Accessory Capability Array for Mobile Terminal Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile terminals are limited in supporting new accessories due to a fixed list of stored identification numbers, which restricts recognition and functionality of new accessories, and cannot be updated once manufactured.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal capable of reading, interpreting, and supporting accessory functions through a capability array with predefined fields, allowing each accessory function to operate in multiple modes, using a generic identification system that defines functions and modes within individual fields of a data block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed list of identification numbers is stored in the mobile terminal to recognize accessories, then the recognition of known accessories is reliable, but new accessories with unknown identification numbers cannot be recognized or supported
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory itself stores and provides its identification number and capability array to the mobile terminal, eliminating the need for the terminal to have a pre-stored database of all possible accessories. The accessory serves itself by carrying its own identification information
Solution Approach 2:
The capability array is prepared in advance in the accessory, containing all necessary information about supported functions and modes. This preliminary preparation allows the mobile terminal to immediately recognize and support the accessory without requiring software updates or lookups
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile terminal supports multiple modes for each accessory function, then the functionality and performance are improved, but the complexity of managing and identifying modes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capability array is segmented into multiple fields, with each field corresponding to a specific accessory function and its supported modes. This segmentation allows the mobile terminal to independently process each function and its modes without being overwhelmed by the overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each field in the capability array has a specific local quality or purpose, defining particular functions and modes. This allows the system to handle complexity locally at the field level rather than requiring global management of all functions and modes
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile terminal capable of supporting a plurality of accessory functions with one or more accessories, the mobile terminal capable of supporting each accessory function in two or more modes, and each accessory storing a capability array indicative of the capabilities of the accessory. The mobile terminal comprises reading means for reading a capability array from an accessory; interpreting means for interpreting a capability array read by the reading means in accordance with a predefined format as including one or more fields, each field corresponding to an accessory function; identifying means for identifying a mode of an accessory function in dependence on the content of a field of the capability array, the field corresponding to the accessory function; and supporting means responsive to the identifying means for supporting the accessory function with the accessory in the mode identified by the identifying means.