Flexible Display Input Region Repositioning for Usability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic apparatuses with rectangular displays face usability challenges when the device is gripped in landscape mode, as input parts on one side are fixed, making it difficult to access them, especially when the device is held in landscape orientation.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus includes a flexible display that can change its shape and position based on user input and posture detection, with input parts dynamically repositioned to ensure accessibility regardless of the device's orientation, using sensors and a controller to manage the display and input regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the input part is fixed at one side of the frame, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the usability deteriorates when the device is held in landscape direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the input part movable rather than fixed. The input part can be repositioned between different sides of the frame based on the detected holding direction, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to user needs while maintaining ease of manufacture through a standardized repositioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the input part based on the holding direction detected by the sensor. When the holding direction changes from portrait to landscape, the system changes the position parameter of the input part from one side to another, optimizing accessibility without complicating the manufacturing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the display is rectangular with fixed orientation, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different holding postures is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display adaptable to different holding postures by dynamically changing the displayed image orientation based on sensor detection. The display itself remains rectangular and simple to manufacture, but its functional orientation adapts dynamically to whether the user holds the device in portrait or landscape direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the same rectangular display to serve effectively in both portrait and landscape orientations. The display maintains its simple rectangular structure while gaining the ability to adapt its content orientation to different usage scenarios, achieving versatility without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the input part remains at a fixed position, then the device structure is stable, but the ease of operation deteriorates when switching between portrait and landscape modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the input part dynamically repositionable while maintaining overall structural stability. The input part can be moved between different sides of the frame based on holding direction, providing operational convenience without compromising the stable framework of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a sensor to detect the holding direction and creates a corresponding action by repositioning the input part to the appropriate side. This copying of the detected orientation information to the input part position ensures that the input part is always accessible regardless of how the user holds the device.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an electronic apparatus including a display configured to output an image through a front surface of the electronic apparatus, an input part arranged to face a side surface of the electronic apparatus and comprising a first region and a second region, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine either the first region or the second region as an activation region based on a posture of the electronic apparatus, and receive a user input through the activation region. Various other embodiments are possible.