Electronic device

Abstract

To provide a novel electronic device using a flexible display.SOLUTION: An electronic device includes a flexible display such as an OLED and a plurality of trapezoidal or rectangular columnar bodies linked together. Users can transform a shape of the electronic device into a tablet, an electronic book, or a hand-held gaming device. The electronic device is configured to resize its main display area in accordance with a selected mode and configured to arrange buttons for operation. For example, holding the electronic device comfortably with one hand and reading newspaper on the electronic device while holding a cup with the other hand, or holding the electronic device with both hands like a hand-held gaming device, which allows more comfortable and stable grip of the electronic device, in addition to using the electronic device as a normal tablet device, is possible with one device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] Various types of electronic devices having flexible displays have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding a display device, or a circuit, architecture, driver method, electronic device having a display device, something new is provided in this disclosure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Specifically, an electronic device including a flexible display having a device layer and a plurality of columnar bodies is provided. However, it is not limited thereto. The electronic device may have the following features. That is, each columnar body is mechanically or physically connected to one or two adjacent columnar bodies at a connecting portion and is rotatable around an axis at the connecting portion, and the flexible display is designed to change its shape according to the form taken by the plurality of columnar bodies. ​​​​configured to display a first display area, in a plurality of connecting portions, some of the plurality of columnar bodies are rotated around their respective axes, so that at least one of the right side and the left side of the electronic device is rolled to form a grip, when the user holds the grip, the portion corresponding to the grip of the flexible display is designed to be located between the user's hand and the columnar body constituting the grip, the first display area is set to change in size when the grip is formed, and the flexible display may be configured to display a second display area in a portion corresponding to the grip. The electronic device may also be designed such that the angle with an adjacent columnar body can be limited by stoppers provided on individual columnar bodies. When both ends of the electronic device are rolled, the electronic device may be configured to display a first image in a first portion of the first display area and a second image for controlling the first image in a second portion of the first display area. The electronic device may also be designed to prevent bending by a plate provided through two or more columnar bodies. The device layer may also include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) and a circuit for controlling the OLED. The flexible display may also have an elastic material.

[0006]

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] The user can easily change the shape of the electronic device, such as a tablet, an e - book, or a handheld game console. According to the shape, the electronic device adjusts the size of its main display area. configured to change the size and arrange or provide buttons for operation. For example , in addition to being used as a normal tablet device (tablet mode), while holding the electronic device comfortably with one hand , reading a newspaper on the electronic device while holding a cup with the other hand (e-book mode), or holding the electronic device with both hands like a handheld game device to hold the electronic device more comfortably and stably and play games (game mode) can be realized with one device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments can be implemented in many different ways. It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the forms and details can be variously changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] In order to improve the comfort when holding a tablet-shaped electronic device, in the present embodiment, the right side and / or the left side of the electronic device is rolled to introduce a grip (holding part). The grip is obtained by using a foldable electronic device. By this method, the user can roll one or both of the right side and the left side to form a cylindrical grip, and in addition to the normal use of the tablet (tablet mode), it becomes easier to hold the electronic device with one hand or both hands. hands.

[0010] One possible use case is to comfortably hold the electronic device with one hand and read news or novels while holding a cup with the other hand (e-book mode). In this mode, electronic buttons (software buttons) for minimal operations (e.g., page back, forward, stop) may be displayed within reach of the fingers holding the electronic device.

[0011] Another use case is to transform the electronic device into a handheld game device (game mode​​​​ ) When playing games on the electronic device, it is possible to hold the electronic device more comfortably and stably. .

[0012] (Support) The electronic device is manufactured by mounting a foldable OLED display on a support. The support has a plurality of connected trapezoidal or rectangular columnar bodies. FIG. 1 shows a deformation of the support 100 corresponding to the above three modes. FIGS. 1(A), 1(B), and 1(C) are , respectively, in the tablet mode, e-book mode (left e-book mode), and game mode. respectively.

[0013] In FIGS. 1(A), 1(B), and 1(C), among the columnar bodies 101, the positions of the columnar body 101[0] and the columnar body 101[1] are shown. For example, if the right side of the support 100 is rolled as shown in FIG. 1(B), the right grip 102R can be formed. Also, if the left side of the support 100 is rolled as shown in FIG. 1(C), the left grip 102L can be formed. respectively.

[0014] FIGS. 2(A), 2(B), and 2(C) show views of the support 100 in the tablet mode from above, side, and below, respectively. As such, the support 100 has a plurality of columnar bodies (columnar bodies 101[0] to 101

[10] ). Each columnar body has a trapezoidal or rectangular cross-section, and some of them may have electronic components such as a processor, a memory, a battery, sensors (such as a gyro sensor and an accelerometer), a speaker, a vibrator, and a microphone. cross-section, and some of them may have electronic components such as a processor, a memory, a battery, sensors (such as a gyro sensor and an accelerometer), a speaker, a vibrator, and a microphone. speedometer), a speaker, a vibrator, a microphone, etc. .

