Grip Sensor UI Display for Maximizing Screen Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

In small-sized electronic devices, it is challenging to accommodate physical keys and sensors due to space constraints, leading to reduced effective display area and difficulties in implementing various sensors.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a sensor system that uses pattern circuits to detect grip and proximity through changes in electromagnetic fields, allowing for the dynamic display of user interfaces based on user interaction, thereby optimizing screen usage and eliminating the need for constant physical key display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical keys are disposed in the display area or soft keys are always displayed, then device control functionality is provided, but the effective display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control functionalityVSAvoideffective display area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the display of soft keys conditional rather than static. The processor dynamically displays soft keys in the first area only when grip sensing signals indicate the device is being held, and displays them in the second area when not being held. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing control functionality only when needed, maximizing display area at other times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If various sensors are built in a small-sized electronic device, then sensing functionality is enhanced, but device size constraints make it difficult to accommodate them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing functionalityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the existing grip sensor serve multiple functions. Instead of adding separate sensors for proximity detection and grip detection, the same grip sensor is used to determine both whether the device is being held and to trigger appropriate display configurations. This multi-functional use resolves the contradiction by enhancing sensing capabilities without requiring additional sensor components.

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

3Volume of moving object

If the device size is reduced, then portability is improved, but the ability to accommodate physical keys and sensors is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidkey and sensor accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing physical mechanical keys with software-based soft keys displayed on the screen. The grip sensor triggers the display of virtual control interfaces that provide the same functionality as physical keys but occupy no physical space. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while enabling smaller device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances the utilization of the display area by dynamically showing user interfaces only when needed, improving user interaction and maintaining a clutter-free screen, even in compact devices.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor system that uses pattern circuits to detect grip and proximity through changes in electromagnetic fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3327562B1Device for displaying user interface based on sensing signal of grip sensor
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3327562B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327562B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3327562B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device includes a sensor that senses at least one of whether the electronic device is gripped by a user or whether a hand of the user is close to a specific area of the electronic device, a display, and a processor that is electrically connected with the sensor and the display. If that the electronic device is gripped by the user is sensed and that the user's hand is close to the specific area is sensed, the processor displays a preset user interface in the display.