Physiological Sensing for Context-Aware Mobile Function Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mobile devices lack adaptability in function activation based on location, time, velocity, and other environmental factors, leading to rigid operation modes that are not context-sensitive.
Innovation Solution
Mobile devices and associated systems adapt their communication modes based on proximity criteria, using GPS and low-power signals to enable or disable functions such as payment transactions or communication protocols dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless mobile devices are configured to perform predetermined functions independently of location and environmental factors, then device reliability and operational consistency are improved, but device adaptability and context-awareness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the mobile device to dynamically adjust its operational modes based on real-time environmental conditions. The device transitions between different communication modes (wireless/wired) and functional states (enabled/disabled) responsive to sensed parameters such as location, velocity, and proximity to other devices, making the system adaptable rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the device continuously senses environmental parameters (location via GPS, velocity via accelerometers, proximity via signal detection) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust its operational state. This closed-loop control enables the device to respond adaptively to changing conditions while maintaining reliable operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices continuously monitor environmental parameters and adapt functions dynamically, then device adaptability and user convenience are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single mobile device platform that can perform multiple functions across different operational modes. The same device hardware supports both wireless and wired communication modes, and can dynamically enable/disable various functions (payment transactions, communication protocols) based on environmental context, reducing the need for separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic mode switching and function enablement/disablement based on sensed environmental parameters. The device autonomously determines when to activate payment functions, when to switch between communication modes, and when to enable proximity-based features without requiring manual user intervention, thereby managing complexity internally while providing simple user experience
3Productivity
If mobile devices enable functions based on proximity criteria and environmental conditions, then resource efficiency and user convenience are improved, but measurement precision and detection accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple sensing capabilities (GPS location, accelerometer velocity detection, signal strength measurement) into a unified proximity determination system. By integrating these different measurement sources, the device achieves more reliable proximity detection than any single sensor could provide alone, meeting the precision requirements for context-aware function activation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of enabling one or more functions of a device is disclosed. The method includes sensing by a device a physiological parameter of a user of the device. The device determines whether or not the physiological parameter that is sensed satisfies a criterion. Responsive to determining that the physiological parameter that is sensed satisfies the criterion, the device enables a number of functions of the device while disabling a function of the device.