Handheld Wireless Device Adjunct for Misplaced Object Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication devices lack an effective method to locate misplaced devices, and existing solutions do not provide comprehensive features for integrating additional functions such as location tracking and device interaction.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a handheld wireless communication device and an adjunct device that uses short-range wireless communication to transmit and receive signals, allowing users to locate misplaced devices through visual and audio cues, and enabling additional features like device interaction and home automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication devices are made more functional with additional features, then device capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into two separate components: a handheld wireless communication device and a separate adjunct device. The adjunct device handles additional functions such as location tracking, visual cues, and audio cues, while the handheld device maintains its core communication functions. This segmentation allows the handheld device to remain simple while still providing enhanced overall capability through the coupled adjunct device.
2Measurement precision
If location tracking features are added to wireless devices, then ability to locate misplaced devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location tracking functionality from the handheld wireless communication device and places it in a separate adjunct device. The adjunct device contains the necessary components for location tracking including visual cues (lights) and audio cues (speakers), while the handheld device maintains its primary communication functions. This extraction reduces the complexity of the handheld device while preserving location tracking capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If short-range wireless communication is implemented for device interaction, then functionality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication between the handheld device and adjunct device rather than continuous communication. The adjunct device operates independently most of the time, only establishing wireless communication with the handheld device when needed for specific functions such as location tracking or device interaction. This periodic action reduces energy consumption compared to continuous communication while maintaining full functionality when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes executing a homing application of the handheld wireless communication device for finding at least one personal object coupled to at least one remote wireless device. The homing application includes generating data to present for display on the handheld wireless communication device a graphical user interface that receives an indication of a user to locate the at least one personal object and that generates a location signal in response thereto. The location signal is communicated to an adjunct device via the communication port of the handheld wireless communication device to cause the adjunct device to transmit an RF paging signal to at least one remote wireless device via a short-range wireless transceiver of the adjunct device.