Flexible Display Navigation Bar for Mobile Terminal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of effective methods for controlling content output on flexible displays when their size is changed, as existing technologies do not adequately address how to manage navigation and application prioritization in enlarged display modes.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a controller that switches between enlarged and reduced display modes, outputting a navigation bar with indicators to control application priorities, layouts, and audio settings, and adjusts resource allocation based on user input, using a flexible display that can be extended or contracted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the flexible display is extended to enlarge the display region, then the display area is improved, but the control method for content output becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay regionVSAvoidcontent control
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control methods that adapt to the flexible display's extended state. The controller dynamically adjusts content layout, navigation bar positioning, and application prioritization based on the display region's enlarged configuration, enabling effective content management in the extended state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters such as display layout configuration, content prioritization levels, and navigation bar visibility based on the flexible display's extended state. These parameter adjustments enable the system to optimize content output for the enlarged display region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications are output in the enlarged display mode, then the functionality is improved, but the resource allocation and priority management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication output capabilityVSAvoidresource allocation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control of multiple applications by introducing a navigation bar with indicators that allow users to selectively manage different applications. Each indicator represents a specific application or content type, enabling divided and organized resource allocation control in the enlarged display mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring application priorities and resource allocations before user interaction. The system prepares default priority settings and resource distribution plans, which can be adjusted through user input on the navigation bar indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the navigation bar includes multiple indicators for application control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the display layout becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication selectionVSAvoiddisplay layout
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimensional element to the display layout by incorporating a navigation bar with indicators at the bottom of the display region. This additional dimension provides intuitive application control options without significantly complicating the overall display structure, as the indicators are arranged in a linear, easily scannable format.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3907976B1Mobile terminal and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3907976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3907976B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3907976B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A mobile terminal and a control method therefor are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a body, a display coupled to the body to vary a display region viewed from a front of the body according to switching between an enlarged display mode and a reduced display mode, an input unit configured to sense user input, and a controller. The controller outputs a navigation bar on the display in the enlarged display mode, the navigation bar including at least one indicator, and controls a first application among at least one application which is being output in the enlarged display mode according to an input signal of selecting the indicator.