Wireless Proximity Detection via Path Loss Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices require physical tapping or bumping to initiate data transfer or transactions, which is not always desirable and is limited to close proximity.

Innovation Solution

A wireless mobile device determines its proximity to a signal source by receiving and analyzing packets to calculate the path loss value, allowing it to assess whether the distance is sufficient for a data transfer or transaction without physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical tapping or bumping is used to initiate data transfer, then data transfer can be initiated, but the operation is limited to close proximity and requires physical contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidproximity flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tapping/bumping system with an electromagnetic signal-based proximity detection system. The wireless device uses signal strength measurements (RSSI) and path loss calculations to detect proximity without requiring physical contact, thereby substituting mechanical interaction with electromagnetic field-based detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from physical contact (mechanical) to wireless signal characteristics (electromagnetic). By measuring signal strength and calculating path loss, the system transforms the proximity detection parameter from a mechanical threshold to a variable electromagnetic parameter that can detect distances beyond physical contact range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If physical tapping is required, then data transfer can be initiated reliably, but the system lacks flexibility for various distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer initiation reliabilityVSAvoiddistance flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the detection parameter from binary physical contact to continuous wireless signal strength measurements. By calculating path loss from RSSI values, the system creates a continuous distance metric that maintains reliability through threshold-based detection while enabling flexibility across various distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring wireless signal strength and using it to determine proximity status. The system receives packets, measures signal strength, calculates path loss, and uses this feedback loop to reliably detect when the device is within proximity for data transfer, adapting to varying distances through continuous measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If wireless signal strength is used for proximity detection, then proximity can be detected without physical contact, but calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless operationVSAvoidcalculation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based operation with wireless signal-based detection, achieving contactless operation. The system receives wireless packets, measures signal strength, and uses path loss calculations to determine proximity, replacing the need for physical interaction while managing computational complexity through standardized wireless communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 wireless devices to initiate data transfers or transactions at various distances, enhancing convenience and flexibility by eliminating the need for physical contact.

Implementation Method 1

calculate from the information stored for all the packets, a current path loss value corresponding to a current distance from the wireless mobile device to the signal source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPath loss:

Data Source

PatentUS10306447B2Proximity and tap detection using a wireless system

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

A method for detecting the proximity of a signal source using wireless systems is contemplated in which a wireless mobile device wirelessly receives packets from a signal source and determines a received signal strength for each packet. The wireless mobile device may store information based upon the received signal strength for each packet, and calculate from the information stored for all the packets, a current path loss value corresponding to a current distance from the wireless mobile device to the signal source. The wireless mobile device may then determine whether the current distance is sufficient to be an enabling condition such as tap, for example, for a data transfer or a transaction between the wireless mobile device and the signal source.