Foldable display device, method for operating the display device, control device, and motor vehicle

Abstract

Foldable display device (10), which is designed to cover a flat surface and includes: - a planar display element (12) with a display area having a first display area (14) and a second display area (16), and - a folding element (18) between the two display areas (14, 16) which is designed to provide an angle between the two display areas (14, 16), wherein the display area includes a folding area (28) on the folding element (18) to which an operating function of the display device (10) is assigned; wherein the foldable display device (10) has a control unit (20) which is configured to: - to display a display content (26) in a predefined orientation on the first display area (14) (S1); - depending on a predetermined operating action of a user of the display device (10), to rotate the display content (26) with respect to its orientation on the first display area (14), and to display the rotated display content on the second display area (16) (S3), - to determine an angle of the folding element (18), - to determine the spatial position of the first and / or second display area (14, 16) based on the determined angle, wherein the control device (20) is configured to rotate the display content (26) on the second display area (16) only if the detected angle is formed by a surface opposite the display areas (14, 16) and is less than 180 degrees.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a foldable display device which is designed to be flat and has a folding element between two display areas.

[0002] Displays nowadays are only visible from one side. Displays with transparent organic light-emitting diodes (T-OLEDs) are visible from two sides, and on a T-OLED screen, a display element, for example a graphical user interface (GUI), is inverted on the other side, making such a display unsuitable for displaying text and numbers.

[0003] DE 10 2015 116 130 A1 describes an electronic device comprising a first body, a second body, a rotating device that rotatably connects the first body and the second body, and an enclosing mechanism that encloses at least part of the rotating device. The device can be held in one hand, allowing the user to, for example, input data with the other hand.

[0004] EP 2 765 479 A2 describes a flexible, portable terminal.

[0005] From US 2008 / 0165080 A1, a back-to-back replica display device for a computer using an LCD flat screen is known, including first and second LCD flat screens, wherein the first screen is a main screen pointing in a first direction to display a first image, and the second display is a slave display pointing in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0006] DE 10 2017 110 513 A1 describes a device with a processor, a display that the processor can access, and a storage device that the processor can access.

[0007] However, if two people are sitting opposite each other and want to look at the same information, for example in a situation in a piloted vehicle, or a situation that regularly occurs in everyday life, for example at the doctor's office, on the bank or at a reception desk, the display must be rotated so that both can see the content, or two displays must be used.

[0008] One of the problems underlying the invention is to provide a display for simplified use by two users.

[0009] The stated problem is solved by the devices and method according to the invention as defined in the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given in the sub-claims.

[0010] The invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a foldable display device with two display areas connected by a folding element. A control unit of the display device is configured to display content shown on the first display area on the second display area as well, depending on a user's action. The orientation of the display content is adjusted so that a user looking at the second display area sees the content in the same orientation as a user looking at the first display area. Due to the folding element, the display device can be folded and set up at an angle, allowing two people, for example, to sit opposite each other and each view the display area.Although both users are viewing the display from different directions, they can see the content in the same orientation. This is particularly advantageous if the first user "pushes" or sends text to the second display area, for example, using a room gesture or a touch gesture such as a swipe. The second user then sees the text not upside down and mirrored, but can read it just as well as the first user.

[0011] For example, if two people are sitting opposite each other and each user is looking at one of the two display areas, one user can transfer content visible to them to the second display area, i.e., to the other user, so that the other user does not see the content upside down or reversed. Furthermore, the first user can decide whether or not the second user is allowed to see the content.

[0012] If the display element with the two display areas is not folded, i.e., if the angle between the two display areas is 180 degrees, then the entire surface of the display element can be used by only one user, or by both. The display device according to the invention also forms the basis for games in which one display area acts like two screens, and in which the transmission of the display content can be part of the game. Such a game could, for example, be a ping pong game in which the display content describes a ball.

[0013] The display device according to the invention (as well as the method and other devices according to the invention) are very well suited for use in a piloted vehicle in which two people sit diagonally or facing each other. The two people can then play together, read together, or use the vehicle as a workspace.

[0014] In other words, both people can comfortably view the display. Each person can decide which information is shown to the other and which is not. This applies equally to private or confidential information. This advantage is not available with a conventional display that needs to be flipped over, because when the screen is flipped, the second person automatically sees all the displayed information, not just a selected portion. Another advantage is that a graphical user interface can be beautifully presented when the information, i.e., the display content, is "slided" over. The display content, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI), can mirror itself within the radius, provided it is not symmetrical, such as an "X" or "O," which can be animated very effectively.

