Overlapping Displays for Seamless Image Continuity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Folding hand-held electronic devices with multiple displays face challenges in providing an unobstructed view due to visible spacing between displays, disrupting the perception of a single image.

Innovation Solution

A movable connection between two sections of a hand-held device allows the displays to transition from a closed configuration where one display is partially visible to an open configuration where both displays are viewable from the same direction, with overlapping sections minimizing the visible gap and creating a seamless image experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple stationary displays are used together to show different portions of a single image, then the display area is increased, but the spacing between displays is clearly visible and disrupts the perception of the image to the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidimage perception continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is divided into multiple separate display sections (first display section and second display section) that can be independently positioned and oriented. These segmented displays are connected through a hinge mechanism, allowing each section to be independently angled to face the same direction, thereby creating multiple viewing zones while maintaining overall image continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of displays to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. By using a hinge connection and angling the display sections in three-dimensional space, the displays can overlap and face the same direction without requiring flat placement, thus eliminating visible spacing while maintaining increased display area.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If displays are positioned close together to minimize spacing, then image perception continuity is improved, but the device size is reduced making it difficult for users to properly see information on the display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage perception continuityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display system incorporates a hinge mechanism that allows the display sections to dynamically adjust their relative angles and positions. This dynamic configuration enables the displays to be spread apart in three-dimensional space, providing sufficient viewing distance and size for users to comfortably see information, while the overlapping arrangement maintains image continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the device is made smaller to improve portability, then the form factor is reduced, but the display area becomes insufficient for proper viewing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display sections are arranged in a nested or overlapping configuration where the second display section partially overlaps with the first display section. This nesting arrangement allows multiple display areas to be compactly integrated within a smaller overall device volume, effectively packing more display area into a reduced form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

By utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement through the hinge mechanism, the patent packs increased display area into a compact volume by stacking and angling display sections in the third dimension, rather than simply expanding the device footprint in two dimensions.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9507376B2Overlapping displays
Publication Date: 2016.11.29 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • US9507376B2 patent drawing
  • US9507376B2 patent drawing
  • US9507376B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus including a first electrical display; and a second electrical display movably connected to the first electrical display between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the first and second electrical displays generally face each other. In the second configuration the first and second electrical displays do not generally face each other and are viewable from a same direction. The first and second electrical displays are sized and shaped such that in the first configuration a portion of the second electrical display is visible.