JP2013542510A - Pairing wireless accessory devices between multiple host devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The wireless communication system includes an accessory device and a plurality of host devices. The host device uses a unique link key to wirelessly pair with the accessory device, detect the primary trigger event, and in response, pair with the accessory device, all devices wirelessly range from each other While staying in, it is transferred to the second host device. Transfer of pairing causes the link key to be communicated to the second host device, unpairing the accessory device from the first host device, and establishing wireless pairing of the accessory device with the second host device including. The primary trigger event includes establishing a port connection between the host devices. The secondary trigger event causes the first host device to automatically regain pairing with the accessory device. The accessory device can also select and pair with one of the plurality of host devices in response to a particular user gesture detected by the accessory device.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates generally to wireless communication, and more particularly to pairing an accessory device to a host device for wireless communication.

  Recent technological advances have led to a proliferation of computers, electronic devices, and related accessories and peripheral devices that are linked to and communicate with each other. Many links and communications between such devices and accessories are made via wired connections, but such links and communications between devices are increasingly made wireless. “Host” devices for such wireless communication include, for example, personal computers, cellular phones, laptops, tablet computers, etc., while “accessories” or peripheral devices include, for example, headphones, wireless earphones, keyboards, etc. Mouse, printer, various other human interface (HI) devices, and the like. The ability of such devices to communicate wirelessly provides a number of benefits and conveniences for users and consumers, and future increases in wireless traffic between devices are inevitable.

  One process that is ubiquitous in such wireless communication configurations is device bonding or pairing. Pairing is a process used to associate a wireless accessory or peripheral device with a wireless host device. Pairing not only ensures that the transferred data is secure, but also ensures that it is transferred between appropriate devices. For example, a particular pairing can be performed to associate a given headset or earphone with a particular mobile phone and vice versa. Another example includes pairing a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse with a particular computer or other host device. Pairing typically provides secure data transfer between devices through the use of cryptography.

  Pairing sometimes requires the user to manually enter a pin code or other identifier to pair the host device with the accessory device, but many pairings between devices are currently Bluetooth v2.1. And more streamlined processes such as the “secure simple pairing” protocol required by devices and beyond. Such cases involve, among other things, “just works” type devices such as earphones for cellular phones or wireless mice and keyboards for computers. In other environments, the exclusive exchange of information also facilitates pairing, so the user may not need to enter a pin code or perform other actions. In such cases, it is often sufficient that the wireless accessory device only be in the range of wireless hosts that can be paired with it. Such a streamlined process provides a more convenient and familiar experience for many users and consumers.

  In many such simple cases, a wireless accessory device that is not paired with a host device is placed in a “search” mode and actively searching for the host device to be paired. The pairing process is then automatically triggered when the accessory device typically first enters the range of an appropriate host device, finds it, and requests to pair with it. During the pairing process, the two affected devices establish a relationship by generating a shared secret or link key. When a unique link key is stored on both devices, they become paired. A device that wishes to communicate only with a paired device cryptographically authenticates the identity of the other device and ensures that it is the same device that is currently paired. When the link key is generated, the authenticated link between the devices is encrypted so that data exchanged via radio waves is protected against eavesdropping or other unauthorized communications.

  Once pairing is established, the devices remember it and connect to each other without further user intervention. In fact, wireless device pairings are often held for significant periods of time and may be held indefinitely. If desired, the pairing relationship can be manually terminated later by the user. Further, removing one device from the wireless range of the other device facilitates termination of the pairing relationship. In such a case, the link key can be deleted at any time by any device. If it is done by any device, pairing between devices is implicitly removed.

  Unfortunately, the configuration of pairing between wireless devices is fairly reasonable, and unpairing a paired device can be cumbersome in some cases. This often occurs when a particular accessory device is a simple device that does not have a display or unintelligible process for unpairing. In such cases, the devices will be out of range for some time to transfer the pairing to another host device or unpair the accessory device from its currently paired host. The simple accessory device eventually enters the search mode again for another host device. Other inconvenient solutions for invoking changed pairing of wireless accessory devices are excessive manual operations to turn off one or more devices or unpair accessory devices and re-specify new pairings Including performing interventions.

  Many designs and techniques used to provide pairing between a wireless host and an accessory device have generally worked well in the past, but provide improvements to such wireless systems and pairing methods There is always a demand. In particular, it allows easy transfer of pairing from one wireless host device to another and facilitates a wireless host device from the many host devices that exist and are likely to exist for a particular wireless accessory device What is needed is a system and method that allows for selection.

  The advantages of the present invention are the ability to easily transfer a pairing from one wireless host device to another and from a number of host devices present and conceivable for a particular wireless accessory device. It is to make it easy to select. This is accomplished at least in part by the use of a wireless host device that recognizes the trigger event and is adapted to transfer pairing with the wireless accessory device to an appropriate other host device. In addition, the wireless accessory device is adapted to recognize simple gestures and inputs and to pair with the correct host device in response to the gesture or input and its associated identifier stored in the accessory device.

