Flexible Notification Device for Obstructed Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often miss incoming messages or notifications when their electronic devices are stored in holsters or other carriers, as the visual notifications from the device's display screen and light sources are obstructed, preventing immediate awareness of received messages.
Innovation Solution
An electronic notification device with a flexible exterior facing display screen and an electronic device coupler that can be communicatively coupled to the electronic device, providing visual notifications even when the device is obstructed, using a holster or other carrier, by displaying messages on the flexible screen and optionally using light emitting diodes for alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic device is stored in a holster or carrier, then the device is protected and portable, but the visual notifications from the display screen and light sources are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification device as an intermediary component that couples to the electronic device and provides an alternative notification pathway. This mediator device includes its own display screen and light sources that are not obstructed by the holster, allowing notifications to be displayed externally while the device remains protected in the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification device extends the notification function to a different spatial dimension - from the device's own display surface to an external notification device that couples to the device. This allows notifications to be displayed in a location that is not obstructed by the holster, effectively moving the notification function to another dimensional space.
2Ease of operation
If the display screen and light sources are covered by the holster, then the device fits securely in the carrier, but users cannot see incoming messages
Solution Approach 1:
The notification device serves as an intermediary that receives notification data from the electronic device and displays it externally. This mediator allows the device to remain securely stored in the holster while users can still view notifications on the external display of the notification device.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification device creates a copy of the notification information from the electronic device and displays it on its own display screen. This copying mechanism allows the original device to remain obscured in the holster while the copied notification information remains visible to the user.
3Strength
If the electronic device is enclosed in a protective case or holster, then the device is protected from damage, but the light sources cannot illuminate to alert users
Solution Approach 1:
The notification device acts as an intermediary that provides illumination for notifications independently of the device's light sources. It couples to the electronic device to receive notification signals and activates its own light sources to illuminate the notification display, allowing the device to remain protected without compromising notification visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification function is segmented from the main electronic device into a separate notification device. This segmentation allows the protective holster to cover the electronic device while the notification device remains externally visible and illuminated, separating the protection function from the notification function.
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
Ensures users receive timely notifications of incoming messages or information, reducing the likelihood of missing important calls or messages, even when the electronic device is stored in a way that obstructs its own display and light sources.
Implementation Method 1
The notification device can include a flexible display screen and a plurality of light emitting diodes
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic notification device can include a flexible exterior facing display screen and an electronic device coupler. The electronic device coupler can be configured to electrically couple the flexible display screen to an electronic device. The electronic device coupler can provide at least power to the flexible display screen from the electronic device. The electronic device coupler can also provide data to the flexible display screen from the electronic device. The flexible display screen configured to display a notification of receipt of a message. In one example, the flexible display screen is adapted to receive signals transmitted from the electronic device to display the notification via at least one of a Bluetooth connection, a near field communication connection, and a Wi-Fi connection. The electronic device coupler can be one of an induction coupler, a conductive contact pad, and a USB connector to provide power to the flexible display screen.