Variable Display Soft Key Adaptation via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable display electronic devices face challenges in accommodating hardware buttons due to their shape changes, requiring adaptive soft key placement that adjusts with display orientation, grip state, low power mode, and AOD mode.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a variable display and sensors that detect shape changes, allowing a processor to update soft key coordinates accordingly, incorporating various sensors like ToF, illuminance, proximity, and grip sensors to ensure proper placement across different modes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a variable display is used to expand display area, then the display area is increased, but the space for hardware buttons is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hardware buttons with a soft key interface displayed on the variable display. The processor detects display shape changes and dynamically adjusts the position and configuration of soft keys to provide button functionality without requiring physical space for hardware buttons, thus resolving the contradiction between expanded display area and button accessibility.
2Area of stationary object
If the display shape is changed to cover the housing, then the display area is expanded, but the position for soft keys must be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of soft key positions based on real-time detection of display shape changes. The processor continuously monitors the display configuration and automatically recalculates and repositions soft keys to maintain optimal usability, transforming a static interface into a dynamic one that adapts to varying display geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the processor detects display shape changes and uses this information to adjust soft key positions. This closed-loop control ensures that the soft key interface remains functional and user-friendly regardless of how the variable display is configured or positioned.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are added to detect display shape changes, then adaptive soft key positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing sensors in the variable display device (such as those used for other functions like ambient light detection or proximity sensing) to also detect display shape changes. By making these sensors multi-functional, the system achieves adaptive soft key positioning without adding dedicated sensors, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a housing including a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, a variable display coupled to the housing and having a changeable position of a side area surrounding the first side, a sensor configured to detect a change in the position of the side area, and a processor electrically connected to the variable display and the sensor, wherein the processor may be configured to: obtain data on a state change of the variable display through the sensor, calculate an amount of change in the position of the side area based on the data on the state change, and change display coordinates of a soft key based on the calculated amount of change.