[0015] In other words, the two display areas provided by the display element are switched or controlled separately (i.e., independently of each other). However, the control can be performed by the same control unit, for example, the same control module.

[0016] A display device is understood to be a device, component, or group of components designed to display content and can, for example, be a screen or display unit. The display device is foldable, meaning it can be folded, bent, or creased. In particular, the display device may only be foldable in one specific area (i.e., at the folding element), while the other areas are rigid, i.e., fixed and neither foldable nor bendable.

[0017] The foldable display device according to the invention is designed as a flat surface, meaning it provides a display area and a back surface opposite the display area. In other words, the foldable display device is designed as a plate or sheet. The display device comprises a flat display element with a first display area and a second display area, the two display areas being located on the same surface of the display device. The display device also has a folding element between the two display areas, which is designed to provide an angle between the two display areas, in other words, to define or adjust it. A folding element is understood to be a component of the display device that is, for example, flexible, bendable, or foldable, and which may, for example, be designed as a hinge.

[0018] To increase the number of possible uses of the display device, the display element is provided with a display surface that encompasses both display areas, with the display surface including a folding area, i.e., a region of the apex, on the folding element. The folding area can also be referred to as the bending radius, bending edge, or folding edge. An operating function of the display device is assigned to this area, which is triggered, for example, by tapping the area with a finger.

[0019] Such a function is easy to find and use. If only one function is located on the bending radius, it can be operated by feel. Functions can be expanded without installing additional hardware.

[0020] The foldable display device includes a control unit, i.e., a component group or device component for receiving and evaluating signals, as well as for generating control signals. The control unit is configured to display content in a predefined orientation on the first display area. For example, if the display device is folded on a table, text can be displayed in a readable orientation on the first display area.

[0021] Depending on a user's predetermined action on the display device, for example by swiping across the display content towards the second display area, the control unit can then display the content on the second display area in an adapted orientation, so that the content appears in the same orientation on the second display area as on the first display area.

[0022] The control device is configured to detect an angle of the folding element and, based on the detected angle, to determine a spatial orientation of the first and / or the second display area, wherein the control device is configured to rotate the display content on the second display area only if the detected angle is formed by a surface opposite the display areas and is less than 180 degrees.

[0023] The aforementioned advantages result.

[0024] Ideally, there should be no breaks between the display areas. In other words, the two display areas can be adjacent to each other. A display area can therefore be continuous.

[0025] The control unit can optionally be configured to determine the spatial orientation of the first display area, i.e., its alignment with the surrounding space, particularly with respect to the horizontal or vertical direction. The height of the display area can optionally be included in this spatial orientation, but this is not mandatory. The control unit can also be configured, either additionally or alternatively, to determine the spatial orientation of the second display area.

[0026] Determining the spatial orientation of the first and / or second display area can be achieved, for example, using a motion sensor on each display area. Alternatively, the angle of the folding element can be determined, and the spatial orientation of the second display area can then be derived, for example, from the spatial orientation of the first display area. This allows the control unit to determine, for example, whether the display device is unfolded (i.e., that there is a 180-degree angle between the two display areas in the folding element) or whether the display areas are angled within the folding element and, for example, placed on a table. In other words, to determine the spatial orientation of at least one of the display areas, the orientation can be derived from an angle defined by the folding element, which can be determined, for example, using a protractor.Optionally, the control unit can determine which edges of the display device are positioned on a surface, for example, a table. The rotation of the display content can then also be performed depending on the determined spatial orientation of the second display area. Alternatively or additionally, the spatial orientation can be determined by detecting and / or measuring the distance between the folding element or a vertex and a surface, such as a table or other flat surface.

[0027] The display content can be, for example, an image or text. If the display content is, for example, a circle or point-symmetrical, it can only be rotated slightly and moved to the second display area. However, with text, for example, it is advantageous if the control unit is configured to display the content of the first display area rotated by 180 degrees on the second display area.

[0028] To prevent damage or even breakage of the display surface (i.e., the display element), for example, a display surface with sensitive OLEDs and corresponding lines for controlling the OLEDs, it has proven advantageous for the foldable display device to include a flat support element that is arranged across the entire surface of the display element. In other words, the flat support element, which can also be described as a plate-like or plate-shaped support element, can be arranged across the entire surface of the display element, particularly on its rear side. Ideally, the support element can encompass or incorporate the folding element. This allows for a minimum angle to be defined, which reduces or even prevents damage or breakage of the display.

