Rollable Mobile Display Unlocking With Knock-Code Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rollable mobile terminals face user discomfort during the dual process of unlocking and display expansion, necessitating a more convenient control method.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a flexible display that includes a first display on the front, a second display on one lateral side, and a third display on the rear, utilizing a drive unit and sensing unit to expand the first display upon detecting a preset knock code or gesture input, allowing simultaneous unlocking and display expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the display is expanded after unlocking in a general manner, then the display size is increased, but the user feels uncomfortable due to the dual process of unlocking and expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay sizeVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the unlocking function and display expansion function into a single integrated operation. When the user inputs the correct knock code pattern, both the locking is released and the flexible display is expanded simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate unlocking and expansion steps. This merging of functions directly resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining increased display size while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration by setting a specific knock code pattern that triggers both unlocking and expansion. The controller is pre-programmed to recognize this pattern and execute the combined operation, so when the user inputs the pattern, the system is already prepared to perform both actions simultaneously without requiring separate user commands for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a knock code input method is implemented, then simultaneous unlocking and display expansion is achieved, but the input mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking and expansion integrationVSAvoidinput mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The knock code sensing mechanism acts as an intermediary that translates simple user touch gestures into complex control signals. The sensing unit detects the knock pattern on the display surface and converts it into a command that triggers both unlocking and expansion functions. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain simple user interaction while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple functions internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The display surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display interface and the input interface for the knock code. The same flexible display that shows content also detects user gestures for unlocking and expansion control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate input mechanisms, thereby managing device complexity while improving ease of operation.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4060968B1Mobile terminal and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4060968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4060968B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4060968B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The present specification provides a mobile terminal, which can simultaneously enable unlocking and display expansion, and a control method therefor. A mobile terminal of the present invention comprises a flexible display which can expand in size. If a knock code via a user's touch input on the display unit matches a preconfigured pattern, a display positioned on the front side can expand in size as the mobile terminal unlocks.