Master Device Tracking Electronic Accessories via Connection Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cumbersome handling of multiple electronic devices, especially with wired connections, and the risk of misplacing or forgetting wireless devices due to the lack of a physical tether, complicates the tracking and management of electronic accessories.
Innovation Solution
A master electronic device communicates with primary and secondary electronic accessories through direct and indirect connections, using connection attributes to track their presence, strength, and location, even when a direct connection is not established, and generates alerts or location information based on these attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless connection is used between devices, then convenience and user appeal are improved, but the risk of misplacing or forgetting devices increases due to lack of physical tether
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors connection attributes (signal strength, connection status) between devices and provides feedback to the user through notifications or alerts when devices are separated or lost, enabling proactive tracking without physical tethers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical tether system with an electronic monitoring system that uses wireless communication signals and connection attributes to track device locations and status, eliminating the need for physical connections while maintaining tracking capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic devices are connected, then performance capability is expanded, but user handling becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device management functions (tracking, monitoring, locating) into a unified system that operates automatically in the background, allowing users to manage multiple devices through a single interface without separate handling procedures for each device
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors connection attributes and manages device tracking without requiring user intervention, performing device management tasks autonomously while expanding performance capabilities across multiple connected devices
3Measurement precision
If connection attribute monitoring is implemented, then device location tracking is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing wireless communication infrastructure and connection attributes (signal strength, connection status) that are already present in standard wireless devices, making the tracking system universally applicable without requiring additional specialized hardware or complex proprietary protocols
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection-indicative signal can be received at a master electronic device from an electronic accessory. The signal can include a connection attribute indicative of a presence or characteristic of a connection between the electronic accessory and at least one other electronic accessory of the master electronic device. A location of the master electronic device can be determined at the master electronic device. The location can be stored at the master electronic device in association with the connection attribute. The master electronic device can detect a locate-accessory input that corresponds to a request to locate the at least one other electronic accessory; or that a locate-accessory condition is satisfied based on another connection attribute included in another signal received from the electronic accessory. The stored location can be retrieved responsive to the detecting. A presentation that includes location information that corresponds to the stored location can be presented.