Fold Detection Using Image Sensor on Foldable Mobile Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable mobile devices face increased costs and complexity due to the inclusion of Hall effect integrated circuits and magnets for fold detection, which are not efficiently addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A foldable mobile device uses an image sensor to measure predetermined features on opposing faces, determining the fold state based on dimensional changes, allowing for cost-effective fold detection without the need for additional sensors like Hall effect circuits or magnets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Hall effect integrated circuits and magnets are included for fold detection, then fold detection functionality is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefold detection functionalityVSAvoiddevice cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic detection system (Hall effect circuits and magnets) with an optical measurement system using an image sensor to capture and analyze images of the display, determining fold state through image processing rather than magnetic field detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the image sensor serve multiple functions: it not only captures images for fold detection but also displays content on the display screen, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If Hall effect integrated circuits and magnets are included for fold detection, then fold detection functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefold detection functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive image sensors and display elements that are already standard components in mobile devices, replacing expensive specialized Hall effect circuits and magnets with cheaper, more commonly available components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables accurate fold state detection, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining reliability, by leveraging existing image sensors and display elements for determining the device's open or closed state.

Implementation Method 1

measuring, using an image sensor disposed on the first face of the foldable mobile device, a predetermined feature on a second face of the foldable mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage sensing: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS11775026B1Mobile device fold detection

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various embodiments may include methods of detecting a fold state of a foldable mobile device in which the foldable mobile device includes a hinge coupling the first and second faces pivotally to fold into one or more fold states based on images of a visual element obtained by an image sensor. Embodiments may include measuring, using an image sensor disposed on a first face of the foldable mobile device, a predetermined feature on a second face of the foldable mobile device, and determining a fold state of the foldable mobile device based on the measure of the predetermined feature. In some embodiments, the reported fold state may be based on a dimension determined from the measure of the predetermined feature.