Mobile Terminal Proximity Sensor Audio Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals face challenges in providing user intentions when the display is deactivated, as they lack effective methods to convey information or execute user commands without visual feedback.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal system that utilizes a proximity sensor to detect user presence and activate audio output for conveying information or executing commands, allowing users to interact with the device through voice recognition and external device connectivity even when the display is off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the display is deactivated to save energy and reduce visual distraction, then power consumption is reduced and user focus is improved, but the user cannot receive visual feedback or input commands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser interaction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual display interface with an audio output interface. The controller generates audio signals that correspond to the content that would otherwise be displayed, and outputs these signals through a speaker. This substitution allows users to receive information feedback through sound rather than sight, enabling interaction while the display remains deactivated, thus saving energy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If voice recognition is activated to enable hands-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a hybrid approach where voice recognition is not continuously active but is triggered only when specific voice wake-words are detected. The controller monitors audio input and selectively activates voice recognition processing only when relevant commands are present. This partial activation strategy enables hands-free operation capability while minimizing power consumption by avoiding continuous voice processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If audio output is used to convey information when display is off, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay-deactivated interaction capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the audio output unit serve multiple functions: it outputs audio content that would normally be displayed visually, and it also processes voice recognition commands for hands-free operation. By making the audio system multi-functional, the patent enables display-deactivated interaction without adding separate dedicated components, thus improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.

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 users to access and interact with their mobile terminals in a display-deactivated state by providing audio feedback and executing commands based on user intentions, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity sensor to detect user presence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP3618411B1Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.02.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3618411B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3618411B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3618411B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A mobile terminal including a display; a proximity sensor configured to sense a predetermined action of a user; an audio output unit; and a controller configured to deactivate the display and enter the mobile terminal into a standby mode while maintaining the proximity sensor in an activated state, and in response to the proximity sensor sensing the predetermined action by the user, output audio data through the audio output unit while the display is deactivated corresponding to information collected about a previous event that occurred on the mobile terminal.