[0029] As already mentioned above, the number of degrees of freedom for the display options can be significantly increased if, according to a further embodiment of the display device according to the invention, the control unit is configured to rotate the display content on the second display area only if the provided angle is formed by a surface opposite the display areas and is less than 180°, preferably less than 160°, less than 140°, less than 120°, less than 100°, or less than 90°. Optionally, the control unit can be configured to rotate the display content on the second display area only if the provided angle is formed by a surface opposite the display areas and is less than 80°, less than 70°, less than 60°, less than 50°, less than 40°, less than 30°, less than 20°, or less than 10°.

[0030] If the display content is larger than the folding area, the display content can optionally be shrunk or reduced in size as an animation before the folding area, then rotated before, within, or after the folding area, preferably by 180°, and then enlarged or expanded again. In another variation of an animation, the display content, which may be larger than the folding area, can move towards the folding area on the first display area, rotate there, and then move away from the folding area again on the second display area. In yet another variation,

[0031] To secure the foldable display device, particularly in motor vehicles, the display device can ideally include at least one retaining element at a folding area and / or at a side edge or boundary edge, i.e., at an edge or side between the display surface of the display element with its two display areas and the back of the display element. Preferably, the at least one retaining element can be designed as a magnet or an adhesive strip for a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0032] Preferably, the foldable display device can be designed as a portable display device, for example as a display unit, preferably as a foldable, mobile portable terminal. Alternatively, the foldable display device can be designed as a display with, for example, two display areas, each with a diagonal of 21 inches (i.e., 53.34 centimeters), or smaller or larger.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the foldable display device, the control unit can be configured to output haptic feedback on such an area.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the foldable display device according to the invention, the control unit can be configured to check whether a user program ("app") functions for the foldable display device at a detected opening angle. For this purpose, the control unit can preferably be configured to detect and / or determine a current opening angle.

[0035] The problem stated above is solved by a method for operating a display device according to one of the embodiments described above. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps, which are carried out by the control unit of the display device: - Displaying ad content in a predefined orientation on the first display area; - Determining the angle of the folding element; - based on the determined angle: determining the spatial orientation of the first and / or the second display area; and - Depending on a predefined operating action by a user of the display device: Rotating the display content and displaying the display content on the second display area only if the detected angle is formed by a surface opposite the display areas and is less than 180 degrees.

[0036] The advantages described above result.

[0037] The problem stated above is solved by a control device configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. Here, too, the advantages already mentioned arise. The control device can, for example, be designed as a control chip or control unit. The control device can, for example, be integrated into the foldable display device or connected to the display element via, for example, a cable or a wireless data communication connection. Preferably, the control device can include a processor, i.e., a device component for electronic data processing with at least one microprocessor and / or a microcontroller.Preferably, the control device may have a data storage device, for example a memory chip or a memory card, in which a program code may advantageously be stored which, when executed by the processor device, causes the control device to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0038] The problem set out above is solved by a motor vehicle which has an embodiment of the control device according to the invention and / or an embodiment of the display device according to the invention.

[0039] The invention also includes further developments of the inventive method, the inventive control device, and the inventive motor vehicle, each of which has features already described in connection with the further developments of the inventive display device. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the inventive method, the inventive control device, and the inventive motor vehicle are not described again here.

[0040] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0041] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0042] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the display device according to the invention and the method according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the display device according to the invention and the method according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the display device according to the invention; Fig. 4 a further schematic representation of the third embodiment of the display device according to the invention; Fig. 5 a further schematic representation of the third embodiment of the display device according to the invention; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the display device according to the invention; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention; and Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the display device according to the invention.

[0043] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0044] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the principle of the display device 10 and the method according to the invention using a first embodiment. In the example of the Fig. 1. The display device 10 can, for example, be designed as a mobile device, such as a tablet PC or mobile phone.

[0046] A display element 12 has a first display area 14 and a second display area 16. Suitable flexible displays are known to those skilled in the art. The display element 12 can, for example, be designed as a T-OLED screen, but preferably as an OLED screen or as a screen with micro-LEDs, in particular as a transparent micro-LED screen.

[0047] The display element 12 can ideally be designed as a flexible screen surface. The folding element 18 can, for example, be a hinge or simply the folding area 28 at which the display element 12, and thus the display device 10, can be bent, folded, or creased. Another exemplary folding element is described in DE 10 2015 116 130 A1 as an "enclosing mechanism".

[0048] In the example of the Fig. 1. The control unit 20 of the display device 10 can, for example, be designed as a control chip and integrated into the display device 10. Alternatively, the control unit 20 can, for example, be designed as a small control device that can be connected to the display element 12 via, for example, a cable. The control unit 20 of the Fig. Figure 1 shows an optional processor setup 22, as well as an optional data storage device 24.

