Simultaneous Button Actuation for Secure Lock Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for enabling and disabling a lock mode on portable electronic devices are time-consuming and difficult to execute without visual confirmation, often requiring complex input combinations and providing inadequate user feedback, leading to accidental device input and battery drainage.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus where a first input device and a second input device on opposing surfaces of a portable electronic device are actuated towards each other along an activation axis, with the processor enabling the device lock mode if the input signals occur within a maximum delay of one another, and providing non-visual confirmation through vibration or auditory feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing lock mode methods (pressing and holding keys, multiple keystrokes, or sliding into case) are used, then the device can be locked to prevent inadvertent input, but the user must look at the display screen for visual confirmation which consumes time and is difficult to execute without visual feedback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of inadvertent device inputVSAvoidtime for visual confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements immediate tactile feedback through a distinct click sensation when buttons are simultaneously actuated, and auditory feedback through a distinctive tone generated by the processor. This feedback mechanism confirms lock mode activation without requiring the user to visually check the display screen, thereby reducing the time loss associated with visual confirmation while maintaining reliable prevention of inadvertent input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If complex input combinations are used for lock mode, then security is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of lock modeVSAvoidease of enabling/disabling lock mode

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two button actuation events into a single simultaneous action that triggers lock mode. By merging the function of multiple input devices into one coordinated gesture, the system achieves secure lock activation without requiring complex multi-step input combinations, thereby maintaining security while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different input combinations are assigned for enabling and disabling lock mode, then functionality is enhanced, but the user must remember different keystrokes which requires additional learning and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of lock modeVSAvoidnumber of different input combinations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the same button combination (simultaneous actuation of first and second buttons) universal for both enabling and disabling lock mode. This multi-functional approach allows the identical input gesture to serve dual purposes depending on the current state, reducing the number of different input combinations the user must remember while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of information

If the lock mode requires visual confirmation on the display screen, then the user can confirm the action was successful, but the user cannot operate the device while not looking at it which reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfirmation of lock mode activationVSAvoidefficiency of lock mode operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual feedback with tactile and auditory feedback mechanisms. The distinct click sensation and distinctive tone provide immediate confirmation of lock mode activation without requiring the user to look at the display screen. This allows users to operate the device efficiently while maintaining awareness of the lock state through non-visual senses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 efficient and secure enabling/disabling of the device lock mode with immediate user feedback, reducing accidental input and improving usability by allowing simultaneous actuation of buttons on opposing surfaces with a short delay, ensuring accurate operation without visual confirmation.

Implementation Method 1

a first input device and a second input device provided in the housing, wherein said first input device and said second input device are provided on opposing surfaces of said portable electronic device and arranged to be actuated toward one another along an activation axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric Effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2086211B1Method and apparatus for enabling and disabling a lock mode on a portable electronic device

Publication Date: 2010.10.13 BLACKBERRY LTD

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AI summary

A portable electronic device (10) including a processor provided in a housing (42), the processor for switching the portable electronic device from a normal operating mode to a device lock mode and a first input device (56) and a second input device (58) provided in the housing. Actuation of the first input device within a maximum delay of actuation of the second input device enables the device lock mode.