Portable Device Side Display Reflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience when receiving notifications on portable devices positioned upside down, as it is difficult to view the display to check messages or notifications.

Innovation Solution

A portable device provides a method to enhance visibility by displaying content using a reflected image, reversing left and right, and controlling the size and scroll direction based on the device's state and the texture of the reflector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the portable device is positioned upside down to be compact and portable, then the device can be easily carried and stored, but the display becomes invisible and notifications cannot be viewed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddisplay visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the side surface of the portable device as an additional display dimension. When the device is positioned upside down, the side display area becomes visible through reflection on surfaces below the device, allowing users to view notifications without changing the device's compact position.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element that mediates between the side display area and the user's view. The reflector reflects light from the side display area, making the displayed information visible when the device is positioned upside down on reflective surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the display content is reflected on a surface to be visible when upside down, then the notification can be viewed without picking up the device, but the reflected image may have reduced visibility and readability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing convenienceVSAvoidreflected image visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts display parameters including brightness, size, and position of the reflected image based on the detected texture and properties of the reflector surface. This optimization ensures maximum visibility and readability of reflected notifications on different surface types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect the texture and properties of the reflector surface, then provides feedback to the controller which adjusts the side display parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes the reflected image quality for different viewing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 users to easily view notifications by displaying them in a side display area, reversing the content for improved visibility and readability when the device is upside down, and adjusting the content's properties for optimal reflection.

Implementation Method 1

a portable device providing a displayed image or a reflected image to a user according to a state of the portable device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2981874B1Portable device providing a reflection image and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2981874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2981874B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2981874B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the present specification, if a notification is generated, a method of controlling a portable device includes the steps of sensing a state of the portable device using a sensor unit, if the portable device is in a first state, displaying content of the notification in a first display area or a second display area of a display unit and if the portable device is in a second state, displaying the content of the notification in the second display area of the display unit in a manner of reversing a left and right of the content of the notification.