Multi-Display Power Management via Orientation Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices with multiple display areas face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and user interface control due to the need to keep all displays active, which increases power usage and is inefficient when the device is held in various orientations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an orientation sensor and image capturing devices with face detection functionality to selectively control display areas based on the device's orientation and user presence, allowing for adaptive power management and user interface handover between displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If all display areas are kept activated to ensure user interface functionality, then user interface availability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the activation state of display areas based on real-time sensor data. The display controller continuously monitors orientation sensor outputs and image processor results, then adaptively switches between active and inactive states for different display areas, making the system flexible rather than static in its power management approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where sensor data (orientation and face detection) continuously informs display activation decisions. The display controller receives ongoing input from orientation sensors and image processors, processes this feedback information, and adjusts display area activation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power usage while maintaining user interface availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple display areas are provided on different housing sides to increase display capability, then display versatility is improved, but difficulty in determining user monitoring location increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay versatilityVSAvoiduser monitoring location detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly detect user monitoring location. Instead of directly observing which display area the user is viewing, the system uses orientation sensors to detect device orientation and image processors to detect face orientation, serving as mediators that infer user attention based on physical device and user positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct mechanical observation of user eye position or display usage with sensor-based detection. Orientation sensors and image processors substitute for direct monitoring mechanisms, using electromagnetic and optical sensing to detect device and user orientation, thereby determining which display area the user is likely monitoring without requiring direct visual observation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If touch-sensitive display technology is used to replace mechanical keypad, then device integration is improved, but predictability of input device usage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidinput device usage prediction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the display areas serve multiple functions: they act as both display output devices and touch-sensitive input devices. This multi-functionality allows the same surface to provide visual information and receive user input, reducing the need for separate mechanical keypads while maintaining comprehensive device functionality through a unified interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2073092B1Portable electronic apparatus having more than one display area, and method of controlling a user interface thereof

Publication Date: 2010.05.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

A portable electronic apparatus (300) has first and second display areas (321, 322). The apparatus has an orientation sensor (310) that provides an orientation sensor output signal (312) indicative of a spatial orientation of the apparatus. The apparatus also has a display controller (301) coupled to the first and second display areas (321, 322) and to the orientation sensor. The display controller controls the first display area and the second display area in either a first display state or a second display state, with less display activity than the first display state. When a movement of the portable electronic apparatus has been determined from the orientation sensor output signal, one of the first and second display areas is switched from the first display state to the second display state, whereas the other display area is switched from the second display state to the first display state. Specifically, the other display area is first switched from the second display state to the first display state, and then, during a transition time period, both display areas are maintained in the first display state. The transition time period is a function of a speed of the determined movement of the portable electronic apparatus. Finally, after the transition time period has lapsed, the one display area is switched from the first display state to the second display state.