Calculator Function Disabling via Memory Card

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic calculators with multiple functions are inconvenient as they require a separate cap to switch between all-function and disabled modes, increasing parts and manufacturing costs, and limiting the ability to selectively disable functions based on user needs, especially in educational settings where specific functions need to be restricted during exams.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a recording medium unit for storing function disabling information, a reading unit to read this information, and a function disabling unit that temporarily disables specific functions based on this data, along with a display unit to inform users of disabled functions, allowing users to select and manage function availability through a memory card.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate cap is used to switch between all-function and disabled modes, then function switching capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction switching capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function switching capability directly into the calculator body by providing a switch unit integrated with the housing, eliminating the need for a separate cap. The switch unit includes a switch body and switch member that can be operated to change the operational state of the calculator between all-function mode and disabled mode, consolidating what was previously a separate accessory into the main device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate cap is used to switch between all-function and disabled modes, then function switching capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction switching capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If functions are disabled using a separate cap, then function restriction is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction restriction capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If a fixed set of functions is disabled by default, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidselective function disabling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic function disabling mechanism where the calculator can selectively disable specific functions based on stored disabling information. The control unit reads disabling information from a recording medium and selectively disables functions such as functional calculus, program calculus, or matrix operations while leaving other functions operational, allowing flexible adaptation to different usage scenarios like examinations or normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7840621B2Electronic apparatus and its control program

Publication Date: 2010.11.23 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

In an electronic apparatus having multiple functions such as a scientific electronic calculator, some of the multiple functions are set to be disabled according to need. Function disabling information (protection data) including disabled applications, protect display screen and protection period is stored on a memory card. When the memory card installed in a card slot of the electronic apparatus is detected, the function disabling information is read out and transferred onto corresponding memory areas of a system area in a flash ROM of the apparatus, and a protection display screen is displayed on a display unit, indicating that some of the multiple functions are disabled. Then, only “EXE” key operation is accepted and the function corresponding to the disabled application is disabled, and a function selecting menu screen is displayed, in which a start-up disabled mark M is added to an icon of the disabled application and a protection remaining time T is added.