Foldable Camera Auto-Framing Triggered by Hinge Angle and Subject Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with flexible displays face inconvenience in activating or deactivating the auto-framing function, requiring manual user input, which is inefficient and cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device automatically activates the auto-framing function based on predefined conditions, such as being folded within a specified angle range and detecting an object in the camera's field of view, without the need for user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual user input is required to activate or deactivate the auto-framing function, then the device can respond to user intentions, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the cumbersome manual activation process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime for manual activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically activates the auto-framing function by detecting the device's own state (folded angle) without requiring external user input. The sensor detects when the device is folded within a specified angle range and automatically triggers the camera application with auto-framing enabled, allowing the device to serve itself by interpreting its physical state as a user intention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the device's folded state using the sensor before activating the auto-framing function. By continuously monitoring the folded angle and preparing the camera application in advance when the device enters the specified angle range, the system eliminates the need for manual activation and reduces time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the auto-framing function is activated automatically based on folded state detection, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor that detects the folded state is utilized for multiple purposes: determining the device's operational mode, triggering the camera application, and activating the auto-framing function. This multi-functional use of the sensor and control logic minimizes the addition of new components while achieving automatic activation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control logic for detecting the folded state, determining the operational mode, and activating the auto-framing function is merged into a unified control process. The processor integrates these functions, using the sensor input to directly trigger the camera application with auto-framing enabled, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the camera application is automatically executed with auto-framing when folded within a specified angle range, then the productivity improves by eliminating manual steps, but the device complexity increases due to integrated control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically executes the camera application with auto-framing enabled by detecting the device's folded state, allowing the device to initiate the complete workflow (detection → application execution → function activation) without manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates multiple manual steps and improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the folded state and pre-configures the camera application before execution. By continuously monitoring the folded angle and preparing the application in advance, the system enables rapid automatic execution when the threshold is reached, improving productivity without requiring complex real-time processing during camera operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4694167A1Method for providing auto-framing function and electronic device supporting same
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4694167A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4694167A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4694167A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device, according to one embodiment, may comprise: a housing that includes a first housing and a second housing; a hinge unit that enables the first housing and the second housing to rotate; a first display that is disposed in the first housing and the second housing; at least one camera; at least one sensor; at least one processor; and a memory that stores instructions. The instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to identify, by using the at least one sensor, whether the electronic device is in a folded state within a specified angular range. The instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to identify whether an object is detected in an image acquired by means of the at least one camera. The instructions may, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to activate an auto-framing function on the basis of the electronic device being in a folded state within a specified angular range and the object being detected in the image.