Wired Accessory Location Using Stored Disconnection Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessories for electronic devices, such as wired headphones, adaptor cables, power cables, keyboards, docking stations, and speakers, often lack the ability to transmit signals, making them difficult to locate when misplaced or lost.
Innovation Solution
Electronic devices are equipped with methods to detect parameters associated with accessory disconnection, store this information, and provide it to users upon request to aid in locating the accessories, including last use details and proximity information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If accessories are made without signal transmission capability (wired headphones, cables, keyboards), then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the ability to locate misplaced accessories is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic device (such as a smartphone or computing device) that acts as a mediator between the user and the non-smart accessory. This intermediary device stores and provides accessory location information when the user requests it, enabling location tracking without modifying the accessory itself. The intermediary maintains a record of accessory connections and disconnections, allowing the user to retrieve location data even though the accessory lacks its own transmission capability.
2Ease of operation
If accessories have limited signal transmission ability (wireless headphones with limited range), then ease of operation is improved, but the effective transmission range and locability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary electronic device extends the effective range and reliability of accessory location tracking. When wireless headphones or other limited-range accessories disconnect, the intermediary device uses its own communication capabilities and stored information to provide location data beyond the accessory's native transmission range, ensuring reliable location information regardless of the accessory's limited signal ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by storing accessory connection and disconnection information in advance in the intermediary device. This pre-stored information includes location data captured at the moment of disconnection, allowing the user to retrieve accurate location information later even when the accessory is out of range or unable to transmit signals.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for locating accessories of an electronic device are provided. In one example, a method may include detecting parameters associated with disconnecting an accessory from the electronic device. The electronic device, or an associated device, may store the detected parameters so that the detected parameters are accessible if the accessory becomes lost. The electronic device may receive a request from a user of the electronic device for assistance in locating the accessory. In response to the request for assistance in locating the accessory, the electronic device may provide the stored parameters to the user of the electronic device to aid them in searching for their lost accessory.