Foldable Screen Interface Control by Folding State and Posture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current foldable screens in electronic devices lack flexibility in displaying interfaces, as they are fixed to specified locations, failing to accommodate diverse user needs and usage scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A display method for foldable screens that adjusts displayed content based on the folding angle and placement posture, allowing separate or combined operation of multiple screens, enhancing user interaction and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the foldable screen is fixed to display interfaces at specified locations, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user needs and usage scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different user needsVSAvoidinterface display control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic interface display by detecting the folding state of the foldable screen and automatically adjusting which interface is displayed on each screen region. The system transitions from static fixed-location display to dynamic state-dependent display, where the display configuration changes based on whether the device is folded or unfolded, thereby improving adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects the folding state through sensors and autonomously determines the appropriate interface display configuration without requiring user intervention. The device self-adjusts the display mode based on its physical state, eliminating the need for manual setup and reducing operational complexity while enhancing adaptability to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users share a single device, then the device utilization rate improves, but the interference between users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-user support capabilityVSAvoiduser interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the foldable screen into distinct display regions that can be independently controlled. When the device is folded, different interfaces can be displayed on different screen regions simultaneously, allowing multiple users to interact with their own applications without seeing or interfering with each other's content, thus enabling multi-user support while preventing user interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display screen are assigned different functional qualities based on the folding state. In folded mode, each screen region can display content tailored to a specific user, creating localized display zones with independent content. This local differentiation allows multiple users to share the device while experiencing personalized, interference-free interfaces in their respective regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If the display area is increased to provide richer information, then the information richness improves, but the portability of the device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The foldable screen enables the display area to dynamically change based on the folding state. When unfolded, the device provides a large display area for rich information display; when folded, it becomes compact for easy portability. The system automatically adjusts the display configuration to match the physical state, allowing the device to transition between large-screen and portable modes without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The foldable screen structure allows one screen to be nested within or adjacent to another when folded, creating a compact form factor that maintains the capability for large display area when needed. The nested configuration enables the device to occupy minimal space during transport while retaining the full display real estate when unfolded for use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 multiple users to interact with a single device without interference, improving user experience through customizable screen usage and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

based on a location relationship between a horizontal plane of a material object and each of the first screen and the second screen detected by the processor based on data detected by the gyro sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscopic effect: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP4057136B1Method for displaying folding screen and related apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4057136B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)
  • EP4057136B1 patent drawingFigure 1(b)
  • EP4057136B1 patent drawingFigure 1(c)

AI summary

A display method for a foldable screen is provided, and is applied to an electronic device including a foldable screen. The foldable screen can be folded to form a first screen and a second screen. The method includes: When detecting that the foldable screen is in an unfolded form, the electronic device displays a first interface on the foldable screen in full screen mode, where the first interface runs on a first operating system. When detecting that the foldable screen is switched from the unfolded form to a half-folded form, the electronic device controls the first screen to display a second interface, and controls the second screen to display a third interface or to be turned off, based on a location relationship between a horizontal plane and each of the first screen and the second screen. In this way, it can be convenient for a user to interact with the electronic device without holding the electronic device stably, to improve user interaction experience.