Adaptive Scroll Limits for Bendable Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
When an information device in a rolled shape is used, the end portion of the displaying object can be difficult to see due to the limitations in scrolling functionality, as the display area is constrained by its cylindrical shape.
Innovation Solution
A display control technique that adjusts the scrolling behavior based on the bending degree of the device, ensuring that the end of the displaying object remains within the visible area by setting specific scrolling limits in both straight and rolled states, allowing for easier viewing of menu items or icons when the device is wound around a wrist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display unit is bent into a rolled shape for wrist wear, then the device becomes portable and wearable, but the end portion of the displaying object becomes difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scrolling behavior adaptive rather than static. The control unit dynamically adjusts scrolling parameters based on the detected shape of the display unit. When the display is rolled, the system automatically modifies scrolling limits and behavior to ensure end portions remain visible, transforming a static scrolling mechanism into a dynamic one that responds to physical state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters of the scrolling operation based on the display unit's shape. The control unit modifies scrolling distance, scrolling speed, and scrolling limits as parameters when detecting a rolled state. This allows the same scrolling mechanism to function differently in plate shape versus rolled shape, resolving the visibility issue without adding physical components.
2Ease of operation
If the display unit is kept in a plate shape for easy handling, then the device is simple to operate, but the device cannot be worn around the wrist like a watch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling the display unit to serve multiple functions in multiple shapes. The same display unit can be used in plate shape for traditional handheld operation and in rolled shape for wristwear, with the scrolling control system adapting to provide appropriate functionality for each shape. This multi-functionality allows the device to cater to different user needs without requiring separate hardware configurations.
3Productivity
If the scrolling operation allows the displaying object to scroll freely in all directions, then the user can access any part of the displaying object, but the end portion cannot be seen when the display is rolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by having the control unit continuously monitor the shape of the display unit through shape detection. Based on this feedback about whether the display is in plate shape or rolled shape, the control unit automatically adjusts scrolling parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that scrolling behavior always adapts to the current physical state, maintaining end portion visibility while preserving accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A display control apparatus that enables a user to see an end portion of a displaying object easily even when an information device is in a rolled shape. An operation unit receives a scrolling operation for scrolling a displaying object displayed on a predetermined display area of a bendable display unit. A control unit controls to scroll the displaying object so that an end of the displaying object in a first direction does not scroll beyond a first position in a second direction opposite to the first direction within the predetermined display area when the display unit is in a first shape, and controls to scroll the displaying object so that the end of the displaying object in the first direction is able to scroll beyond the first position in the second direction when the display unit is in a second shape that bends more than the first shape.