  In various embodiments, a wireless communication system includes an accessory device that is wirelessly paired with and configured to wirelessly communicate with another device, and a first host device that is wirelessly paired with the accessory device. A second host device wirelessly paired with the accessory device and adapted to communicate with the first host device. The initial pairing between the accessory device and the first host device includes generating a unique link key between the first host device and the accessory device. The first host device detects the primary trigger event and, in response, automatically transfers pairing with the accessory device to the second host device, during which the accessory device and both host devices are All stay within between each other's wireless communications. In yet another embodiment, one or more additional accessory devices are included that are also paired with the first host device and transfer the pairing to the second host device. In certain embodiments, such transfer of multiple accessory devices between the first host device and the second host device can occur simultaneously.

  In various detailed embodiments, the transfer of pairing includes the first host device communicating a unique link key to the second host device. The first host device retains a copy of the unique link key after communicating the unique link key to the second host device, and in some cases, the accessory device may use the first host device as its default host device. To be recognized. Further, the first host device is adapted to detect a secondary trigger event and, in response, automatically regain its pairing with the accessory device. The accessory device and the host device are all Bluetooth devices, but other types of pairing wireless communication can also be used. In various embodiments, the primary trigger event is a wired connection from the second host device to the first host device, eg, the creation of a port connection, but in other configurations, the primary trigger event is the second Includes wireless communication from the host device to the first host device. Still other trigger events are possible.

  In various embodiments, a method for transferring pairing between wireless devices includes establishing a wireless pairing of an accessory device to a first host device and detecting a primary trigger event at the first host device. The primary triggering event includes the presence of a second host device within the wireless pairing range of the first accessory device, and the accessory device pairing information in response to the primary triggering event. Transmitting from the first host device to the second host device and transferring the pairing control of the first accessory device from the first host device to the second host device using the received pairing information; Stages. Such a transfer occurs while both the first host device and the second host device remain within the wireless communication or pairing range of the first accessory device, and the transfer is performed by the first accessory device. Unpairing from the first host device and establishing wireless pairing of the accessory device to the second host device. Again, the pairing information includes a link key unique to the accessory device, and the primary trigger event includes creating a wired connection from the second host device to the first host device. The transfer may include unpairing the accessory device from the first host device, or alternatively, disconnecting while maintaining pairing information between the devices to facilitate near future re-pairing of the devices Including that.

  In various detailed embodiments, yet another step is to establish a wireless pairing of the second accessory device to the first host device and in response to the primary trigger event, the pair to the second accessory device. Sending ring information from the first host device to the second host device and using the received pairing information for the second accessory device to the second host device from the first host device to the second accessory Includes transferring device pairing control. Yet another step is to detect a secondary trigger event at the first host device and to control the pairing of the accessory device from the second host device to the first host device in response to the secondary trigger event. Including relocation. Again, such a pairing transfer can be made while all applicable devices remain within mutual wireless communication range or pairing range.

  In a further additional embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a plurality of host devices wirelessly paired with one or more accessory devices, and any host located within the wireless pairing range of all host devices. One or more accessory devices are also provided that are paired with the device. At least one accessory device selects and is paired with one of the host devices in response to a particular user gesture detected by the accessory device, which pairing generates a unique link to the accessory device. Including that. One or more additional accessory devices located within the wireless pairing range of all host devices can be paired with any host device and such second, third or further accessories The device selects and pairs with one of the host devices in response to a specific second, third or further user gesture detected by the second, third or further accessory device. To be done. In certain embodiments, the user's gestures are the same, and multiple accessory devices are adapted to pair with the same host device in response to the same user gesture detected by both or all accessory devices. Such multiple pairings of accessory devices to the same host device can occur simultaneously.

  In various detailed embodiments, the accessory device includes an internal memory having information about each of the plurality of host devices and a particular user gesture stored therein. This internal memory contains a list of known host devices that the accessory device can pair with and different user gestures associated with each individual host device in the list. In certain embodiments, at least one of the host devices is adapted to maintain a copy of a unique link associated with the accessory device even when each accessory device is not linked. In some embodiments, the accessory device is adapted to recognize a particular host device as a default host device. In this case as well, the accessory device and the host device are all Bluetooth devices, but other types of pairing wireless communication can also be used. In various embodiments, the user gesture is, among other things, button push, audible sound, hand movement, or acceleration of the first accessory device that can be detected by an internal accelerometer.

  In yet another additional embodiment, a method for automatically selecting a wireless accessory device pairing to one of a plurality of possible host devices allows the accessory device to pair with the memory of the wireless accessory device. Maintaining a list of a plurality of known host devices; associating a different user gesture input with each individual known host device in the list; detecting a first user gesture input with an accessory device; Automatically establishing wireless pairing of the accessory device to the first host device associated with the detected first user gesture input in response to detecting the first user gesture; I have. Such an establishment can occur while the first host device and one or more other host devices are all within the wireless communication range of the accessory device. Such establishment includes exchanging pairing information between the accessory device and the first host device, the pairing information including a link key that is unique to the accessory device.

