Foldable Display Side Area Pattern Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current foldable displays do not fully utilize their display area when switched from an unfolded to a folded state, leading to inefficient use of screen space and a less-than-optimal user experience.

Innovation Solution

A display control method that, when a foldable display is switched from an unfolded to a folded state, scales down the interface on the primary or secondary display and displays a beautified layer with a pattern on the side display, thereby fully utilizing the display area and enhancing visual experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the foldable display is switched from unfolded form to folded form, then the device portability is improved, but the display area utilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoiddisplay area utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is segmented into three distinct regions: primary display area, secondary display area, and side display area. This segmentation allows each region to serve different functions simultaneously, with the side display area displaying beautified layers while the primary and secondary areas show interface content, thus fully utilizing the display area in folded form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the side display area, which is a previously underutilized dimension in folded form, to display beautified layers. This transforms the wasted side area into a functional display region, effectively adding another dimension of useful display space without increasing the physical device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the side display area is left blank or used for basic information, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the visual experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidvisual experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the display are assigned different qualities and functions: the primary and secondary display areas maintain their traditional interface display function, while the side display area is specially designed to display beautified layers with patterns, images, or animations. This local differentiation enhances visual experience without complicating the overall device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The beautified layer in the side display area can display various patterns, images, and visual effects that change in appearance, providing aesthetic value and visual interest. This use of visual variation enhances user experience while maintaining simple device operation through automatic display control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3933577B1Display control method and related apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3933577B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3933577B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3933577B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

This application discloses a display control method, applied to an electronic device configured with a foldable display. The method includes: First, the electronic device displays a first interface in full screen by using the foldable display. Then, the electronic device receives a first folding operation for the foldable display. A display area of the foldable display is divided into a primary display, a secondary display, and a side display. In response to the first folding operation, the electronic device displays a second interface on the primary display or the secondary display of the foldable display, and displays a beautified layer on the side display of the foldable display. A pattern is displayed at the beautified layer, and interface content of the second interface is the same as interface content of the first interface. In this way, the beautified layer with the pattern is displayed on the side display of the foldable display. This fully utilizes the display area of the foldable display, and improves visual experience of a user.