Flexible Display State Switching for Continuous Multi-App Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in maintaining continuous use of multiple application screens when a portion of the housing is folded, as the display shrinks or transitions to an external small display, making it difficult to manage multiple windows simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device includes a flexible display with a first and second display, controlled by a processor to manage a first task bar and screens on the first display in an unfolded state, and generate icons for multiple applications on the second display in a folded state, allowing seamless transition and continuous use of multiple screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the electronic device is folded to improve portability, then the display size shrinks, but the ability to continuously use multiple application screens is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition manager as an intermediary component that detects the folding state change and mediates between the unfolded and folded states. It generates icon representations of running applications and manages their display on the smaller second display, enabling continuous operation without direct user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the display configuration based on the folding state. In the unfolded state, full application screens are displayed on the first display. Upon folding, the system transitions to displaying icon representations on the second display, allowing the interface to flexibly respond to structural changes while maintaining operational continuity.
2Area of stationary object
If the display is made larger to improve screen real estate, then portability is reduced, but the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously is enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display system into two independent displays: a first display for the unfolded state and a second display for the folded state. Each display is optimized for its specific use case - the first display provides large screen real estate for multiple applications, while the second display maintains portability with icon-based representations of running applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the display system by introducing state-based transitions. The system doesn't just switch between different display sizes, but also between different operational modes (full-screen applications vs. icon representations), creating a multi-dimensional solution that addresses both portability and multi-application needs.
3Weight of moving object
If the housing is folded to improve portability, then the display configuration changes, but the management of multiple windows becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies of the application interface in the form of icons that represent running applications. Instead of managing full-window representations on the smaller folded display, the system generates icon copies that provide essential information (application identity and state) while consuming minimal display space, thereby simplifying the management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameters from full-screen application windows to compact icon representations when folded. This parameter change includes modifying the display resolution, information density, and interaction model, allowing the system to maintain multiple application contexts without the complexity of managing multiple full windows on a small display.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electronic device including a flexible display, an operation method, and a storage medium. According to an embodiment, an electronic device may control the display module to display a first task bar and respective screens of a plurality of running applications on the first display in an unfolded state of the housing. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may generate at least one icon related to the plurality of applications for continuous use of the plurality of screens based on a partial area of the housing being in a folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may control the display module to display at least one screen among the plurality of screens and a second task bar including at least one icon on the second display in the folded state. Other embodiments are possible. Other embodiments are also possible.