Dynamic Icon Display for Module-Type Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing module-type mobile terminals lack an optimized graphical user interface (GUI) that adapts to mounted modules, making it difficult for users to intuitively identify and interact with applications driven by detachable sensor modules.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically changing the display manner and position of icons corresponding to mounted modules, using a sensing unit to detect module attachment and a controller to adjust icon appearance and placement based on the mounted module's functionality, enhancing user interaction and module awareness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a module-type mobile terminal with detachable components is implemented, then portability and function quality are enhanced, but the user interface becomes less intuitive and optimized for module configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule detachabilityVSAvoiduser interface intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the GUI adaptable and changeable based on module attachment status. The display unit dynamically modifies icon display manners (such as showing borders, changing colors, or adjusting positions) depending on whether modules are attached, allowing the interface to transition between different states to match the physical configuration, thereby maintaining intuitiveness despite module detachability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by having the display unit provide visual information about module attachment status through icon display manners. The system detects module presence and feeds back this information to the user through the GUI, allowing users to understand which modules are attached and which applications are available, thus improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications are displayed on the screen, then functionality is comprehensive, but it becomes difficult for users to intuitively identify applications driven by mounted modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication availabilityVSAvoidmodule-application association clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by applying different display characteristics to different icons based on their association with mounted modules. Icons corresponding to applications that can be driven by mounted modules are displayed with special display manners (such as borders, highlights, or position changes) while other icons maintain normal display, allowing users to easily distinguish module-driven applications among multiple applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color changes as a display manner to indicate module association. By changing the color, brightness, or visual appearance of icons based on module attachment status, the system provides clear visual cues about which applications are available when modules are mounted, preventing loss of information about module-application relationships

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3190497B1Module-type mobile terminal and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3190497B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3190497B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3190497B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a detachable module-type mobile terminal and a control method therefor. The module-type mobile terminal, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a body; a display unit formed on the front side of the body, for outputting, by a first method, at least one icon related to an application; a sensor module detachable from the rear side of the body; a sensing unit for sensing whether the sensor module is provided at the rear side of the body; and a control unit for determining an application drivable by the provided sensor module and changing, by a second method different from the first method, a display method of an icon corresponding to the determined application among the at least one icon.