Low-Energy Button Signaling for Mobile-Free Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic monitoring systems require users to have their mobile device readily available to control connected devices, limiting accessibility when the device is not within reach.

Innovation Solution

An electronic monitoring system incorporating a communication device with an actuator that generates signals of varying durations, allowing a controller to detect patterns and execute tasks remotely via a personal area network, enabling control of connected devices without direct access to a mobile device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users control devices through a mobile device application, then control functionality is achieved, but accessibility is limited when the mobile device is not readily available

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of device controlVSAvoidRequirement for mobile device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A standalone communication device with an actuator serves as an intermediary between the user and the electronic monitoring system. This mediator can trigger tasks and control devices remotely through a personal area network without requiring the user's mobile device, thus improving accessibility while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control functionality is segmented from the mobile device into a separate, dedicated communication device. This segmentation allows the control capability to be accessed independently of the mobile device, enabling users to control monitoring devices even when their mobile device is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a standalone communication device with actuator is used for remote control, then accessibility is improved when mobile device is unavailable, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRemote accessibilityVSAvoidAdditional communication device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device with actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can trigger various tasks, control different types of monitoring devices, and operate through multiple detection mechanisms (actuator engagement, signal reception). This multi-functionality justifies the added device by providing versatile remote control capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device operates autonomously without requiring the mobile device for control operations. It independently detects actuator engagement or received signals, determines the appropriate task to execute, and communicates with the electronic monitoring system directly through the personal area network, providing self-service remote control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4586584A1Electronic monitoring system including low energy button for remote activation and control of devices
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 ARLO TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP4586584A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4586584A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4586584A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic monitoring system and a method of activating devices in the electronic monitoring system are provided. The electronic monitoring system includes a communication device having an actuator which generates a signal when the actuator is selectively engaged and a transmitter to transmit data corresponding to the signal when the actuator is selectively engaged. A receiver is in communication with the transmitter to receive the data from the transmitter, and a controller is in communication with the receiver to receive the data from the receiver. The controller is operative to detect at least one short duration signal and at least one long duration signal from the data, detect a pattern from the at least one short duration signal and the at least one long duration signal, and execute a task in the electronic monitoring system as a function of the pattern detected.