Display State Switching via Physical Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with displays often cannot show all desired information simultaneously, necessitating different output states and navigation methods between them.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize temporary physical deformation of the device, detected by sensors, to switch between display states, allowing users to toggle between primary and secondary output states through bending or deformation, enabling reversible or permanent switching without requiring explicit input commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple output states are provided to display different information, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional navigation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidnavigation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system automatically switches between output states based on detected physical deformation of the device body, eliminating the need for separate navigation controls. The system serves itself by interpreting physical actions as state transition commands, reducing interface complexity while maintaining information accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces physical deformation as a new dimension of interaction beyond traditional touchscreen inputs. By mapping bodily movements (bending, twisting) to output state transitions, the system adds a spatial dimension to navigation that simplifies the logical interface while providing richer information display options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If traditional navigation methods are used to switch between output states, then ease of operation is maintained, but information access efficiency decreases due to additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation access efficiencyVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares multiple output states in advance and automatically transitions between them based on detected physical deformation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for sequential navigation steps, allowing users to access different information outputs more efficiently through intuitive physical actions rather than multiple button presses or menu traversals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or software-based navigation interfaces with direct physical deformation detection. By substituting complex navigation procedures with simple bodily movements (bending, twisting), the system achieves both higher information access efficiency and maintained ease of operation through more intuitive interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If the display shows all desired information simultaneously, then information completeness is improved, but display area requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into multiple output states, each presenting a specific subset of information. Rather than attempting to display all information simultaneously on a single screen, the system divides information into distinct states that can be sequentially presented. This segmentation allows comprehensive information delivery while maintaining efficient use of display area through focused, context-specific presentations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2572260B1A method, an apparatus and a computer program for controlling an output from a display of an apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.12.04 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2572260B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2572260B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2572260B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4C

AI summary

A method comprising: displaying information corresponding to a first output state, temporarily displaying information corresponding to a second output state while a user actuation is occurring; and displaying information corresponding to the first output state when the user actuation is no longer occurring.