How One Phone Can Remotely Control Another When Nearby
A system where one smartphone automatically connects to and controls another nearby phone, acting as a remote screen and input device when the second phone is not being used.
Original patent title: “Proximity based operating of a mobile computing device using another mobile computing device”
A system where one smartphone automatically connects to and controls another nearby phone, acting as a remote screen and input device when the second phone is not being used. Granted to Individual in 2024 with 23 claims.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a method for two smartphones to form a master-accessory relationship based on physical proximity. When the phones are within one meter of each other and the 'second' phone is inactive, the 'first' phone automatically links to it via a wireless connection. Once linked, the first phone acts as a remote interface, displaying the second phone's apps—such as music players or camera controls—and sending user inputs back to the second phone. This allows a user to operate a phone that is tucked away or otherwise inaccessible by using the phone currently in their hand.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover connections made over distances greater than one meter.
- Does not cover scenarios where the second phone is already being actively used by a person.
- Does not cover systems that require manual pairing or user-initiated connection steps.
- Does not cover control of devices that are not mobile phones with touch screens.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The system uses the state of the second phone's screen and the physical proximity of the devices as a trigger to automatically establish a remote control session without manual discovery or pairing.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Using a primary phone to control music playing on a secondary phone left in a bag.
Operating a secondary phone's camera remotely from a primary phone.
Accessing apps on a work phone using a personal phone interface.
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology addresses the friction of switching between multiple mobile devices. By allowing one device to act as a proxy for another, it enables a seamless transition of control, which is useful for users carrying work and personal phones or managing multiple mobile devices in a single environment.
Filed
January 10, 2024
Granted
September 24, 2024
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
The patent is held by individual inventors, suggesting it is currently an independent intellectual property asset. Major smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung have explored similar 'continuity' or 'multi-device' ecosystems, though this specific patent focuses on a proximity-based, automatic accessory model.
Market impact
This patent formalizes a specific trigger mechanism for device-to-device remote control. It potentially impacts the development of multi-device management software, aiming to reduce the manual overhead of switching between multiple handsets in a user's possession.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a method for two smartphones to form a master-accessory relationship based on physical proximity. When the phones are within one meter of each other and the 'second' phone is inactive, the 'first' phone automatically links to it via a wireless connection. Once linked, the first phone acts as a remote interface, displaying the second phone's apps—such as music players or camera controls—and sending user inputs back to the second phone. This allows a user to operate a phone that is tucked away or otherwise inaccessible by using the phone currently in their hand.
The clever bit
The system uses the state of the second phone's screen and the physical proximity of the devices as a trigger to automatically establish a remote control session without manual discovery or pairing.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover connections made over distances greater than one meter.
- Does not cover scenarios where the second phone is already being actively used by a person.
- Does not cover systems that require manual pairing or user-initiated connection steps.
- Does not cover control of devices that are not mobile phones with touch screens.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$33K – $105K
Midpoint $66K · 17.6 yr remaining · industry ×1.4
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Kaplan, M. E., Paschke, E. F., & Kaplan, M. C. (2024). How One Phone Can Remotely Control Another When Nearby (U.S. Patent No. 12,101,428). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12101428/vision-pro-foveated-rendering
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How One Phone Can Remotely Control Another When Nearby cover?
A system where one smartphone automatically connects to and controls another nearby phone, acting as a remote screen and input device when the second phone is not being used.
Who owns patent US 12101428?
Individual owns this patent, granted in 2024.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 24, 2044, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology addresses the friction of switching between multiple mobile devices. By allowing one device to act as a proxy for another, it enables a seamless transition of control, which is useful for users carrying work and personal phones or managing multiple mobile devices in a single environment.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover connections made over distances greater than one meter.
Same assignee
More from Individual
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