  In various further detailed embodiments, the additional method step detects a second user gesture input by the accessory device while the accessory device is paired with the first host device, and Automatically switching the accessory device pairing from the first host device to the second host device associated with the second user gesture in response to detecting the second user gesture. Such switching can occur while both the first host device and the second host device are within the wireless communication range of the accessory device. Such switching includes unpairing the accessory device from the first host device and establishing wireless pairing of the accessory device to the second host device. Again, switching includes unpairing the accessory device from the first host device, or also disconnecting while holding the pairing information between the devices, so that the device can be re-established in the near future. Including facilitating pairing. Yet another method step detects a first user gesture input repeated by the accessory device, the repeated first gesture occurring shortly after the first first user gesture, and the first user gesture Selecting a first host device to be paired from a plurality of possible host devices based on the number of times is repeated. The number of times the first user gesture input is repeated is a different user gesture input associated with each individual known host device in the list.

  Yet another embodiment stores computer code executable by the processor of the first host device to transfer pairing between wireless devices, including computer code for performing each step in the method. Includes non-transitory computer readable media.

  Other devices, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in this description, are within the scope of the invention, and are intended to be protected by the claims.

  The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and provide examples of possible structures and configurations for the disclosed system and method of the present invention for transferring and determining device pairing between wireless devices. Not too much. These drawings are not intended to limit any form or detail changes made to the invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1 is a front view of an exemplary wireless system having a host device and two accessory devices. FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating the example wireless host device and one wireless accessory device of FIG. 1A. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary system having a plurality of host devices and a plurality of accessory devices paired with the first host device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a front view illustrating an example trigger event in the example system of FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the invention. 3 is a front view illustrating an example pairing configuration with a second host device that occurs after the example trigger event of FIG. 2B according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for transferring pairing between wireless devices according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of an example system having a plurality of host devices and an accessory device paired with any of the plurality of host devices according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4B is a front view of the example system of FIG. 4A in which a first user gesture is used at the accessory device to selectively pair with one of the host devices according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4D is a front view of the example system of FIG. 4B in which a second user gesture is used at the accessory device to selectively pair with another host device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 4D is a front view of the example system of FIG. 4C that switches the pairing configuration from one host device to another according to one embodiment of the invention. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for selecting a host device from a plurality of possible host devices for pairing according to one embodiment of the invention.

  An exemplary application of the apparatus and method according to the present invention is described in this section. These examples are given only to add context and to assist in understanding the present invention. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other respects, well known process steps will not be described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. Other applications are possible and the following examples are not limited thereto.

  In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but the examples are not limited thereto, and other embodiments can be used and the invention can be used. It should be understood that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

  The present invention relates, in various embodiments, to pairing a wireless device, such as an accessory or peripheral device, with a host device. For example, various devices including, but not limited to, headphones, earphones, keyboards, mice, printers, pointers, game controllers, and the like function as accessory devices. Similarly, a wide variety of devices may function as host devices including, but not limited to, personal computers, cellular phones, laptops, tablet computers, game consoles, and the like. In various examples, a typical host-type device also functions as an accessory device for another host device. It should be understood that there are many other examples of accessory devices and host devices, and that such other configurations are adapted to implement the various systems and methods described herein.

  In addition, various types of wireless communications and protocols may be used for the systems and methods described herein. Such various types of wireless communications preferably include the ability of the accessory device and the host device to pair for the purpose of performing dedicated wireless communications between the devices. Although the specific examples described herein are described with reference to Bluetooth wireless communications, it should be understood that other suitable types of wireless communications can be used between paired devices. Further, the detailed examples described herein often refer to pairing that occurs within the new host's wireless or pairing range, but such pairing is not a bonjour / LAM or other suitable connection that is not within the wireless range. Can also occur. For example, pairing data can be sent to a remote device over a bonjour / LAN connection, and then the accessory device is connected and operated as a pair to the new host when it falls within the range of the new host . Other variations from the specific embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and all such variations are encompassed.

  The following detailed description generally describes various device pairing structures and techniques, followed by termination of transfer of the paired host device and selection of the paired host device. These general subjects are described in detail below.

Device Pairing Referring first to FIG. 1A, an exemplary wireless system having a host device and two accessory devices is shown in front view. The wireless system 10 includes a host device 20, for example, a desktop computer, among various other possible host devices. Various accessory devices that are paired with the host device 20 include a wireless keyboard 30 that is paired with a wireless connection or link 50 and a wireless mouse 40 that is paired with a wireless connection or link 52. Additional wireless accessory devices may be paired with the host device 20 and other types of wireless accessory devices may be used. In one embodiment, the wireless connection is a Bluetooth connection, but other types of wireless connections can also be used.

