Foldable Display Mobile Terminal with Angle-Sensing Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals with foldable displays face challenges in integrating a separate keypad due to size and portability constraints, making it difficult to provide a user-friendly interface for various functions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a foldable display unit that includes multiple linked display zones, an angle sensor to detect the folding angle, and a control unit to activate or control application programs based on the folding events, allowing for intuitive operation and easier manipulation, especially when using touch screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate keypad is installed in a mobile terminal with foldable display, then the user interface for various functions is improved, but the device size and portability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interfaceVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the keypad functionality with the display unit by implementing a virtual keypad on the touch screen. This integration eliminates the need for a separate physical keypad while maintaining the input functionality, thereby improving ease of operation without increasing device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display screen and the input interface through the virtual keypad. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain comprehensive operational capabilities while minimizing the overall device size by eliminating dedicated input hardware.

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

2Volume of moving object

If the display unit is folded at a particular angle, then portability is improved, but image discontinuity and blurring occur near the foldable zone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidimage continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic image adjustment based on the folding angle detected by the angle sensor. The control unit dynamically modifies the display output to compensate for geometric distortion and image discontinuity that occur at different folding angles, thereby maintaining image quality while enabling portable folded configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The angle sensor provides real-time feedback about the folding angle to the control unit, which then adjusts the display parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically compensate for image distortion caused by folding, maintaining image continuity across the foldable zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple linked display zones are used, then functionality and user interface are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddisplay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit is segmented into multiple independently controllable display zones that can be selectively activated based on the folding angle. This segmentation allows different functions to be displayed on different zones (e.g., main display on one zone, keypad on another), enhancing versatility while managing complexity through modular control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically configures the multiple display zones based on the detected folding angle. The control unit adjusts which zones are active and how they are utilized, allowing the device to adapt its functionality to the current folding state without requiring permanent complex hardware configurations for all possible functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 users to execute desired functions by folding the terminal at specific angles, providing a convenient and user-friendly interface for various applications, enhancing usability and functionality while maintaining portability.

Implementation Method 1

an angle sensor sensing the folding angle between adjacent display zones and generating a folding event according to the folding angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngle sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP2207076B1Mobile terminal having foldable display and operation method for the same
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2207076B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2207076B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2207076B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mobile terminal having a foldable display and an operation method for the same are disclosed. The foldable display unit includes a plurality of display zones, wherein the application of program depends on the degree of folding angle of the display unit, and the display unit displays on its screen according to the folding angle. Further, variations of closing and opening motion of the foldable display unit triggers different modes of operation and displays