Mobile Device Position Optimization via Visual Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile devices often experience inferior audio performance when used in speaker mode due to suboptimal positioning, which existing technologies fail to effectively address by providing users with clear adjustments for improved audio quality.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize position components, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, to detect the mobile device's yaw, pitch, and roll angles, comparing them to predetermined optimal positions and providing visual feedback in the form of arrows or light indicators to guide users in adjusting the device for better audio quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mobile devices are used in speaker mode without position optimization, then ease of operation is improved, but audio performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidaudio performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors device position using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and provides real-time visual feedback through icons on the display. This feedback loop guides users to adjust the device to optimal positions, resolving the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while improving audio performance through informed user adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to self-optimize audio quality by providing them with clear visual cues about device orientation. Users independently adjust the device based on the feedback without requiring external assistance, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving improved audio performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If visual feedback indicators are added to guide device positioning, then audio performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages existing multi-functional components in mobile devices - sensors originally designed for other purposes (screen orientation, step counting, gaming) are repurposed for audio optimization. The display, already used for information presentation, is utilized for showing positioning icons. This approach improves audio performance without adding significant complexity by making existing components serve multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The visual feedback system uses the existing display infrastructure to provide positioning guidance. By overlaying icons on the current display content rather than creating separate physical indicators, the system achieves audio optimization while minimizing additional hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enhances audio performance by providing users with clear visual cues to adjust the device, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling more frequent use of speaker mode with improved audio quality.

Implementation Method 1

A system and method for optimizing the position of a mobile device when the mobile device is being used in a speaker mode. Position components in the mobile device may determine a position of the mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

Position components in the mobile device may determine a position of the mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2442216B1System and method for optimizing the position of a mobile device
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2442216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2442216B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2442216B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A system and method for providing a visual indicator for optimizing the position of a mobile device (100) when the mobile device (100) is being used in a hands free mode. One or more position components (366) in the mobile device (100) can determine the position of the mobile device (100). The position of the mobile device (100) can be compared to ideal or predetermined positions for improved performance quality. A visual indicator can be provided to provide an indication on whether the mobile device (100) is in an optimal position. The visual indicator can take several forms including an illustration showing how the mobile device (100) should be moved, an animation showing how the mobile device (100) should be moved, colors providing an indication whether the position is acceptable, or any combination thereof.