  As described above, the wireless links 50, 52 are established by a standard pairing process between the accessory device 30, 40 and the host device 20. Such a pairing process typically generates a unique key for each wireless link 50,52. Assuming that pairing between the wireless host device and the wireless accessory device was successful, then the wireless host device and the wireless host device in a secure and controlled manner through the use of a link key established during the pairing operation. Data can be transferred to and from the wireless accessory device. When paired, accessory devices 30, 40 typically respond only to host device 20. Thus, even if there are other host devices in the vicinity of the accessory devices 30, 40, the accessory device understands to ignore wireless communication from such other host devices. On the other hand, when the pairing is released, the accessory devices 30 and 40 respond to compatible host devices in the vicinity thereof. The host device 20 can generally be paired with more than one accessory device.

  Proceeding to FIG. 1B, the exemplary wireless host device and one wireless accessory device of FIG. 1A are shown in block diagram form. Also in this case, the wireless system 10 includes a host device 20 and a wireless accessory device 30. The wireless accessory device includes a processor or controller 31 and a power source 32 such as a battery 32. User input 33 coupled to controller 31 assists in pairing with the host device, but the presence of such user input is ultimately not necessary in all cases. As an example, the user input 33 includes a button that allows the user to put the accessory device 30 into pairing mode. A memory 34 is also coupled to the controller 31 and provides persistent data storage of various elements associated with the accessory device, including program code, identifiers, data structures, etc. Further, the accessory device 30 includes a transceiver 35. In one embodiment, the transceiver 35 is a radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The transceiver 35 outputs, for example, a wireless transmission that is directed to the host device 20 via the link 50.

  The host device 20 also includes a transceiver 21 that performs wireless communication via the link 50. Further, the host device 20 includes at least a controller 22, a memory 23, an operating system 24, an application program 25, an output device 26, and a user input device 27. The controller 22 controls the overall operation of the host device 20. Memory 23 is used to store persistent data, including program code (eg, for operating system 24 and application program 25), identifiers, data structures, and the like. The operating system 24, together with the controller 22, not only allows the host device 20 to wirelessly receive transmissions from the accessory device 30, but also supports and operates one or more application programs 25, as well as an output device 26 and a user input device. 27 can be used. The host device 20 also includes a pin code database 28. The pin code database 28 can store a plurality of pin codes associated with different manufacturers, device types, etc. During pairing, the host device 20 attempts pairing using one or more of the pin codes stored in the pin code database 28. Note that although the pin code database 28 is shown as a separate component, the pin code database 28 can be stored in the memory 23.

  Again, the above details are exemplary only and it will be readily apparent that numerous arrangements and configurations may be used for the wireless device and its pairing. For example, the host device is a laptop, tablet computer or game console, while the accessory device is a user input device such as a wireless joystick or other game controller. Furthermore, the host device is one device in a device network such as a LAN or WAN, including the Internet. In some cases, multiple host devices can be connected in the same LAN or WAN. One or both of the host device and accessory device may include additional items, with inputs including touch screens and voice recognition, and outputs including visual displays, speakers, haptic feedback, and the like. Various forms of pairing that are familiar to the user may be used, such as the secure simple pairing protocol of Bluetooth v2.1, and other similar protocols. It will be readily apparent that any and all such items, arrangements and protocols for wireless pairing an accessory device with a host device can be used in the various systems and methods described below.

Transferring Paired Host Devices In many situations, a user has a set of wireless accessory devices, but may want to use them for two or more different host devices. As one particular non-limiting example, a desktop computer is paired with a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse. The display cable is then used to port the display of the laptop computer to a large desktop computer for a temporary process. The laptop display is then appropriately reflected in the desktop computer display. However, the wireless keyboard and mouse remain paired with the desktop computer and do not transfer to the laptop. Thus, the user can use a keyboard and mouse built into the laptop, rely on additional wireless accessories or peripherals, or remove the laptop, keyboard and mouse from the presence of a desktop computer and You are forced to use either of them waiting for re-pairing, but all are inconvenient.

  Under such a remote or relocation display mode, one host device is effectively a mirror or slave docking station relative to another host device. In this particular example, the desktop computer (ie, the first host device) is effectively a remote display or docking station for the laptop computer (ie, the second host device). Of course, many other situations and arrangements involving multiple host devices are also conceivable, many of which are easy for users to become familiar with and frequently temporary to pair wireless accessory devices from one host device to another. Share the common problem that it is desirable to move to.

  Referring to FIG. 2A, an exemplary system having a plurality of host devices and a plurality of accessory devices paired with a first host device is shown in front view according to one embodiment of the present invention. ing. Similar to the system 10 of FIG. 1A, the wireless communication system 100 includes a first host device 120, such as a desktop computer, and one or more accessory devices 130, 140, such as a keyboard and mouse. The wireless keyboard 130 is paired with the first host device 120 by the wireless link 150, while the wireless mouse 140 is paired with the first host device by the wireless link 152. Further, a second host device 160 such as a laptop computer is introduced in the vicinity of the first host device 120 and the accessory devices 130 and 140. Usually, since the accessory devices 130 and 140 are already paired with the first host device 120, the second host device 160 is ignored.

