Electronic Apparatus Cover Recognition for Functional Component Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic apparatuses struggle to recognize and cooperate effectively with cover members equipped with sensors or memory, limiting their functional integration.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus is equipped with a control unit that identifies the functional type of a cover member through detection of structural features, magnetic patterns, communication, or image recognition, enabling controlled cooperation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic apparatus uses multiple identification methods (structural feature detection, magnetic pattern reading, communication, image recognition), then the ability to recognize cover member functional types is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover member recognition capabilityVSAvoididentification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple identification functions using different methods (structural feature detection, magnetic pattern reading, communication protocols, image recognition) to identify various functional types of cover members. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle diverse cover member types without requiring separate identification systems for each method.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The identification system dynamically selects and switches between different identification methods based on the specific cover member being detected. The control unit can adaptively choose the most appropriate identification method (structural, magnetic, communication, or visual) depending on the cover member type, optimizing both accuracy and resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control unit specifies and controls cooperation with electronic components on the cover member based on identification results, then the functional integration between apparatus and cover member is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit operates based on feedback from the identification process. After identifying the cover member's functional type through any of the four methods, the control unit uses this identification result as feedback to specify which electronic components are present and how they should cooperate. This feedback mechanism enables automated adaptation without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration and self-adjustment based on the identified cover member type. The control unit automatically specifies the appropriate electronic components and their cooperation modes without external intervention, allowing the system to adapt to different cover members autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates seamless integration and operation with cover members, enhancing the apparatus's functionality and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The control unit may identify the functional type of the cover member through detection of a structural feature provided to the cover member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructural feature detection:

Implementation Method 2

The control unit may identify the functional type of the cover member through reading a magnetic pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic pattern reading: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4608079A1Electronic apparatus and program
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP4608079A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4608079A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4608079A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus having a control unit and a battery, wherein the control unit identifies a functional type of a cover member to be attached or attached to an apparatus main body.