Flexible Display Resizing via Processor-Controlled Housing Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with flexible displays do not seamlessly resize the display area in response to user input, failing to synchronize the display content with the physical changes in the display area, leading to suboptimal user experience.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a flexible display that includes a processor capable of detecting enlarge or shrink events, allowing the second display area to be inserted into or exposed from the housing based on these events, and resizing the display accordingly to maintain content visibility and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display is resized by manually inserting or exposing the second area, then the display area can be changed, but the display content does not synchronize with the physical changes, leading to poor user experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay area adaptabilityVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects touch events on the display and uses this feedback to automatically control the insertion or exposure of the second display area. The processor monitors user interactions and adjusts the display configuration in real-time, creating a closed-loop system where user input directly triggers appropriate display resizing actions without requiring manual physical manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display system automatically adjusts its own configuration in response to detected touch events. When a user performs a pinch-zoom gesture or selects content, the system self-service by automatically inserting or exposing the appropriate portion of the second display area, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate the flexible display components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Volume of moving object

If the second area of the flexible display is kept inserted to maintain a compact form factor, then the device size is reduced, but the display area available for content is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display configuration transitions from a static to a dynamic state. The second display area can be inserted or exposed based on real-time user needs and content requirements. The system dynamically adjusts the display area by detecting touch events and automatically controlling the position of the second area, allowing the device to maintain compact form when needed while providing expanded display area when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second display area is designed to be nestable within the housing when not in use. The flexible display structure allows the second area to be inserted into the device body, creating a nested configuration that maintains compact form factor. When expansion is needed, the nested second area can be exposed outward, providing additional display space while maintaining the ability to return to the compact nested state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display is manually adjusted by user input, then the display area can be changed, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay configuration flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical manipulation of the flexible display with an automated control system. Instead of requiring users to physically insert or expose the second display area through manual handling, the processor detects touch events and automatically controls the display configuration, substituting mechanical user actions with electronic detection and automated actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary between user touch input and display configuration changes. When users perform gestures on the display, the processor intermediates by interpreting these inputs and automatically triggering the appropriate insertion or exposure of the second display area, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of the flexible display components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12026339B2Electronic device, and method for displaying content in electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.07.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device a flexible display including a first area and a second area extending from the first area, the second area being configured to be inserted into an inside of a housing of the electronic device or exposed to an outside of the housing; and a processor configured to, based on detecting an enlarge event or a shrink event on the display while displaying content on the display in a state in which the first area is exposed and the second area is inserted in or exposed from the housing, resize the display by exposing the second area according to an enlarging ratio corresponding to the enlarge event or inserting the second area according to an shrinking ratio corresponding to the shrink event, and display content resized according to in the enlarging ratio or the shrinking ratio on the resized display.