Optical Hinge Angle Sensing for Automatic Dual-Display Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses require manual user adjustment of brightness, contrast, and volume settings when multiple displays are angled relative to each other, lacking automatic control based on the display angle.

Innovation Solution

A hinge device with a light emitter and receiver on opposing hinge portions that control connected displays based on light intensity, allowing automatic adjustment of display settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple displays are connected using a hinge device, then the displays can be positioned at different angles to serve different purposes, but the user must manually adjust brightness, contrast, and volume settings for each angle configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay angle configurationVSAvoidmanual adjustment of display settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the hinge angle using a sensor and adjusts display parameters (brightness, contrast, volume) without requiring user intervention. The display device performs the adjustment operation itself based on the detected angle, eliminating manual configuration needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A sensor continuously monitors the hinge angle and provides feedback to the controller, which then automatically adjusts display settings based on the detected angle. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different display configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge device mechanically connects multiple displays, then the displays can be folded and positioned flexibly, but additional components like light sensors and controllers must be integrated into the hinge structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding and positioning capabilityVSAvoidintegration of sensor and controller in hinge
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge device is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical connection and folding of displays, angle detection via sensor, and automatic control of display parameters. By integrating these functions into a single hinge unit, the overall system complexity is managed efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor, controller, and hinge mechanism are combined into an integrated unit. The sensor is mounted on the hinge portion, and the controller is configured to receive sensor signals and control display parameters, merging multiple components into a compact assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If the hinge angle is used to control display parameters automatically, then user convenience is improved, but the hinge structure must include precise sensing and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic display parameter adjustmentVSAvoidsensing and control mechanisms in hinge
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated system using a sensor to detect the hinge angle and a controller to adjust display parameters electronically. This substitution of mechanical control with sensor-based automatic control improves convenience while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables automatic adjustment of display settings based on the angle between displays, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitter on the first hinge portion; a light receiver on the second hinge portion; and a controller configured to control the first display and the second display based on an intensity of light received by the light receiver while the light emitter outputs the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

at least one sensor electrically connected to the second substrate and configured to detect the light emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4682681A1Hinge device and display apparatus including same
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4682681A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4682681A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4682681A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display apparatus including: a first display; a second display disposed adjacent to the first display; a hinge rotatably coupling the first display and the second display, the hinge including a first hinge portion at a side of the first display and a second hinge portion rotatably coupled to the first hinge portion and at a side of the second display; a light emitter on the first hinge portion; a light receiver on the second hinge portion; and a controller configured to control the first display and the second display based on an intensity of light received by the light receiver while the light emitter outputs the light.