Foldable Device Sensor Fusion for State Detection

The patent combines multiple sensors (hall sensor and inertial sensor) to work together for state identification. The processor receives data from both sensors, compares their results, and makes a final determination based on consistency between them. This merging of sensing mechanisms maintains fast response while improving reliability through cross-validation.

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors data from both sensors and adjusts state identification based on whether the sensors agree. When sensor data is consistent, the system confidently identifies the state; when inconsistent, it uses feedback from the comparison process to determine which sensor reading to trust or to identify potential malfunction.

The patent implements dynamic display activation where the display areas are selectively activated or deactivated based on the identified device state. The processor determines which display areas should be active based on sensor data and device orientation, dynamically adjusting display usage to match actual operational needs rather than maintaining all displays active at all times.

The system applies local quality by activating only the specific display areas that are relevant to the current device state and usage scenario. Instead of uniformly activating all displays, the processor selectively enables display regions based on which housing is active, the device's angular state, and the identified operational mode, thereby conserving power while maintaining user experience where needed.

The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by having both the hall sensor and inertial sensor serve the primary function of state identification while also providing secondary functions. The inertial sensor additionally detects device movement and orientation changes, and the hall sensor detects magnetic field conditions. This universality allows the system to maintain precision without proportionally increasing complexity, as each sensor contributes to multiple aspects of device monitoring.

The processor acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors. It receives data from both sensors, compares their outputs, and synthesizes a unified state identification. This intermediary processing layer hides the complexity of multi-sensor coordination from the rest of the system, presenting a simplified interface while maintaining high measurement precision through coordinated sensor usage.

The patent implements periodic monitoring where the processor checks sensor data at specific intervals rather than continuously. It periodically compares hall sensor and inertial sensor data to identify device state changes. This periodic action maintains adequate state identification accuracy by sampling at meaningful intervals while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

The sensor system operates with a degree of autonomy where the inertial sensor can detect significant movement or orientation changes and trigger state re-evaluation without requiring constant processor intervention. The system serves itself by having sensors monitor conditions and only requiring processor attention when state changes are detected, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing overall energy consumption.