Flexible Wearable Terminal System for Activity-Based Information Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile terminals, such as smartphones, are limited in improving user convenience during activities like cycling or running, as it is difficult for users to easily access information on the device.
Innovation Solution
A wearable flexible terminal system that can be bent or folded to activate or deactivate local area wireless communication, allowing information exchange with a connected mobile terminal based on the amount of transformation, enabling convenient information access without the need for complex hardware or separate information generation components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional mobile terminal is used during activities like cycling or running, then the terminal can perform various functions, but it is difficult for the user to check information on the mobile phone
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate terminals: a first terminal (smartphone) that generates information and a second terminal (wearable flexible terminal) that displays information. This segmentation allows the display function to be separated from the main smartphone, enabling easy information access during activities while keeping the smartphone in a pocket or bag.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication unit acts as an intermediary between the first terminal and the second terminal, transmitting information without physical connection. This intermediary enables information exchange between the smartphone and wearable device, allowing users to access information on the wearable device during activities.
2Loss of information
If the flexible terminal is always connected to the mobile terminal, then information exchange is continuous, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication unit in the second terminal periodically checks whether information from the first terminal needs to be displayed, rather than maintaining continuous communication. This periodic action reduces power consumption while ensuring information is available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second terminal autonomously determines whether to receive and display information from the first terminal based on its current state (worn or not worn). This self-service mechanism allows the device to manage its own power consumption without continuous user intervention or complex communication protocols.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible terminal is worn during activities, then information accessibility improves, but the device must withstand deformation and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The second terminal employs a flexible display and flexible case that can withstand deformation when worn during activities. This flexible structure allows the device to be bent and deformed without damage, enabling it to be worn on the wrist or other body parts during cycling, running, or other physical activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible case and display structure are designed in advance to accommodate and cushion the stresses and deformations that occur during physical activities. This beforehand cushioning protects the internal components from damage while allowing the device to be worn during activities.
4Weight of moving object
If the flexible terminal is compact and lightweight, then wearability improves, but the battery capacity and information storage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The information storage and generation functions are extracted from the second terminal and placed in the first terminal (smartphone). The second terminal only needs to display and transmit information, requiring minimal battery capacity and storage. This extraction allows the wearable device to be compact and lightweight while still providing full information access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The first terminal (smartphone) serves multiple functions: generating information, storing data, and providing power to the second terminal through wireless communication. This multi-functionality allows the wearable device to have minimal battery capacity since the smartphone handles the power-intensive tasks.
Data Source
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AI summary
A terminal system (30) including a first terminal (10), e.g. a smartphone, and a second terminal (20), in the form of a bracelet, wherein the second terminal (20) is a flexible terminal adapted to be bent and /or folded, wherein the second terminal (20) senses the amount of transformation, e.g. deflection, of the second terminal (20) and displays different information according to the amount of transformation of the second terminal, and wherein the first and second terminals (10, 20) are configured to be coupled to each other over a local area wireless communication network, e.g. via Bluetooth, when the amount of transformation of the second terminal (20) is equal to or greater than a reference amount.