Bluetooth Remote Location via Signal Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for locating a remote control device are inefficient as they require additional hardware for notification sounds, and the exact location cannot be accurately determined in noisy environments or when the device is out of range.

Innovation Solution

A method using Bluetooth communication between a mobile terminal, a display device, and a remote control device, where the mobile terminal activates a search function by transmitting a command to the display device, which sets a packet period for the remote control device to broadcast signals, allowing the mobile terminal to determine the device's location based on signal strength and pattern changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a notification sound module is added to the remote control device to enable location searching, then the user can find the remote control device through sound notification, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control device location searchingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The remote control device utilizes its existing Bluetooth communication module, which was originally designed for control commands, to also perform location broadcasting and searching functions. This multi-functional use of the Bluetooth module eliminates the need for separate notification hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining location searching capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control device uses its own Bluetooth transmission capability to broadcast its location information autonomously. The mobile terminal actively searches for and receives these Bluetooth packets from the remote control device, eliminating the need for external notification hardware in the remote control device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a notification sound module is used to locate the remote control device, then the device can be found through sound, but the exact location cannot be accurately determined in noisy environments or when the device is out of range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control device location searchingVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary that actively receives and processes Bluetooth packets from the remote control device. By using the mobile terminal's processing capability to analyze signal strength and determine location, the system achieves more accurate location information compared to passive sound notification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the acoustic notification system with an electronic Bluetooth communication system. The mobile terminal measures the signal strength of received Bluetooth packets to determine the distance and location of the remote control device, providing more precise location information that is not affected by environmental noise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate location determination of the remote control device without adding hardware, effectively addressing the limitations of existing methods by using Bluetooth communication to pinpoint the device's position.

Implementation Method 1

a communication unit paired with a display device and configured to perform communication with the display device and a remote control device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

obtain a signal strength of the packet signal, receive packet pattern information from the display device, and determine a distance with the remote control device based on whether the packet is changed and the signal strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal strength measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS12254758B2Mobile terminal and display device for searching for location of remote control device by using Bluetooth pairing

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a mobile terminal comprising a communication unit that is paired with a display device and configured to perform a communication; an input unit configured to receive a search command from a user; a processor configured to transmit a search function activation command to the display device through the communication unit, receive a packet signal from a remote control device that transmits a packet signal at a predetermined packet period according to the search function activation command of the display device, obtain a signal strength of the packet signal, receive packet pattern information from the display device, and determine a distance with the remote control device based on whether the packet is changed and the signal strength.