RFID-Based Mobile Device Silencing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audible alerts from mobile communication devices are often inappropriate or prohibited in certain venues, and existing signage and notices are not effective in silencing them, especially in high-traffic areas.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using RFID devices and RF transmitters to send silencing signals to communication devices, allowing users to select silencing options or automatically adjust the audible alerting functions, ensuring devices are silent in designated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signage and notices are used to instruct users to adjust communication devices, then the system is simple and low-cost, but effectiveness is poor especially in high traffic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual approach of signage with an electromagnetic field-based RFID system. RF transmitters emit electromagnetic signals that are received by RFID devices in communication devices, automatically triggering silencing without requiring visual attention or manual intervention from users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service silencing where communication devices automatically detect their location through RFID signals and adjust their own audible alert settings without user action. The device serves itself by interpreting RF signals and autonomously modifying its alert function based on the received silencing signal.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required for silencing devices, then user control is maintained, but compliance is reduced especially in high traffic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device performs self-service by automatically detecting RF silencing signals and adjusting its own audible alert function without requiring user awareness or manual operation. This maintains ease of operation through automation while ensuring compliance in high-traffic environments where users cannot be expected to read or respond to signage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by pre-configuring the RFID communication devices and RF transmitters before use. When a user enters a silencing zone, the system is already in place to automatically detect and respond with silencing signals, eliminating the need for user action at the moment of entry.
3Extent of automation
If RF transmitters and RFID devices are deployed, then automatic silencing is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by utilizing existing RFID technology components that can serve multiple functions. The RF transmitters and RFID devices in communication devices are not dedicated solely to silencing but can also provide location identification, access control, and other communication functions, thereby reducing the incremental complexity of adding silencing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of RFID communication between the silencing authority (RF transmitters) and the communication devices. This intermediary uses standardized RF protocols and existing hardware components, avoiding the need for direct complex integration between silencing control systems and device alert mechanisms.
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
Effectively silences mobile communication devices in specific locations, enhancing user compliance with quiet policies without requiring manual intervention, while allowing for exceptions like emergency personnel.
Implementation Method 1
An RF transmitter can transmit an RF signal for receipt by a communication device
Implementation Method 2
The RFID device can provide the silencing signal in response to an RF signal received from a remote RF transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for silencing communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a silencing system having a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver of a mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of the mobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RF signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.