Convertible Laptop Peripheral Mode via Orientation Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Convertible laptops face challenges in seamlessly transitioning between modes of operation, particularly in efficiently utilizing peripheral devices with external display systems without requiring additional authentication or complex setup processes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of sensors and an operating mode manager in convertible laptops that detect orientation changes and automatically transition to peripheral mode, enabling near-field communication with external display systems for seamless interaction and authentication, allowing users to control external content using built-in input devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If convertible laptops automatically transition to peripheral mode using sensors and operating mode manager, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mode transitionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting device orientation changes using sensors before the user needs to switch modes. The operating mode manager proactively transitions the device to peripheral mode based on detected orientation, eliminating the need for manual mode switching and reducing user effort while maintaining automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The convertible laptop serves itself by automatically detecting its own orientation changes and autonomously transitioning between operational modes. The system uses its built-in sensors and operating mode manager to self-determine when peripheral mode is appropriate and executes the mode transition without external user intervention, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If convertible laptops enable near-field communication with external display systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to external displaysVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The convertible laptop implements near-field communication capabilities that enable it to work with multiple types of external display systems universally. The same NFC hardware and software infrastructure supports connection to various external displays without requiring device-specific configurations, enhancing adaptability while avoiding the need for multiple specialized communication modules.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The operating mode manager acts as an intermediary that coordinates the near-field communication process between the convertible laptop and external display systems. It manages the authentication and connection establishment, abstracting the complexity of NFC protocols and external display configurations from the user while enabling versatile adaptability to different display devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automatic mode transition is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor device orientation and provide real-time information to the operating mode manager. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts its operational mode, enabling rapid transition between laptop and peripheral modes without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity for users who frequently switch between usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The operating mode manager performs preliminary actions by detecting orientation changes and preparing for mode transition before the user actually needs to use the device in the new configuration. This proactive approach minimizes setup time and allows users to immediately begin productive work in the detected configuration, enhancing overall productivity despite the added system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3491484B1Peripheral mode for convertible laptops
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3491484B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3491484B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3491484B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

In one general aspect, a method can include determining that a computing device is in a peripheral mode of operation based on an orientation of a lid portion with respect to a base portion, the orientation allowing access to one or more input devices included in an input area included in the base portion. The method further includes entering a broadcast discovery mode when the computing device is in the peripheral mode of operation, connecting the computing device to a display system listening for broadcasts, sending, to the display system, network credentials and user credentials associated with the computing device, receiving, by the computing device and from a computer system, a request to confirm the connection between the computing device and the display system, and providing, by the computing device, to the computer system, confirmation of the connection between the computing device and the display system.