Master-Slave App Transfer for Versatile Wearable Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable communication devices, such as watches, lack versatility in their functionality and usage.

Innovation Solution

A portable communication device cooperation system comprising a master and slave device, where the master device stores and executes application programs that can be transferred to the slave device, enabling cooperative operation and enhancing the slave device's functionality through master application programs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the slave device executes only its own native application programs, then the device structure remains simple, but the functionality and versatility of the slave device are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slave device is designed to execute both its own native application programs and master application programs transferred from the master device. This multi-functionality allows the slave device to perform diverse tasks including time display, communication operations, and various application functions without requiring separate dedicated devices, thereby improving versatility while maintaining a unified device structure

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides application programs into two types: master application programs that control overall operations and slave application programs that handle specific functions. This segmentation allows the slave device to maintain a relatively simple structure while still accessing expanded functionality through the master device's application programs, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the slave device stores complete master application programs, then the functionality is enhanced, but the storage requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and transfers only the necessary master application programs from the master device to the slave device's storage unit. This selective extraction allows the slave device to store and execute specific application programs needed for particular functions without requiring storage for all possible applications, thereby enhancing functionality while controlling storage requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The slave device's storage unit is designed to dynamically receive and store master application programs transferred from the master device. This dynamic storage capability allows the slave device to adapt its stored applications based on needs, enabling functionality enhancement without requiring excessive permanent storage capacity built into the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3817342B1Mobile communication apparatus cooperation system, master mobile communication apparatus, and slave mobile communication apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD
  • EP3817342B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3817342B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3817342B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A portable communication device cooperation system (S1) includes a slave portable communication device (30) that can communicate with a master portable communication device (20). Each of a plurality of slave-side slots (38S) of a slave-side storage unit (38) included in the slave portable communication device (30) stores a slave application program transferred from a master-side slot (26S) disposed in the master portable communication device (20). The slave application program includes part of information of a master application program, and causes the slave portable communication device (30) to operate by being executed by a slave-side control unit (39) of the slave portable communication device (30). As a result, the portable communication device cooperation system (Sl), the master portable communication device (20), and the slave portable communication device (30) exhibit an effect of enabling the slave portable communication device (30) to be variously used.