Foldable Display External Shell Interface for Closed-State Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable mobile devices require users to open the device for interaction, which may not be feasible in limited spaces or due to privacy concerns, limiting usability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device with a user interface surface on its exterior cover section allows interaction while closed, enabling content selection and object input, which are stored for display on interior screens when opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is kept closed to maintain privacy and save space, then privacy and portability are improved, but user interaction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional surfaces: the external shell surface for interaction when closed, and internal display screens for full functionality when open. This segmentation allows the device to provide appropriate interaction capabilities for each state without compromising privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
User interactions are performed in advance on the external shell surface while the device is closed, preparing content or selections before the device is opened. This preliminary action on the external surface eliminates the need to open the device for basic interactions, maintaining privacy while enabling operation.
2Ease of operation
If the device is opened for interaction, then full functionality is achieved, but device portability and space efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device shell is segmented to include an external interaction surface that provides basic functionality when closed, while the full functionality is reserved for when the device is opened. This allows the device to maintain a compact form factor while still providing usable interaction capabilities in closed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The external shell surface provides partial interaction functionality (sufficient for basic operations like content selection) when the device is closed, eliminating the need for full functionality in the closed state. This partial action approach allows the device to remain compact while still being operational.
3Ease of operation
If an interaction surface is added to the external shell, then closed-state usability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external shell surface is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the protective device shell and an interactive input surface. By making the shell itself interactive rather than adding a separate component, the solution provides multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interaction surface is merged with the external shell structure rather than being a separate added component. This combining of the shell and interaction surface into a single integrated element provides closed-state usability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide a foldable display device that includes a user interface surface located on an exterior cover section of the foldable display device that allows a user to interact with the user interface surface while the foldable display device is in a closed state. Interaction on the user interface surface during the closed state of the foldable display device may allow the user to select content to be shown on at least one display screen of the foldable display device on the interior section during a subsequent open state of the foldable display device. Additionally, the user interface surface may be configured to allow an object produced (e.g., drawn or written) on the user interface surface to be stored for display on at least one of the first display screen, the second display screen, or the user interface surface.