  However, in certain circumstances, a specific “trigger event” can initiate an automatic process to transfer the pairing of accessory devices 130, 140 from their current host device 120 to the second host device 160. . An example of such a trigger event includes using a display cable 170 between host devices. Accordingly, FIG. 2B is a front view of an exemplary primary trigger event in the exemplary system of FIG. 2A. That is, the display cable is connected to port in both host devices, and the display from the second host device 160 is shown on the display of the first host device 120 'that has been converted at present. Again, when a hard link, such as a display cable, is introduced between the host devices, the first host device is effectively a remote display or docking station for the second host device. The first host device is configured to automatically transfer pairing with the wireless accessory device 130, 140 to the currently linked second host device 160 in a trigger event such as introducing a display cable 170. Is done.

  Proceeding to FIG. 2C, the pairing configuration with the second host device that occurs after the exemplary primary trigger event of FIG. 2B is also shown in the front view. Wireless communication system 100 still includes wireless accessory devices 130, 140, converted first host device 120 ', converted second host device 160', and a display cable that links the host devices. . However, unlike the conventional aspect shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the pairing of the wireless accessory device has been transferred to the converted second host device 160 '. The host device is at least to the extent that the first host device 120 ′ no longer controls or pairs with the accessory devices 130, 140, but the second host device 160 ′ is paired with the accessory devices. Converted. Furthermore, the first host device is at least the display of the second host device in this example. Accordingly, the wireless keyboard 130 is paired with the second host device 160 ′ by the new wireless link 154, while the wireless mouse 140 is paired with the second host device by the wireless link 156.

  Such a primary trigger event is the establishment of a new wired connection between host devices, such as the display cable 170, but many other types of trigger events are automatically paired to the accessory device as well. Can be relocated. For example, establishing a separate wireless link between host devices can also trigger the transfer of wireless pairing. Furthermore, a specific communication between host devices along an already established communication line is also a primary trigger event. Other trigger events may include, for example, a simple button push, a specific user gesture, a newly introduced “high priority” or more important host device in the vicinity of the accessory device, or a second Including another state change in the first host device indicating that the host device is preferred.

  These new pairing configurations for wireless accessory devices 130, 140 are the result of a number of steps that take place when a trigger event is detected. One salient step is that the first host device can communicate information related to the accessory device to be transported to the second host device. Such information includes a unique link key, a specific address (eg, a Bluetooth device address), and possibly an accessory device pin code. This communication of link keys, specific device addresses, and pin codes between host devices can be repeated for each individual accessory device to which the pairing should be transferred between host devices. In some embodiments, the first host device 120 maintains a copy of those data items with respect to the wireless accessory device to be transferred, and the first host device is easily paired again later with those accessory devices. Can be. Again, the relocation of such paired hosts takes place while all devices are within the wireless range of each other, but for example by transferring the appropriate data to the remote device via a wired connection. , Perform such pairing transfers via Bonjour / LAN or other suitable connection, so that newly paired devices can be paired and operated as soon as they enter each other's wireless range It is also possible to do it.

  The first host device can then unpair or otherwise cancel the pairing with the accessory device (s) to be transferred, and this cancellation will then normally remove those devices. You can enter the pairing mode. Alternatively, between the first host device and the accessory device while the devices are simply disconnected from each other in an “inactive” manner that causes the accessory device to find a new host for active pairing. Pairing information can be maintained. While in the pairing mode, the unpaired accessory device finds a second host device that now holds a unique link key to pair with the accessory device. The accessory device can then request information about the second host device for pairing, and the second host device can request additional information from the accessory device. For example, as before, the pin code of the accessory device can be communicated at this time rather than when the first host device sends information about the accessory device to the second host device. Next, pairing is performed between the accessory device and the second host device. Such transferred pairing can be done with little or no input on the part of the user and can be automated in response to a specific trigger event.

  In various embodiments, the accessory device includes a memory that maintains a list of different hosts to which it can connect and each pairing information for each such host. Additionally, one or more accessory devices can be configured to recognize a particular host device as a “default” host device for that accessory device. In some cases, the default host device is one particular host device, while in other cases the last host device to which an accessory device is paired is considered the default host device for that accessory device.

  The second trigger event then causes another transfer of pairing to the wireless accessory device (s). Such another transfer further includes pairing to the third host device or causes reversion to pairing with the original or first host device. In the example shown, such a secondary trigger event is the disconnection of the display cable 170, in which case the accessory device 130, 140 is paired from the second host device 160 to the first host device 120. Go back to Upon disconnection of the display cable or other suitable secondary trigger event, the second host device 160 tells each accessory device 130, 140 to switch back to the first host device 120.

