Dynamic Display Area Expansion for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with multiple display areas face limitations as content in the main area can be obstructed by content in the sub-area due to the smaller screen size of the sub-area, restricting the types of content that can be displayed.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a control module that allows the main content to be expanded into a part of the sub-area and displays third content in the remainder of the sub-area upon a screen change event, enhancing user intention-based content display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the sub-area displays second contents independently, then the sub-area provides additional information display, but the first contents in the main area are obstructed and the display area for main content is reduced

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic display mode switching that allows the display area configuration to change based on user needs. The control module can switch between a first display mode where the sub-area shows additional information, and a second display mode where the sub-area expands the main content, thereby dynamically adjusting the balance between information completeness and main content display area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the display parameter of the sub-area from a fixed state to a variable state. By detecting user input or system conditions, the control module changes the display mode parameter, allowing the sub-area to alternatively display second contents or expand first contents, thus resolving the contradiction between providing additional information and maintaining adequate main content display area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sub-area is used for additional content display, then user needs for various functions are satisfied, but the screen size limitation restricts the types of content that can be displayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality varietyVSAvoidsub-area screen size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the sub-area universal by enabling it to serve multiple functions: it can display second contents (additional information) in the first display mode, or expand and display first contents (main content) in the second display mode. This multi-functionality allows the limited sub-area to adapt to different content display needs, overcoming the screen size limitation while maintaining versatility

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

3Device complexity

If the main area and sub-area are continuous, then the display structure is simple, but content in the main area is obstructed by content in the sub-area causing visual disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay structure complexityVSAvoidvisual disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic mode switching to resolve the visual disruption issue while maintaining the simple continuous display structure. By switching between display modes, the system ensures that when second contents are displayed in the sub-area, they do not obstruct the view of first contents in the main area, as the user can switch to the second display mode where the sub-area displays expanded main content instead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3189412B1Electronic device and display method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3189412B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3189412B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3189412B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~4a

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display including a first area displaying first contents and a second area connected with the first area and displaying second contents, and a control module configured to control to expand and display the first contents in a part of the second area, and to display third contents in a remainder of the second area, if a first screen change event occurs.