Head-Relative Location Estimation for Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wireless communication devices with integrated input/output components and user interfaces often use static configurations, which do not adapt to changing orientations or positions relative to the user's body, leading to suboptimal performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize multiple-axis sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, to estimate the head-relative location of a wireless communication device, allowing for dynamic configuration of settings like antenna selection and audio settings based on the device's position relative to the user's head or body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static I/O and user interface configurations are used in wireless communication devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different orientations and positions relative to the user's body deteriorates, leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of I/O components based on real-time sensor data. The system continuously monitors device orientation using accelerometers and gyroscopes, and automatically adjusts audio settings, antenna selection, and user interface orientation accordingly. This transforms the static configuration into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes performance for each usage scenario without requiring manual user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensor feedback mechanisms where accelerometers and gyroscopes continuously provide orientation data to the control processor. This feedback loop enables the system to detect changes in device position and orientation, then automatically adjust configurations to maintain optimal performance. The feedback-driven approach allows the device to adapt to different usage scenarios dynamically.
2Productivity
If multiple-axis sensors are added to enable dynamic configuration based on device position, then adaptability and performance are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system and control processor perform multiple functions: detecting device orientation, determining usage scenarios, selecting appropriate audio outputs, choosing optimal antennas, and adjusting user interface orientation. By consolidating these functions into existing components, the system achieves dynamic adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as audio output selection, antenna configuration, and user interface orientation based on sensor-measured device parameters. This parameter-based adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for different usage scenarios by adjusting software configurations rather than adding substantial hardware complexity.
3Reliability
If dynamic configuration based on sensor data is implemented, then user experience and performance are enhanced, but loss of time for processing and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes multiple configuration profiles corresponding to different usage scenarios (e.g., handheld calling, hands-free mode, video playback). When a usage scenario is detected via sensor data, the system quickly switches to the pre-configured profile rather than calculating optimal settings in real-time. This preliminary preparation minimizes configuration time while maintaining performance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements rapid scenario detection and configuration switching by using simplified sensor data processing and pre-defined usage scenario categories. Instead of performing complex real-time optimization calculations, the system quickly matches current sensor readings to predefined scenarios and applies corresponding configurations, thereby minimizing processing time while achieving reliable performance optimization.
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 optimized performance characteristics by adjusting hardware and software configurations based on the device's position, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency by ensuring optimal audio and transmission settings.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors, such as an accelerometer, to determine a tilt angle
Implementation Method 2
multiple-axis sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, to estimate the head-relative location
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5B
AI summary
In one embodiment, the disclosure includes an apparatus comprising a processor configured to estimate a position of a wireless communication device relative to a user's body part based on an output of at least one sensor, wherein the position is selected from a group comprising: a left side position, a right side position, and a front-facing position, and configure at least one wireless communication device setting based on the estimated position. In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a mobile device comprising at least one sensor, an antenna subsystem, a transceiver subsystem coupled to the antenna subsystem, and a processor coupled to the transceiver subsystem and the sensor, and wherein the processor is configured to determine that the mobile device is in use, obtain a tilt angle of the mobile device from the sensor, and estimate the mobile device location relative to a user's body using the tilt angle.