[0015] (Columnar body) Each columnar body 101 has one or more connections for connecting to one or two other columnar bodies 101. It has continuous portions. For example, as shown in Fig. 3(A), the columnar body 101[3] has two connection portions, connection portion 104a[3] and connection portion 104b[3], on side surface 103a [3] and side surface 103b[3] respectively. Note that side surface 103a[3] faces side surface 103b[3]. Similarly, the columnar body 101[4] has connection portion 104a[4] and connection portion 104b [4] on side surface 103a[4] and side surface 103b[4] respectively. Although not shown, the columnar body 101[3] has a similar structure and two more connection portions at the other end.

[0016] Connection portion 104a and connection portion 104b each have a hole 105a and a hole 105b. In order to connect two columnar bodies 101, an axis may be provided to pass through hole 105a and hole 105b. For example, the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4] are connected by connection portion 104b[3] and connection portion 104a[4] such that hole 105a[4] and hole 105b[3] overlap. 105b[3] overlap. are connected by connection portion 104b[3] and connection portion 104a[4].

[0017] The centers of hole 105a and hole 105b may become the rotation axes of the columnar bodies connected by the respective holes. Therefore, for example, the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4] are rotatable around the rotation axis formed in hole 105a[4] (hole 105b[3]). Also, each of the other columnar bodies 101 is rotatable around its corresponding rotation axis, and those rotation axes are substantially parallel to each other. each of the other columnar bodies 101 is rotatable around its corresponding rotation axis, and those rotation axes are substantially parallel to each other.

[0018] In the example of Fig. 3(A), the connection portion 104a[3] and the connection portion 104b [3] of the columnar body 101[3] are respectively the connection portion 104a[4] and the connection portion 104b[4] of the adjacent columnar body 101[4]. Lower, the connecting portion 104b[3] of the columnar body 101[3] is mechanically and / or physically connected to the connecting portion 104a[4 of the corresponding columnar body 101[4].

[0019] In the example of FIG. 3(A), the connecting portion 104a and the connecting portion 104b of one columnar body 101 (for example the connecting portion 104a[3] and the connecting portion 104b[3] of the columnar body 101[3]) are provided at the same height . In the example of FIG. 3(B), the heights of the connecting portion 104a and the connecting portion 104b of one columnar body 101 are different from each other, and the height of the connecting portion 104a of the columnar body 101 is the same as that of the adjacent columnar body 101. The same applies to the connecting portion 104b.

[0020] In the example of FIG. 3(C), each columnar body 101 has two or more connecting portions on one side surface at one end . In the examples of FIGS. 3(A) to 3(C), the connecting portion 104a and the connecting portion 104b are provided near the upper end of the columnar body 101, but they may be provided at any location on the columnar body 101 .

[0021] FIG. 4(A) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the columnar body 101[3] with the main sizes, namely, the first length "a", the second length "b", the height "h ", the side length "x", and the radius "r". As described above , the columnar body 101[3] has the holes 105a[3] and 105b[3]. The radius " r" is the distance between the center of the hole 105a[3] (or the hole 105b[3]) and the upper surface (or the surface including it) of the columnar body 101[3]. The first length "a" is the distance between the centers of the two holes, the holes 105 a[3] and 105b[3], and the height "h" is the center of the hole 105a[3] (or the hole 105b[3]) and the lower surface (or the surface including it) of the columnar body 101[3] ​​is the distance from the (surface). The side length "x" is equal to the square root of the sum of the square of "h" and the square of "(a - b) / 2". equals to

[0022] FIG. 4(B) shows the columnar bodies 101[3] and 101[4] extending linearly. In this state, the outer edge lengths of the columnar bodies 101[3] and 101[4] correspond to the length between the center of the left hole 105a 3] and the center of the right hole 105b[4], and is "2a".

[0023] FIG. 4(C) shows the connected columnar bodies 10 1[3] and 101[4] folded downward (i.e., folded inward). When folded to the maximum, the columnar bodies 101[3] and the columnar bodies 101[4] collide at their lower corners. The maximum roll angle θ (unit: radian) is given by "2 arctan((a - b) / 2h)".

[0024] Since the columnar body 101 naturally stops the further rolling of the support body 100, the rolling of the support body 100 is limited. Furthermore, by using a columnar body 101 of such a shape, the minimum radius of the rolled side of the support body 100 can also be set, and it becomes easier for the user to firmly grip the formed grip. To make the grip more gentle, a smaller columnar body 101 can be used .

[0025] By bending, the outer edge lengths of the columnar bodies 101[3] and 101[4] extend to "2a + rθ" as shown in FIG. 4( C). This means that an extra length "rθ" is required to bend the columnar bodies 101[3] and 1 01[4]. And if "r" is small, the elongation is also short. Ideally, if "r" is 0, the elongation is also 0 .

[0026] ​​ In this way, each columnar body 101 is mechanically or physically connected to one or two adjacent columnar bodies 101 and is rotatable around one or two axes. By rotating some of the columnar bodies 101 around their corresponding axes respectively, at least one of the right side and the left side of the support body 100 can be rolled, and the grips 102R and 102L can be formed as designed.

