NFC Proximity Detection for Handheld Inaction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld computing devices face issues with unintended input and inefficient power management when transitioning into and out of a holster, leading to battery drain due to delayed entry into user-inactive mode.

Innovation Solution

The use of a Near Field Communications (NFC) subsystem to detect proximity to a holster by generating an electro-magnetic carrier field and sensing its modulation, enabling timely entry into user-inactive mode by disabling input and output devices, thereby preventing unintentional input and optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the device waits until the magnet is sensed by the Hall Effect sensor to enter user-inactive mode, then the device can accurately detect holster proximity, but unintended input occurs during the transition period when the device is too far from the magnet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholster proximity detection accuracyVSAvoidinput accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the NFC subsystem to detect holster proximity and trigger entry into user-inactive mode before the Hall Effect sensor can detect the magnet. This advance detection prevents unintended input from occurring during the transition period, as the input device is disabled beforehand when NFC first senses the holster's presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the device enters user-inactive mode later, then the device can avoid false triggers from premature detection, but additional power is consumed and device availability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoiddevice availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic field-based Hall Effect sensor system with an electromagnetic field-based NFC subsystem for proximity detection. The NFC subsystem can detect the holster at a greater distance and trigger user-inactive mode earlier, reducing both power consumption and loss of device availability compared to waiting for the Hall Effect sensor to detect the magnet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively prevents unintentional input and enhances power savings by ensuring timely entry into user-inactive mode, reducing battery drain and improving device availability.

Implementation Method 1

generating an electro-magnetic carrier field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

sensing modulation of the electro-magnetic carrier field by a component of said holster

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field modulation sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The corresponding handheld computing device is provided with a Hall Effect sensor in a position that corresponds, when the handheld computing device is in the holster, to the location of the magnet in the holster

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8665105B2System and method for providing improved detection of user inaction

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A mobile computing device may include an interface device, a near field communication (NFC) device, and a processor coupled with the interface device and the NFC device. The processor may be capable of detecting proximity of an encasement based upon the NFC device, and changing an operational mode of the interface device based upon detecting the proximity of the encasement.