Motion-Based Function Restriction in Electronic Terminals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices lack effective functionality restriction mechanisms based on user movement states, potentially leading to unsafe or distracting operations during certain activities.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an acceleration sensor to detect movement states and a controller to restrict device functions accordingly, such as limiting functionality during walking or vehicle use to prevent user distraction and ensure safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If functions are restricted during movement, then safety and distraction reduction are improved, but device versatility and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The function restriction policy is dynamically adjusted based on detected movement states. The system transitions between different restriction levels (e.g., from full functionality during stationary use to restricted functionality during movement), allowing the device to adapt its operational characteristics to current user conditions rather than applying static restrictions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the device by modifying which functions are available based on movement detection. When movement is detected, specific functions are restricted while others remain available, creating a parameter-based control mechanism that balances safety with functional versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If function restriction is implemented, then distraction reduction is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedistractionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors movement through sensors and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts function availability. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that restrictions are applied only when movement is detected, maintaining ease of operation during stationary use while preventing distraction during movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The device autonomously detects movement states and applies appropriate function restrictions without requiring user input or manual configuration. The system self-regulates its operational characteristics based on sensor data, eliminating the need for users to manually manage function availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 the electronic device to dynamically adjust its functionality based on user movement states, enhancing safety and reducing distractions by restricting certain functions during potentially hazardous or inconvenient times.

Implementation Method 1

an acceleration sensor configured to detect acceleration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS10237397B2Electronic terminal with motion-based function restriction
Publication Date: 2019.03.19 KYOCERA CORP
  • US10237397B2 patent drawing
  • US10237397B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In an aspect of the invention, an electronic device includes an acceleration sensor and a controller. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration. The controller discriminates a type of moving state based on a detection result of the acceleration sensor, and restricts a function according to the discriminated type.