Wireless Range Measurement via Negotiated Signal Schemes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack an efficient method for accurately measuring distance between devices using wireless signals and sound signals, which is essential for various applications such as proximity-based services and device interoperation.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that negotiate between electronic devices to select the best distance measurement scheme from a plurality of schemes, using a combination of wireless and sound signals to determine the distance between them, considering device characteristics and scenarios like TV screen mirroring or location-based services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple measurement schemes are provided for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to negotiation and selection processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement scheme negotiation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection of measurement schemes based on real-time negotiation between devices. The system adapts the measurement approach (wireless signal only, sound signal only, or combined) according to device capabilities and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction by making the measurement system flexible rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal measurement framework that can operate with multiple different schemes (wireless signals, sound signals, or combinations). This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve high precision across diverse device types and scenarios without requiring each device to be optimized for a single measurement method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If wireless signals and sound signals are combined for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to scheme selection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement scheme selection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables devices to automatically negotiate and select the appropriate measurement scheme without user intervention. The devices self-determine their capabilities, exchange information, and autonomously choose the best measurement approach, eliminating the operational burden on users while maintaining high precision through scheme selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If negotiation process is implemented between devices, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to negotiation overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement scheme adaptabilityVSAvoidnegotiation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs capability exchange and scheme negotiation in advance, before the actual distance measurement is needed. By preparing the measurement scheme selection beforehand, the system reduces time loss during critical measurement moments while maintaining high adaptability through pre-negotiated capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 accurate distance measurement with effective error ranges, allowing for precise proximity detection and enabling applications like video mirroring, payment triggers, and location-based services by selecting the appropriate measurement scheme based on device capabilities and scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

determining a measurement scheme among a plurality of measurement schemes using at least one of a wireless signal and a sound signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

determining a measurement scheme among a plurality of measurement schemes using at least one of a wireless signal and a sound signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound signal propagation: Speed of Sound

Data Source

PatentUS10591589B2Apparatus and method for measuring wireless range
Publication Date: 2020.03.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10591589B2 patent drawing
  • US10591589B2 patent drawing
  • US10591589B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus of a first electronic device in a wireless communication system comprises at least one transceiver and at least one processor operatively coupled to the at least one transceiver. The at least one processor is configured to negotiate with a second electronic device, determine a measurement scheme selected from a plurality of measurement schemes using at least one of a wireless signal and a sound signal, based on a result of the negotiation with the second electronic device, and determine a distance between the first electronic device and the second electronic device according to the measurement scheme.