Ultrasonic Device Positioning for Cross-Device Setup-Free Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods require manual setup of relative location relationships between multiple electronic devices for cross-device operations, making them cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first electronic device sending indication information to enable sound recording functions and ultrasonic signals with varying frequencies to automatically determine and communicate relative location relationships among multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setup of relative location relationships is implemented, then device compatibility and operational reliability are improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines relative location relationships between devices using ultrasonic signals and time difference of arrival calculations, eliminating the need for manual configuration. Each device autonomously participates in the positioning process by transmitting and receiving signals, making the system self-configuring and adaptive to different device arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning calibration by having devices exchange ultrasonic signals and calculate relative locations before actual cross-device operations begin. This preliminary action establishes the spatial relationship data structure needed for subsequent automatic cursor movement and drag operations, preventing the need for manual setup during actual use.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration of device locations is performed, then positioning accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration with an acoustic field-based automatic positioning system. Ultrasonic signals are transmitted between devices, and the system calculates relative locations based on time difference of arrival (TDOA), substituting manual measurement and configuration with automated acoustic sensing and computational geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses varying frequency ultrasonic signals to encode different information and improve positioning accuracy. By changing signal parameters (frequency, timing) and analyzing time differences, the system achieves precise location determination without manual intervention, transforming physical device positions into measurable temporal signal parameters.
3Ease of operation
If automatic location identification is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal positioning protocol that works across different device types (computers, tablets, smartphones) using standard ultrasonic transducers and microphones. The same TDOA-based algorithm applies regardless of device form factor, allowing automatic location identification without requiring device-specific configurations or specialized hardware beyond basic audio components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces ultrasonic signals as an intermediary carrier to convey spatial relationship information between devices. Rather than devices directly exchanging complex configuration data, they use acoustic waves as a medium to implicitly communicate their relative positions, simplifying the interaction model while enabling automatic positioning.
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
Enables simple and convenient cross-device operations like cursor movement, copy, and drag without manual setup, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first electronic device sends second indication information to a third electronic device, where the second indication information indicates the third electronic device to send an ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic signal is alternately sent via a first speaker with a progressively decreasing frequency and via a second speaker with a progressively increasing frequency
Implementation Method 3
the first electronic device receives the relative location relationship between each of the at least two second electronic devices and the third electronic device that is sent by each of the at least two second electronic devices
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A
Figure 4B
AI summary
A location identification method and an electronic device are provided. A first electronic device indicates at least two second electronic devices to enable respective sound recording functions, and indicates a third electronic device to send an ultrasonic signal. After enabling the sound recording functions, the at least two second electronic devices determine a relative location relationship between each of the at least two second electronic devices and the third electronic device based on respectively detected ultrasonic signals, and then send the relative location relationship between each of the at least two second electronic devices and the third electronic device to the first electronic device. Finally, the first electronic device sends the relative location relationship between each of the at least two second electronic devices and the third electronic device to the at least two second electronic devices and the third electronic device, or determines a relative location relationship between every two of the plurality of electronic devices based on the relative location relationship between each of the at least two second electronic devices and the third electronic device that is sent by each of the at least two second electronic devices. According to this method, a user does not need to manually set the relative location relationship between every two of the plurality of devices. Therefore, an operation is simple and convenient.