Foldable Display Bending Angle Detection Using Collimated Infrared Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display devices face challenges in accurately detecting bending angles due to the large size of conventional angle transducers, which hinders the development of lightweight and compact designs that can integrate multiple functions.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device equipped with a controller and multiple angle probe sets, each comprising a transmitter and receivers, that emit and detect collimated infrared light to determine bending angles, allowing for display state changes based on the received signals, thereby enhancing user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional angle transducers are used for bending angle detection, then bending angle detection function is achieved, but device size increases and integration with other functions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical angle transducer with an optical detection system consisting of a transmitter emitting collimated infrared light and receivers detecting the light. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical components, significantly reducing the detection module size while maintaining bending angle detection capability. The optical system can be integrated into the display device structure without adding substantial volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle detection module is integrated with the display device structure, where the transmitter and receivers are positioned to utilize the display screen itself as part of the detection system. The same optical path is used for both display function and angle detection, allowing the device to perform multiple functions (display and angle sensing) without requiring separate dedicated components, thus reducing overall device volume.
2Measurement precision
If multiple receivers with different angles are used, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple receivers, each positioned at different angles relative to the display screen. Each receiver is responsible for detecting light at specific angle ranges, allowing the system to achieve high precision bending angle detection across the full range of motion. The segmentation of detection functions among multiple specialized receivers improves measurement precision while keeping each individual receiver simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light absorbing layer as an intermediary element to manage the optical paths of multiple receivers. This layer selectively absorbs or transmits collimated infrared light based on its position and properties, enabling each receiver to detect light from specific angles without interference from other receivers. The intermediary layer simplifies the overall system by providing a straightforward mechanism for angle-specific detection.
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 solution enables precise detection of bending angles, allowing for seamless display state transitions, improving user experience by enabling efficient space utilization and convenient operation of foldable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter is inclined at a first angle with respect to the first half screen and faces the second half screen, and is configured to emit collimated infrared light
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of receivers is in signal connection with the controller, and is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the controller when receiving the collimated infrared light
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of receivers is provided with a light absorbing layer for absorbing light other than collimated infrared light parallel to the inclination direction of the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device includes a display screen including a first half screen and a second half screen, a controller and at least one angle probe set. Each set includes a transmitter and a plurality of receivers. The transmitter is inclined at a first angle with respect to the first half screen and faces the second half screen, and is configured to emit collimated infrared light. Each receiver is inclined at a second angle with respect to the second half screen, and is in signal connection with the controller, and is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the controller when receiving the collimated infrared light. The controller is in signal connection with the display screen, and is configured to determine a bending angle from angle information of the receiver and control the display screen to switch to a display state for the bending angle.