  Again, such a process includes the second host device 160 canceling pairing with the wireless accessory device 130, 140 by commanding each accessory device to unpair or detach. Such unpairing or detaching returns the affected accessory device to pairing mode, in which case the first host device is found again, or its most recent previous host pairing or default host. Either return to the preferred pairing. Such different results are preferably configured on a device-by-device basis, allowing the actual pairing and transfer process to conveniently, quickly, and most of the user upon recognition of the appropriate trigger event (s). Or do it without being involved at all.

  The method then proceeds to FIG. 3, which is a flowchart of an exemplary method for transferring pairing between wireless devices. It will be appreciated that the steps provided are only shown for illustration and that many other steps can be included in the process if desired. Furthermore, the order of the steps can be changed as appropriate, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in various cases. For example, step 202 may be performed well before the rest of the method so that this step can be practically omitted if the focus is already only on transferring control of the long-term pairing connection. .

  Beginning with a start step 200, a first process step 202 includes establishing a wireless pairing between one or more wireless accessory devices and a first host device. In a subsequent decision step 204, an inquiry is made as to whether a trigger event has been detected. If not, the process is repeated until a trigger is detected, which initiates the transfer sequence of the paired host device. The accessory device pairing information is sent from the first host device to the second host device in process step 206, after which the accessory device pairing control is transferred in steps 208 and 210. Step 208 includes unpairing or disconnecting the accessory device from the first host device, and step 210 includes establishing wireless pairing of the accessory device to the second host device.

  In a subsequent decision step 212, an inquiry is made as to whether additional accessory devices should be transferred from the first host to the second host. If so, the process returns to step 206, the next accessory device pairing information is sent to the second host device, and this step and subsequent sequence is repeated for each accessory device. When all accessory devices have been transferred to the second host device, the process ends at end step 214. Of course, various embodiments include simultaneous or parallel processing, rather than serial, of multiple accessory devices to be transferred between hosts, as desired for a particular system and configuration.

Selecting Host Devices to be Paired In many other situations, the user is in a complex computing environment that includes multiple host devices, such as multiple desktop computers, laptops, tablets, cellular phones, servers, and the like. In such a complex environment, it is very inconvenient and cumbersome to have separate wireless keyboards, mice, pointers and other accessories for each different host device that can use such accessories. However, if fewer than the maximum number of wireless keyboards are present in such an environment, events such as full power off, other manual unpairing or disconnection, or the introduction of new wireless accessories , Pairing to the desired host device is spoiled. In such cases, it would be convenient to be able to easily pair any of a number of suitable host devices with an accessory device with little or no user interaction required.

  Referring to FIG. 4A, an exemplary system having a plurality of host devices and an accessory device paired with any of the plurality of host devices is shown in a front view. The wireless communication system 300 includes a first host device, such as a desktop computer 320, a second host device, such as a tablet computer 360, and one or more wireless peripheral devices or accessory devices, such as a wireless mouse 340. This is similar to the system 100 described above in that all devices are in wireless communication range with each other. As will be apparent, additional host devices, accessory devices, or both may be within the wireless range of each other. However, only a minimal number of devices are shown here for simplicity.

  As shown, the accessory device 340 is unpaired with any of the current host devices. Pairing along the potential wireless link 352 is made with the first host device 320, or pairing along the potential wireless link 356 is made with the second host device 360. A number of rules can be applied as to whether the host device 320, 360 and the wireless accessory device (s) 340 are paired, but the accessory device (s) requires as little user intervention as possible. Thus, it can be paired with any of the current host devices. Accordingly, the accessory device 340 is configured to be selectively paired with a host device selected from a plurality of host devices based on a specific input such as a simple user gesture.

  FIG. 4B is a front view of the exemplary system of FIG. 4A showing the selective pairing with one host device using a first user gesture in the accessory device according to one embodiment of the present invention. is there. This wireless system 300 ′ allows the previously unpaired accessory device 340, in turn, to pair with the first host device 320 along the wireless link 352 as a result of the user gesture 380 being detected at the accessory device. Changes have been made in that it has been ringed. Such a user gesture is, for example, a single button input, mouse click or other simple designated input on the accessory device during the pairing process. In this case, as a result of a single mouse click 380 on the wireless mouse 340, the first host device 320 is selected for pairing with the mouse. Again, once pairing to a particular host device 320 is achieved, the paired accessory device 340 is typically dedicated to that host device, and other host devices 360 and other if present Ignore the host device.

  However, if there are multiple suitable host devices, it is preferable to associate a particular user gesture with each such host device. Thus, a single mouse click operates to initiate pairing between the wireless mouse 340 and the first host device 320, but operates to pair the mouse with the second host device 360 with a different user gesture. can do. If there are additional host devices, different user gestures can be used to cause pairing with each different host. In some cases, different user gestures are completely different actions or inputs, while in other cases, the same actions or inputs are repeated.

