Flexible Display Window Relocation via Bending Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible devices struggle to provide users with effective control methods and graphic user interfaces based on their bending characteristics, making it difficult for users to interact with the device efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A flexible device equipped with a sensor module and processor that detects bending events, allowing for the relocation of windows and applications on the display to optimize user interaction, including the ability to display main and sub-applications in a hierarchical manner and adjust the layout based on bending events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible device is bent to change form, then the device can be used in various configurations and positions, but the user interface and control methods become difficult to operate effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice form adaptabilityVSAvoiduser interface controllability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of the user interface by detecting the bending state of the flexible display in real-time and automatically adjusting the control method and graphic interface accordingly. When bent, the system switches to alternative control schemes that maintain usability despite the changed physical configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the bending state through sensor modules and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the display orientation, control interface, and application layout. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the interface remains operable regardless of the device's physical state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications are displayed simultaneously on the flexible device, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the display space is limited and user interaction becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the flexible display into multiple independent window regions that can be separately controlled and managed. Each application is confined to its own window, allowing multiple applications to coexist without interfering with each other's usability. The display area is segmented into main and sub display regions with different functional priorities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the flexibility of the display as an additional dimension for application management. By bending the display, the system can spatially separate applications into different planes or orientations, effectively increasing the usable display space beyond the flat two-dimensional surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3441844B1Flexible device and operating method therefor
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3441844B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3441844B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3441844B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A flexible device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. According to various examples of the present disclosure, the flexible device comprises: a sensor module; a flexible display; and a processor for performing control such that a first window and a second window are relocated according to a bending event for the flexible device, when the occurrence of the bending event is sensed by the sensor module while an execution screen image of a main application and an execution screen image of a sub application are respectively displayed on the first window and the second window, wherein the sub application can include an application for performing at least one function among a plurality of functions included in the main application.