Wireless Beacon Tracking for Left-Behind Peripheral Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of peripheral devices being unintentionally left behind when mobile computing devices are moved from one location to another due to wireless connectivity, leading to potential loss or theft, is addressed by implementing a system that utilizes geofencing information and Bluetooth device tracking to generate real-time alerts.

Innovation Solution

A mobile computing device equipped with software modules for automatic geofence motion detection and Bluetooth device monitoring, which activates notifications when peripheral devices are no longer in proximity, utilizing existing wireless communication channels without additional hardware, and provides user interfaces for efficient management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If wireless communication channels are used to connect peripheral devices to mobile computing devices, then device portability and mobility are improved, but the risk of leaving peripheral devices behind increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoiddevice tracking reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the wireless connection status between the mobile computing device and peripheral devices, providing real-time feedback about device presence and connection state, enabling automatic alerts when devices are separated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment (physical connection) with wireless communication channels for device connectivity, allowing devices to be separated without physical constraint while maintaining monitoring capability through software-based tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If additional hardware is added for device tracking, then device monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile computing device's existing wireless communication module is made multi-functional, serving both for device connectivity and for tracking peripheral devices, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the mobile computing device's own existing resources (wireless communication module, processor, memory) to perform device tracking and monitoring functions, without requiring external or additional specialized hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12507197B2Management of peripheral devices using wireless beacon signals

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

In an example, a computing device in a particular region is detected based on receipt by the computing device of a wireless beacon signal. A peripheral device connected to the computing device is identified in response to the detection. A location of the peripheral device is determined in response to a determination that the computing device has been moved to outside the particular region. A lost device notification is activated in response to the location being inside the particular region.