  Proceeding to FIG. 4C, in the exemplary system of FIG. 4B, an example of a second user gesture used in the accessory device to selectively pair with another host device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Show. Although the wireless system 300 'is shown as having a wireless mouse 340 already paired with the first host device 320, the unpaired state described above with respect to FIG. 4A, or the mouse is still another host device. It will be readily apparent that the same user gesture input and results can be obtained from other start states, such as those paired with (not shown). As shown, the second user gesture 382 includes a double mouse click on the wireless mouse 340 rather than a single mouse click. Such a second user gesture is associated with the second host device 360 for pairing purposes. In any case, switching to the second host device, transferring pairing, or simply establishing pairing can be performed in response to a second user gesture detected by the mouse.

  4D is a front view showing that the pairing configuration is switched from the first host device to the second host device in the example system of FIG. 4C. Such switching unpairs or disconnects the mouse 340 from the first host device along the wireless link 352 and switches the paired / connected mouse to the second host device along the wireless link 356. Generating a new configuration of wireless system 300 ". As will be readily apparent, triple mouse clicks are associated with a third host device (not shown), and so on. Different forms of user gestures can be used to distinguish between different host devices.

  Thus, common gestures can be repeated and cycled between several or all potential host devices, while device pairing can be done very quickly using certain different user gestures if possible Or it can be switched. In addition to mouse clicks or button pushes, other specific user gestures can be detected with audible sounds such as applause or voice commands, hand movements or other physically recognizable user movements, or internal accelerometers It can include the acceleration of the accessory device itself. If accelerometers and sufficient sensing devices are used, the specific user gesture can also include, for example, a sweeping motion towards the host device to be paired.

  In various embodiments, a given accessory device can maintain an internal list of suitable or previous host devices with associated pairing inputs. Such a list or table of host devices can be stored in the memory of the accessory device itself. In addition, specific user gestures can be associated with each possible different host device, and this information is also stored in the internal memory of the accessory device. Thus, proper user gesture input results in a more reasonable designation or switching of host device pairing for a given accessory device. Such designation or switching includes entering a pairing mode to detect an appropriate host device to be paired.

  The pairing initiation process puts the wireless device to be paired into pairing mode. For example, a wireless accessory device is put into pairing mode by a physical action on the wireless accessory device. In one example, a button on the wireless accessory device is pressed to place the wireless accessory device into pairing mode. Again, a given accessory device is first put into pairing mode using a variety of different user inputs or gestures. Such input or gesture may be similar to or separate from the input or user gesture included to specify the desired host device for pairing, all of which The accessory and the host device can be configured as necessary.

  In certain embodiments, switching a given accessory device between multiple hosts is specifically directed to the host level (eg, from a first host to a second host as described above) or an accessory. This is accomplished by cycling between set user gesture (s) in the form or order stored in the device itself.

  In some cases, at least temporarily during the switching process, one or more host devices may be replaced with “one or more host devices” to facilitate the switching and re-pairing process without accidental pairing back to the original host device. You can put it in the “black list”. Such a blacklist is temporary in nature so as not to exclude the host device from the set of host devices to which the accessory will be paired in the future.

  Finally, refer to FIG. 5, which is a flowchart of an exemplary method for selecting one host device from a plurality of possible host devices for pairing. Again, it is to be understood that the steps provided are only shown for illustrative purposes and that many other steps can be included in the process if desired. Furthermore, the order of the steps can be changed as appropriate, and it is not necessary to perform all the steps in various cases.

  Beginning with start step 400, a first process step 402 includes establishing / maintaining a list of a plurality of suitable host devices on a given accessory device. Again, such a list is stored in the accessory's internal memory. In a subsequent process step 404, different user gestures are associated with each individual potential host device. Again, user gestures may be different for different host devices, or may include repeated gestures that circulate between different potential host devices. They can also be used in combination. In a subsequent decision step 406, an inquiry is made as to whether a user gesture has been detected at a given accessory device. If not, the process repeats and waits until a user gesture is detected, at which time the method continues to decision step 408. In decision step 408, an inquiry is made as to whether the accessory device is already paired with another host device. If so, the method continues to process step 410 where the accessory is unpaired or disconnected from the other host device.

  In any case, the method continues to process step 412 where a wireless pairing is established between the accessory device and the appropriate host device corresponding to the detected user gesture. In a subsequent decision step 414, an inquiry is made as to whether all desired accessory devices have been paired with the desired host device (s). If not, the method returns to decision step 406 and all intervening steps are repeated for the next accessory device. When all accessory devices have been paired with the appropriate desired host device (s), the method proceeds from decision step 414 to end step 416, where it ends.

  The present invention is embodied in software, hardware or a combination thereof. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is a data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Computer readable media include, for example, read only memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic tape, optical data storage, and carrier wave. The computer readable medium is also distributed across networked computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

  Although the invention has been illustrated in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, the invention described above may be embodied in many other specific modifications and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. It is recognized that It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the details described above, but is defined by the following claims.

