Secondary Processor Control for Tablet Display Rotation Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laptop PCs with automatic display orientation adjustment functions can be inconvenient when used in tablet mode, as the display orientation may not align with user intentions, requiring time and effort to correct, especially when used in unstable positions like lying down.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a secondary processor that can independently control the operation of an operation detection unit, allowing users to disable automatic display rotation via a click switch on the touch pad, even when the touch pad is otherwise inactive, and detect the rotation state of the device chassis to optimize display orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If automatic display orientation adjustment is enabled, then display orientation adapts to device rotation, but display orientation may not align with user intentions in tablet mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay orientation adaptationVSAvoiduser control over display orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational state of the operation detection unit based on device rotation state. When tablet mode is detected (rotation state meets predetermined conditions), the operation detection unit is stopped, preventing automatic display orientation adjustment. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by disabling the adaptive feature when it conflicts with user needs in tablet mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If operation detection unit continuously operates to detect user input, then user input responsiveness is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operation detection unit operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated based on rotation state conditions - operating in clamshell mode and stopping in tablet mode. This periodic operation reduces power consumption while maintaining responsiveness when needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If operation detection unit is stopped to save power, then power consumption decreases, but user input cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinput detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operational state of the operation detection unit is made dynamic, changing based on device rotation state. The unit transitions between operating and stopped states according to whether the device is in clamshell or tablet mode. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by ensuring the unit operates only when input detection is actually needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation state detection mechanism acts as an intermediary that controls the operation detection unit's state. Based on the detected rotation state, the system determines whether to activate or deactivate the operation detection unit, mediating between power saving requirements and input detection needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If click switch is integrated with touch pad, then device structure is compact, but click switch detection may interfere with touch pad operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput device integrationVSAvoidinput detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input detection functionality is segmented into separate detection paths. The click switch detection is handled separately from touch pad operations, with the click switch connected to both the operation detection unit and the second processor. This segmentation allows independent detection of click events without interfering with touch pad operations, resolving the contradiction between integration and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12554291B2Information processing apparatus and control method

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a memory which temporarily stores a program of a system; a first processor which executes the program of the system; a second processor provided separately from the first processor to execute processing regardless of an operating state of the first processor; an operator for detecting a physical press; and an operation detection unit which acquires a detection signal by the operator and outputs, to the first processor, information for executing processing based on the acquired detection signal. The second processor controls whether or not to stop operation of the operation detection unit, and when stopping the operation of the operation detection unit, the second processor acquires the detection signal by the operator without going through the operation detection unit, and executes processing based on the acquired detection signal.