UWB Location Tracking for Automatic Device Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronics devices lack sufficient fine-grain location tracking capabilities indoors, leading to inaccurate human presence detection and frustration in device operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing ultra-wideband (UWB) location tracking technology in devices to determine the presence of a second device within a predetermined area, allowing for automatic unlocking or awakening of the first device without the need for a passcode or password, and adjusting power modes based on the presence and usage of the second device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultra-wideband location tracking is implemented to improve human presence detection accuracy, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an ultra-wideband transceiver as an intermediary component to enable precise location tracking between devices. This specialized hardware module acts as a mediator that facilitates accurate distance and presence detection without requiring complex software algorithms, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the overall system architecture manageable through dedicated hardware functionality.
2Ease of operation
If automatic unlocking is enabled based on location tracking, then ease of operation improves, but security reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location tracking and device identification before triggering the unlock action. By continuously monitoring the presence and location of authorized devices in advance, the system ensures that automatic unlocking only occurs when predetermined conditions are met, thereby maintaining security reliability while enabling convenient operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors location data and device presence status, and adjusts its unlocking behavior based on this feedback. The system verifies that the tracked device remains in the expected location and maintains proper communication before completing the unlock operation, providing multiple layers of verification that balance ease of operation with security reliability.
3Measurement precision
If continuous location tracking is performed to improve presence detection accuracy, then energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic location tracking instead of continuous monitoring. The ultra-wideband transceiver performs location measurements at predetermined intervals and only triggers unlocking or power mode changes when specific conditions are met during these periodic checks. This approach maintains adequate presence detection accuracy for the intended applications while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous tracking.
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
Enhances accurate user presence detection, reduces false triggers, and allows for seamless device operation by automatically unlocking or awakening when the user is within a specific area, while conserving power when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
track a location of a second device different from the first device using one or more ultra-wideband (UWB) signals received from the second device via the UWB transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a first device may include at least one processor, an ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver accessible to the at least one processor, and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage may include instructions executable by the at least one processor to track a location of a second device different from the first device using one or more UWB signals received from the second device via the UWB transceiver. The instructions may also be executable to unlock and/or awaken the first device responsive to a determination, based on the tracking of the location of the second device, that the second device is within a predetermined area of the first device.