Electronic Device Support Structure Openness Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack the ability to detect the space formed between the device and its support structure and control operations based on this detection, leading to inefficient use of features like sound amplification and light reflection.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with sensors, a processor, and a support structure that can detect the openness of the support structure and the slope of the device, allowing it to control operations such as sound output and light emission based on the detected space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the support structure is used to support the electronic device, then the device can be positioned at various angles, but the space between the device and support structure cannot be utilized for sound amplification and light reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupporting anglesVSAvoidsound amplification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device uses its own sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) to detect the space between itself and the support structure, and then controls its own operations (sound output, light emission) based on this detection, making the device self-aware and self-adjusting without requiring external detection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the space between the device and support structure using motion sensors, and adjusts sound output and light emission accordingly. When the space exceeds a threshold, the device amplifies sound and reflects light; when the space is small, it reduces or stops these functions, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes resource usage based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If sensors are added to detect the space and control operations, then sound amplification and light reflection can be optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound amplification efficiencyVSAvoidsensor and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repurposes existing sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) originally designed for other functions (motion detection, orientation sensing) to also detect the space between the device and support structure. This allows the system to gain new functionality without adding dedicated detection hardware, reducing overall device complexity while achieving sound amplification and light reflection optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the device continuously monitors the space and adjusts operations, then the user experience is enhanced, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system does not continuously operate at full capacity. Instead, it monitors the space threshold condition and only activates sound amplification and light reflection functions when the space exceeds the threshold. When the space is small, these functions are reduced or stopped entirely, allowing the device to conserve energy during periods when the support structure is not providing adequate spacing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 the electronic device to effectively utilize the space between the device and the support structure for sound amplification and light reflection, enhancing user experience by optimizing these features.

Implementation Method 1

detect a movement of the electronic device using the at least one sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

detect a slope to a reference surface of the electronic device using the at least one sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation detection: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3404511B1Electronic device and method of controlling operation of electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.12.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: at least one sensor; a processor electrically connected to the at least one sensor; a memory electrically connected to the processor; and a support structure formed to have one end connected to a boundary between a first region and a second region of a rear surface of the electronic device and rotate in one direction with reference to the one end so as to cover the second region in a closed state thereof and support the electronic device in an opened state thereof. The memory may comprise instructions which, when executed, enable the processor to detect the opened support structure by using the at least one sensor, to detect a movement of the electronic device by using the at least one sensor in a state where the support structure is opened, and to detect an inclination of the electronic device with respect to a reference surface by using the at least one sensor and control an operation of the electronic device at least partially on the basis of the inclination when the movement of the electronic device has a value equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined time or longer. Besides, various embodiments are possible.