Dual Display Mobile Terminal Screen Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile terminal devices with multiple screens face difficulties in operability due to limited keys, making it challenging to switch between screens effectively, especially when trying to perform tasks across different applications simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal device with a hinge-connected dual display system, where a third display screen on the rear of the second main display unit is exposed when folded, allowing for seamless switching between the first and second main display screens using an operation target screen switching icon displayed on the second screen, enabling easy operation across multiple applications without additional keys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a hinge-connected dual display system is provided with two main display screens, then the displayed information capacity is doubled, but the operability deteriorates due to limited keys for switching between screens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplayed information capacityVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second main display screen serves multiple functions: it displays information and also serves as a touch-sensitive operation input unit. This allows the screen itself to perform both display and input functions, eliminating the need for separate operation keys and enabling intuitive interaction with the displayed content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A switching icon is displayed on the second main display screen to mediate the transition between the first and second main display screens. When the user touches this icon, the system switches the active display screen, providing a simple and intuitive method for screen switching without requiring additional physical keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If operation keys are added to enable switching between two main display screens, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation input function is merged with the display function by making the second main display screen touch-sensitive. This integration allows the screen to serve as both the display medium and the input interface, eliminating the need for separate operation keys and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second main display screen is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: displaying information, receiving touch inputs, and enabling screen switching through displayed icons. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated operation keys while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the second main display screen is used for both display and operation input, then the ease of operation improves, but the display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch input capabilityVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by providing a hinge-connected dual display system. When the device is opened, both main display screens can be viewed simultaneously at different angles, effectively increasing the total display area while allowing the second screen to serve as the touch input interface.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The touch-sensitive operation input function is localized to specific areas of the second main display screen, such as switching icons or specific application areas, rather than requiring the entire screen to be dedicated to input. This allows the majority of the screen to remain available for display purposes while still providing adequate input capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2416232B1Mobile terminal device, control program and multiple display screen control method
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 NEC CORP
  • EP2416232B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2416232B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2416232B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A two-screen display mobile terminal device with excellent operability. The mobile terminal device comprises: a first main display unit that has a first display screen; a second main display unit that has a second display screen which can display equivalent to the first display screen, the second main display unit being connected so as to be capable of being juxtaposed to the first main display unit; a display state detection unit that detects whether or not both the first display screen and the second display screen are in a state where simultaneous display is possible; an operation target screen selection unit that executes a function to select, among the first display screen and the second display screen, a screen that is a target for operation; and an operation target screen switching icon display unit that executes a function to display an operation target screen switching icon at least on the screen selected by the operation target screen selection unit, when the display state detection unit detects that both the first display screen and the second display screen are in a state in which display is possible; wherein the operation target screen selection unit switches an operation target screen when the operation target screen switching icon is selected.