Mobile Device Holder Detection via NFC and Trigger Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and operating modes when used with different accessories, such as charging cradles and holsters, due to the need for continuous near-field communication (NFC) scanning, which increases battery drain.
Innovation Solution
A communications system that includes a mobile device with a detector and controller to differentiate between accessories using NFC devices and trigger devices, allowing the mobile device to switch between operating modes and reduce NFC scanning to conserve power by determining its position and adjusting input and display states accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous NFC scanning is performed to detect accessory presence, then accessory detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs NFC scanning periodically rather than continuously. The controller initiates NFC scans at specific intervals or triggered by certain events (such as when the device is placed in an accessory), reducing the overall power consumption while maintaining adequate accessory detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses alternative detection methods (such as detector circuits that can sense physical presence or electrical characteristics) to determine when accessory detection is necessary, reducing reliance on continuous NFC scanning. The device serves itself by intelligently deciding when full NFC detection is needed versus when simpler detection methods suffice.
2Use of energy by moving object
If NFC scanning is reduced to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but accessory detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple layers: a first detector that provides initial presence detection using low-power methods, and NFC scanning that provides detailed accessory identification. This segmentation allows the system to use high-precision NFC scanning only when initially triggered by the simpler detector, maintaining accuracy while reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection using low-power detector circuits to determine if an accessory is present before initiating full NFC scanning. This preliminary action filters out cases where NFC scanning is unnecessary, reducing power consumption while ensuring that NFC scanning is performed with sufficient accuracy when actually needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates in multiple modes based on accessory detection, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to handle multiple accessory types and operating modes through a universal detection and response framework. Rather than implementing separate specialized logic for each accessory type, the system uses a unified approach where the detector and NFC system identify accessories and the controller applies general rules to determine appropriate operating modes, reducing overall complexity.
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
The system effectively reduces power consumption by identifying the type of accessory and adjusting NFC usage, providing different operating features while minimizing battery drain when in holders or cradles.
Implementation Method 1
NFC technology is commonly used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices
Data Source
AI summary
A communications system may include a first mobile device holder and a first trigger device associated therewith, a second mobile device holder different than the first mobile device holder and a second trigger device associated with the second mobile device holder, and a first NFC device associated with the first mobile device holder. The system may further include a mobile device configured to be removably coupled with the first holder or the second holder, a second NFC device carried by the housing, and a detector carried by the housing and configured to detect the first trigger device or the second trigger device. The mobile device may also include a controller carried by the housing and configured to determine positioning adjacent the first or second holder based upon the second NFC device and the detector, and operate in a respective first or second operating mode accordingly.