Mobile Device Transmit Power Adjustment via Motion Sensor Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices face challenges in optimizing voice call quality due to varying power levels required when worn on the body versus placed on a stationary object, as existing technologies do not effectively adjust transmit power based on the device's location.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device analyzes motion sensor data to determine whether it is on a stationary object or worn on the user's body, adjusting the transmit power level of the telephony transceiver accordingly to enhance voice call quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mobile device transmits at high power levels, then the quality of voice calls is improved, but the device may violate government regulations when worn on or near the user's body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice call qualityVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment based on real-time motion sensor data analysis. The system transitions from static power levels to adaptive power control, where the transmit power is continuously modified according to the detected device state (stationary object vs. body-worn), thereby achieving both high call quality when appropriate and regulatory compliance when worn on the body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses motion sensor feedback to continuously monitor device placement and adjust transmit power accordingly. By analyzing acceleration data patterns that indicate whether the device is on a stationary object or being worn on the body, the system creates a closed-loop control mechanism that automatically optimizes power levels to maintain call quality while ensuring regulatory compliance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the mobile device uses low power levels, then regulatory requirements are met when worn on the body, but the quality of voice calls deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidvoice call quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts power levels based on detected device state, allowing low power when worn on the body (compliance) and high power when on stationary objects (quality). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making power level contingent on usage context rather than using a fixed conservative level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmit power parameter based on motion sensor data analysis. By detecting characteristic motion patterns that distinguish body-worn usage from stationary placement, the system modifies the power parameter appropriately, achieving compliance when needed and quality when possible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the mobile device transmits at high power levels, then voice call quality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice call qualityVSAvoidtransmit power energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the power parameter based on detected device state, using high power only when necessary (stationary object placement) and low power when worn on the body. This selective parameter adjustment improves call quality when needed while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during body-worn usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution ensures better voice call quality by increasing transmit power when the device is on a stationary object and reducing it when worn on the body, adhering to regulatory requirements and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, that can generate a motion signal that indicates the amount of motion over time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9432954B2Determination of device body location
Publication Date: 2016.08.30 APPLE INC
  • US9432954B2 patent drawing
  • US9432954B2 patent drawing
  • US9432954B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In some implementations, a mobile device can analyze motion sensor data during a voice call to determine whether the mobile device is on a stationary object or worn on a user's body (e.g., in the lap or pocket of a user of the mobile device). The mobile device can adjust the transmit power level of the telephony transceiver during the voice call based on the determination.