Adjunct Device for Wireless Communication Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication devices lack an effective method for locating misplaced or lost devices, especially in scenarios where traditional tracking methods are inefficient or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a handheld wireless communication device and an adjunct device that uses short-range wireless communication protocols to transmit and receive paging signals, enabling users to locate the device through visual and audio cues, with features like directional antennas and separate power sources to ensure functionality even when the primary device is out of battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tracking methods are used to locate wireless devices, then the system remains simple, but the location efficiency is poor especially when devices are misplaced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the location functionality into two separate devices: a handheld wireless communication device and an adjunct device. The adjunct device can be attached to personal objects or worn on the body, while the handheld device serves as the control unit. This segmentation allows the location function to be distributed, improving location efficiency without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjunct device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be attached to personal objects for tracking, worn on the body for personal location tracking, and used to locate the handheld device itself. This multi-functionality improves location efficiency across different scenarios without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If the primary wireless device is out of battery, then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot be located or function
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the power source into two independent components: the handheld device battery and the adjunct device battery. This allows the adjunct device to continue functioning and transmitting location signals even when the handheld device is out of battery, ensuring reliability without requiring the primary device to maintain constant power.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjunct device acts as an intermediary that can independently locate and identify the handheld device or personal objects even when the handheld device cannot power its own location functions. The adjunct device receives or transmits signals to enable location tracking without requiring the handheld device to be active.
3Measurement precision
If visual and audio feedback features are added to locate devices, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the handheld device emit signals to be located, the system allows the adjunct device to be located by the handheld device, or for the handheld device to be located by other handheld devices. This inversion simplifies the locating device while maintaining accuracy through visual and audio feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates visual display elements and audio output in the adjunct device to provide immediate feedback about location status and direction. This feedback mechanism improves location accuracy by giving real-time directional guidance without requiring complex centralized control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjunct device includes a first housing for coupling to a handheld wireless communication device via a communication port of the handheld wireless communication device. A short-range wireless receiver receives a first RF paging signal from a remote wireless device. A user interface emits a first detectable alert signal in response to the first RF paging signal to assist the user in locating the handheld wireless communication device.