SoftBank Group has patented a moving image control method for foldable display devices. The method involves acquiring image position and fold state information to determine if the image should be stopped or reproduced based on its position and apparent size in the display region. GlobalData’s report on SoftBank Group gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on SoftBank Group, Track and trace supply chains was a key innovation area identified from patents. SoftBank Group's grant share as of April 2024 was 64%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Control of moving image on foldable display based on fold angle

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: SoftBank Group Corp

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11960326B2) discloses a moving image control method designed for foldable display devices. The method involves acquiring moving image position information to determine the display location of the moving image, and fold state information to ascertain the fold angle of the device. Based on this data, the method calculates the apparent size of the moving image and decides whether to stop or continue displaying it in the region, taking into account the position of the image in relation to the fold portion. The patent emphasizes the importance of maintaining a seamless viewing experience as the device is folded, with the control mechanism adapting to changes in the apparent size of the image.

Furthermore, the patent details additional features such as adjusting the display based on the fold angle, stopping or reproducing the image depending on the fold angle threshold, and considering the user's position and line of sight in the control process. The method also includes displaying user interface elements in non-folded positions and continuously showing frame images when the moving image is paused. Additionally, the patent covers a computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions for executing the method and a display device with a foldable panel, memory, and processor to implement the moving image control method effectively. Overall, the patent aims to enhance the user experience on foldable display devices by intelligently managing moving image display based on the device's fold state and user interaction.

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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.