Foldable Screen Rotation Control Using Dual Housing Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices require a method to control screen rotation based on various shapes of the display, as the user's viewing direction changes with the transformation of the device's structure.

Innovation Solution

The device includes a hinge module connecting two housings with sensors to detect the folding angle and a processor that selects and controls the display direction based on sensor data, ensuring content is displayed appropriately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display structure is transformed into various shapes through folding, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the complexity of controlling screen rotation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay shape adaptabilityVSAvoidscreen rotation control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing system into two separate sensors: a first sensor disposed in the first housing to detect rotation angles when the first display is active, and a second sensor disposed in the second housing to detect rotation angles when the second display is active. This segmentation allows each sensor to independently handle rotation detection for its respective display, simplifying the overall control logic despite the complex foldable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic sensor selection based on the operational state of the displays. The processor dynamically determines which sensor to use based on whether the first display or second display is currently active, and based on the folding angle of the housing. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to various folding configurations while maintaining simple rotation control for the active display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If sensors are disposed in both housings to detect rotation angles, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angle detection precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing sensors in specific locations within each housing based on where they are needed. The first sensor is disposed in the first housing to detect rotation when the first display is active, while the second sensor is disposed in the second housing to detect rotation when the second display is active. This localized sensor placement optimizes measurement precision for each display's operational context while avoiding unnecessary sensors throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Each sensor serves multiple functions: detecting rotation angles for display orientation control, determining folding states, and enabling appropriate display selection. The first sensor in the first housing and the second sensor in the second housing both contribute to the overall folding angle detection and display management, making the sensor system multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated sensors for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4177717B1Foldable electronic device for controlling screen rotation, and operating method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4177717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4177717B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4177717B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

In a foldable electronic device of various embodiments of the present invention, the rotational angle of the electronic device is detected using a first sensor arranged in a first housing and/or a second sensor arranged in a second housing, which are selected based on folding angles of the first housing and the second housing, and thus content can be provided according to a situation in which a user uses the electronic device.