Mobile Device as USB Host Interface via Sensor Data Conversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile devices and computational systems require separate user interface devices connected via USB, leading to increased costs and reduced operating efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a sensor unit with motion and touch sensors in mobile devices to generate sensing information, which is converted into USB UI data and outputted via USB communication, enabling the mobile device to serve as a user interface for host devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate user interface devices are connected to host devices via USB, then user interface functionality is provided, but cost increases and operating efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface functionalityVSAvoidnumber of separate devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mobile device and host device into a single integrated system where the mobile device serves dual purposes: as its own computing platform and as a USB user interface for the host device. This eliminates the need for separate input devices by combining functionality that was previously distributed across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as an independent mobile device with its own display and input capabilities, while simultaneously functioning as a USB user interface for the host device through its sensor unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated separate input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate user interface devices are connected to host devices, then user interface functionality is provided, but operating efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface operationVSAvoidoperating efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the mobile device with the host device system, the patent enables direct integration of input operations. The sensor unit on the mobile device captures user input and transmits it directly to the host device through USB communication, eliminating intermediate processing steps and improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the host device, with its sensor unit serving as the interface that captures user input and communicates it to the host device. This intermediary role streamlines the input process compared to using separate dedicated input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8838857B2Mobile device and computational system including same

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A mobile device and a computational system including same are described. The mobile device includes a sensor unit having a motion sensor and/or a touch sensor that provides sensing information. The sensing information is applied to a universal serial bus user interface (USB UI) data generation unit and is changed into USB UI data before being output as USB UI data using a USB communication technique.