Foldable Device Software State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in efficiently managing the execution of software applications based on varying device states, particularly in foldable devices where the display area changes with different folding configurations.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a multi-foldable housing and a flexible display, where sensors detect changes in angles between housing parts, and a processor manages the display of visual objects corresponding to software applications, allowing seamless execution across different device states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the display area is increased to support more functions and visualize more information, then the number of supported functions and information visualization capability are improved, but the size and volume of the electronic device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible display that can dynamically change its configuration between folded and unfolded states, allowing the display area to expand or contract based on usage needs. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to provide a large display area when needed while maintaining a compact form factor when portability is required, effectively resolving the contradiction between display size and device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible display is nested within the device housing in such a way that it can be folded into a compact configuration for portability while still providing a large unfolded display area for information visualization and function support. The nesting arrangement allows the display to be contained within the device volume constraints while maintaining access to the full display area when deployed.
2Area of stationary object
If the display area is increased to visualize more information, then the information visualization capability is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display enables dynamic adjustment of the display area by folding or unfolding, allowing the device to provide a large display area for information visualization only when needed, while maintaining a compact length for portability at other times. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between display area and device length.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software applications are executed based on device state changes, then the adaptability to different configurations is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the physical state of the flexible display (folded or unfolded), and this state information is fed back to the processor to automatically adjust software application execution and display configuration. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to different device states automatically without requiring complex manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting its own physical state through integrated sensors and autonomously adjusting software execution and display configuration based on the detected state. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external control or complex user intervention, enabling high adaptability while keeping the system relatively simple.
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
Enables smooth transitions and efficient execution of software applications as the device changes states from multi-folded to single-folded and unfolded, enhancing user experience by adapting to different display configurations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor configured to sense a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part
Data Source
AI summary
At least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, of an electronic device according to an example embodiment is, individually and/or collectively, configured to execute one or more applications on a cover display in a folded state of the electronic device; control the electronic device to display, in response to switching of the electronic device from the folded state to a half-folded state of the electronic device based on rotation of the first housing, a list of the one or more applications executed on the cover display on a first displaying region of a flexible display; and control the electronic device to display, in response to switching of the electronic device from the half-folded state to an unfolded state based on rotation of a third housing, a screen associated with at least one of the one or more applications on the flexible display.