Portable Terminal Multi-Tasking Controller Architecture

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable terminals cannot perform multiple tasks simultaneously while playing an MP3 music file, requiring additional hardware and increasing complexity and cost with separate music control processors.

Innovation Solution

A multi-tasking apparatus and method that allows menu functions to be implemented in a portable terminal while continuing to play a music file by generating a music background play object in standby mode, providing a control interface for music play, and maintaining background music during the execution of menu functions without a separate music control processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate music control processor is added to enable simultaneous menu functions and music playback, then multi-tasking capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-tasking capabilityVSAvoidhardware and software configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main controller is designed to perform multiple functions including both menu control and music playback management. The controller executes different task modes (first task mode for menus, second task mode for music playback) and can switch between them, allowing a single processor to handle both functions without requiring a separate music control processor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes. The controller can transition from a first task mode (menu functions) to a second task mode (music playback) and back, allowing flexible allocation of processing resources based on current user needs while maintaining both capabilities within the same controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate music control processor is added to enable simultaneous menu functions and music playback, then multi-tasking capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-tasking capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The main controller is designed to perform multiple functions including both menu control and music playback management. The controller executes different task modes (first task mode for menus, second task mode for music playback) and can switch between them, allowing a single processor to handle both functions without requiring a separate music control processor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The music playback control functions are merged into the main controller's operational capabilities. By combining menu control and music playback management in a single controller that can switch between task modes, the system eliminates the need for separate hardware components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the terminal switches to standby mode to play background music, then menu functions can be executed, but music playback control capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemenu function execution capabilityVSAvoidmusic playback control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes. The controller can transition from a first task mode (menu functions) to a second task mode (music playback) and back, allowing flexible allocation of processing resources based on current user needs while maintaining both capabilities within the same controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The music playback is maintained continuously across mode transitions. When switching from music playback mode to menu mode, the controller preserves the music playback state and can resume control when returning to music mode, ensuring continuous music playback while enabling menu functions during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP1855452B1Multi-tasking apparatus and method in portable terminal

Publication Date: 2013.10.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An apparatus and method capable of performing multiple tasks in a portable terminal are provided, in which menu functions of the portable terminal can be implemented while continuing to play the music. The multi-tasking apparatus includes a controller for performing controlling to implement at least one menu function while playing a music file and a display unit for displaying an indication that the music file is being played during the implementation of the menu function.