Dynamic Display Orientation Control for Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user interface technologies often change the orientation of information presented on a display based on the physical orientation of the device, which can be disconcerting and undesirable, especially during specific use states like voice calls or car-mode, where maintaining the orientation is preferable.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine the physical display orientation and use state to decide whether to change or maintain the orientation of information presented, using sensors like accelerometers and detecting docking stations, allowing users to control orientation changes based on their preferences and device states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the orientation of information presented changes based on physical display orientation, then the display adapts to different viewing positions, but the user experience becomes disconcerting during specific use states like voice calls or car-mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay orientation adaptationVSAvoiduser experience consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts display orientation behavior based on detected use states. During voice calls or car-mode, the display maintains a fixed orientation despite physical device rotation, while allowing orientation changes during normal usage. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the adaptability level to current operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the orientation parameter state based on use state detection. When in car-mode or voice call mode, the orientation parameter is locked to prevent changes, whereas in normal mode it freely adapts to physical orientation. This parameter control mechanism balances adaptability with user experience consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the display maintains fixed orientation during specific use states, then user experience consistency is improved, but the display loses adaptability to physical orientation changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experience consistencyVSAvoiddisplay orientation adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic orientation behavior that switches between fixed and adaptive modes based on detected use states. During voice calls or car-mode, orientation is fixed for consistency; during normal usage, orientation adapts to physical device position. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making adaptability conditional rather than absolute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation parameter transitions between locked and unlocked states depending on use state detection. This parameter change mechanism allows the system to maintain consistency when needed while preserving adaptability during normal operation, effectively managing the trade-off between the two opposing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the system detects use state to control orientation changes, then orientation control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuse state detection accuracyVSAvoidorientation control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing device sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and operational context data to automatically detect use states without requiring additional specialized hardware. The operating system itself provides the detection capability by monitoring active applications and device state, allowing precise use state recognition while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation control system leverages multi-functional existing device components for use state detection. The same sensors used for other device functions (screen rotation, gesture recognition) are utilized for use state detection, eliminating the need for dedicated detection hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2769293B1Method and apparatus for control of orientation of information presented based upon device use state

Publication Date: 2020.12.02 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

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AI summary

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided to enable the provision of a mechanism by which an orientation of information presented may be maintained based upon a use state of a device, regardless of a physical display orientation. A method may include determining a physical orientation, determining whether the physical display orientation warrants a change of orientation of information presented, and determining whether a use state precludes a change of the orientation of the information presented based upon the physical display orientation. The method may further maintain the orientation of the information presented in response to a physical display orientation that warrants a change of the orientation of the information presented in an instance in which the use state is determined to preclude the change of the orientation of the information presented based on the physical display orientation.