Lid Angle Detection Using Accelerometer Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with convertible designs, such as laptops and tablets, face challenges in accurately determining their operating mode based on the angle of the lid relative to the base, leading to inconsistent user interface customization and input device functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of lid and base accelerometers to calculate a lid angle, using rotation matrices and acceleration vectors, allows the computing device to identify operating modes such as laptop or tablet mode, thereby adjusting input device functionality and user interface customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the computing device uses accelerometer vectors and rotation matrices to calculate lid angle, then the operating mode detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores rotation matrices during device initialization or manufacturing. These pre-computed matrices are stored in memory and reused during operation, avoiding the need to perform complex matrix calculations in real-time when detecting operating modes, thus reducing computational complexity while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses accelerometer vectors from both lid and base portions as copies of physical orientation data. By comparing these vector copies through pre-stored rotation matrices, the system determines lid angle without requiring direct physical measurement of the angle itself, simplifying the detection mechanism while improving precision
2Ease of operation
If the computing device customizes user interface and adjusts input device functionality based on operating mode, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated lid angle continuously informs the operating mode determination, which in turn triggers appropriate UI customization and input device adjustments. This closed-loop feedback ensures the device automatically adapts to user needs based on detected configuration, improving ease of operation through context-aware behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal operating mode detection system that serves multiple functions: determining lid angle, identifying operating modes (laptop, tablet, tent, etc.), customizing user interface, and adjusting input device functionality. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a unified framework, managing complexity while enhancing adaptability
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 method enables precise determination of the computing device's operating mode, enhancing user experience by ensuring appropriate input device functionality and user interface customization based on the device's configuration.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, by a computing device, a lid accelerometer vector for a lid accelerometer included in a lid portion of the computing device
Implementation Method 2
obtaining, by the computing device, a base accelerometer vector for a base accelerometer included in a base portion of the computing device
Data Source
AI summary
In one general aspect, a method can include obtaining, by a computing device, a lid accelerometer vector for a lid accelerometer included in a lid portion of the computing device, and obtaining, by the computing device, a base accelerometer vector for a base accelerometer included in a base portion of the computing device. The method can include calculating a value for a lid angle based on the lid accelerometer vector and the base accelerometer vector, and identifying an operating mode for the computing device based on the calculated value of the lid angle, the operating mode being one of a laptop mode and a tablet mode.