Smartphone Context-Aware App Invocation via Charger ID
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones face challenges in efficiently invoking appropriate applications based on their usage contexts due to the limitations of existing charging systems, which do not allow for differentiation between various charging units and thus cannot automatically execute specific operations or applications based on the device's location or environment.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates charger detection logic and identification logic in smartphones to determine a unique identifier for each charging unit, allowing the phone to select and invoke specific applications or modes of operation based on the attached charger, enabling context-aware execution of applications such as scheduling, navigation, or other functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a smartphone uses a standard charging system without unique identifier detection, then the charging function is simple and reliable, but the system cannot differentiate between various charging units and thus cannot automatically execute context-specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes associations between unique charging unit identifiers and specific applications or modes of operation in memory. When a charging unit is connected, the smartphone retrieves the pre-stored association based on the detected identifier and automatically invokes the corresponding application, eliminating the need for user intervention and enabling context-aware functionality without complex real-time decision logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a unique identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between the physical charging unit and the smartphone's application invocation system. The identifier serves as a key that links the charging unit to pre-configured applications or modes, allowing the system to differentiate between various charging units and trigger appropriate contexts without requiring complex direct analysis of charging unit characteristics
2Ease of operation
If the charging unit communicates unique identifier information to the smartphone, then the smartphone can automatically select and invoke appropriate applications, but additional communication and detection capabilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or physical identification methods with electrical signal-based communication. The charging unit transmits its unique identifier through electrical signals during the charging connection, and the smartphone's processor detects and reads these signals digitally. This substitution of electrical/digital methods for potential mechanical identification approaches simplifies the detection process and enables reliable identifier communication
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the unique identifier as a digital copy or representation of the charging unit's identity. Instead of directly analyzing physical characteristics of the charging unit, the system communicates and processes a simplified digital copy (the identifier) that uniquely represents the charging unit, enabling easy differentiation and association with specific applications without requiring complex physical analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for automatically executing an application program in a mobile phone (or other electronic device) upon coupling of the mobile phone to a charging unit. The system and method operate to communicate a unique charging unit identification to the mobile phone and, in response, have the mobile phone execute a particular application program (or other command or mode of operation) that is associated with the particular charging unit.