Sliding Display Orientation Detection in Handheld Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld electronic devices with sliding displays face challenges in efficiently capturing and storing image data in both landscape and portrait orientations, particularly when the display is in retracted or extended positions, due to limitations in orientation sensing and image processing.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates an accelerometer and position sensors to determine the orientation and position of the sliding display, allowing the processor to adjust the image capture mode and orientation information stored in image files, ensuring correct display orientation and aspect ratio regardless of the device's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display is made slidable between retracted and extended positions, then the device can provide different display areas and orientations, but it becomes difficult to accurately determine image capture orientation and maintain correct image presentation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area and orientationVSAvoidorientation sensing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (accelerometer for device orientation, position sensor for display position) into a unified orientation determination system. The processor integrates data from both sensors to accurately determine the display orientation regardless of whether the display is retracted or extended, resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts image capture mode and orientation based on real-time feedback from the accelerometer and position sensor. The processor continuously monitors the display position and device orientation, automatically switching between landscape and portrait capture modes to maintain correct image presentation throughout the display's movement between retracted and extended positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device captures images in both landscape and portrait orientations, then the versatility of the device increases, but the complexity of image processing and storage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture orientationVSAvoidimage processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary orientation determination before image capture by reading the accelerometer and position sensor data. Based on this pre-assessment, the processor pre-configures the image capture mode and orientation information, eliminating the need for complex post-capture processing and simplifying the overall image handling workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically determines the correct image orientation and capture mode without requiring manual user input. The processor self-adjusts the image processing parameters based on sensor data, and the system autonomously manages the complexity of handling multiple orientations through automated orientation determination and mode switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If position sensors and accelerometers are added to determine display orientation, then image capture accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation detectionVSAvoidsensor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accelerometer serves multiple functions: it determines device orientation for image capture, assists in calculating display orientation when combined with position sensor data, and provides continuous orientation feedback during display movement. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the sensor while maximizing its utility across different operating modes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The position sensor acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the physical display position and the digital image orientation. It provides precise display position data that, when combined with accelerometer data, enables accurate orientation determination without requiring complex mechanical switches or manual input mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 seamless image capture and storage in both landscape and portrait orientations, regardless of the device's position, by dynamically adjusting the image processing and storage based on real-time orientation data, providing intuitive and correct image presentation.

Implementation Method 1

The processor continuously monitors the orientation of the handheld electronic device and the position of the sliding display using an accelerometer and position sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2469807B1Handheld electronic device having sliding display and position configurable camera
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2469807B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2469807B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2469807B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

A handheld electronic device having a movable display screen is used to capture image data. The movable display screen is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position a first portion of the display screen is hidden from view and a second portion of the display screen is viewable, and in the second position the first portion and the second portion of the display screen are viewable, the handheld electronic device having an image sensor, an orientation sensor for sensing an orientation of the handheld electronic device, and at least one position sensor for sensing a position of the display screen. Device orientation information is received from the orientation sensor, display screen position information is received from the position sensor and image data is received from the image sensor representing an image. An image orientation for the image is determined in dependence on both the display screen position information and the device orientation information.