Content Sharing Interface Using Signal Strength Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in intuitively recognizing and selecting communication modes for establishing connections with other devices using different communication methods in 5G communication systems, particularly when multiple devices are present, as existing methods lack clear indication and selection mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A first electronic device equipped with a control unit, input unit, and communication unit that recognizes touch inputs for content transmission or reception, and transmits or receives contents based on signal strength, using low-energy communication, WLAN, or mobile communication methods, and indicates possible content transmission or reception to the user, facilitating connection establishment with other devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a list of multiple terminals is displayed for D2D communication selection, then the user can see available devices, but the user cannot intuitively recognize or easily select the desired terminal among multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal identification informationVSAvoidterminal selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by displaying different colors or color intensities to represent different communication modes (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Cellular) and signal strengths. This visual encoding allows users to intuitively recognize terminal characteristics and communication capabilities without reading detailed technical specifications, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing comprehensive terminal information and enabling easy selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces additional visual dimensions such as color, brightness, and graphical icons to represent communication mode and signal strength. Instead of relying solely on text-based terminal lists, the system adds visual layers of information that enable users to quickly distinguish between different terminals and their communication capabilities, making the selection process more intuitive and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication methods are supported for device connectivity, then the system can connect with diverse devices, but the user cannot easily determine or select the appropriate communication mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication method compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication mode selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color-coded indicators to represent different communication modes (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Cellular). Each communication method is assigned distinct visual characteristics, allowing users to immediately identify which communication modes are available and compatible with the target device. This visual encoding system resolves the complexity of multi-mode communication selection by translating technical communication protocols into intuitive visual cues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal visual interface that can represent multiple communication modes and their compatibility status through a unified display mechanism. The system uses consistent visual elements (colors, icons, intensity levels) across different communication methods, creating a universal language for communication mode indication that works regardless of the specific protocol being used, thereby simplifying user interaction with diverse communication technologies.

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

3Productivity

If signal strength based selection is implemented for content transmission, then the system can automatically choose optimal communication mode, but the user loses manual control over communication method selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent transmission efficiencyVSAvoiduser control over communication mode
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor signal strength and communication quality, then provide real-time visual feedback to the user through color changes and icon updates. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically evaluate optimal communication modes based on current signal conditions while simultaneously presenting these options to the user for final selection. The feedback mechanism bridges automatic system decision-making with user control by making the system's recommendations transparent and selectable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic selection interface where the recommended communication mode changes in real-time based on signal strength fluctuations. The visual indicators dynamically update to reflect current communication quality, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining user agency. Users can observe the dynamic changes in signal quality and communication mode recommendations, then make informed decisions about whether to accept automatic selections or choose alternative modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3200553B1Device and method for sharing contents in electronic device with other electronic device
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3200553B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3200553B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3200553B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A first electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a control unit, an input unit, an output unit and a communication unit. The input unit recognizes occurrence of a touch input for transmitting or receiving contents, and the communication unit, on the basis of the received signal strength of a search signal or a response signal received from at least one other electronic device, transmits the contents to the at least one other electronic device or receives the contents from the at least one other electronic device.