Single Sensor Detects Mobile Device State and Holster Presence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices require separate sensors to detect the open or closed state and the presence of a holster, which increases cost, power consumption, and size due to the need for additional sensor placement and space.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, is used to generate outputs indicative of both the device's state (open or closed) and its presence in a holster, regardless of the device's state, eliminating the need for a separate holster detection sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate sensor is used to detect holster presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holster presence detection sensor with the existing device state sensor into a single integrated sensor unit. This sensor simultaneously detects both the open/closed state of the device and the presence/absence of a holster, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing the total number of sensors required in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions: it can detect the device's physical state (open or closed) and simultaneously detect whether a holster is present. This multi-functional sensor eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each detection task, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate sensor is used to detect holster presence, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the holster presence detection function with the existing device state sensor, the patent ensures that only one sensor needs to operate continuously for detection purposes. This reduces the total power consumption associated with sensor operation while maintaining reliable detection of both device state and holster presence through the integrated sensor's simultaneous monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If a separate sensor is used to detect holster presence, then detection precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the holster presence detection sensor within the same physical housing as the device state sensor, rather than requiring a separate dedicated sensor component. This integration approach maintains the precision needed for accurate holster detection while significantly reducing the overall space required in the device structure.
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
This solution reduces the cost and size of mobile devices by using a single sensor for both functions, while maintaining effective detection and enabling customizable features based on the device's state and holster presence.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to generate a sensor output indicative of (i) whether the mobile device is in the open state or the closed state irrespective of whether the mobile device is in a holster and (ii) whether the mobile device is in the holster irrespective of whether the mobile device is in the open state or the closed state
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device has a first housing and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing such that the mobile device can be manipulated between an open state and a closed state. The mobile device can also be placed in a holster. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the mobile device has a sensor configured to generate a sensor output indicative of (i) whether the mobile device is in the open state or closed state and (ii) whether the mobile device is in the holster.