Detachable Display Unit for Communication Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Communication devices with single display units face difficulties in viewing large amounts of information during voice calls due to limited screen size, compromising ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A separate-type communication device with a detachable second display unit that allows easy viewing by separating from the call unit during voice calls, enabling dual display functionality for improved information visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single display unit is used in a compact communication device, then the device size is kept limited and portable, but the display area is insufficient for viewing large amounts of information at one time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is divided into two separate units: a first unit containing the transmitter and receiver for voice calls, and a second unit containing the display unit. This segmentation allows the display area to be expanded in the second unit while keeping the first unit compact for portability, resolving the contradiction between display area and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the user holds the communication device with the speaker in proximity to the ear for voice call, then voice call function is achieved, but the display unit becomes inaccessible for viewing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of use during voice callVSAvoidvisibility of display information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the communication device into two units, the user can hold the first unit (with speaker) to the ear for voice calls while simultaneously holding the second unit (with display) in the other hand to view information. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both voice call and display viewing to occur simultaneously without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit is extracted as a separate second unit from the main communication body. This allows the display function to be independently positioned and viewed while the primary communication unit is used for calling, eliminating the conflict between speaker proximity and display accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If the display unit size is increased to show more information, then information visibility is improved, but the device becomes less portable and more difficult to carry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into two separate units that can be carried independently. The second unit can have a larger display area optimized for information viewing, while the first unit remains compact for portability. When not in use, the units can be separated or the second unit can be placed in a pocket, maintaining overall portability while enabling large display capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2866423B1Communication device, control method of a communication device, and program
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 NEC CORP
  • EP2866423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2866423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2866423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication device comprises: a first unit that is provided with a first display unit, a transmitter unit, and a receiver unit, a second unit that is detachably attached to the first unit and that is provided with a second display unit; an input unit; a communication unit that transmits a voice signal from the transmitter unit to a communication partner and that inputs to the receiver unit a voice signal from the communication partner; a detection unit that detects whether the first and second unit are in a separated state; and a control unit that executes an application, displays images that correspond to the execution of the application on the first and second display units, and when voice call is to be carried out, and moreover, when the detection result indicates that the first and second unit are in the separated state, displays images on the second display unit.