Modular Mobile Terminal With Expandable Case Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile terminals lack an efficient way to expand their display area and control multiple displays independently or in a cooperative manner, limiting usability and compatibility with various models.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal coupled with a case featuring a second display unit that can be controlled wirelessly or through a wired communication link, allowing independent or interlocking operation with the primary display, enabling expanded screen control and various usage modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a mobile terminal is coupled with a case having an additional display unit, then the display area is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into two independent parts: a primary display unit integrated in the mobile terminal and a secondary display unit in the case. Each display unit can operate independently or cooperatively, allowing the display area to be expanded without requiring a complete redesign of the terminal's internal architecture. The segmentation enables modular integration where the case display unit acts as an independent extension rather than an integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The case display unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can display information independently, mirror the terminal's display, provide notifications, show media information, and operate in various communication modes (wired and wireless). This universality allows a single additional display unit to handle multiple functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple displays are controlled in an interlocking manner, then usability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on user needs and contextual conditions. The controller can switch between independent control mode, interlocking control mode, and various split-screen configurations. The system automatically detects when displays should operate together (e.g., when the terminal is placed in the case) and adjusts control parameters accordingly, making the complexity invisible to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the operational state of both display units and automatically adjusts control parameters. When displays are coupled, the system detects this state and activates appropriate control modes. The feedback loop ensures that the interlocking control adapts to user actions, automatically switching between control modes based on detected usage patterns without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If a separate communication chip is used for controlling the case display unit, then communication reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal's existing communication interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it handles both the terminal's primary communication tasks and the control signals for the case display unit. The same communication protocol and interface are used for data transfer, power management, and display control, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication hardware for the case display unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for the case display unit are merged with the terminal's existing communication and control systems. The controller in the terminal integrates the display control functions, combining multiple functions (communication, power management, display control) into a single integrated system rather than using separate dedicated chips for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B(a)~1B(c)
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention provides an electronic device including a mobile terminal and a case to which the mobile terminal is coupled, and a method for controlling same. In the electronic device according to the present invention, the mobile terminal comprises: a terminal body coupled to the case; a connection port; a first display unit; and a memory. In addition, the case comprises: a first body which is formed to receive at least a part of the body of the mobile terminal; a connector which is disposed at one side of the first body and is formed to be inserted into the connection port of the mobile terminal; a second body at which a second display unit is disposed; and a wire unit which is configured to electrically connect the first and second bodies and transfer a signal received from the mobile terminal to the second display unit. Here, a control unit of the mobile terminal: detects a state where the connector and the connection port are connected to each other; transmits, to the second display unit, a control signal for switching the second display unit into an active state, when a predetermined touch is detected by one of the first and second display units while the first display unit maintains an active state; and produces, in the memory, a sub-stack into which a task related to screen information to be output to the second display unit is inserted.