Interchangeable Input Modules for Multi-Language Base Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

The production of mobile electronic devices with varying language-specific keypads results in increased costs and logistical challenges due to the need for multiple device variants, each with distinct keyboard layouts to accommodate different languages and input methods.

Innovation Solution

The development of interchangeable input modules, such as keypads, that can be mated with base devices, featuring storage components for configuration data, linguistic structures, and predictive logic, allowing for the customization of language and input arrangements, and electrically coupling with the base devices to recognize and process language-specific inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple device variants with different language-specific keypads are produced, then language support capability is improved, but production cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage support capabilityVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a base unit and interchangeable keypad modules. Each keypad module is a separate, self-contained component that can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the base device to remain simple while supporting multiple languages through modular keypads, each optimized for a specific language layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of keypads for different languages. The standardized connection mechanism allows a single base unit to support multiple language variants, eliminating the need to produce separate complete device variants for each language.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple device variants with different language-specific keypads are produced, then language support capability is improved, but inventory and distribution complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage support capabilityVSAvoidinventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a universal base device that works with multiple keypad types, the manufacturer needs to maintain inventory of keypads rather than complete device variants. This dramatically reduces inventory complexity and distribution logistics, as the base unit can be distributed once and paired with different keypads in different markets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The language-specific components (keypads) are extracted from the complete device and can be managed, stored, and distributed separately from the base unit. This extraction simplifies inventory management by allowing manufacturers to stock individual keypads rather than entire device assemblies for each language variant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple device variants with different language-specific keypads are produced, then language support capability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage support capabilityVSAvoiddevice variant complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a base unit and interchangeable keypad modules. Each keypad module is a separate, self-contained component that can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the base device to remain simple while supporting multiple languages through modular keypads, each optimized for a specific language layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of keypads for different languages. The standardized connection mechanism allows a single base unit to support multiple language variants, eliminating the need to produce separate complete device variants for each language.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9176596B2Interchangeable input modules associated with varying languages

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 CERENCE OPERATING CO

AI summary

Interchangeable input modules, such as keypads, having user input devices configured to mate with base devices are described herein. The user input devices may include pluralities of inputs, such as input keys, associated with languages. The interchangeable input modules may further include storage components configured to store configuration data, linguistic structures, and/or predictive logic. Additionally, the interchangeable input modules may have interfaces configured to electrically couple the interchangeable input modules to the base devices after the interchangeable input modules are mated with the base devices.