Dynamic Function Allocation for Mobile Phone Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals face an increasing number of operation keys as they become multifunctional, leading to user inconvenience due to densely concentrated keys on a limited surface, and existing software key solutions require frequent re-allocation for new functions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that detects its state using an illumination sensor to generate a detection signal, determining if it exceeds a reference value, and allocates functions to input units based on a pre-stored table, allowing for reduced key numbers without reducing functionality and improving operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multifunctional features are added to mobile terminals, then the number of functions increases, but the number of operation keys must also increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single operation key to perform multiple functions through dynamic function allocation. The control unit assigns different functions to the same key based on detection signals from sensors (illumination, temperature, humidity), allowing the key to adapt its function according to environmental conditions without requiring additional physical keys for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the function allocation of operation keys changeable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically reassigns functions to keys based on real-time detection signals from sensors, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and user needs without physical reconfiguration.
2Volume of moving object
If operation keys are densely concentrated on a limited surface to reduce device size, then portability improves, but user operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic function allocation to compensate for the dense key layout. By allowing keys to change functions based on detection signals, the system effectively increases the functional capacity of each key without requiring more physical keys, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite compact spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically adjusting key functions based on environmental detection without requiring user intervention for reconfiguration. The control unit monitors detection signals and autonomously allocates appropriate functions to keys, reducing the cognitive load on users while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Device complexity
If software keys are used to reduce physical keys, then the number of physical keys decreases, but frequent re-allocation is required for new functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple functions for each operation key and using detection signals to automatically select the appropriate function. This eliminates the need for manual re-allocation when new functions are added, as the system proactively assigns functions based on environmental conditions and usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing function allocation without user intervention. The control unit monitors detection signals and autonomously assigns functions to keys, eliminating the time-consuming manual re-allocation process that would otherwise be required when adding new functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If detection signals are used for function allocation, then operational adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple purposes: it manages detection signals from various sensors, performs function allocation based on those signals, and controls the overall operation of the device. This universal control approach increases adaptability while minimizing the addition of separate control mechanisms that would further increase complexity.
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
The solution effectively reduces the number of operation keys while maintaining functionality, enhancing user operability even as the device size decreases, by dynamically allocating functions based on detected light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination sensor to generate a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
In a mobile phone applicable to an information processing apparatus, an illumination sensor detects a state of the mobile phone and generates a detection signal, a main controller determines whether or not the generated detection signal is larger than a predetermined reference value and allocates predetermined functions of operation to operation keys based on a result of determination with reference to a table in which the input units and the functions thereof are caused to previously correspond to each other and stored therein. With this arrangement, the number of operation keys or buttons is reduced without reducing the number of functions to be mounted, and the operability output stage line card group the mobile phone is improved even if the size thereof is reduced.