Mobile Terminal Flexible Display Switching with Application Thumbnails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals with flexible displays face challenges in seamlessly switching between enlarged and reduced display modes, particularly when multiple applications are output, with unclear user experience and inconsistent application handling during mode transitions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a flexible display and a controller that manages the switching between display modes by controlling application output, layout icons, and thumbnail images based on user input, ensuring efficient transitions and maintaining user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple applications are output on the extended display, then the display area is improved, but the user experience during mode switching deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiduser experience during mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by displaying thumbnail images and layout icons before the actual mode switching occurs. This allows users to preview and select which applications to keep or minimize during the transition from extended to compact display mode, making the switching process intuitive and user-friendly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Thumbnail images and layout icons serve as intermediary elements between the extended display mode and compact display mode. These visual cues mediate the transition by providing users with a clear overview of application states and enabling informed selection before the actual mode change occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the display is extended to show multiple applications, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-application output capabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically generating thumbnail images and layout icons that represent the state of multiple applications. This automated visual feedback system eliminates the need for complex manual control interfaces, allowing users to intuitively understand and manage application states during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes display parameters by transforming full application views into condensed thumbnail representations. This parameter transformation allows multiple applications to be displayed in a compact format, enabling productivity maintenance during mode transitions without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the display switches to compact mode after showing multiple applications, then the portability is improved, but the application handling becomes unclear

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidapplication state information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates simplified copies of application states in the form of thumbnail images and layout icons. These copies preserve essential information about which applications are active and their relative positions, allowing users to make informed decisions during mode transitions without losing critical application state information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through thumbnail images and layout icons that show the current state of applications before mode switching. This feedback mechanism helps users understand which applications will be minimized or kept visible, preventing information loss and improving application handling during the transition to compact mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3945397B1Mobile terminal and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3945397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945397B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3945397B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A mobile terminal and a control method therefor are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a body, an input unit configured to sense user input, a display coupled to the body to vary a display region viewed from a front of the body according to switching between an enlarged display mode and a reduced display mode, and a controller. The controller controls output of at least one application on the display in the enlarged display mode, controls output of an editing screen upon receiving a signal for switching to the reduced display mode, and controls switching to the reduced display mode based on a result of the editing screen.