Contextual Switch to Human Body Near-Field Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face power consumption challenges due to the use of multiple connection types, such as WiFi and Bluetooth, which can deplete battery life quickly, especially in wearable technology and mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that contextually switch from wireless communication technologies to human body near-field communication based on user activity, location, and device proximity, using a processor to determine device configurations and automatically switch connections to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth) are used to ensure device connectivity and communication capabilities, then communication versatility and coverage are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different communication technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth, body near-field communication) based on real-time detection of user activity, location, and device proximity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain communication versatility while optimizing power consumption by selecting the most energy-efficient technology for each specific context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by transitioning between different communication modes depending on detected conditions. When exercise activity is detected and devices are in close proximity, the system switches to body near-field communication which consumes less power, while maintaining the ability to use WiFi or Bluetooth when broader coverage or different connectivity requirements are needed.
2Reliability
If wireless communication technologies are continuously active to maintain connectivity, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously maintaining all wireless connections, the system periodically evaluates user activity, location, and device proximity to determine the appropriate communication mode. This periodic assessment allows the system to maintain communication reliability by switching to body near-field communication when conditions are favorable, while extending battery life by avoiding continuous operation of higher-power WiFi or Bluetooth connections.
3Use of energy by moving object
If manual switching between communication technologies is implemented to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but user convenience and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user activity through sensors, determines location using GPS or other location services, and identifies device proximity, then autonomously selects the most appropriate communication technology without requiring manual user input. This self-service approach maintains power savings while significantly improving user convenience by eliminating the need for manual switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user activity, location, and device proximity to provide real-time feedback for automatic communication technology selection. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal power consumption while ensuring communication reliability, all without requiring user intervention.
4Use of energy by moving object
If body near-field communication is used to reduce power consumption, then power savings are achieved, but communication range and coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a multi-functional communication architecture that can operate in multiple modes (body near-field communication, Bluetooth, WiFi) depending on the situation. When devices are in close proximity and power savings are critical, body near-field communication is used. When broader coverage is needed or devices are farther apart, the system automatically transitions to Bluetooth or WiFi, thus achieving both power efficiency and adequate communication range.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include techniques for contextual switch from a wireless communication to human body near-field communication for power savings, the technique includes determining, via a processor, a configuration of devices for a user, the devices include wearable devices and mobile devices. The techniques include identifying a cluster of the devices, and determining a current activity and location of the user based on an indication from at least one of the devices. The techniques also include determining a proximity of the devices to the user, and based on the current activity, the location, and the proximity of devices, switching one or more connections to of the devices from a wireless communication technology to a human body near-field communication. The techniques include storing the configuration and the activity of the user.