Electronic Accessory Location Tracking at Disconnect Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessories for electronic devices, such as wired headphones, adaptor cables, power cables, keyboards, docking stations, and speakers, often lack the ability to transmit signals, making it difficult for users to locate them when misplaced.
Innovation Solution
Electronic devices are configured to detect parameters associated with disconnecting these accessories, store this information, and provide it to users upon request to aid in their retrieval, including location and proximity data for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If accessories are made without signal transmission capability (wired headphones, cables, keyboards), then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the ability to locate misplaced accessories is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the electronic device's processor and memory to track and store accessory location information. When an accessory connects or disconnects, the processor detects this event and stores location data in memory, allowing the system to provide location information for accessories that lack built-in tracking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring connection status and providing location information to the user. When an accessory is disconnected or its location changes, the system detects this change and makes the location information available through the user interface, creating a closed-loop information system.
2Loss of information
If all accessories are equipped with signal transmission capabilities, then the ability to locate accessories is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal locating system that works with all types of accessories regardless of their built-in capabilities. The electronic device's processor serves multiple functions: it manages normal accessory operations and simultaneously tracks location information for all connected accessories, eliminating the need for different tracking mechanisms for different accessory types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location tracking function into the existing electronic device infrastructure rather than requiring separate systems. The processor that already manages accessory connections is extended to also handle location tracking, and the existing memory and user interface are utilized to store and display location information.
3Use of energy by moving object
If signal transmission range is limited (wireless headphones), then power consumption and interference are reduced, but the distance for locating accessories is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing location information at the moment of disconnection or last known position. This allows the system to provide location data even when the accessory moves beyond current signal range, as the location was recorded before the signal was lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the location information in the electronic device's memory that persists independently of the real-time signal. This copied location data can be retrieved and displayed even when the accessory is out of range, allowing users to know where the accessory was last detected.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for locating accessories of an electronic device are provided. In one example, a method may include detecting parameters associated with disconnecting an accessory from the electronic device. The electronic device, or an associated device, may store the detected parameters so that the detected parameters are accessible if the accessory becomes lost. The electronic device may receive a request from a user of the electronic device for assistance in locating the accessory. In response to the request for assistance in locating the accessory, the electronic device may provide the stored parameters to the user of the electronic device to aid them in searching for their lost accessory.