Mobile Phone Incline Sensor Display Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile cellular telephones lack functionality to effectively utilize their form factor for practical applications beyond basic communication, such as measuring incline or leveling surfaces, which is desirable for users.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an incline sensor and processor-controlled display to enable an inclinometer mode, allowing the mobile telephone to detect and display the inclination in different planes, aiding in leveling surfaces by emulating spirit levels and providing real-time feedback on the necessary adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile telephone functionality is expanded beyond basic communication, then usefulness to users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the mobile telephone to serve dual purposes: traditional communication functions and practical measurement functions. The inclinometer mode allows the device to function as both a communication tool and a measurement instrument, thereby improving versatility without requiring a completely separate device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the inclinometer functionality with the existing mobile telephone structure by integrating an incline sensor into the device. This merging approach allows the measurement capability to be incorporated into the familiar mobile phone form factor, adding usefulness while maintaining a unified device design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an incline sensor is added to enable inclinometer mode, then practical tool functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile telephone is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating the incline sensor, enabling it to serve as both a communication device and a practical measurement tool. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by making the device more versatile while accepting the necessary increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own existing display and processor to present the inclinometer measurements, rather than requiring a separate dedicated display device. The mobile telephone's built-in resources are leveraged to serve the new measurement function, minimizing the need for additional external components.
3Ease of operation
If the display position is dynamically adjusted based on incline detection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the incline sensor data and dynamically adjusting the display position accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the display always presents information in the most convenient orientation for the user, improving ease of operation through real-time adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The display position is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adapting to the device's orientation. This dynamic adjustment allows the interface to respond to changing physical conditions, making the device easier to operate in various positions while accepting the increased control complexity.
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 mobile telephone to function as a practical tool for users by accurately measuring and displaying the inclination of surfaces, allowing for easy leveling in various orientations, enhancing its utility beyond standard communication features.
Implementation Method 1
an incline sensor arranged to detect inclination of the mobile telephone in a first plane
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile cellular telephone including an incline sensor arranged to detect inclination of the mobile telephone in a first plane. The mobile cellular telephone has an inclinometer mode, in which a processor receives an indication of the detected incline in the first plane from the incline sensor and controls a display to display an item at a position dependent upon the received indication. A mobile cellular telephone including first incline sensor means for detecting inclination of the mobile telephone when in a first orientation and second incline sensor means for detecting inclination of the mobile telephone when in a second orientation. The mobile cellular telephone has an inclinometer mode, in which a processor determines an approximate orientation of the mobile telephone from inputs from the first and second incline sensor means and automatically controls the display to display an item at a position representative of the incline for the determined orientation.