Mobile Device Location Alert via Predefined Activation Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices lack the functionality to quickly locate a lost or misplaced device, despite their increased functionality and reliance on users.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device capable of generating a location alert by entering a listen mode in response to predefined activation signals, such as specific voice prints or non-user-specific sounds, allowing users to easily find their device through vibration, ringing, or illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices provide numerous functions and decrease in size, then functionality and portability are improved, but the likelihood of misplacing or losing the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring for predefined activation signals and pre-positioning location alert mechanisms (vibration, ringing, illumination) so that when a user needs to locate their device, the alert can be immediately triggered without requiring the device to be fully powered on or complex operations to be performed
2Use of energy by moving object
If mobile devices operate in silent mode or are powered off, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to locate the device is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by maintaining only the minimal necessary functions (activation signal detection and location alert generation) while the device is in silent mode or powered off, rather than requiring full device operation. This allows the device to remain largely dormant for energy conservation while still providing locatability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The listen mode operates continuously or at scheduled intervals to detect activation signals before the user needs to locate the device, and the location alert mechanisms are pre-configured to activate immediately upon signal detection, eliminating the need to fully power on the device for location purposes
3Speed
If the device enters listen mode continuously to detect activation signals, then location responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by having the device enter listen mode at scheduled intervals or in response to specific conditions rather than maintaining continuous activation signal monitoring. This allows the device to balance between responsiveness to location requests and energy conservation during periods when location requests are less likely
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 users to efficiently locate their mobile device by activating a location alert feature, which can operate even when the device is powered off or in silent mode, enhancing user convenience and reducing the likelihood of loss.
Implementation Method 1
generate a location alert by entering a listen mode in response to predefined activation signals
Implementation Method 2
allowing users to easily find their device through vibration, ringing, or illumination
Implementation Method 3
allowing users to easily find their device through vibration, ringing, or illumination
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for permitting mobile devices to generate a location alert in response to receiving activation signals. The apparatus may receive a signal, determine if the received signal is a predefined activation signal representative of a location request, and generate an alert if the received signal is a predefined activation signal.