Foldable Display Angle Measurement Using Multi-Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for measuring the angle between displays of electronic devices that output at least two screens to execute specific functions or applications based on the angle between the displays.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device is equipped with sensors installed in multiple displays, allowing the application processor to measure the angle using acceleration sensors and quaternion vectors, enabling various functions to be provided to the user based on the measured angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are installed in multiple displays to measure the angle between displays, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing function across multiple displays by installing separate sensors in each display module. This segmentation allows each sensor to independently measure local orientation data, which are then combined to calculate the relative angle between displays, thereby improving measurement precision while distributing system complexity across modular components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multi-functional sensors that can detect both absolute orientation relative to gravity and relative orientation between displays. These sensors serve multiple purposes: measuring individual display angles, calculating relative angles between connected displays, and providing data for various applications such as image processing and 3D effect generation, thus reducing overall system complexity through component multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sensors are used to measure angle between displays, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsensor installation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously receives orientation data from multiple sensors, calculates the actual angle between displays, and uses this information to compensate for installation errors. The system can detect deviations from expected sensor readings and adjust calculations accordingly, maintaining measurement reliability even when manufacturing precision varies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts measurement parameters and calculation methods based on sensor data quality and display configuration. By changing the mathematical models used to interpret sensor readings according to the specific installation scenario, the system maintains reliable angle measurements across varying manufacturing precision levels without requiring extremely tight tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the execution of functions such as adjusting image size, video play speed, providing a 3D stereo effect, obtaining wide-angle images, and managing content display by accurately measuring and utilizing the angle between the displays.

Implementation Method 1

measure a first angle between the first housing part and a ground, to measure a second angle between the second housing part and the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

measuring, by using a first sensor and a second sensor, a first angle between the first housing part and a ground, and a second angle between the second housing part and the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3335097B1Method for measuring angles between displays and electronic device using the same
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3335097B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3335097B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3335097B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a foldable housing including a first housing part that includes a first surface and a second surface facing opposite to the first surface, a second housing part including a first surface that faces the first surface of the first housing part when the housing is folded in a first direction and a second surface that faces the second surface of the first housing part when the housing is folded in a second direction. The electronic device includes a first display, a second display disposed, a first sensor disposed in the first housing part, a second sensor disposed in the second housing part, and a processor that is configured to identify an angle between the first housing part and the second housing part using the first sensor and the second sensor and execute at least one action of the electronic device based on the identified angle.