On-Device Spatial Rediscovery Using Microphone-Based Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact devices such as remote controls, earbuds, and smartwatches are often misplaced due to their small size and can be difficult to locate without additional audio output mechanisms, which may not be loud enough or require extra hardware, increasing cost and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
Utilize pre-existing audio input mechanisms in compact devices, such as microphones, to receive audio signals generated by external devices, process these signals, and transmit them wirelessly for spatial positioning analysis, providing location indicators on the external device without needing additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an audio output mechanism is integrated within the compact device to generate sounds for locating the device, then the device can be located more effectively, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the compact device generate audio signals to be heard by the user, the patent inverts the approach: the external device generates audio signals that are detected by the compact device's audio input mechanism (microphone). The compact device then transmits information about the received audio signal back to the external device for spatial positioning analysis. This inversion allows location functionality without adding audio output hardware to the compact device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the compact device's existing audio input mechanism (microphone) for a dual purpose: its original function and the new function of detecting audio signals for spatial positioning. By making the existing hardware serve multiple functions, the patent avoids adding dedicated location hardware while enabling effective device tracking.
2Reliability
If an audio output mechanism is integrated within the compact device, then the device can be located more effectively, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the compact device's audio input mechanism (microphone) universal by using it for both its original purpose (recording audio) and the new purpose of detecting audio signals for spatial positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated location hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining location capability.
3Reliability
If additional hardware is added to the compact device for audio output, then the device can be located more effectively, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the compact device's existing audio input mechanism and wireless communication capabilities to perform location functions. Since these components already consume power for their primary functions, utilizing them for spatial positioning does not require additional power budget, thereby avoiding increased power consumption while enabling location capability.
4Device complexity
If the audio signal is generated by the external device and received by the compact device, then no additional hardware is needed in the compact device, but the spatial positioning requires analysis of transmitted wireless signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary process where the compact device receives audio signals and transmits information about these signals back to the external device. The external device then performs spatial positioning analysis based on this transmitted information. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve spatial positioning without complex hardware in the compact device, shifting the computational complexity to the external device.
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
Effectively locates compact devices by determining their spatial positioning relative to external devices, enhancing rediscovery without additional hardware costs or design complexity, and ensuring efficient power usage.
Implementation Method 1
The receipt of the audio signal may cause the audio input mechanism to produce electrical signals having encoded information associated with the audio signal
Implementation Method 2
an audio signal can be generated by an audio output mechanism associated with an external device. The audio signal can be received at the audio input mechanism associated with the compact device
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes systems and techniques for facilitating spatial rediscovery using on-device hardware. For example, an audio input mechanism associated with a compact device can be activated and an audio signal can be generated by an audio output mechanism associated with an external device. The audio signal can be received at the audio input mechanism associated with the compact device. The receipt of the audio signal may cause the audio input mechanism to produce electrical signals having encoded information associated with the audio signal. The electrical signals can then be transmitted to the external device as wireless signals. Based on an analysis of the transmitted wireless signals, a spatial positioning of the compact device relative to the external device can be determined. Based on the determination of the spatial positioning, a location indicator can be provided via the external device.