Handheld Wireless Device Location via RF Paging and Audio Visual Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices lack an efficient method for locating misplaced or lost devices within a network, particularly in home automation scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a handheld wireless communication device and an adjunct device that uses short-range wireless transceivers to transmit and receive RF paging signals, enabling the user to locate the device through visual and audio alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication devices are used in home automation networks, then device connectivity and automation capabilities are improved, but the ability to locate misplaced or lost devices within the network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile communication device transmits RF paging signals that are received by the adjunct device, which then provides visual and audio feedback to indicate the location of the mobile device. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by enabling location detection through active signal transmission and response monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjunct device serves as an intermediary between the mobile communication device and the user. It receives RF paging signals from the mobile device and converts them into visual and audio location indicators, thereby mediating the location detection process and solving the difficulty of detecting misplaced devices within the home automation network.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If short-range wireless transceivers are used to transmit RF paging signals, then device location capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic RF paging signal transmission instead of continuous transmission. The mobile communication device transmits signals at specific intervals, and the adjunct device responds periodically with visual and audio indicators. This periodic action maintains location capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
The system effectively allows users to locate misplaced wireless communication devices by transmitting RF paging signals and receiving location signals, enhancing device management and reducing user frustration.
Implementation Method 1
uses short-range wireless transceivers to transmit and receive RF paging signals
Implementation Method 2
A light emitter generates visual alert signals
Implementation Method 3
A sound emitter generates audio alert signals
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device operates to: pair with a remote device, generate first control data to control an auxiliary device coupled to a home automation device also paired to the mobile communication device; establish a group of the plurality of home automation devices; generate second control data corresponding to the group of auxiliary devices associated with the group of the home automation devices; establish tasks, via user interaction with the graphical user interface, the tasks each having an associated action to be performed by one or more of the home automation devices; display a menu of the tasks; receive selection of a selected task; and generate third control data in response to selection of the selected task, transmits the third control data to the one or more of the home automation devices associated with the selected task to perform the associated action corresponding to the selected task.