Media Device Proximity Detection via RF Signature Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless devices require user intervention and software configuration to interoperate with other devices, lacking the ability to autonomously sense their environment and adjust functions based on proximity and location of other devices or users.

Innovation Solution

A system of wirelessly interconnected media devices that detect proximity and location of other devices and users, establishing wireless communications links and taking actions such as data transfer, command issuance, or function commandeering using RF signature analysis and proximity sensing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wireless devices use software configuration and user intervention to establish interoperability, then device compatibility can be achieved, but user operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice interoperabilityVSAvoiduser intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless device automatically performs device discovery, proximity detection, and communication establishment without requiring user intervention. The device self-configures by detecting other devices in its environment and autonomously initiating communication protocols, thereby eliminating the need for manual software configuration while ensuring reliable interoperability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures communication parameters and protocols before actual device interaction is needed. By continuously monitoring the environment for nearby devices and pre-establishing communication capabilities, the system readiness is improved, and when devices do interact, the process occurs automatically without user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless devices continuously monitor and adapt to environmental changes and device proximity, then adaptability and automation improve, but energy consumption and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sensing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the device performs environmental scanning and proximity detection at periodic intervals. The system activates sensors and communication modules only when needed based on trigger events or scheduled intervals, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect and adapt to environmental changes when they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring intensity and frequency are dynamically adjusted based on current operational state and environmental conditions. When devices are in active communication mode, monitoring increases to detect changes in proximity or new devices. When idle, monitoring reduces to minimal levels, optimizing the balance between adaptability and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 media devices to automatically configure and interact with other devices without user intervention, enhancing interoperability and adaptability based on environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the RF system detects an RF signature of a wireless device and determines whether the RF signature is compatible with a wireless communication protocol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF signature detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a de-tunable antenna may be used to sense proximity, location and/or movement of objects and/or persons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10219100B2Determining proximity for devices interacting with media devices

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 JAWBONE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and portable and wearable media devices. Media devices may include RF transceivers and proximity sensors for detecting a user, another wireless device, or both that are positioned in proximity of the media device and take one or more actions upon detecting proximity. Activity, content, data, playlist, media playback, command, control, data or file synchronization, and other functions may be handled by the media device subsequent to detecting proximity of another device and/or user in proximity of the media device. Moreover, those functions may be transferred back to the another device when the another device moves out of a proximity range of the media device. RF signatures, RF signal strength, RSSI, and proximity detection sensors may be used to detect proximity, location, and presence (e.g., of a user or other persons) relative to the media device.