Electronic Device Searching via Image Highlighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device searching methods rely on the lost device being in a power-on state with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi functionality, and require vibration or sound capabilities, limiting their effectiveness in all scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that label the location of a to-be-searched device in an image based on its localization and the shot image, allowing users to quickly find devices even without power or specific functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lost device is required to be in power-on state with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi functionality to enable connection and location tracking, then the device can be searched for using traditional methods (vibration/sound prompts), but the method becomes ineffective when the device is powered off or lacks these functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third-party server as an intermediary to enable location tracking without requiring the lost device to maintain power-on state or active communication functions. The server receives location data from the lost device when it is powered on, stores this information, and then transmits the stored location data to the user's device even when the lost device is powered off, thus serving as a mediator that bridges the communication gap without requiring continuous active connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the lost device transmit and store its location information in advance while powered on. The location data is pre-stored in the server's database, so when the user initiates a search after the device is lost (regardless of power state), the location information is already available for retrieval and display, eliminating the need for real-time communication with the lost device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lost device must have vibration function and sounding function to produce prompts for location indication, then traditional search methods can be used, but the search fails when the device lacks these physical output capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic prompt system (vibration motors and speakers on the lost device) with an information-display system. Instead of relying on physical output capabilities of the lost device, the system uses a graphical user interface on the user's device to visually display location information, map coordinates, and directional guidance, substituting mechanical prompts with visual information presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the location information through the graphical interface. Rather than relying on the physical device to generate prompts, the system captures and displays location data (coordinates, distance, direction) as visual information on the user's device, effectively copying the location indication function into the software interface rather than relying on hardware outputs.
3Ease of operation
If the user needs to manually locate the device based on location information without visual guidance, then the search process requires interpretation of coordinates and directions, but adding visual location labeling in images provides intuitive guidance while increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera and image processing system as an intermediary to bridge the gap between raw location data and user-friendly guidance. The camera captures images of the surrounding environment, and the system overlays location information (coordinates, distance, direction) onto these images, creating a visual mediator that translates abstract location data into concrete visual guidance for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual highlighting and color coding in the graphical interface to indicate the location of the lost device within captured images. By overlaying colored markers, borders, or other visual indicators on the images at the precise location coordinates, the system creates an intuitive visual guide that stands out from the surrounding environment, making it easy for users to identify and locate the device without complex interpretation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device searching method includes a first device that obtains a relative location between a second device and the first device is based on location information of the first device and the location information of the second device; if it is determined, based on the relative location, that the second device is not within a shooting range of the first device, the first device indicates to move the first device toward the second device until the second device is within the shooting range of the first device; and the first device highlights the area in which the second device is located in the shooting range of the first device.