Multi-Display Call Handling Through Hinge Angle Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile computing devices with multiple displays face challenges in adapting device functions to different physical states while maintaining a consistent user experience, particularly in handling phone calls, as certain functions are more amenable to specific device orientations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-display computing device that adjusts its user interface and functionality based on the relative angle between its displays, enabling adaptive operation modes such as peek, two-display, and one-display modes, and transitions between them to optimize phone call handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device maintains multiple display modes (peek mode, two-display mode, one-display mode) to adapt to different physical states, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between peek mode, two-display mode, and one-display mode based on the relative angle between displays detected by the sensor system. The logic subsystem automatically transitions between modes as the device physically changes configuration, making the system adaptable without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses the relative angle parameter between displays as the triggering condition for mode changes. When the angle exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system transitions from peek mode to two-display mode. This parameter-based approach provides a simple yet effective mechanism for adapting to different physical states without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the device automatically answers incoming calls when the relative angle changes to greater than a predetermined angle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of call handling may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the relative angle between displays before executing the call answering action. By continuously monitoring the angle through the sensor system, the device can determine whether the current physical state justifies automatic call answering, thereby avoiding erroneous actions in inappropriate contexts while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The logic subsystem receives continuous feedback from the sensor system about the relative angle between displays and uses this information to control the call handling behavior. This feedback mechanism ensures that automatic call answering only occurs when the device is in the appropriate physical state, balancing ease of operation with reliable call handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the device disables unnecessary displays to save power and improve user experience, then the use of energy is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse of energyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically determines which displays to enable or disable based on the relative angle between them, without requiring user intervention. The logic subsystem self-manages display power states by detecting physical configuration changes, thereby saving energy while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The display power states are dynamically adjusted based on the current physical configuration of the device. When displays are at a greater angle, the system disables unnecessary displays to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation occurs automatically, preserving ease of operation while improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4386515B1Calling on a multi-display device
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP4386515B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4386515B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4386515B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

Examples that relate to calling on a computing device are disclosed. One example provides a computing device, comprising, a first display, a second display, a sensor system, a logic subsystem and a storage subsystem comprising instructions executable by the logic subsystem to output, via one or both of the first display and the second display, a notification of an incoming phone call at the computing device, and based on output from the sensor system indicating a relative angle between the first display and the second display being changed to an angle greater than a predetermined angle, answer the incoming phone call.