[0049] The first display area 14 can be used to display the exemplary display content 26 by means of the control unit 20 (process step S1). The display content 26 can be, for example, a text ("P"). A user who, for example, is sitting on the left and looking at the first display area 14, can decide, for example, that a second user who is sitting opposite him and looking at the second display area 16 may see the display content 26.

[0050] The display element 12 can, for example, be a touch-sensitive screen, allowing the "sending" or "sliding" of the display content 26 to the second display area 16 to be performed, for example, by a touch gesture, i.e., an operating gesture in which the user touches the touch-sensitive surface of the display element 12 in a predefined manner. The operating gesture or touch gesture can, for example, involve swiping the display content 26 upwards towards a fold area 28, i.e., to the apex of the folded display element 12. Alternatively, the operating action for transferring the display content 26 to the second display area 16 can be performed, for example, by voice control, or by a spatial gesture, i.e., an operating gesture that is contactless, such as swiping the hand in the air; or, for example, by means of a mouse or a touchpad.To capture, for example, a spatial gesture, the display device 10 can include a camera and gesture recognition software.

[0051] The control unit 20 detects the operating action and generates a display signal (S2) that describes a rotation of the display content and a display of the rotated display content 26 (S3) on the second display area 16.

[0052] In the example of the Fig. 1. It is useful to display the display content 26 in such a way that the second user, sitting to the right of the display device 10, can also read the example text. If the display content 26 were, for example, a circle, a full 180-degree rotation would not be necessary. However, in the example of text as display content 26, this is useful. In the optional process step S4, the control device 20 can, for example, determine the spatial orientation of both display areas 14, 16, for example, by using an angle encoder to determine that the display element 12 is currently angled; or, for example, by using a motion sensor in one of the two display areas 14, 16, or with one motion sensor in each of the display areas 14, 16. The implementation with the example motion sensor or the example motion sensors can be advantageous, for example, if the display device 10 is not positioned as in the Fig. The text shown is not displayed as shown in section 1, but rather, for example, folded and placed on the folding area 28. The example text would then be displayed on both display areas 14 and 16 in such a way that it is again readable for both users.

[0053] Preferably, the rotation and display function described above can only be activated if the display element 12 forms an angle of less than 180 degrees in the folding element 18, i.e., if it is bent or folded. To determine the current angle, an angle encoder, an angle position encoder, or a rotary encoder can be used, for example, in the display element 12 or in an optional support element (in the Fig. (1 not shown) may be provided. Optionally, the rotation and display function can be deactivated if the folded display device 10 is unfolded again, i.e., the display surface of the display element 12 is completely flat and the angle at the folding element 18 is 180 degrees, or an angle above a predefined threshold value.

[0054] Optionally, it can be provided that a folding angle in the folding element 18 is adjustable, which is possible by means of hinges known to the person skilled in the art and optionally by means of an electronic control by the control device 20.

[0055] In the Fig. 1 is the transfer of the display content 26 from the first display area 14 to the second display area 16 shown by the arrow S5, whereby, however, the procedure step S5 may optionally include the display of the display content 26, which can move from the first display area 14 to the second display area 16.

[0056] Optionally, the orientation or alignment of the display content 26 can rotate on the folding area 28, i.e. on the bending edge or the apex.

[0057] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the display device 10 can have a support element 30. The support element 30 can, for example, be a flexible or rigid metal or plastic plate. If the support element 30 is, for example, curved and rigid, the angle for setting up the display device 10 can be predetermined. Alternatively, the folding element 18 can, for example, be designed as a flexible, i.e., bendable, joint, while the two legs of the support element 30 can, for example, be stable or fixed plates. Ideally, the angle between the two legs can be adjusted by moving them (arrow 32). In another embodiment, the support element 30 can be made of a flexible or elastic material.

[0058] The embodiment of the display device 10 of the Fig. 2 can be designed in the same way as the example of the other features, in particular with regard to the control device 20. Fig. 1.

[0059] In the example of the Fig. Figure 2 shows two additional optional retaining elements 34, which, for example, can each be designed as a magnet and arranged at the two ends of the display element 12. In general, the number, design, or arrangement of the optional retaining elements 34 can vary. An alternative design of the retaining elements 34 could, for example, be an adhesive strip for a hook-and-loop fastener, so that the display device 10 can be securely attached to, for example, a table or a cowl. Regarding the retaining elements 34 of the Fig. 2. These are optional features, so the example of the Fig. 2 without retaining elements 34 represents another preferred embodiment. Optionally, one or more retaining elements 34 can also be included in the example of Fig. 1 be integrated.

