Electronic Device Movement Direction Detection Using Dual Antenna Distance Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices that open and close doors cannot determine whether a user has entered or exited a room, limiting the operation of IoT appliances based on user presence.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with two antennas and a processor that measures distances and determines movement direction by analyzing changes in signal differences, allowing it to perform preset operations based on user movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnet contact detection is used to detect door opening, then door opening detection is achieved, but user entry/exit determination capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent modules: magnet contact detection for door opening status, and wireless signal-based distance measurement for user movement detection. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in its function without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between simple door detection and comprehensive movement tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless signals (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) as an intermediary between the door device and the user's mobile device. This intermediary enables indirect measurement of user presence and movement direction without requiring direct physical contact or complex sensors in the door device itself.
2Device complexity
If simple magnet contact detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but user presence detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the user's mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device and a positioning device. By utilizing the mobile device's existing wireless communication capabilities, the system achieves user presence detection without adding specialized hardware, thus maintaining low complexity while gaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the mobile device's own wireless communication infrastructure to provide positioning services. Instead of requiring the door device to implement complex detection hardware, the system uses the mobile device's inherent capabilities to self-determine its position relative to the door, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If two antennas are used to measure distance and determine movement direction, then user entry/exit detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional distance measurement (single antenna) to two-dimensional positioning information (two antennas providing relative distance differences). This dimensional enhancement enables movement direction determination while keeping the added complexity minimal—only one additional antenna and simple differential calculation are required.
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 detection of user entry or exit, enabling IoT appliances to adjust their operations accordingly and improving user authentication and home automation functionality.
Implementation Method 1
measure a first distance between the first antenna and the external electronic device using the signal received by the first antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an electronic device and an operation method thereof. The electronic device may include: first and second antennas to receive a signal output by an external electronic device; a communication circuit configured to control the first antenna and the second antenna; and a processor. The processor may be configured to: receive the signal through the first antenna and the second antenna; measure a first distance between the first antenna and the external electronic device using the signal received by the first antenna; measure a second distance between the second antenna and the external electronic device using the signal received by the second antenna; determine a movement direction of the external electronic device based on a change in a difference between the first distance and the second distance; and perform a preset operation corresponding to the movement direction of the external electronic device. Other embodiments are also possible.