Movable Panel Input Using Angle and Retention Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices with two movable panels offer limited functionality, allowing only simple user interfaces based on a single relative angle, restricting the execution of diverse applications and functions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a combination of preset effective angle ranges, retention times, and user inputs to differentiate and execute various functions based on the movement of panels into and out of these ranges, allowing for more complex and diverse command inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a simple user interface based on a single relative angle is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the functionality and versatility of the device are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the conventional single-angle interface by adding temporal dimension (retention time) and state transition dimension (entering/leaving angle ranges) to create a multi-dimensional input system. This allows the same physical angle to trigger different functions based on how long it is maintained and whether it is entering or leaving the range, thereby increasing versatility without adding physical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static angle-based interface to a dynamic interface that considers the temporal evolution of the angle. By monitoring whether the angle is entering or leaving a preset range and how long it remains within that range, the system dynamically adjusts its interpretation of user intent, enabling more functions to be controlled through the same physical movement patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions are executed based on relative angle combinations, then the versatility of the device is enhanced, but the complexity of detecting and measuring user intent increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediverse applicationsVSAvoidcommand differentiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous angle range into multiple discrete zones (first preset angle range, second preset angle range, etc.), each associated with specific functions. By dividing the angle space and temporal behavior into distinct segments, the system can more easily detect and differentiate user commands without requiring complex continuous analysis, reducing the difficulty of command detection while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2673688B1Method and apparatus for inputting user commands using relative movements of device panels
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2673688B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2C
  • EP2673688B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~3(c)
  • EP2673688B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~5A

AI summary

A method and apparatus for inputting various operation instructions to a device including two movable panels. The method includes determining whether a relative angle between the first panel and the second panel is within an effective angle range; determining whether the relative angle within the effective angle range is maintained during an effective time; and inputting an operation instruction to the device based on whether the relative angle between the first panel and the second panel is within the effective angle range and whether the relative angle within the effective angle range is maintained during the effective time.