10: Wireless system 20: Host device 21: Transceiver 22: Controller 23: Memory 24: Operating system 25: Application program 26: Output device 27: User input device 28: Pin code database 30: Wireless keyboard (accessory device)
31: Processor or controller 32: Battery 33: User input device 34: Memory 35: Transceiver 40: Wireless mouse (accessory device)
52: Link 100: Wireless communication system 120: First host device 130, 140: Accessory device 150, 152, 154, 156: Wireless link 160: Second host device 170: Display cable

Claims (20)

A first accessory device wirelessly paired with another device for wireless communication with the other device;
A first host device that is wirelessly paired with the first accessory device to perform wireless communication with the first accessory device;
A wireless communication system comprising:
The pairing includes generating a unique link key between the first host device and a first accessory device;
And a second host device wirelessly paired with the first accessory device to communicate with the first host device, wherein the first host device is the first accessory device. , The first host device, and the second host device all detect within the wireless communication range of each other while detecting a primary trigger event and in response to pairing with the first accessory device A wireless communication system, wherein a ring is automatically transferred to the second host device. A second accessory device that is paired with the first host device while the first accessory device is paired with the first host device;
The first host device communicates with the second accessory device while the second accessory device, the first host device, and the second host device all stay within mutual wireless communication range. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein pairing is transferred to the second host device.   The wireless communication system according to claim 2, wherein the first host device transfers pairing with the first and second accessory devices to the second host device at the same time.   The transfer of pairing from the first host device to the second host device includes the first host device communicating the unique link key to the second host device. Or the wireless communication system according to 3.   The wireless communication system of claim 4, wherein the first host device is adapted to retain a copy of the unique link key after communicating the unique link key to the second host device.   The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first accessory device is configured to recognize the first host device as a default host device.   The wireless communication system according to claim 6, wherein the first host device further detects a second trigger event and, in response, automatically regains pairing with the first accessory device. .   The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first accessory device is a Bluetooth (R) device.   The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the primary trigger event is the creation of a wired port connection from the second host device to the first host device.   The wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein the primary trigger event includes wireless communication from the second host device to the first host device. In a method for transferring pairing between wireless devices,
Establishing wireless pairing of the first accessory device with the first host device;
A process of detecting a primary trigger event in the first host device, wherein the primary trigger event includes the presence of a second host device within a wireless pairing range of the first accessory device. When,
Processing for transmitting pairing information of the first accessory device from the first host device to the second host device in response to the primary trigger event;
A process of transferring pairing control of the first accessory device from the first host device to the second host device using the received pairing information;
Including
The method is characterized in that the transfer is performed while the first host device and the second host device remain within a wireless communication range of the first accessory device. The transfer process is
The method of claim 11, comprising: unpairing the first accessory device from the first host device; and establishing wireless pairing of the first accessory device with the second host device. The method described.   The method of claim 11, wherein the pairing information includes a link key that is unique to the first accessory device.   The method of claim 11, wherein the primary trigger event is to create a wired connection from the second host device to the first host device. Establishing a wireless pairing of a second accessory device with the first host device;
Processing for transmitting pairing information of the second accessory device from the first host device to the second host device in response to the primary trigger event;
Transferring the pairing control of the second accessory device from the first host device to the second host device using the pairing information received by the second accessory device;
Further including
The method of claim 11, wherein the transferring process is performed while the first host device and the second host device remain within a wireless communication range of the second accessory device. Detecting a second trigger event in the first host device;
Transferring and returning pairing control of the first accessory device from the second host device to the first host device in response to the second trigger event;
Further including
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the relocation is performed while the first host device and a second host device remain within wireless communication range of the first accessory device. A non-volatile computer-readable medium storing computer code that can be executed by a processor of a first host device to transfer pairing between wireless devices,
Computer code for establishing wireless pairing of a first accessory device with a first host device;
Computer code for detecting a primary trigger event in the first host device, wherein the primary trigger event indicates that a second host device exists within a wireless pairing range of the first accessory device. The computer code to include,
Computer code for transmitting pairing information of the first accessory device from the first host device to the second host device in response to the primary trigger event;
Computer code for transferring pairing control of the first accessory device from the first host device to the second host device using the received pairing information;
The transfer is performed while the first host device and the second host device remain within the wireless communication range of the first accessory device, and the computer-readable recording of the computer code data Medium. The computer code for the transfer is:
Unpairing the first accessory device from the first host device;
The computer-readable medium of claim 17, comprising establishing a wireless pairing of the first accessory device with the second host device.   The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the pairing information includes a link key that is unique to the first accessory device. Computer code for establishing wireless pairing of a second accessory device with the first host device;
Computer code for transmitting pairing information of the second accessory device from the first host device to the second host device in response to the primary trigger event;
Computer code for transferring pairing control of the second accessory device from the first host device to the second host device using pairing information received by the second accessory device. ,
The relocation is performed while the first host device and the second host device remain within the wireless communication range of the second accessory device;
Computer code for detecting a second trigger event in the first host device;
Computer code for returning the pairing control of the first accessory device from the second host device to the first host device in response to the second trigger event;
The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the reversal occurs while the first host device and the second host device remain within a wireless communication range of the first accessory device.

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