Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for optimizing the transmission of video configuration data in a system comprising a host computer and a display monitor. The invention comprises a wireless video source adapter connected to the host computer and a wireless video sink adapter connected to the monitor. Upon system startup, the video sink adapter acquires EDID information from the monitor and transmits it to the video source adapter, which does not activate its connection and indicate its presence to the host computer until after receiving the EDID information. The video source adapter then supplies the EDID information to the host computer in response to EDID requests from the computer. In this manner, the video source adapter acts as a virtual proxy for the display monitor from the point of the view of the host computer. The host computer then uses the EDID information to configure its video signal to match the parameters of the display monitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless computer docking system wherein a computer with a UWB wireless transceiver forms a wireless connect with UWB-enabled peripheral devices without the need for a physical docking station. The computer may a laptop, notebook, or tablet computer, or PDA-type device. A device driver for a UWB chipset in the computer can arbitrate data streams and data rates for multiple wireless peripheral devices and can maps the peripheral device to an operating system (OS) on the computer, wherein the OS has visibility of the peripheral device and can handle both control and data operations for the peripheral device. The computer maintains configuration information for each peripheral device and applies this information when a peripheral device is within UWB radio range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for establishing a secure channel between wireless devices. The method involves reducing the transmit power of the devices in conjunction with placing the devices in close proximity to one another. By reducing the transmit power, wireless communications between the devices cannot be detected by other devices beyond the short transmission range. The devices then generate and exchange encryption keys using the reduced-power transmissions in order to establish a secure, encrypted communications channel. Once the secure channel is established, the devices increase their transmit power back to normal operating levels, allowing them to be moved further apart while maintaining secure wireless communications.

Abstract: Using this methodology, a wireless network can be self-forming or “ad-hoc” in nature. That is, the formation of the network does not depend upon the presence of a pre-determined central coordinator. Second, it can accommodate relatively rapid changes in network configuration, including changes in the number and location of the devices participating in the network, and changes in the channel conditions experienced by communication devices. Third, it can accommodate an extended network system where the population of devices that are able to communicate wirelessly, either directly, or indirectly via devices that also act as repeaters, may be spread over a relatively large geographic area. Fourth, it can provide robust Quality of Service through the use of time reservations or “slots” during which one device or a limited number of devices are allowed to transmit.

Abstract: The convenience of a wireless network is tempered by the concern that a rogue device can listen in on the wireless communications. Determining the position of the home device and other devices within range allows the user of the home device to choose the specific wireless devices with which to communicate. The distance to the other devices within wireless communications range is helpful and allows the user to sort between safe and unsafe or rogue devices. Distance can be determined by a variety of methods including use of trusted references, signal strength, and error rate. Once the safe device is selected, the system will then establish a communications path with that device.