Alarm Synchronization via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronizing clocks and alarms across multiple devices is cumbersome, requiring manual setting and deactivation of alarms on each device, and managing notifications can lead to redundancy and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing a first device with a second device by receiving an alarm activation time, setting an alarm on the second device to match, and activating or deactivating based on proximity, using communication protocols to ensure synchronized alarms and notifications based on user preference and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If alarms are set manually on each device, then alarm functionality is available on each device, but user effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges alarm management functionality across multiple devices by enabling automatic synchronization. When a user sets an alarm on one device, the system automatically propagates this alarm setting to other devices in the group, eliminating the need for manual configuration on each device and reducing user effort and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting device proximity and synchronizing alarm settings without user intervention. The devices autonomously manage alarm synchronization by detecting when they are in proximity through communication protocols and automatically updating alarm configurations across the group.
2Extent of automation
If alarms are synchronized across all devices, then alarm management becomes automated, but redundant alarms may sound simultaneously causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making alarm activation device-specific based on proximity. Each device independently determines whether to activate its alarm based on whether it detects the user's presence through proximity sensing. This allows the same alarm time to be set across multiple devices while only the device nearest to the user actually sounds the alarm, eliminating redundant notifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making alarm activation status flexible and context-dependent. Rather than statically enabling or disabling alarms on each device, the system dynamically adjusts alarm activation based on real-time proximity detection. The alarm behavior changes from a fixed configuration to a dynamic response based on user presence, allowing the system to adapt to different situations.
3Measurement precision
If devices continuously communicate to maintain synchronization, then alarm synchronization accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing communication only when needed - specifically when devices detect proximity or when alarm settings change. Rather than continuous communication, the system uses event-triggered or proximity-triggered communication protocols, reducing energy consumption while maintaining synchronization accuracy by communicating at appropriate intervals and moments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for synchronizing a first device with a second device may include receiving an alarm activation time from the first device. An alarm may be set on the second device to be the same as the alarm activation time. An indication that the alarm is set on the second device may be sent to the first device. Immediately prior to the alarm activation time, it may be determined that the first device is proximate to the second device, and upon determining that the first device is proximate to the second device, the alarm may be activated on the second device at the alarm activation time. The devices may be considered proximate based on a connection protocol, such as when the first device is able to communicate with the second device over a wired or wireless communication protocol.