Tap-Sensitive Sensor Mobile Terminal Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication terminals face challenges in providing an intuitive user interface for users while they are mobile, as voice control can be awkward and difficult to distinguish, especially in shared usage scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication terminal equipped with a tap-sensitive sensor and a display that detects taps to execute specific software code for controlling display-related aspects, such as illuminating the screen, rendering exercise measurements, or generating voice sounds, allowing users to interact more intuitively while on the move.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If voice control is used to simplify user interaction while mobile, then user interaction ease is improved, but command distinction reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction easeVSAvoidcommand distinction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tap-sensitive sensor as an intermediary input device between the user and the mobile terminal. This mediator captures tap gestures on the display surface, converting them into reliable digital signals that are easier to distinguish than voice commands, especially in shared usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the acoustic/voice-based input system with a mechanical gesture-based system using tap-sensitive sensors. This substitution leverages the display surface itself as the input interface, providing more reliable and distinguishable commands while maintaining ease of use during mobile operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If voice control is used to allow hands-free operation while mobile, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operation capabilityVSAvoidinput system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the display surface multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as information output and as an input interface through tap-sensitive sensing. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate voice recognition hardware and processing systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining hands-free operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display surface serves itself by incorporating tap-sensitive sensing capabilities directly into its structure. The display becomes self-sufficient for both output and input functions, eliminating dependency on additional complex input systems like voice recognition hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional button interfaces are used to provide reliable input, then command distinction reliability is improved, but ease of operation while mobile deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand distinction reliabilityVSAvoidoperation ease while mobile

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional mechanical buttons to a two-dimensional surface-based input interface. Users can tap anywhere on the display surface, providing reliable input without requiring precise button pressing, which is particularly advantageous during mobile operation when hand stability is reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic input interface where the entire display surface is responsive to tap gestures, replacing static mechanical buttons. This dynamic approach allows flexible input locations and angles, maintaining reliability while significantly improving ease of operation during movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances user interaction by providing a more intuitive and efficient way to control mobile terminal functions, such as exercise applications and message reading, even when the user is in motion, improving usability and reducing errors.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a first tap in a first direction of the mobile terminal using the tap sensitive sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTap detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS7422145B2Mobile communication terminal and method

Publication Date: 2008.09.09 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A method for providing a user interface of a mobile communication terminal having a tap sensitive sensor and a display. The method may include: detecting a first tap in a first direction of the mobile terminal using the tap sensitive sensor; determining a first user input, utilizing the first tap in the first direction; and as a response to the first user input, executing a first set of software code corresponding to the first user input and serving to control at least one display related aspect of the mobile communication terminal. Corresponding mobile communication terminals and computer program product are also presented.