Foldable Display Hinge Mechanics for Virtual Object Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld touch screen devices face challenges with precise physical interaction and limited viewing capacity due to their small size, and the rigid nature of standard displays hinders portability and functionality, especially in gaming and other motion-controlled applications.
Innovation Solution
A foldable touch screen display device with flexible or tiled segments that can change size, incorporating a gaming motion control interface utilizing the hinge mechanics, with sensors like accelerometers, encoders, and magnetic sensors to enhance interaction and viewing by correlating physical motion with virtual object control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display size is increased to improve viewing capacity, then the viewing capacity is improved, but the portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure that can change its form factor. The display is divided into multiple segments that can be folded relative to each other, allowing the device to transition between expanded and compact states, thus resolving the contradiction between large display area and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable display segments are nested within each other when folded, similar to nested dolls. The second display segment can be folded over or under the first segment, allowing the larger display area to be compacted into a smaller portable form factor without losing the total display area.
2Area of stationary object
If the display size is increased to improve viewing capacity, then the viewing capacity is improved, but the precision of physical interaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's physical interaction and the virtual object control. By detecting the hinge's rotational position and motion, the system can precisely control virtual objects in the larger display environment, bridging the gap between physical interaction scale and virtual object scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction with the display surface (fingers touching the screen) with a mechanical sensing system at the hinge. The hinge's rotational mechanics are detected by sensors and translated into precise virtual object control, substituting the direct touch interface with a mechanical sensing interface that maintains precision across larger display areas.
3Strength
If a rigid display structure is used to maintain structural integrity, then the structural integrity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple rigid sections that maintain their individual structural integrity. These segments are connected through a hinge mechanism, allowing the overall structure to adapt its form factor while each segment maintains its rigidity and strength, thus resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and form factor adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from completely rigid to dynamically adaptable. The hinge mechanism introduces controlled flexibility between rigid display segments, allowing the device to change its form factor (folded/unfolded states) while maintaining structural integrity of individual segments and the overall assembly.
4Device complexity
If standard touch screen interface is used to maintain simplicity, then the interface simplicity is improved, but the functionality for motion-controlled applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables form factor transformation, provides motion sensing for virtual object control, and acts as a physical interface for interaction. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while enabling advanced motion-controlled applications that would require complex separate hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible or tiled display segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a gaming motion control interface. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also have the mechanical functionality of a laptop. The gaming motion control interface can provide enhanced interaction and viewing of a game application by utilizing the inherent folding mechanics and position of each display segment relative to each other such that a virtual object or point of reference shown on the display corresponds with the device's folding motion. Other applications that do not relate to gaming may also be applied utilizing the same techniques disclosed.