Mobile Terminal Sub-Device Control via Detachable Input Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile terminals lack efficient methods for controlling the operation and state of main devices when coupled or separated from sub-devices, leading to limitations in functionality and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal system that includes a sub-device with an input/output unit and a controller to establish a communication path for user input, allowing for control of terminal elements and applications when the sub-device is attached or detached, enabling seamless operation and state management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sub-device is detachably attached to the mobile terminal, then the functionality and versatility of the terminal is improved, but the device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal is divided into a main device and a separable sub-device. The sub-device can be detached from the main device, allowing users to customize their experience by attaching or detaching the sub-device based on specific needs. This segmentation enables functional versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-device is designed with universal functionality that can be applied across different main devices. The sub-device includes a controller, display unit, and communication unit that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main device, providing multi-functional capabilities such as remote control, additional display, and enhanced interaction modes.

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

2Ease of operation

If the sub-device is separated from the main device, then the ease of operation is improved through wireless control, but the loss of information may occur during communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The communication unit in the sub-device establishes a wireless communication path with the main device to transmit user inputs and status information. The controller in the sub-device receives feedback signals from the main device, enabling real-time coordination and reducing information loss through continuous data exchange between the separated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If the terminal uses modularized structure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of connection between main device and sub-device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sub-device is designed to nest within or attach to the main device through a standardized interface. The coupling structure allows the sub-device to be securely integrated into the main device body, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly for manufacturing purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9706021B2Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2017.07.11 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US9706021B2 patent drawing
  • US9706021B2 patent drawing
  • US9706021B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile terminal includes a sub-device that is attached thereto or detached therefrom, to remotely control the operation and state of the terminal. The mobile terminal includes: a sub-device having an input/output unit and attached to or detached from the terminal; and a controller configured to receive a user input via a certain communication path from the sub-device when the sub-device is separated, and control elements and applications of the terminal according to the user input.