Foldable Screen State Control Using Coupling Capacitance

Solution Overview

Problem

The use of specific sensor elements, such as Hall elements, infrared sensors, and angular acceleration sensors, to determine the folding state of flexible screens increases manufacturing costs and occupies space in terminal devices.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing capacitance sensors to detect coupling capacitance changes during a folding event, determining whether the change meets preset conditions to control the screen state, eliminating the need for additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensor elements (Hall element, infrared sensor, radar sensor, angular acceleration sensors) are added to determine folding state, then the display mode determination accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the terminal space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding state detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor element quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitance sensor originally designed for touch detection is made to serve dual purposes: both touch input detection and folding state determination. By analyzing capacitance changes from both touch operations and folding actions, the system eliminates the need for dedicated folding sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing capacitance sensor system serves itself by utilizing its own capacitance change data for multiple functions. The sensor detects both touch events and folding events using the same hardware infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If additional sensor elements are added to determine folding state, then the display mode determination accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding state detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitance sensor originally designed for touch detection is made to serve dual purposes: both touch input detection and folding state determination. By analyzing capacitance changes from both touch operations and folding actions, the system eliminates the need for dedicated folding sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution replaces expensive additional sensor elements with the existing capacitance sensor infrastructure that is already part of the display panel. This approach uses readily available, cost-effective components rather than adding specialized expensive sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If additional sensor elements are added to determine folding state, then the display mode determination accuracy is improved, but the terminal space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding state detection accuracyVSAvoidterminal internal space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitance sensor originally designed for touch detection is made to serve dual purposes: both touch input detection and folding state determination. By analyzing capacitance changes from both touch operations and folding actions, the system eliminates the need for dedicated folding sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The function of detecting folding state is merged with the existing touch detection system. Both functions share the same capacitance sensor array and processing logic, consolidating multiple detection capabilities into a single integrated system that saves space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Reduces manufacturing costs and conserves space by using common sensors to determine the folding state of flexible screens, allowing for efficient screen state control.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a coupling capacitance generated when a folding event occurs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoupling capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12615331B2Screen state control method and apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 JRD COMM (SHENZHEN) LTD

AI summary

The present application provides a screen state control method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method includes: detecting a coupling capacitance generated when a folding event occurs, determining whether the coupling capacitance meets a first preset condition; and controlling the screen state based on the coupling capacitance meeting the first preset condition.