Touch Screen Partial Unlocking for Icon Access and Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals with touch screens have limited input selection methods, inconveniencing users and restricting access to icons and applications, especially in touch-lock mode where no user input is detected for a predetermined time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a mobile terminal that allows users to select and execute icons on a touch-locked touch screen by unlocking specific areas or icons through user input, such as touch patterns or button presses, while maintaining other areas in lock mode to conserve battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch screen is fully unlocked to allow icon selection, then user convenience is improved, but battery power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen is divided into multiple regions with different lock states. The first region contains icons that can be selected even when the screen is in touch-lock mode, while the second region remains fully locked. This segmentation allows partial access to functionality without requiring full screen unlocking, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining essential user interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the touch screen are assigned different operational qualities. The first region is configured with a relaxed lock state allowing icon selection, while the second region maintains a strict lock state. This local differentiation enables the system to provide convenient access to frequently used icons without the energy cost of unlocking the entire screen.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the touch screen remains in touch-lock mode to conserve battery, then battery life is extended, but access to icons and applications is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen display area is segmented into a first region containing selectable icons and a second region that remains locked. This segmentation enables the system to maintain touch-lock mode for battery conservation while simultaneously providing access to essential icons in the first region, thus resolving the contradiction between power saving and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully unlocking the touch screen to provide icon access, the system performs a partial action by allowing icon selection only in the first region. This partial unlocking provides sufficient functionality for common operations while avoiding the excessive battery consumption associated with complete screen unlocking.
3Reliability
If traditional touch-lock mode is used to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but user input methods become limited
Solution Approach 1:
The touch screen is segmented into a first region allowing icon selection and a second region that remains secured. This segmentation maintains security by keeping the majority of the screen locked while providing a designated area for authorized user interactions, thus preserving both security and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different security qualities are applied to different regions. The first region has reduced security restrictions to enable icon selection, while the second region maintains strict security controls. This local quality differentiation allows the system to balance security requirements with user operational needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a mobile terminal, and which includes entering into a touch-lock mode to lock an entire display area on a touch screen, receiving an unlock signal corresponding to a selection of a touch-lock release button on the terminal, and unlocking an area of the touch screen that includes at least one displayed icon when the unlock signal is received such that a touching of the at least one icon displayed on the touch screen executes a corresponding function of the icon, and maintaining other areas of the touch screen in the touch-lock mode.