Dual Touch Sensor Switching for Foldable Display Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic apparatuses with a display unit and a movable second main body, the display unit can be hidden and inaccessible for operation when the second main body overlaps with the first main body, posing a usability issue.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a first main body with a display unit and a first touch sensor, a second main body with a second touch sensor, a detecting unit to determine the relative positions of the main bodies, and a control unit that enables or disables the touch sensors based on the main bodies' states, allowing the display unit to function as a touch panel regardless of the main bodies' positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the second main body is used to cover the display unit when closed, then the display unit is protected from external factors, but the display unit becomes hidden and inaccessible for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor functionality is segmented into two separate sensors: a first touch sensor on the first main body and a second touch sensor on the second main body. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different operational modes depending on which main body is accessible, resolving the contradiction between protection and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the first touch sensor and the second touch sensor based on the detected state of the second main body. When the second main body is closed, the second touch sensor is enabled; when open, the first touch sensor is enabled. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous operability while maintaining protection.
2Device complexity
If a single touch sensor is provided on the first main body, then the structure is simple, but the display unit cannot be operated when covered by the second main body
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multi-functionality by equipping both main bodies with touch sensor capabilities. The first main body has a first touch sensor for operation when open, and the second main body has a second touch sensor for operation when closed. This universal touch capability ensures the display unit can always be operated regardless of the state of the second main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the switching between the first and second touch sensors based on the detecting unit's input. This intermediary coordination allows seamless transition between different touch sensor configurations, maintaining both structural simplicity in control logic and operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second main body is made movable between open and closed states, then the device is adaptable to different usage scenarios, but the touch sensor configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic configuration of touch sensors that adapts to the movable state of the second main body. The detecting unit monitors whether the second main body is in the open or closed state, and the control unit accordingly enables or disables the appropriate touch sensor. This dynamic adaptation maintains versatility for different usage scenarios while managing complexity through automated state-dependent configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus having a display is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes a first main body having a first touch sensor; a second main body having a second touch sensor; a detecting unit that detects whether the second main body is in an open state or in a closed state; and a control unit that controls the first and second touch sensors. When the detecting unit has detected that the second main body is in the open state, the control unit enables the first touch sensor and disables the second touch sensor. When the detecting unit has detected that the second main body is in the closed state, the control unit enables the second touch sensor and disables the first touch sensor.