Mobile Device Case Mesh Network Localization via Time of Flight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Low-cost mobile personal security devices lack integration of multiple detection methods, aggregation of monitoring sensors, and the ability to form mesh networks, relying on GPS for localization, which limits their effectiveness and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device case with integrated sensors, a controller, and communication capabilities via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, forming a mesh network to detect motion and location without GPS, using time of flight calculations and synchronized clocks to determine device positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS network is used for localization, then localization capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalization capabilityVSAvoiddependency on GPS network

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary localization system that uses wireless communication signals (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) as mediators between devices to determine relative positions. Instead of directly relying on GPS satellites, the system uses time of flight measurements of communication signals between mobile devices and access points to calculate distances and establish location relationships, thereby providing localization capability without direct GPS dependency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the GPS satellite-based electromagnetic positioning system with a device-to-device wireless communication-based positioning system. By substituting the mechanical/infrastructure-dependent GPS system with a peer-to-peer wireless signal measurement system using time of flight calculations, the invention eliminates GPS network dependency while maintaining localization functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and detection methods are integrated, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidintegration of multiple sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple previously separate security and monitoring devices into a single integrated mobile device system. By combining motion sensors, vibration sensors, audio sensors, cameras, and wireless communication capabilities into one unified device with centralized control logic, the system achieves improved detection accuracy through sensor fusion while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal mobile device platform that performs multiple security and monitoring functions simultaneously. The same device can detect motion, analyze vibrations, capture audio, record video, and communicate wirelessly, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices and achieve comprehensive monitoring capabilities without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If mesh network capability is added, then automated communication and relay functionality improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated communicationVSAvoidmesh network implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a mesh network system where each mobile device automatically performs network formation, routing calculation, and message relay functions without centralized control. Devices autonomously discover other devices in the network, dynamically determine optimal communication paths, and automatically relay messages for other devices, enabling automated communication while distributing the networking complexity across all participants rather than concentrating it in a single controller

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 seamless personal security and localization without GPS, allowing for automated alerts and remote monitoring, improving detection accuracy and convenience by aggregating sensor data across multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

calculating a time of flight of a message between the mobile device and the mobile device case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

an accelerometer capable of detecting motion of the mobile device case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS20160135013A1Mobile device utilizing time of flight for personal security and localization

Publication Date: 2016.05.12 VOLL INC

AI summary

A mobile device case for functional connection and physical attachment to a mobile device, the mobile device case comprises an application adapted to run in the mobile device and a cradle configured for removable attachment with the mobile device, the cradle comprising a controller capable of functional connection with the application, where the cradle is adapted to protect the mobile device while attached to the mobile device and the cradle is adapted to functionally pair with the application to create at least a portion of a mesh network.