[0060] The example table or hood can then also have a corresponding counterpart for the Velcro fastener, or, for example, a metal plate to which the example magnet can attach. Alternatively, one or more magnets can be arranged on a table surface, and the holding elements 34 can then be, for example, metal plates.

[0061] Arrow 36 illustrates a movement of the two legs of the display element 12 (that is, the display device 10), in which the angle in the folding element 18 is reduced.

[0062] The example of Fig. 3, whose exemplary display device 10 is preferably a display device 10 of the example of the Fig. 1 or the example of the Fig. The display device 10 shows, in a highly schematic way, that 2 can be. In the example of the Fig. 3. The exemplary display device 10 can, for example, be bent or folded at an angle of, for example, 90 degrees or less, so that it can, for example, be placed on a table.

[0063] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the display device 10 of the Fig. 3, which is further opened, for example at a large obtuse angle of less than 180 degrees. Optionally, this angle can correspond, for example, to a predefined threshold value at which the function for transferring the display content 26 from the first display area 14 to the second display area 16 can be activated and / or deactivated by adjusting the orientation or alignment.

[0064] If the angle in folding area 28 is then greater than the specified threshold, for example 180 degrees, as in the Fig. As shown in 5, the function can be deactivated, for example, and both display areas 14 and 16 can then be used as a single screen.

[0065] The Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the display device 10, which can be placed on or mounted on a charger 38. A preferred embodiment of the display device 10 may include an energy storage device (in the Fig. (not shown in Figure 6), for example, a battery or a rechargeable battery. The charger 38 can be used for charging; this charger, for example, has an induction loop for charging the energy storage device in a base 40 and can be connected to a power source, for example, via a power cable 42, to supply the current. The charger 38 can be used in the example of the Fig. For example, 6 could have a base 44, whereby the display device 10 can be used decoratively as a lamp with a display during the charging process. The charger can optionally be designed as the base 44 of a monitor, so that the screen can be used as a kind of office display.

[0066] The Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of an exemplary motor vehicle 46, which may optionally have a control unit 20, for example a control module, which may be installed in the motor vehicle 46. Communication with the display element 12 of the display device 10 can then be, for example, via a wireless data communication connection (in the Fig. 7 not shown).

[0067] Alternatively, the display device 10 can be a component of the motor vehicle 46 and can be connected, for example, via a cable to a power source and / or the control unit 20.

[0068] In another alternative, a fully mobile and portable version of the display device 10 can include the control unit 20 and be used both in the motor vehicle 46 and elsewhere, the motor vehicle 46 being, in the example of the Fig. 7 can be operated, for example, in a motor vehicle 46 that is currently being piloted or is operating fully autonomously, and in which two users sit at a table and can use the display device 10, for example, for work. The motor vehicle 46 thus becomes the ideal workplace. In the example in which the occupants are working during the piloted journey, a driver, for example, may have turned 180 degrees to be able to use the table and thus the display device 10.

[0069] In other words, the display device 10 can be arranged in a fixed or non-fixed position in the motor vehicle 46. Particularly for the use of the display device 10 in the motor vehicle 46, an embodiment with at least one retaining element 34 is advantageous so that the display device 10 is securely mounted, for example, in the event of a crash.

[0070] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a further embodiment in which an embodiment of the display device 10 is used, for example, in a doctor's office, in a bank, or at a reception desk, wherein the display device 10 can, for example, be placed on a table 48. An exemplary doctor 50 can, for example, view the result of a blood test as display content 26 on his display area 14 and then move the digital results to the display area 16 visible to a patient 52 (S5). Alternatively, the display device 10 can be used for this purpose in the same way as the display device 10 of the Fig. 6 (with a foot 44) be designed.

[0071] Overall, the examples show how the invention provides a display element 12, for example a display, which, by means of a bend, turns towards two people, between whom a display content 26, for example a graphical user interface (GUI), can be moved or shifted or transferred.

[0072] According to another embodiment, for example, a display as a display element 12 can be folded in the middle over a crease or radius, so that two flat display areas 14, 16 are created for two people sitting opposite each other, wherein the display areas 14, 16 are connected to each other.

[0073] Each person can, for example, send the display content 26, such as a graphical user interface, to the other person via the fold area 28 using a swipe gesture (S5).

[0074] For this exemplary display, games could also be developed, such as a ping pong game or "Four in a Row".

[0075] The aforementioned advantages result.

[0076] In an exemplary technical implementation, the display device 10 can, for example, comprise a flexible OLED display on, for example, a rigid support, i.e., a rigid support element 30; or, for example, a flexible OLED display on a somewhat flexible support element 30; or micro-LEDs on a rigid support element 30; or micro-LEDs on a flexible or somewhat more flexible support element 30.

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