Handheld Wireless Device Location Tracking via Directional Antennas
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication devices lack an effective method for locating misplaced devices, especially in environments where traditional tracking methods are inefficient or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A handheld wireless communication device and adjunct device system that uses short-range wireless transceivers to broadcast and receive RF paging signals, along with directional antennas, to help users locate misplaced devices through visual and audio cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional wireless communication devices are used without location tracking features, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to locate misplaced devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single wireless communication device: standard communication capabilities, short-range wireless transceiver for location signals, directional antenna system, and visual/audio feedback mechanisms. This integration allows the device to provide location tracking without requiring separate dedicated devices, resolving the contradiction between enhanced location detection and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device can autonomously respond to location requests by emitting detectable signals through its built-in transceiver and antenna systems. When a user initiates a location request, the device automatically broadcasts its position information and responds to directional queries without requiring external tracking infrastructure, enabling self-service location tracking
2Measurement precision
If short-range wireless transceivers and directional antennas are added to enable location tracking, then location detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple directional elements that can be independently controlled to scan different spatial sectors. This segmentation allows the device to determine direction of incoming signals by identifying which antenna element receives the strongest signal, achieving precise location detection through divided functional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a base station or server as an intermediary that coordinates location requests and processes signals from multiple devices. This intermediary manages the complexity of multi-device tracking by centralizing the coordination logic, allowing individual devices to maintain simpler hardware configurations while still achieving precise location detection through the networked system
3Ease of operation
If visual and audio feedback mechanisms are implemented, then ease of operation for locating devices is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual and audio feedback mechanisms operate periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The device activates these feedback systems only when a location request is received or when triggered by specific events, allowing users to locate the device through intermittent visual/audio cues while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback through visual displays and audio outputs that indicate its current status, battery level, and response to location requests. This feedback mechanism enables users to efficiently locate the device by observing visual cues or hearing audio signals without requiring continuous high-energy operation of all device components
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication protocols are supported, then adaptability to different networks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication device is designed with multi-functional capability to operate across multiple wireless protocols and network types. The device can function as a cellular phone, wireless data device, and location tracking device simultaneously, supporting various communication standards through integrated multi-mode transceivers that handle different protocols without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function
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 efficient location of misplaced devices by providing visual and audio feedback, allowing users to pinpoint the device's position using signal strength and directional indicators, even when batteries are low or in crowded wireless environments.
Implementation Method 1
transmits an RF paging signal
Implementation Method 2
receives the RF paging signal
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include, for example, a wireless device that includes a short-range wireless transceiver to communicate RF signals including a beacon signal to identify the wireless device and to facilitate the association of the wireless device with the plurality of mobile communication devices in proximity to the wireless device. Each corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes a mobile communication device processor that executes a student application, downloaded from an app store associated with the operating system of the corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices that facilitates location of the corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices. Attendance data is stored indicating that a student associated each corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices is in a classroom associated with the wireless device. Other embodiments are disclosed.