Interchangeable Device Skins for Modular Computing Functionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable computing devices face challenges in incorporating multiple components due to limited form factor, increased size, and resource drain, which affects battery life and performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of interchangeable 'skins' that can be attached to computing devices, each equipped with specific components such as cameras, speakers, sensors, and input mechanisms, allowing users to customize functionality without increasing the device's size or resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are included in portable computing devices to provide various functionalities, then the device functionality and versatility are improved, but the device size and cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into two segments: a base unit with essential components and interchangeable skins with additional functionality. This allows users to start with a compact base device and add only the specific components needed through separate skins, rather than including all possible components in one large device.
Solution Approach 2:
The base computing device is designed with universal interfaces and communication mechanisms that can work with multiple different skin types. This multi-functionality allows a single base device to support various functionalities through interchangeable skins, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are included in portable computing devices, then device functionality is improved, but battery life deteriorates due to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the active components based on user needs and selected skins. Only the components required for the current skin's functionality are activated, while other components remain inactive or in low-power mode, thereby extending battery life while maintaining full functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its operational parameters by switching between different skin configurations. Each skin activates a specific set of components with optimized power consumption characteristics for that particular functionality, allowing the device to adapt its resource usage to match actual operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are included in portable computing devices, then device functionality is improved, but processing capacity and bandwidth requirements increase, negatively impacting performance
Solution Approach 1:
Processing responsibilities are segmented between the base device and the skins. Each skin contains its own processing elements optimized for its specific functions, while the base device handles core computing tasks. This distribution reduces the processing burden on any single component and optimizes overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication mechanism acts as an intermediary between the base device and skins, managing data flow and coordination. This intermediary optimizes bandwidth usage by selectively transmitting only necessary data between components, reducing processing overhead and improving system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Additional components or functionality can be provided for a computing device by coupling the device with one or more device skins. Each device skin can include one or more components that can be utilized by the computing device, such that a user of the computing device can obtain desired functionality by selecting an appropriate skin. The components of the skin can be powered by the computing device, such as through wired or wireless power coupling. The computing device can determine an appropriate control scheme for the skin when the skin is coupled with the device, enabling a user to utilize the various components of the skin as if those components were part of the computing device.