IEEE 802.11 Proximity Sensor for Vehicle Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often forget their smartphones in vehicles, leading to inconvenience or serious consequences, as existing solutions rely on Bluetooth protocols that consume battery life and are not always active, making them ineffective when Bluetooth is turned off.
Innovation Solution
A sensor using IEEE 802.11 protocols to detect the proximity of smart devices, integrated into a car power adapter, which searches for connected devices upon vehicle startup and alerts the user with an audible alarm if no device is found, conserving battery life by not requiring Bluetooth activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bluetooth protocol is used to detect smart device proximity, then device detection capability is provided, but battery life is consumed and reliability decreases when Bluetooth is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication protocol parameter from Bluetooth to IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), which operates independently of smartphone battery state. This parameter change enables reliable device detection whether Bluetooth is on or off, resolving the reliability issue while avoiding Bluetooth's battery consumption problems.
2Reliability
If Bluetooth protocol is used for device detection, then proximity detection is enabled, but the system becomes ineffective when Bluetooth is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the detection system universal by using IEEE 802.11 protocol, which is commonly enabled on smartphones for internet connectivity. This allows the car sensor to detect smartphones regardless of Bluetooth status, providing adaptability to different smartphone configurations and usage scenarios.
3Reliability
If IEEE 802.11 protocol is used to detect smart devices, then detection reliability is improved and battery drain is avoided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the smartphone's existing WiFi transceiver perform the detection function. The smartphone's own IEEE 802.11 hardware and protocols are utilized, eliminating the need for additional specialized detection hardware in the smartphone and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a sensor for detecting the proximity of smart devices previously connected to the sensor using the IEEE 802.11 protocols. Importantly, the sensor does not operate using a Bluetooth® connection, which would require the smart devices previously connected to the sensor using the IEEE 802.11 protocols to also have Bluetooth® protocols enabled. Enabling such Bluetooth® protocols uses more battery than having the IEEE 802.11 protocol adapter enabled. The sensor references a list of previously connected smart devices and attempts to connect with any in range, if none can be connected to, the sensor emits an audible alarm signal. Further, no application is required for the sensor to operate.