short range direct wireless communication between the wireless device and the mobile information apparatus;

(2) uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly transmit the device information that is stored in the memory of the wireless device, from the wireless device to the mobile information apparatus, the wireless transmission of the device information is based on the wireless device having wirelessly detected the mobile information apparatus in (1), and the wireless transmission of the device information is based, at least in part, on physical proximity between the wireless device and the mobile information apparatus, and the wireless transmission is further based, at least in part, on short range direct wireless communication between the wireless device and the mobile information apparatus, and the wireless transmission is while the wireless device is within the physical distance in (1) to the mobile information apparatus; and

subsequent to having transmitted the device information from the wireless device to the mobile information apparatus in (2), the wireless device further;

(3) uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly receive a service request or a connection request from the mobile information apparatus, the wireless receiving of the service request or the connection request from the mobile information apparatus is based on having previously wirelessly transmitted the device information from the wireless device to the mobile information apparatus in (2);

(4) uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly establish a wireless communication link between the wireless device and the mobile information apparatus in response to having wirelessly received the service request or the connection request from the mobile information apparatus in (3); and

(5) uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly receive, via the established wireless communication link in (4), data or information from the mobile information apparatus; and

wherein, subsequent to the wireless detection in (1) or subsequent to having wirelessly transmitted the device information related to the wireless device from the wireless device to the mobile information apparatus in (2), the wireless device is operable to repeat steps (4) and (5), without the need to repeat, at least, step (1) and step (2).

9. The wireless device according to claim 8, wherein the device information wirelessly transmitted to the mobile information apparatus in (2) includes at least one of identification information, identity information, capability information, compatibility information, a name, service information, security information, or authentication information, individually or in any combination;

and wherein the wireless transmitting of the device information from the wireless device to the mobile information apparatus in (2) is to facilitate, at least in part, the mobile information apparatus identifying or selecting the wireless device for making the service request or the connection request in (3).

10. The wireless device according to claim 9, wherein the data or information wirelessly received from the mobile information apparatus in (5) is related to the mobile information apparatus wirelessly managing or wirelessly driving the wireless device, and subsequent to the wireless device having received the data or the information from the mobile information apparatus in (5), the wireless device further:

(6) uses the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly send response information over the established wireless communication link in (4) in response to having wirelessly received the data or the information from the mobile information apparatus in (5), the response information includes at least one of status information, reply information, device attribute information, or user interface information, individually or in any combination; and

(7) repeats any combination of steps or operations in (5) and in (6), thereby the wireless device is operable to be wirelessly managed or to be wirelessly driven by the mobile information apparatus.

11. The wireless device according to claim 8, wherein the wireless device includes one or more chips or chipsets, and the wireless communication circuitry either includes the one or more chips or chipsets, or is part of the one or more chips or chipsets;

and wherein the one or more chips or chipsets support at least part of a protocol within Bluetooth specifications, and the wireless device uses the one or more chips or chipsets for establishing the wireless communication link in (4) that is compatible to at least part of a protocol within Bluetooth specifications.

12. The wireless device according to claim 11, wherein the wireless device is a wireless output device that is at least one of the following, individually or in any combination:

(a) a Bluetooth enabled audio output device, and wherein the data or information wirelessly received in (5) includes audio data for outputting or for playing at the wireless output device that is a Bluetooth enabled audio output device;

or

(b) a display device, a projection device, a television, or a television controller device connectable to a television, individually or in any combination, and wherein the data or information wirelessly received in (5) includes video data or audio data for outputting or for playing at the wireless output device

13. The wireless device according to claim 11, wherein the one or more chips or chipsets further support at least part of a protocol within IEEE 802.11 specifications, and wherein the data or the information wirelessly received from the mobile information apparatus in (5), via the established wireless communication link in (4), includes security information or authentication information for establishing a wireless local area network communication, and wherein the wireless device is operable to use the one or more chips or chipsets of the wireless device to establish the wireless local area network connection that is compatible to at least part of a protocol within IEEE 802.11.

14. The wireless device according claim 11, wherein the wireless device further includes an interface with at least a button, or a voice command, or other controls operable by a user, and wherein the wireless detection of the mobile information apparatus in (1) or the wireless detection by the mobile information apparatus in (1) is in response to having received, via the interface of the mobile information apparatus, at least an indication from the user for initiating the wireless detection in (1);

and wherein the mobile information apparatus is at least one of a smart phone, an information pad, an Internet-Phone, a digital camera, an e-book, or an Internet appliance, individually or in any combination.

