Electronic Device Power Continuity via Mobile Terminal Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Head-mounted display (HMD) devices experience temporary power loss when disconnected from a power supply, causing disruptions in user experience due to the delay in recognition by mobile terminals and subsequent power resumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and electronic device configuration that allows HMD devices to temporarily receive power from a mobile terminal even when disconnected from an external power supply, using a second switch and power adjustment circuit to maintain power continuity through the mobile terminal's power path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the HMD device is disconnected from the power supply, then the device can be portably used with mobile terminal, but the device experiences temporary power loss causing user experience disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidpower continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary power source between the external power supply and the HMD device. When the HMD device is disconnected from the external power supply, the mobile terminal acts as a mediator to provide continuous power to the HMD device, preventing power loss and maintaining operational reliability during portable use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the HMD device waits for mobile terminal recognition before receiving power, then power management is simplified, but power delivery is delayed causing operational interruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower managementVSAvoidpower delivery delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the mobile terminal prepare and supply power to the HMD device immediately upon detection of disconnection from external power supply, without waiting for full recognition and negotiation protocols. This preliminary power delivery prevents operational interruption while maintaining simplified power management through automatic detection and response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3236334B1Electronic device and method for controlling power thereof
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3236334B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3236334B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3236334B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first connector including a first pin and a second pin configured to connect with a first external electronic device, a second connector configured to connect with a second external electronic device, a connection sensing circuit configured to sense a connection or disconnection of the second external electronic device coupled to the first pin via the second connector, and a switch configured to supply power received from the first external electronic device via the second pin to the first pin if the disconnection is sensed via the connection sensing circuit.