Device Resource Sharing for MPERS Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile personal emergency response systems (MPERS) are rendered ineffective when mobile devices lack battery charge or cannot connect with cellular networks, preventing users from accessing essential assistance services.
Innovation Solution
A communications device with a wide area and local wireless interface, processor, and memory that allows devices to share resources and perform functions on behalf of each other, such as obtaining GPS fixes or sending notifications, to conserve energy and ensure continuous service access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device operates independently using its own battery and resources, then the device structure remains simple and autonomous, but the service reliability deteriorates when battery charge is insufficient or cellular connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mobile devices into a cooperative network where devices share resources such as battery charge, cellular connections, and processing capabilities. This allows the system to maintain service reliability by pooling resources across devices while keeping individual device structures relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables mobile devices to perform multiple functions beyond their primary design by allowing them to act as relay nodes, share battery charge, provide alternative cellular connections, and offer processing assistance to other devices in the network, thereby enhancing overall system reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the device uses its own battery for all operations, then the device maintains autonomy and simple power management, but the duration of action deteriorates when battery charge is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery resources of multiple devices into a shared power pool. When one device experiences low battery charge, it can draw power from other devices in the network through wireless energy transfer, thereby extending the overall operational duration of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless energy transfer as an intermediary mechanism that enables battery charge sharing between devices. This allows energy to be transferred from devices with excess charge to devices with insufficient charge without requiring physical connection or centralized power management.
3Reliability
If the device attempts to maintain cellular connection continuously, then the service availability is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses other mobile devices as intermediary relay nodes for cellular communication. When a device has poor cellular signal or wants to conserve energy, it can route communications through nearby devices that have better signal strength, thereby maintaining service availability while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective cellular connection management where devices establish cellular connections only when necessary rather than continuously. Devices can switch to local wireless communication for routine operations and only activate cellular connections when long-distance communication or service reliability requires it.
Data Source
AI summary
Communications devices such as cellular telephones share resources, for example to conserve battery capacity or to enable a device to perform a function not available to another one of the devices. Such devices may find particular utility in a mobile personal emergency response (MPERS) environment, and may enable clients of an MPERS service to take better advantage of the service. The devices communicate over a local wireless communications system to determine which device may perform a particular function. Other resources that may be shared include cellular connectivity and global positioning capability.