Synaptics. has been granted a patent for a system that determines the fold angle of a foldable device using multiple electrodes and a processing system. The system measures temperature and capacitance at different times to generate updated baseline measurements for accurate fold angle determination. GlobalData’s report on Synaptics gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Synaptics, Wearable computers was a key innovation area identified from patents. Synaptics's grant share as of July 2024 was 63%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

System for measuring fold angle in foldable devices

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Synaptics Inc

The patent US12072741B1 describes a sophisticated system designed to determine the fold angle of foldable devices using a network of electrodes and a processing system. The system operates by first detecting temperatures at various times and obtaining baseline absolute capacitance measurements that correlate with known fold angles. As the temperature changes, the system updates these baseline measurements and uses them to assess the fold angle based on subsequent capacitance readings. The processing system is also capable of detecting external inputs, such as a finger near the device's hinge, which can influence the fold angle calculations by incorporating transcapacitance measurements or pausing updates when necessary.

Additionally, the system includes mechanisms to ensure accurate measurements by distinguishing between capacitance changes due to folding and those caused by other factors, such as temperature drift. It can generate updated baseline capacitance measurements based on detected changes and can apply scaling factors to refine the fold angle determination. The integration of both absolute and transcapacitance measurements allows for a more nuanced understanding of the device's position, enhancing the reliability of the fold angle assessment. Overall, this patent outlines a comprehensive approach to improving the functionality and responsiveness of foldable devices through advanced capacitance measurement techniques.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.