Wireless Transmit Circuitry for Lost Device Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, cannot be easily localized when they are powered off due to low battery or manually turned off, as existing methods rely on the device being operational to broadcast its location.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wireless transmit circuitry that can switch to a low-power broadcasting mode even when the device's processing circuitry is in a non-active low-power consuming mode, using a separate power source if necessary, to continuously broadcast a signal that can be detected by other devices, allowing for localization even when the device is powered off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the processing circuitry is switched to non-active low power consuming mode, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to broadcast location signal is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into two independent power domains: the processing circuitry (main system) and the wireless transmit circuitry (location signaling system). Each can be powered independently, allowing the processing circuitry to enter low-power mode while the transmit circuitry remains operational to continue broadcasting location signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power management unit as an intermediary that controls power distribution to different components. This mediator can selectively power the wireless transmit circuitry even when the main processing circuitry is powered down, enabling continuous location signaling independent of the main system state.
2Reliability
If the wireless transmit circuitry remains active to broadcast signal, then localization capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmit circuitry is configured to broadcast location signals periodically rather than continuously. This periodic transmission maintains localization capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous broadcasting, allowing the device to operate in low-power mode for extended periods.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a separate power source is used for transmit circuitry, then broadcasting capability is extended beyond main battery life, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a separate power source (such as a backup battery or energy harvesting component) that is pre-configured to power the wireless transmit circuitry. This ensures that when the main battery is depleted, the location signaling function can continue operating without requiring complex real-time power management decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to broadcast a wireless signal when a processing circuitry of the apparatus is in a non-active state. The broadcasted signals can be used to localize the apparatus when the apparatus is lost. The apparatus has a first processing circuitry configured to operate in an active power consuming mode and a non-active low power consuming mode. The apparatus further has a wireless transmit circuitry configured to be in an active mode and broadcast a wireless signal when the first processing circuitry switches operation mode from the active mode to the non-active mode. The first processing circuitry is powered by a battery supply, and the first processing circuitry may be configured to automatically switch from the active mode to the non-active mode when the supply voltage provided by the battery supply decreases below a threshold voltage, whereby the wireless circuitry will be broadcasting.