Pressure-Sensitive Device Casing for Simplified Mobile Transactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile computing devices require multiple inputs for users to access functionalities and perform actions, leading to time-consuming processes, especially in transaction processing, which results in poor user experiences.

Innovation Solution

Implementing pressure-sensitive device casings that detect touch and pressure inputs through sensors like piezoresistive, piezoelectric, or capacitive devices, allowing users to execute device actions and processes with specific pressure inputs on the device casing, such as squeezing or tapping, to simplify interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input mechanisms (touch screen, keypad, audio, imaging) are provided for device control, then device functionality and control options are improved, but user interaction time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiduser interaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device casing is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the protective structural housing and an active pressure-sensitive input device. The casing incorporates sensors that detect pressure, touch, and grip inputs, allowing it to function as a control interface without requiring separate dedicated input components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the structural casing with input sensing capabilities by integrating pressure-sensitive sensors directly into the housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate input devices and reduces the number of interaction steps required, as the casing itself becomes the input mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple input steps are required for transaction processing (tapping application, viewing screen, making selections, entering information, authorizing), then transaction security and control are improved, but transaction processing time and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidtransaction processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting pressure inputs that can pre-authorize or pre-select transaction parameters before final confirmation is needed. The pressure-sensitive casing can detect intent to transact through grip patterns or pressure application, preparing the transaction for rapid execution without requiring multiple sequential input steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables skipping intermediate steps in the transaction process by using pressure inputs to directly trigger authorized actions. For example, a specific pressure pattern on the casing can bypass multiple menu selections and directly initiate or confirm a transaction, rushing through the process while maintaining security through pressure verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Measurement precision

If traditional input devices (touch screen, keyboard) are used for device control, then input precision and user intent clarity are improved, but device portability and one-handed operation capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput precisionVSAvoidone-handed operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension for input by utilizing pressure magnitude and distribution in three-dimensional space within the casing, rather than relying solely on two-dimensional touch screen coordinates. This allows users to provide precise input through pressure patterns, grip strength, and hand position in space, enabling accurate control during one-handed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 users to perform device actions and transactions with reduced input complexity, enhancing user experience by allowing single-hand operation and eliminating the need for additional data entry, thereby streamlining processes like payments and app interactions.

Implementation Method 1

pressure sensitive device casings to enable device functionality based on pressures applied to the casings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

pressure sensitive device casings to enable device functionality based on pressures applied to the casings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

pressure sensitive device casings to enable device functionality based on pressures applied to the casings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10346825B2Pressure sensitive device casings to enable device functionality
Publication Date: 2019.07.09 PAYPAL INC
  • US10346825B2 patent drawing
  • US10346825B2 patent drawing
  • US10346825B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There are provided systems and methods for pressure sensitive device casing to cause device functionality. A computing device, such as a mobile smart phone, may include one or more pressure sensor devices mounted within, surrounding, or nearby structural components of the computing device, such as a device casing. A user may apply pressure input to the structure of the computing device, for example, through touch and force of touch to the device, where the pressure sensor may detect a presence and location of the input. The computing device may include a transaction processing application, where the input may be received during use of the application. The pressure of the input may further define the input for the application. For example, an input with a first pressure may cause a first process to be initiated, while a second pressure may cause a second process to be initiated.