Display Orientation Control Using Usage Context

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld computing devices often change display orientation unexpectedly due to reliance on earth-based reference points, leading to inconvenient and frequent adjustments for users, especially when holding the device at angles other than vertical or horizontal.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating usage context parameters such as user facial position and hand grip into the auto-rotation decision-making process to suppress or modify orientation changes, allowing the device to adapt based on user intent and preferences, including the option to lock the orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses earth-based reference for auto-rotate detection, then the display orientation can automatically adapt to device rotation, but the display orientation changes unexpectedly when the device is held at angles other than vertical or horizontal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay orientation adaptationVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates usage context parameters (facial position, hand grip) as feedback to the orientation detection process. The processor continuously monitors these parameters and uses them to determine whether an orientation change should occur, preventing unexpected rotations when the device is held at intermediate angles during activities like watching video or browsing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation detection system transitions from a static earth-based reference model to a dynamic system that adapts based on real-time usage context. The processor dynamically adjusts orientation decisions by considering multiple factors including device angle, facial position, and hand grip, allowing flexible adaptation to various usage scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Extent of automation

If the device automatically changes display orientation based on angular position, then the display can rotate to match device orientation, but the user has to repeatedly rotate the device to force the desired portrait mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauto-rotate functionalityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses usage context parameters as feedback to understand user intent. When the device is held at an angle that would trigger auto-rotation but the usage context indicates the user wants to maintain portrait mode (e.g., holding the device while reclining on a couch), the processor suppresses the orientation change, eliminating the need for users to repeatedly rotate the device to force desired orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of usage context parameters (facial position, hand grip) before executing orientation changes. This preliminary action allows the system to predict whether an orientation change aligns with user intent, preventing unnecessary rotations and reducing the need for users to manually adjust the display orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the device uses simple angular position detection, then the system is easy to implement, but the device cannot distinguish between intentional rotation and accidental angle changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidorientation detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple detection approaches: traditional angular position detection from the orientation sensor is combined with usage context detection (facial position, hand grip). This combination allows the system to maintain the simplicity of angular detection while adding the precision needed to distinguish intentional rotation from accidental angle changes, improving overall orientation detection accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor performs multiple functions using the same hardware resources: it processes orientation sensor data for angular position detection, processes camera images for facial position detection, and analyzes hand grip patterns. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for orientation detection without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single processor handles all detection tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10088866B2Controlling the orientation of a device display based on usage context

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

A method for controlling an orientation of data on a display of a device, includes determining a device angular position for the device, determining a usage context parameter for the device, and controlling the orientation of the data on the display based on the device angular position and the usage context parameter. A device includes a display, an orientation sensor to determine a device angular position for the device, and a processor coupled to the orientation sensor. The processor is to determine a usage context parameter for the device and control the orientation of the data on the display based on the device angular position and the usage context parameter.