Flexible Display Segmentation for Ergonomic Control Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible display technologies do not effectively utilize the bendable property of displays to simplify user interaction, leading to increased physical load and complexity in accessing desired functions due to the traditional full view mode layout.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that switches between full view and flex modes by dividing the display into areas, where content elements are displayed in one area and control elements are output in another, allowing for efficient access to lower-level menu items and functions by rearranging and prioritizing them based on user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional full view mode layout is used, then display area is maximized, but user interaction complexity increases and physical load on user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple areas during flex mode: a first area for content elements and a second area for control elements. This segmentation allows the interface to be divided into functional zones, with control elements positioned in the second area that is more accessible to the user's hand, thereby reducing interaction complexity while maintaining display effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the display are assigned different functional qualities based on user interaction needs. The second area is specifically optimized for control elements that require frequent access, placing them in a location that reduces physical load on the user's hand, while the first area maintains content display functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all control elements are displayed in traditional layout, then completeness of functions is maintained, but physical load on user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface layout transitions from a single-plane traditional layout to a spatially differentiated layout across multiple display areas. Control elements are repositioned to the second area which is positioned to reduce physical load, creating a new dimensional organization that preserves all functions while improving ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
Control elements that are likely to be accessed frequently are preliminarily positioned in the second area before user interaction begins. This preliminary arrangement anticipates user needs and reduces the physical effort required during actual interaction, as high-frequency control elements are already in optimal positions.
3Ease of manufacture
If display is used in traditional mode, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface dynamically adapts between full view mode and flex mode based on the physical state of the display. When the display is bent, the system automatically switches to flex mode with the optimized two-area layout, providing enhanced user efficiency without requiring hardware changes or complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a display, a bending detector configured to detect bending of the display, a processor electrically connected to the display and the bending detector, and a memory electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the processor. The processor may be configured to divide the display into a first area and a second area when entering to a flex mode in response to detecting the bending of the display while an application is executed, output a content element of the application to the first area of the display, and output, to the second area of the display, a control element corresponding to one or more items of a level lower than a first level included by a menu item of the first level that is mapped to the flex mode in the application.