Rotatable Segmented Display for Continuous Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices with touch-sensitive displays face challenges in efficiently managing limited space for user input and output, as they often require separate displays and input devices that are not seamlessly integrated for continuous information display and input handling.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device design featuring a first segment with a display and a second segment that is rotatable, allowing the display to be adjacent to either an input device or another display, with a processor ensuring continuous information display across both segments, enabling unified scrolling and gesture detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate displays and input devices are used in portable electronic devices, then device functionality is provided, but limited space for user input and output is the result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidspace for user input and output
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple displays and input devices into a single integrated touch-sensitive display that serves both as information output and user input interface. The touch-sensitive display replaces separate display units and input devices, merging their functions into one component that provides both visual output and tactile input capabilities within limited space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch-sensitive display performs multiple functions simultaneously: it displays information visually like a traditional display, accepts user input through touch gestures, and provides haptic feedback. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate dedicated input devices while maximizing the use of available device space.

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

2Device complexity

If separate displays are used without seamless integration, then device components are provided, but continuous information display and unified input handling are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent structureVSAvoidseamless display experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple display segments into a single continuous touch-sensitive display surface that presents unified visual and tactile feedback. The segmented physical structure is integrated into one cohesive interface where information flows continuously across segments and gestures can span multiple display areas without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic content distribution across the touch-sensitive display segments, where information can flow continuously between segments and the display actively adapts to user interactions. The system dynamically adjusts content placement and gesture recognition across segmented physical structures to maintain seamless user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2456174B1Segmented portable electronic device and method of display
Publication Date: 2014.02.26 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2456174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2456174B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2456174B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A portable electronic device includes a first segment including a first display and a second segment coupled to the first segment. The second segment includes a first input device on a first side of the second segment and a second display on a second side of the second segment. The second segment is rotatable relative to the first segment between a first orientation in which the first display is adjacent to the first input device, and a second orientation in which the first display is adjacent to the second display such that information is displayed continuously from the first display onto the second display.