Portable Device Proximity Control for Power and Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face limitations in transmission power and security measures due to regulatory restrictions, which reduce signal distance and fidelity when close to the user and fail to provide adequate security when unattended.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device equipped with a signal processing system that includes a proximity sensor and comparator to adjust transmission power and security settings based on the distance from the user, allowing for increased power when outside a regulated range and enhanced security when the user is near.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transmission power is increased to maximize signal distance and fidelity, then communication performance is improved, but electromagnetic radiation exposure to the user increases beyond regulatory limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission power adjustment by continuously monitoring the distance between the portable electronic device and the user using proximity sensors. When the device is detected to be close to the user (within regulated distance), the transmission power is automatically reduced to comply with electromagnetic radiation limits. When the device is moved away from the user, the transmission power is increased to maximize signal distance and fidelity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making transmission power conditional on user proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission power parameter based on the detected distance parameter. By using proximity sensors to measure the distance between the device and user, the system adjusts the transmission power level accordingly - maintaining low power when close to user (to limit electromagnetic exposure) and high power when away from user (to maximize communication performance). This parameter-based control resolves the technical contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transmission power is reduced to comply with regulatory limits when close to user, then electromagnetic radiation exposure is minimized, but signal distance and fidelity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between low-power and high-power transmission modes based on real-time proximity detection. When the user is close to the device, low-power mode is activated to minimize electromagnetic radiation exposure while maintaining adequate signal quality for short-range communication. When the user moves away, the system transitions to high-power mode to restore full signal transmission capability. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by making power level dependent on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission power parameter is changed based on the distance parameter detected by proximity sensors. The system establishes threshold distances that trigger power level changes - below the threshold, power is reduced to protect user health; above the threshold, power is increased to maximize communication performance. This conditional parameter change resolves the technical contradiction.
3Reliability
If security measures are continuously activated to prevent unauthorized use, then device security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to constant authentication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic security measure activation based on proximity detection. When a user is detected to be close to the device (within a predetermined distance), security measures such as password protection, biometric authentication, or device locking are automatically activated to prevent unauthorized use. When no user is present or the user moves away, security measures are deactivated or put in standby mode, eliminating authentication requirements and improving convenience. This dynamic security activation resolves the contradiction by making security conditional on user presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The security state parameter (activated/deactivated) is changed based on the distance parameter detected by proximity sensors. The system uses threshold-based logic - when distance is below the threshold, security measures are activated; when distance exceeds the threshold, security measures are deactivated. This parameter-based control resolves the technical contradiction between security and convenience.
4Adaptability or versatility
If proximity sensing and dynamic adjustment systems are added to portable devices, then transmission power and security optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing transceiver and antenna system to serve multiple functions - both wireless communication and proximity sensing. The same radio frequency signals used for communication are also used to detect the presence and distance of the user through signal reflection or capacitance changes. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to implement dynamic power and security control without adding entirely separate sensing subsystems, thereby reducing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing sensor systems and processing circuits in the portable device are utilized to perform proximity detection and trigger power/security adjustments. The device uses its own existing resources (processors, sensors, power management circuits) to implement the adaptive control logic, rather than requiring entirely new dedicated subsystems. This self-service approach minimizes the added complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device is provided for sending and receiving a communication signal to and from a target, respectively. Among other components, the portable electronic device includes an antenna, a transceiver, a signal processing system and control circuitry. The signal processing system determines a distance between the target and the portable electronic device. There are various ways to determine the relative distance between the target and the device. One such methodology is to use a change in a signal that is transmitted from the transceiver and reflected from the target back to the transceiver. The change can be a frequency shift, a phase shift, a capacitive coupling change, an impedance change, or any other change which notes the presence of a target relative to the transceiver. The control circuitry may be used to change the amount of power applied to the antenna and/or to change at least one security measure of the device depending on the distance detected between the target and the device.