Dynamic Device Skins Using Mixed Display Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices face limited options to customize their appearance, with traditional methods like protective cases and stickers being costly and aesthetically unappealing, and existing technologies not allowing for dynamic customization of device exteriors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple display elements with differing characteristics, such as dynamic LCD/OLED and static EPD/e-ink screens, allowing for customizable themes and interactive input on various device regions, enabling users to change the appearance of electronic devices through software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protective cases with specific color or design are purchased to make the device stand out, then the device appearance is customized, but the cost increases and frequent changing is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses display elements to create a visual copy or representation of the desired appearance on the device exterior, rather than physically changing the device case. The display elements show images, colors, or patterns that simulate different device skins, allowing users to change appearance without physical modification or additional hardware cases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stickers or other objects are placed on the exterior of the device to customize appearance, then the device appearance is changed, but debris and remnants are left that are not aesthetically appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the desired appearance on the device surface using display elements, eliminating the need for physical stickers or attachments. This approach produces no debris, residue, or harmful remnants on the device exterior, as the customization is achieved through light emission and display technology rather than physical material application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display elements with differing characteristics are incorporated to enable dynamic appearance changes, then appearance customization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple display elements (such as LCD, OLED, or e-paper displays) into the device structure, where these display components serve dual purposes: they display information to the user and simultaneously create the desired appearance customization effect on the device exterior. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic display elements are used to change device appearance, then appearance customization is enabled, but power consumption increases compared to static displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different types of display elements with varying degrees of dynamics - using dynamic displays (LCD, OLED) when appearance changes are needed and static displays (e-paper) when stability is preferred. The system dynamically selects and switches between these display types based on user interaction and power management requirements, optimizing the balance between appearance customization capability and power consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to dynamically change the appearance of electronic devices, providing customizable hardware-like features with lower power consumption and enhanced interaction capabilities, overcoming the limitations of traditional customization methods.
Implementation Method 1
a relatively dynamic display element, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic light emitting diode (OLED) display screen
Implementation Method 2
a relatively dynamic display element, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic light emitting diode (OLED) display screen
Implementation Method 3
a relatively static display element, such as an electronic paper display (EPD) or electronic ink (e-ink) screen
Data Source
AI summary
Themes or other groups of content or settings can be applied to change various aspects of a computing device. In addition to changing aspects of a user interface, additional display elements, lights, and other components can be updated as well to give the appearance of customizable hardware. For example, display elements on the back and/or sides of a device can be updated with colors, graphics, or animations that enable the device to appear as if it has a new skin or casing. The user can customize, create, and/or share these themes, and the themes can be configured to automatically rotate or change over time.