Smart connectors and associated communications links
First Claim
1. A method for providing application support for a host system of a first device that uses a contactless communications link existing between first and second contactless connectors, wherein the first contactless connector is associated with the first device and the second contactless connector is associated with a second device, the method implemented in the first contactless connector, the method comprising:
- controlling operation of the contactless communications link, wherein the contactless communications link is actively conveying contactless signals between the first and second contactless connectors;
determining at least one characteristic of the contactless communications link, wherein the determined at least one characteristic of the contactless communications link comprises performance metrics of the contactless communications link; and
performing application support for the host system based on the determined at least one characteristic of the contactless communications link, including the performance metrics of the contactless communications link, wherein the application support comprise an application running on the host system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
“Smart” connectors with embedded processors, measurement circuits and control circuits are disclosed for establishing a “contactless” radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) Extremely High Frequency (EHF) communications link between two electronic devices having host systems. The connectors are capable of monitoring, controlling, and directing (managing) link operation to dynamically adapt to conditions, as well as monitoring and altering (or modifying) data passing through the connector, and selecting a protocol suitable for a communications session. The connectors are capable of identifying the type of content being transferred, providing authentication and security services, and enabling application support for the host systems based on the type of connection or the type of content. The connectors may operate independently of the host systems, and may perform at least one of sensing proximity of a nearby object; detecting a shape of a nearby object; and detecting vibrations.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for providing application support for a host system of a first device that uses a contactless communications link existing between first and second contactless connectors, wherein the first contactless connector is associated with the first device and the second contactless connector is associated with a second device, the method implemented in the first contactless connector, the method comprising:
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controlling operation of the contactless communications link, wherein the contactless communications link is actively conveying contactless signals between the first and second contactless connectors; determining at least one characteristic of the contactless communications link, wherein the determined at least one characteristic of the contactless communications link comprises performance metrics of the contactless communications link; and performing application support for the host system based on the determined at least one characteristic of the contactless communications link, including the performance metrics of the contactless communications link, wherein the application support comprise an application running on the host system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A first device that uses a contactless communications link to communicate with a second device, the first device comprising:
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a host system; a first contactless connector communicatively coupled to the host system, the first contactless connector operative to; control operation of the contactless communications link, wherein the contactless communications link is actively conveying contactless signals between the first and second devices; determine at least one characteristic of the contactless communications link; track and log characteristics of the contactless communications link; and perform application support for the host system based on the determined at least one characteristic of the contactless communications link and on the tracked and logged characteristics of the communications link, wherein the application support comprises an application running on the host system. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification