Foldable Multi-Display UI Control Across Folding Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable electronic devices with multiple displays lack the ability to provide various user interfaces across different states, including folded, intermediate, and unfolded configurations, limiting their usability and user experience.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a plurality of displays that can be activated or deactivated based on the device's folding angle and orientation, allowing for various user interfaces to be provided across different states through intelligent management of display states using sensors and processors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single display device is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the user interface versatility and functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is segmented into multiple independent display devices (first display, second display, third display) that can be separately controlled and configured. Each display can operate independently or in combination with others, allowing the system to adapt to various usage scenarios without requiring a completely new device design for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device is designed to support multiple display configurations simultaneously (e.g., triangle configuration, line configuration, mirror configuration) using the same hardware platform. The control unit enables the display devices to serve multiple functions including primary display, secondary display, mirror display, and notification display, making the system universally applicable to diverse user needs.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display devices are used, then user interface versatility improves, but the complexity of controlling and managing displays increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay configuration flexibilityVSAvoiddisplay control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically detects the connection status and spatial arrangement of display devices, then autonomously configures the appropriate display mode without requiring manual intervention from the user. The system self-adjusts based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex settings menus or manually configure each display device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The display configuration is dynamic and can change automatically based on real-time conditions. The control unit continuously monitors display device status and adjusts the configuration mode (triangle, line, mirror, etc.) dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to changing user needs and environmental conditions without requiring reconfiguration by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed display configuration is used, then the control logic remains simple, but the adaptability to different usage scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage scenario adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display configuration transitions from fixed to dynamic, where the control unit automatically adjusts the display arrangement based on detected usage scenarios. The system can switch between triangle configuration, line configuration, mirror configuration, and other modes dynamically, enabling adaptability to various usage scenarios while maintaining relatively simple control logic through automated detection and configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4187359B1Electronic device for providing various user interfaces through plurality of displays, and method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4187359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4187359B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4187359B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure includes: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge unit configured to enable the first housing and the second housing to rotate; a first display exposed to an outside through a first area of the first housing and a second area of the second housing; a second display exposed to the outside through a third area of the first housing facing in the opposite direction of a facing direction of the first area; a first sensor configured to detect a folding angle formed by the first housing and the second housing; a memory configured to store data for providing a user interface based on a plurality of folding angles; and at least one processor, and the at least one processor is configured to: acquire information on the folding angle through the first sensor; when the folding angle is less than a first angle, provide a user interface according to an activation mode or an inactivation mode of the second display; when the folding angle is larger than or equal to the first angle and less than a second angle, provide a user interface according to at least one of the activation mode of the second display or an activation mode of the first display; and, when the folding angle is larger than or equal to the second angle, provide a user interface according to the activation mode of the first display.