Power-Off Bluetooth Broadcasting for Lost Terminal Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal devices lose the ability to send Bluetooth broadcasts when powered off due to lack of power supply to the Bluetooth chip, making it difficult to locate them after being lost.

Innovation Solution

Implement power-off findable control logic in the power management module to maintain power to the communication chip, such as a Bluetooth chip, using existing hardware to enable it to send broadcasts even after the device is powered off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the terminal device is powered off to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to send Bluetooth broadcasts is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidbroadcast capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power management into separate domains: the main processor is powered off to save energy, while the Bluetooth chip is independently powered on through a separate power control path. This segmentation allows the Bluetooth module to maintain broadcast capability independently of the main device power state, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and broadcast reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power management where the Bluetooth chip's power state is dynamically controlled based on device status. When the device is lost or stolen, the Bluetooth chip remains powered on to enable broadcasting. The power management module dynamically switches power supply states to balance energy consumption and functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the Bluetooth chip is continuously powered on to maintain broadcast capability, then location tracking reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation tracking capabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The Bluetooth chip operates in periodic cycles rather than continuous operation. It broadcasts location information at intervals and enters low-power states between broadcasts. This periodic operation maintains location tracking capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power supply parameters dynamically based on device state. When the device is normal, the Bluetooth chip uses low power mode. When the device is detected as lost or stolen, the power supply parameters are adjusted to maintain full broadcast capability. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption to actual reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If hardware customization is implemented to maintain Bluetooth chip power, then broadcast capability after power-off is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepost-power-off broadcast capabilityVSAvoidhardware structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both normal device operation and post-power-off broadcast scenarios. The same power management hardware controls both the main processor and Bluetooth chip power states, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware circuits. This universal design maintains broadcast capability without increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its existing power management resources to serve the dual purpose of normal operation and loss prevention. The power management module automatically manages the Bluetooth chip's power state based on device status without requiring external hardware additions. This self-service approach achieves the desired reliability improvement while avoiding increased hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4718881A1Method for acquiring position information of device, and device and system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4718881A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4718881A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4718881A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application discloses a method for obtaining device location information, a device, and a system, which relate to the field of terminal technologies, to help a user quickly find a lost terminal device by providing a more economical, simpler, and easier-to-implement solution for obtaining location information of the terminal device that is powered off after being lost,. In this application, software (for example, pin control logic) is improved based on existing hardware of the terminal device to normally supply power to and enable a related power-off findable module, for example, a Bluetooth chip, an ultra-wideband radio (ultra-wideband radio, UWB) chip, or an audio amplifier, after the terminal device is powered off due to being lost, so that the module can work normally, thereby helping the user quickly find the terminal device. This improves user experience.