Wireless Device Locator for Misplaced Accessories
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless accessories such as earpieces, keyboards, and speakers are frequently lost or misplaced due to their small size and expensive nature, making users hesitant to purchase them as they are difficult to replace.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a wireless device with location logic to search for and detect signals from misplaced accessories, displaying location information to the user, and optionally activating the accessory to emit alerts for easier retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless accessories are made small and portable, then ease of carrying is improved, but ease of locating when misplaced deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless device acts as an intermediary between the user and the misplaced wireless accessory. The wireless device transmits signals to the accessory and relays location information back to the user, enabling indirect detection of the small accessory that would otherwise be undetectable to the human senses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual searching methods with electronic signal transmission and automated detection. Instead of physically searching for the accessory, the system uses wireless signals to automatically detect and communicate the accessory's location, substituting mechanical search actions with electronic detection processes.
2Productivity
If wireless accessories are used frequently, then productivity is improved, but loss of time due to misplacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring and tracking the wireless accessory's location and status. When the accessory is misplaced, the location information is already available or can be quickly retrieved, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual search and enabling rapid recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing real-time or near-real-time location information about the wireless accessory to the user. This feedback loop allows users to quickly understand where their accessory is located without manual searching, significantly reducing the time lost to misplacement.
3Duration of action of moving object
If wireless accessories have long battery duration, then duration of action is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to deep-sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device serves as an intermediary that can detect and communicate with the wireless accessory even when it is in deep-sleep mode. The intermediary transceiver system can wake up or detect signals from the sleeping accessory, bridging the gap between the inactive accessory and the active user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic signal transmission to check for the presence and location of wireless accessories. Even when accessories are in deep-sleep mode, periodic wake-up signals or detection pulses can elicit responses, allowing the system to locate sleeping accessories without requiring them to remain fully active.
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 users to quickly and efficiently locate misplaced wireless accessories, saving time and money by providing directional guidance and alerts based on signal strength, even when the accessories are in deep-sleep mode or have low battery power.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver configured to transmit the signal to the wireless accessory and receive location information from the wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for locating a wireless accessory. User input to search for the wireless accessory is received. A determination is made whether a signal is received from the wireless accessory. Location information is displayed to a user in response to detecting the signal from the wireless accessory.