Infrared Peripheral Device for Connector-Free Mobile Function Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting peripheral devices to mobile devices often require the use of connectors, which can be limiting when the mobile device lacks an extension connector or when another device is already connected, restricting the types of connections possible.

Innovation Solution

A peripheral device with an infrared communication unit and a support unit that allows communication with the mobile device without physical contact, using the mobile device's infrared function to add additional functions, such as operation inputs, while being detachably mounted to ensure safe and precise communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector is used to connect the peripheral device to the mobile device, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the mobile device must have an extension connector which limits compatibility and the connector may already be occupied by another device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connector system with an optical communication system using infrared light. The peripheral device includes an infrared communication unit that transmits signals optically to the mobile device's infrared receiver, eliminating the need for physical electrical connectors while maintaining reliable communication. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing connection stability through optical signaling without requiring mechanical compatibility or occupying physical ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If the communication units are in physical contact when the peripheral device is mounted on the mobile device, then the connection is secure, but the communication units may be destroyed if the devices are dropped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidcommunication unit safety

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct physical contact between communication units with optical communication through air space. The infrared communication unit in the peripheral device transmits signals through infrared light to the mobile device's receiver without the units needing to touch. This maintains secure mounting through the support unit while protecting communication units from damage during drops, as they remain spatially separated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces infrared light as an intermediary medium for communication between the peripheral device and mobile device. Instead of direct electrical contact, the infrared communication unit transmits data through optical waves through the air space between devices. This intermediary approach maintains communication functionality while eliminating the risk of physical damage to communication units from impact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the peripheral device uses the mobile device's infrared function for communication, then the peripheral device can be used for many purposes, but the light emitting/receiving unit must be precisely positioned which complicates the mounting structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice usabilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the mobile device's existing infrared communication function, which is a universal interface for various applications including data transfer, remote control, and device pairing. By using this pre-existing multi-functional capability, the peripheral device can serve multiple purposes without adding complexity to the mounting structure. The support unit simply needs to position the peripheral device within the infrared communication range of the mobile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables connection and addition of functions to mobile devices without the need for connectors, reducing the risk of communication unit damage from physical contact and allowing for versatile use, including complex game operations, while maintaining operational precision and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The infrared communication unit is capable of performing infrared communication with the mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared communication: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10894207B2Peripheral device, information processing system, and method for connecting the peripheral device

Publication Date: 2021.01.19 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

An example of peripheral device adds a predetermined function to a mobile device having an infrared communication function. The peripheral device includes an additional function unit, an infrared communication unit, and a support unit. The additional function unit has the predetermined function. The infrared communication unit is capable of performing infrared communication with the mobile device. The support unit detachably supports the mobile device so that a light emitting/receiving unit for infrared light of the mobile device is positioned so as to be capable of transmitting or receiving infrared light to or from the infrared communication unit.