Mobile Terminal Lateral Squeeze Sensor Input Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile terminals have limitations in generating input signals, as touch sensors can only be activated when the display is on, restricting the variety of inputs that can be made.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a squeeze sensor on the lateral surface of the mobile terminal, which detects pressure above a predetermined value, allowing the controller to change the location of objects on the display and adjust touch sensor sensitivity, enabling input recognition and control through pressure and touch inputs on both the front and lateral surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a touch sensor is used on the display unit, then input signals can be generated through touch contact, but the touch sensor can only be activated when the display unit is activated, limiting the variety of input signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput signal varietyVSAvoiddisplay activation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the sensing capability from the two-dimensional display surface to the three-dimensional housing structure by placing squeeze sensors on lateral surfaces. This allows users to input commands by squeezing the device body from different orientations, effectively adding spatial dimensionality to the input interface and enabling operation without display activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display unit is always activated to enable touch sensor input, then various input signals can be generated, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput signal capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The squeeze sensor system enables the device to detect and respond to user inputs through the housing structure itself, which is always accessible and requires no additional activation. The sensor leverages the device's own physical structure as the sensing medium, allowing input detection in low-power states without requiring display or touch sensor activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If touch sensors are placed only on the front surface, then the display area provides input capability, but one-handed operation and lateral surface utilization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput surface areaVSAvoidone-handed control
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the input interface into multiple independent sensing zones distributed across different surfaces of the housing. By placing squeeze sensors at strategically located positions on lateral surfaces, the system creates segmented input regions that can be independently activated, allowing users to operate the device with one hand by squeezing specific portions of the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances user interaction by allowing input signals to be generated beyond the display area, reducing errors and improving convenience, enabling one-handed control and expanding input possibilities.

Implementation Method 1

a squeeze sensor unit disposed at a lateral surface of the body to sense a pressure greater than a predetermined value being applied thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2680099B1Mobile terminal and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2680099B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2680099B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2680099B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A mobile terminal(100), comprising: a housing having a front surface, a rear surface and a lateral surface; a display(151) at the front surface of the housing to display an object at a first location of a display area; a sensor(231) at the lateral surface of the housing to sense a pressure being applied thereto; and a controller(180) to change a location of the object from the first location to a second location of the display area when the sensed pressure is greater than a predetermined value.