Partial Function Enablement in Mobile Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face increased power consumption due to the constant operation of sensors and inputs, leading to reduced battery life and potential false detections from inadvertent inputs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a key guard feature that allows partial functionality through a 'wake-up' sequence, enabling specific sensor functions while maintaining the device in a locked state, with distinct input sequences for unlocking and waking up the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors operate constantly to enable full device functionality, then device capabilities are enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensor operation where sensors are activated only when needed based on device state (locked vs. unlocked) and specific function requirements. The key guard feature dynamically controls sensor availability, transitioning between active and inactive states to balance functionality with power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments device functionality into different levels: full functionality when unlocked and limited functionality when locked with key guard enabled. Sensors are selectively enabled for specific functions (camera, flashlight, volume control) rather than operating continuously for all functions, dividing sensor usage into discrete functional segments.
2Ease of operation
If sensors remain active for full functionality, then user access to features is improved, but false detections from inadvertent inputs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The key guard feature acts as an intermediary layer between the user and sensor inputs. When enabled, it mediates sensor activation by requiring specific input sequences (double press, triple press, or long press) to distinguish intentional user actions from inadvertent inputs, reducing false detections while maintaining access to features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation of input sequences before activating sensor functions. By requiring specific patterns (double press, triple press, or extended long press duration), the system pre-verifies user intent before enabling sensor operations, preventing false activations from accidental inputs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If key guard is enabled with wake-up sequence, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key guard feature serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a power management mechanism to reduce sensor operation, provides security by limiting access to certain functions, and offers user interface control through multiple input sequences (double press, triple press, long press). This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering diverse benefits from a single feature set.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for enhancing a user interface with a mobile terminal (10) while reducing battery consumption by selectively activating input sensors (47) based upon the actions of a user of the mobile terminal (10). The method may include providing for operation in accordance with a first level of functionality having a first number of inputs (50) that are operable, providing for operation in accordance with a second level of functionality having a second number of inputs (50) that are operable, and providing for operation in accordance with a third level of functionality having a third number of inputs (50) that are operable, wherein the third number of inputs (50) is greater than the first number of inputs. The method may further include receiving an input (305) while operating in accordance with the first level of functionality and causing operations to change from being conducted in accordance with the first level of functionality to being conducted in accordance with the third level of functionality.