Mobile Terminal Screen Control Using Orientation Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminal screen control methods inaccurately trigger auto-lock due to inaccurate distance sensing between the screen and the user's face, leading to inconvenient screen on/off operations during conversations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves acquiring both distance and orientation information between the screen and adjacent objects using sensors, adjusting the screen's brightness to a lower threshold when the distance is not accurately determined, and optimizing the screen's on/off logic based on comprehensive data analysis to prevent erroneous auto-lock triggers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If distance sensing is used to control screen on/off, then screen control automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to inaccurate distance detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen control automationVSAvoiddistance detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces orientation information as an intermediary parameter to verify the validity of distance measurements. By checking whether the terminal orientation matches the expected conversation orientation (screen facing upward), the system can identify and filter out unreliable distance readings caused by improper terminal positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between automated control and measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring both distance and orientation parameters, and using orientation feedback to validate distance measurements. When orientation indicates the terminal is not in proper conversation position, the system feedbacks that the distance measurement should be ignored, preventing erroneous auto-lock triggers while maintaining automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If auto-lock function is enabled based on distance sensing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to erroneous triggers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by checking terminal orientation before executing the auto-lock function based on distance measurements. This preliminary verification ensures that distance readings are taken only when the terminal is in the correct conversation orientation, preventing premature or erroneous auto-lock triggers while preserving the ease of operation benefit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If distance sensor is used for screen control, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing sensors serve multiple functions: the distance sensor not only measures distance for screen control but also triggers orientation verification, and the orientation sensor not only determines device posture but also validates distance measurement reliability. This multi-functionality approach enhances device capabilities without proportionally increasing complexity

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

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

This approach ensures accurate screen control by confirming the distance information's accuracy through orientation data, avoiding erroneous auto-lock triggers and improving user experience during conversations.

Implementation Method 1

acquire energy value of a reflected signal received by a distance sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

collect acceleration data via a gravity sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3316074B1Screen control method, apparatus, and non-transitory tangible computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3316074B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~3
  • EP3316074B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3316074B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a screen, comprising acquiring distance information between a screen of a mobile terminal and an adjacent object and orientation information of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal is in a conversation state, wherein the distance information indicates a distance between the screen and the adjacent object, the orientation information indicates an orientation of the mobile terminal and determining whether the mobile terminal conforms to a preset condition in accordance with the distance information and the orientation information and adjusting brightness of the screen to a brightness lower than a preset brightness threshold when the mobile terminal conforms to the preset condition and the preset condition includes, within a preset period, the distance between the screen and the adjacent object is greater than a preset screen-on distance, and the orientation of the mobile terminal is different from a preset orientation.