Are you ready for a world where toys can talk to each other? That could be faster than we think, thanks to a new patent, US20230262574A1, from Apple. This invention, meant for Apple’s HomePod Mini, proposes a system where wireless toys can chat with each other directly, without the need of a middleman, thus keeping the chatter alive even without WiFi.
A common issue we face with wireless communication is when there's no direct link among devices, transmission often halts. This is like trying to pass a message to your friend through another friend, and if that friend is unavailable, the message doesn't get through. In tech-speak, this is comparable to when a router in a mesh network (a thing that helps devices talk to each other) faces problems like power loss or being out-of-range, causing disruptions in communication. The premise of Apple's patent simplifies this complex scenario.
Apple proposes a unique solution where devices can communicate directly to each other even when their communicating friend, the router, steps out. In simpler terms, this patent would keep your toys talking even if one toy that usually helps pass messages isn't around. It's a bit like when one friend steps out, and you start talking directly to your friend instead of communicating through another mutual friend.
The advantage of all this is that even if the router isn't available, communication between devices will continue unhindered. To further user convenience, some devices termed as 'sleepy' in the patent (those that communicate less frequently) can spring into action, temporarily acting as the messenger when needed.
If we refer to the patented drawings, we can see the simplified model of how this system is designed to work. In these diagrams, the gadget which could be the HomePod Mini acts as both, an end point as well as a directly linked device or the middle-man, maintaining communication throughout the network.
This system doesn't just solve the communication problem; it also significantly reduces the delay caused by messaging through multiple devices. By allowing direct communication and improving efficiency, this patent aims to make your wireless toys more lively and engaging, even in instances of technical disturbances.
However, we should remember that a patent, like this one, is initially a proposal or a blueprint, not a product on the shelf. While it offers a fascinating peek into a future filled with chatting toys, there remains no certainty whether this invention will transform into a product available in the market. The chatter among toys is possible, yet its actual occurrence remains on the drawing board.