Dual Touch Screen Power Management via Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with multiple touch screens consume more power compared to single screen devices, and existing technologies do not effectively manage power consumption when the touch screens are opened relative to each other, especially when the rear screen's image-display area is turned off.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device configuration with multiple touch screens connected by a hinge or flexible PCB, capable of detecting touches on a rear touch screen whose image-display area is turned off, allowing for reduced power consumption by switching to a first touch mode that powers the touch panel but disables the display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touch screens are used, then functionality and user experience are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by switching between different touch modes (first touch mode and second touch mode) based on the operational state of the mobile device. When the mobile device is in a specific state (e.g., charging case mode), the rear touch screen operates in first touch mode where the display panel is turned off but touch detection remains active, reducing power consumption while maintaining touch functionality. This dynamic adjustment of operational modes resolves the contradiction between maintaining multi-screen functionality and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operational characteristics to different parts of the touch screen system. The rear touch screen can operate in first touch mode where only the touch panel is active (display off) or in second touch mode where both touch panel and display are active. This local differentiation of functional states allows the system to optimize power consumption for specific components based on current needs, resolving the contradiction between functionality and power usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the rear touch screen display is turned off to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but touch detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touch screen into two independent functional components: the display panel and the touch panel. By controlling these components independently through different touch modes, the system can turn off the display panel to save power while keeping the touch panel active to maintain touch detection capability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between power savings and touch detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the rear touch screen by switching between first touch mode and second touch mode. In first touch mode, the display panel is turned off while the touch panel remains operational, changing the power consumption parameter without completely disabling touch detection. This parameter change allows the system to reduce power consumption while maintaining essential touch detection functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device including touch screens and a method of controlling the mobile device are provided. A mobile device includes a first housing including a first touch screen; a second housing, rotatably connected to the first housing, including a second touch screen; a sensor for detecting an angle between the first housing and the second housing; and a controller configured to calculate the angle between the first and second housings rotating with respect to each other, using the sensor, and if the calculated angle is greater than a threshold, turn off an image-display area of the second touch screen, execute an application in response to a first touch applied to an icon displayed on the first touch screen, detect a second touch in a touch detectable area of the turned-off image-display area of the second touch screen, and control the application in response to the detected second touch.