Mobile Device Indoor Outdoor Detection for RF Compliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile devices are either under-performing due to overly restrictive operational limitations when in less regulated environments or risk non-compliance due to user unawareness or uncooperation with varying regulatory requirements for RF systems based on indoor or outdoor locations.

Innovation Solution

A system that determines a mobile device's geographic location to adjust its operational settings, such as power levels and frequencies, to comply with local regulations by identifying whether it is indoors or outdoors, using GPS signals and multipath propagation analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mobile device is configured with the most restrictive operational limitations, then regulatory compliance is ensured, but device performance deteriorates in less regulated environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoiddevice performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of operational limitations based on detected location state. The system transitions from static restrictive settings to adaptive settings that change according to whether the device is indoors or outdoors, resolving the contradiction between compliance and performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (power levels, frequency bands, transmission constraints) based on location detection. When outdoors, less restrictive parameters are applied; when indoors, more restrictive parameters are applied, optimizing performance while maintaining compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the mobile device is configured with the most loosely-constraining operational limitations, then device performance is maximized, but risk of regulatory non-compliance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice performanceVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts operational limitations based on real-time location state detection, switching between loose and restrictive configurations as appropriate, eliminating the need for users to manually select settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses location state detection feedback to automatically adjust operational parameters. The detected indoor/outdoor state feeds back to the configuration system, which automatically applies appropriate regulatory constraints without user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual user selection of operational limitations is provided, then user control is enhanced, but compliance reliability decreases due to user unawareness or uncooperation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting location state and applying appropriate operational limitations without requiring user input. The device serves itself by making intelligent decisions about regulatory compliance based on environmental context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The location state detection system acts as an intermediary between the user and the operational configuration. Instead of requiring direct user selection, the system uses location information as a mediator to automatically determine appropriate settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Maximizes device performance while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements by dynamically adjusting settings based on location, thereby optimizing performance and reducing the risk of non-compliance.

Implementation Method 1

using GPS signals and multipath propagation analysis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGPS signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

using GPS signals and multipath propagation analysis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMultipath propagation:

Data Source

PatentEP2608578B1Detecting indoor and outdoor usage of a mobile device
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2608578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2608578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2608578B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Mobile devices may be subject to different operational constraints in different geographies or circumstances. For example, power levels may be limited for transmissions in certain countries. The geographic position of a mobile device may be identified and used for determining the applicable local regulations. The local regulations may allow for different operational constraints depending on whether a device is located indoors or outdoors. Accordingly, a determination of indoor/outdoor state may be used to maximize device performance while also complying with appropriate regulations/circumstances.