Mobile–Peripheral Interaction Switching by Proximity Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile devices face complexity and inefficiency in interacting with peripheral devices due to the need for manual configuration, pairing, and inconsistent communication protocols, leading to a diminished user experience and potential performance issues.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device monitors proximity to a peripheral device using wireless communication channels to automatically adjust interaction modes, including displaying controls and performing actions based on predefined zones of proximity without requiring user input or traditional pairing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration and pairing processes are used to establish communication between mobile device and peripheral device, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring communication protocols and establishing connection parameters before the user initiates pairing. The mobile device automatically detects the peripheral device and pre-establishes communication channels, so that when the user wants to connect, the configuration is already in place and only final connection is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile device and peripheral device to automatically negotiate and configure their own communication parameters without user intervention. The devices exchange capability information and automatically establish appropriate communication protocols, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication protocols are supported for different peripheral devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidsoftware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universality by creating a unified communication framework that can handle multiple protocols through a single interface. The mobile device includes a protocol abstraction layer that provides universal access to different peripheral devices regardless of their specific communication protocol, allowing one software component to serve multiple protocol functions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a protocol translation layer or gateway that mediates between different communication protocols. This intermediary component converts protocols from various peripheral devices into a standardized internal format, enabling the mobile device to support multiple protocols without requiring separate handling code for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If continuous monitoring and distance determination are performed, then interaction precision is improved, but energy consumption worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity detection precisionVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies periodic action by monitoring proximity and determining distance at specific intervals rather than continuously. The mobile device checks the distance to the peripheral device at predetermined time intervals, maintaining adequate measurement precision for interaction purposes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamics by adjusting the monitoring frequency based on the current state and requirements. When the device is in a stable state with no interaction needed, monitoring frequency is reduced. When interaction is detected or required, monitoring intensity increases dynamically, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach allows seamless and intuitive control of peripheral devices by presenting relevant user interfaces and performing actions based on proximity, conserving battery power and reducing lag, thus enhancing user experience and device performance.

Implementation Method 1

monitoring a wireless communication channel; receiving a transmission from a peripheral device over the wireless communication channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12464065B2Modifying the type of interaction between a mobile computing device and a peripheral device based on proximity
Publication Date: 2025.11.04 GOOGLE LLC
  • US12464065B2 patent drawing
  • US12464065B2 patent drawing
  • US12464065B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, devices, and program products for modifying interactions between a mobile device and a peripheral device based on proximity. The mobile device monitors a wireless communication channel and receives a transmission from the peripheral device over the channel indicating that the mobile device is located within a first zone of proximity to the peripheral device. The mobile device determines distance values between the devices. When the mobile device determines that a distance value satisfies a threshold value, the mobile device visually indicates that it is within a second zone of proximity to the peripheral device. As a result of the mobile device receiving data from the peripheral device using a second communication protocol, the mobile device determines that it is located within a third zone of proximity to the peripheral device, and performs an action.