Electronic Device Proximity Detection Using Two-Position RSSI

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining proximity of electronic devices based on wireless communication signals are costly, require additional hardware and sensors, and involve high computational complexity, while methods relying on environmental features are not user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device measures RSSI at two different positions relative to an external device and determines proximity based on the RSSI difference exceeding a threshold, using existing wireless communication modules to authenticate trusted devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an additional low-band signal channel is used to determine proximity, then proximity determination accuracy is improved, but hardware cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity determination accuracyVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing wireless communication channel is made to serve dual purposes: both data transmission and proximity determination. By analyzing the RSSI of normal communication signals, the system eliminates the need for dedicated proximity sensing hardware while maintaining accurate proximity detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing wireless communication channel is made to serve dual purposes: both data transmission and proximity determination. By analyzing the RSSI of normal communication signals, the system eliminates the need for dedicated proximity sensing hardware while maintaining accurate proximity detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If environmental features are observed to determine proximity, then proximity determination accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and device requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity determination accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method extracts proximity information directly from the RSSI values of wireless communication signals without requiring environmental feature extraction or complex image processing. This simplifies the computational burden while maintaining proximity determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex environmental sensing and processing systems with a simpler wireless signal-based approach. By substituting physical environmental observation with electromagnetic signal analysis, the system reduces both hardware and computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If environmental features are observed to determine proximity, then proximity determination accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity determination accuracyVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs proximity determination using ongoing wireless communication signals without requiring user intervention for environmental observation or additional input. The device self-services by utilizing existing communication infrastructure for dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This method provides accurate and user-friendly proximity determination, reducing costs by utilizing existing hardware and minimizing computational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a first received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a first wireless communication signal received from the external electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReceived Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI):

Data Source

PatentEP4132018B1Method and device for determining proximity of electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4132018B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4132018B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(F)
  • EP4132018B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and device for determining, by an electronic device, proximity of an external electronic device. A method, performed by an electronic device, of determining proximity of an external electronic device includes: measuring a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a wireless communication signal received from the external electronic device when the electronic device is at a first position; measuring an RSSI of a wireless communication signal received from the external electronic device when the electronic device is at a second position different from the first position; and determining whether the external electronic device is proximate, based on a difference between the RSSI measured at the first position and the RSSI measured at the second position.