Hinged Touchscreen Accessory for Remote Mobile Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless communication devices are inconvenient for extended use due to small screens that are not suitable for viewing minute details, and existing methods lack a satisfactory solution for remote operation using accessories with both input and output functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for remote operation of mobile devices using an accessory with a touchscreen display, which establishes a communication channel, presents information, receives user input, processes it, and generates control signals to initiate actions on the mobile device, featuring a hinged design with rotatable portions, each equipped with a touchscreen for integrated or individual functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the mobile device screen is made smaller for portability, then the device becomes more portable and convenient to carry, but the screen becomes unsuitable for viewing minute details and extended use becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidextended use convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the mobile device into two functional components: the portable mobile device itself and a separate accessory device with a larger display. The mobile device maintains its small size for portability while the accessory provides the larger screen needed for detailed viewing and extended use. These segments communicate wirelessly, allowing the small device to control and display content on the larger accessory screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a larger screen is used for viewing details, then viewing comfort is improved, but the device size and portability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing comfortVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display function is segmented from the mobile device and placed in a separate accessory. The mobile device remains small and portable while the accessory contains the larger touchscreen display for comfortable viewing of maps, photos, and other detailed content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory acts as an intermediary device between the user and the mobile device. It receives data from the mobile device via wireless communication and displays it on its larger screen, providing an intermediate layer that enables comfortable viewing without increasing the mobile device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If remote operation using accessories is implemented, then usability is enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a display device and a remote control interface for the mobile device. It can display content from the mobile device and also receive user input to control mobile device functions, consolidating multiple functions into a single accessory to minimize system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements bidirectional communication between the mobile device and accessory. The accessory receives data from the mobile device for display and sends user input back to the mobile device for processing. This feedback loop enables remote operation while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2469495B1Apparatus, system and method for remote operation of a mobile communication device
Publication Date: 2016.12.14 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2469495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2469495B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2469495B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method, system, and device for remote operation of a wireless communication device. The method (100) for remote operation of a wireless communication device using an accessory involves establishing (110) a communication channel between the accessory and the wireless communication device, providing (120) output to a user on the accessory, receiving (130) user input on the accessory, processing (140) the user input and generating (150) control signals for transmission to the wireless communication device to initiate (160) one or more actions on the wireless communication device. The accessory comprises a touchscreen (210) for presenting information to a user and receiving user input. The accessory may optionally be a hinged accessory (500) with a dual touchscreen (615, 625).