15. The wireless device according to claim 8, wherein the wireless device is at least a wireless printing device, and wherein the data or information wirelessly received in (5) includes print data or print job for printing at the wireless printing device.

16. A wireless connection method for a wireless device to establish wireless connections with one or more client devices, at least one client device of the one or more client devices is a smart phone, the wireless device includes:

wireless communication circuitry and memory for storing at least a device object or device information related to the wireless device, the device object or device information to facilitate the one or more client devices identifying or selecting the wireless device for service, wherein the wireless connection method comprises;

(1) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly detect the smart phone or to be wirelessly detected by the smart phone, the wireless detection is when the wireless device is within a physical distance to the smart phone, and the wireless detection is based, at least in part, on physical proximity between the wireless device and smart phone;

(2) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly transmit the device object or the device information that is stored in the memory of the wireless device to the smart phone, the wireless transmission of the device object or the device information is subsequent to the wireless device having wirelessly detected the smart phone or having been wirelessly detected by the smart phone in (1), the wireless transmission of the device object or the device information is based, at least in part, on physical proximity between the wireless device and the smart phone, and wireless transmission is while the wireless device is within the physical distance to the smart phone in (1); and

wherein, subsequent to having wirelessly transmitted the device object or the device information from the memory of the wireless device to the smart phone, the wireless connection method further comprises;

(3) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly receive a service request or a connection request from a client device that has identified or that has selected the wireless device for service, the service request or the connection request from the client device is based, at least in part, on the device object or device information that was wirelessly transmitted from the wireless device to the smart phone in (2), the client device is either;

(i) the smart phone, or (ii) a client device other than the smart phone that the smart phone has shared, over a network, at least part of the device object or device information with the client device;

(4) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly establish a wireless communication link between the wireless device and the client device in (3) in response to having received the service request or the connection request in (3) from the client device; and

(5) using the wireless communication circuitry of the wireless device to wirelessly provide service to the client device over the established wireless communication link in (4); and

wherein, subsequent to the wireless detection in (1) or subsequent to having wirelessly transmitted the device object from the wireless device to the smart phone in (2), the wireless device is operable to repeat steps (4) to (5), without the need for repeating, at least, step (1) and step (2).

17. The wireless connection method according to claim 16, wherein the wireless device includes one or more chips or chipsets, and the wireless communication circuitry either includes the one or more chips or chipsets, or is part of the one or more chips or chipsets;

and wherein the one or more chips or chipsets support at least part of a protocol within Bluetooth specifications for establishing the wireless communication link in (4).

18. The wireless connection method according to claim 17, wherein the wireless device is a Bluetooth enabled audio output device;

and wherein the service provided by the Bluetooth enabled audio output device in step (5) includes outputting or playing audio digital content received from the client device; and

wherein the client device includes at least one of a smart phone, an information pad, an Internet-Phone, a digital camera, an e-book, or an Internet appliance, individually or in any combination.

19. The wireless connection method according to claim 18, wherein the wireless transmission of the device object or the device information from the wireless device to the smart phone is to facilitate, at least in part, the smart phone in (3) identifying or selecting the wireless device for service, wherein the wireless communication method further comprises:

(a) wirelessly receiving, by the smart phone, the device object or the device information that is wirelessly transmitted by the wireless device in (1);

(b) storing, by the smart phone, at least part of the device object or the device information in memory of the smart phone to facilitate the smart phone making service request or connection request to the wireless device without the need for the wireless device to execute steps (1) and (2).

20. The wireless connection method according to claim 18, wherein the wireless transmission of the device object or the device information from the wireless device to the smart phone is to facilitate, at least in part, the client device in (3), identifying or selecting the wireless device for service, and wherein the wireless communication method further comprises:

(a) wirelessly receiving, by the smart phone, the device object or the device information that is wirelessly transmitted by the wireless device in (1);

(b) storing, by the smart phone, at least part of the device object or device information wirelessly received in (a) at a server over a network, the server over the network is accessible by the one or more client devices that includes the client device in (3), the client device having appropriate authentication information or security information for accessing the device object or the device information at the server;

(c) accessing, by the client device, at least part of the device object or the device information at the server in (b) with appropriate authentication information or security information; and

(d) wirelessly making a service request or a connection request, by the client device, to the wireless device and employing, at least in part, the at least part of the device object or the device information accessed in (c);

whereby the client device is facilitated to make service request or connection request to the wireless device in (3) using the at least part of the device object or the device information without the need for the wireless device to execute steps (1) and (2) for establishing a wireless communication link with the client device.