Dual Temperature Sensors for Mobile Context Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile devices lack effective means to detect certain operational conditions, such as temperature differences, which are crucial for determining the device's context and mode of operation, especially in varying environments like pockets or purses, leading to inaccurate determinations and potential operational issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating two temperature sensing devices positioned on the exterior surface of the mobile device to detect temperature differences, which are then used in conjunction with other sensor information to determine the operational context and adjust the device's operation accordingly, such as predicting whether the device is in a pocket or purse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional input devices and sensors are used in mobile devices, then the device can detect basic operational conditions, but it cannot accurately detect certain operational conditions such as temperature differences and contextual environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of operational conditionsVSAvoidcapability to detect various operational contexts

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature sensing function into multiple independent temperature sensing devices positioned at different locations on the mobile device. This segmentation allows each sensor to independently measure temperature at its specific location, enabling the system to detect temperature differences across the device and accurately determine operational context such as whether the device is in a pocket or purse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple temperature sensing devices are added to detect temperature differences, then the operational context detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature difference detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the temperature sensing devices serve multiple functions: they not only detect temperature differences for contextual determination but also contribute to overall device temperature monitoring and thermal management. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of multiple sensing components by providing enhanced value beyond a single detection purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If temperature sensing devices are positioned at multiple locations on the exterior surface, then the ability to determine operational context is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational context determination capabilityVSAvoidsensor positioning and integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions temperature sensing devices at specific locations on the exterior surface of the mobile device where temperature variations are most indicative of operational context. For example, sensors are placed on different faces or surfaces that would be in contact with different environments (pocket, purse, hand), allowing each location to provide localized temperature data that contributes to overall contextual determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 determination of the mobile device's operational context, allowing for adjustments in performance, power usage, and communication modes, thereby enhancing user experience and device efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first temperature sensing device is positioned at a first location at or proximate to an exterior surface of the electronic device and that provides a first signal indicative of a first temperature experienced by the first temperature sensing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The second temperature sensing device is positioned at a second location at or proximate to the exterior surface of the electronic device and that provides a second signal indicative of a second temperature experienced by the second temperature device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8963845B2Mobile device with temperature sensing capability and method of operating same

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to electronic devices such as mobile devices, and methods of operating such devices. In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device includes first and second temperature sensors positioned at different respective locations on the electronic device and at least one processing device. The first and second temperature sensors respectively output first and second signals indicative of the respective temperatures experienced at those respective sensors. The at least one processing device (i) receives the first and second signals respectively from the first and second temperature sensors respectively and generates based thereon an indication of a difference or a relationship between the first and second temperatures, and (ii) determines an operational context of the electronic device based at least in part upon the difference. In an additional embodiment, other sensor information from one or more other sensors is taken into account in determining the operational context.