Foldable User Device Screens for Reflection and Crease Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconfigurable screens, such as foldable screens on user devices, suffer from visible reflections and geometric distortions like creases that are undesirable, especially when in certain configurations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that determine the configuration of a reconfigurable screen, identify potentially problematic reflection sources, and compensate for them by adjusting illumination and geometric distortions using sensors, cameras, and gaze tracking to minimize visible reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the screen is made reconfigurable (foldable), then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but visible reflections and geometric distortions (mares) appear in certain configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining the screen configuration (fold angle) and pre-identifying potentially problematic reflection sources before they become visible to the user. The apparatus proactively calculates which light sources in the scene would cause harmful reflections given the current fold angle, and prepares compensation data in advance so that when the user views the screen, the reflections are already compensated for without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the screen configuration through sensors that detect fold angle changes. This feedback information is fed back to the control apparatus which then updates the identification of problematic reflection sources and adjusts the compensation accordingly. The gaze tracking system also provides feedback about user viewing direction to dynamically adjust compensation targeting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the screen is made flexible to enable folding, then the reconfigurability is improved, but geometric distortions and creases appear when used in certain configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by dynamically adjusting the display output based on the detected fold angle and screen configuration. The control apparatus modifies illumination parameters, contrast, and geometric distortion correction settings according to the current physical state of the screen. This allows the display to compensate for creases and geometric distortions in real-time as the screen transitions between different folded states.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If compensation is applied for reflections, then the visibility and viewing quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the same sensor suite (cameras, infrared sensors, depth sensors) for multiple purposes: determining screen configuration, identifying reflection sources, tracking user gaze, and measuring environmental lighting conditions. The control apparatus performs multiple functions including geometric distortion calculation, reflection source identification, compensation data generation, and display control all through a single integrated system rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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
Effectively reduces visible reflections and geometric distortions on reconfigurable screens by dynamically adjusting screen illumination and geometry based on fold angles and user gaze, enhancing the viewing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The configuration of the reconfigurable screen comprises a fold angle of said screen. It should be noted that changing the fold angle may change the nature of the geometric distortion of the screen (particularly of a fold about a hinge of the screen). One or more sensors are provided for determining the fold angle.
Implementation Method 2
The means for performing determining said illumination sources and/or objects impacting on the screen may comprise one or more imaging devices (e.g. cameras).
Implementation Method 3
The means for performing determination said illumination sources and/or objects may comprise corneal reflection imaging.
Implementation Method 4
The means for performing compensation for said potentially problematic sources of reflection may comprise specular reflection correction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program is described comprising: determining a configuration of a reconfigurable screen of a user device; identifying potentially problematic sources of reflection from a scene around a user device based, at least in part, on the determined configuration; and compensating for said potentially problematic sources of reflection.