[0027] (Stopper) The electronic device should not bend upward, that is, the electronic device should only bend downward (or inward). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the columnar body 101 can be provided with a stopper 106 for preventing unwanted deformation.

[0028] Fig. 5(B) shows the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4] which are linearly connected and each has a stopper 106. It is impossible, rather than difficult, to bend them upward without breaking the stopper 106.

[0029] Fig. 5(C) shows the connected columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4] which are bent downward inside. It is easy to deform the connected columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4] from Fig. 5(B) to Fig. 5(C).

[0030] When the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4] are bent, the stopper 106 protrudes outside the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4] (see Fig. 5(C)). Therefore, the stopper 106 should be provided so as not to overlap with the flexible display formed on the columnar body 101.

[0031] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Figure 5(D) shows another example. The columnar bodies 101[3], 101[4], and 101 5] each have stoppers 107[3], 107[4], and 10 7[5], respectively. The stoppers 107[3] and 107[4] are each formed in the columnar bodies 101[4] and 101[5] and are designed to be housed in the recesses 108[4] and 108[5 , respectively.

[0032] In Figure 5(D), the columnar bodies 101[4] and 101[5] are in an extended state. Even if the user tries to bend the columnar body 101[5] upward (outward), the lower wall of the recess 108[5] that attempts to rise is blocked by the stopper 107[4].

[0033] Note that the stopper 107 can also limit bending inward. As shown in Figure 5(D), the columnar body 101[3] is bent downward (bent inward). There is some clearance between the lower right corner of the columnar body 101[3] and the lower left corner of the columnar body 101[4]. However, since the stopper 107[3] is blocked by the upper wall of the recess 108[4], it cannot be bent further downward.

[0034] The inner wall of the recess 108[4] is designed to be outside the trajectory formed in response to the movement (rotation) of the tip of the stopper 107[3]. The recess 108[4] is substantially closed between the columnar body 10 1[3] and the columnar body 101[4], and the stopper 107[3] moves substantially inside the recess 108[4]. Therefore, the unevenness generated by bending the columnar body 101 is smaller in Figure 5(D) than in Figure 5(C).

[0035] (Fixed plate) During the tablet mode period, the electronic device needs to be rigid and straight. The electronic device can enhance the tablet mode by introducing a fixed plate mechanism. Built into the electronic device, a slide-type fixed plate (or layer, rod, object, etc.) made of a rigid material can be used for this purpose. By sliding this inside the columnar body 101, the columnar body 101 can be fixed in a rigid state, enabling the electronic device to be used as a normal tablet.

[0036] FIG. 6 shows an example of a fixed plate. The fixed plate 109[0] is designed to be housed in the recess or hole of the columnar body 101[0] (FIG. 6(A)) and slide outward (FIG. 6(B)).

[0037] FIG. 6(C) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the support 100 that is bent inward. The fixed plate 109 [0] is housed in the recess of the columnar body 101[0]. Further, recesses are also formed in each of the other columnar bodies 101[1 to columnar body 101[5].

[0038] FIG. 6(D) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the support 100 in tablet mode. The fixed plate 109[0] penetrates and slides through the recesses of the columnar bodies 101[5], columnar body 101[4], columnar body 101[3], etc., putting the support 100 in a rigidly extended state.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows another example of a fixed plate. The fixed plate 109 is designed to be housed in the recesses and holes of each columnar body 101 (FIG. 7(A)) and slide into the recesses and holes of one or more adjacent columnar bodies 101 (FIG. 7 (B)). (B)).

[0040] ​​Figure 7(C) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the support 100 bent inward. Each fixing plate 109 is housed in the recess of each columnar body 101. In this example, the columnar body 101[0 is not provided with a fixing plate, but a recess is provided.

[0041] Figure 7(D) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the support 100 in tablet mode. Each fixing plate 1 09 slides into the recess of the adjacent columnar body 101. For example, in Figure 7(C), the fixing plate 109[3] housed in the recess of the columnar body 101 3] slides into the recess of the columnar body 101[4] and bridges the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4]. The movement of the fixing plate 109 may be controlled electrically and / or mechanically. For example, the fixing plate

[0042] 109 may be designed to move by detecting the angle between two adjacent columnar bodies 101 . Alternatively, the fixing plate 109 may be designed to move by detecting some pressure on the columnar body 101 .

[0043] (Spring or elastic material) Using a spring or an elastic material is also effective. Figure 8 shows an example of mounting a spring or an elastic material on an electronic device . By introducing these, the unreliable feeling is eliminated, so the feeling towards the electronic device is enhanced, and a certain sense of resistance can be obtained when the user holds it.

[0044] To realize this function, a spring may be arranged between two columnar bodies 101 and pushed apart from each other (that is, outward). In one example, it is important that the columnar body 101 is combined with a stopper that prevents it from rolling outward .

[0045] Figure 8(A) is a schematic view of the columnar bodies 101[3], 101[4], and the spring 110 therebetween. Figure 8(B) is a perspective view. In this example, one end of the spring 110 is fixed to the columnar body 10 1[3], and the other end is fixed to the columnar body 101[4]. In this example, the axis of the helix of the spring 110 is parallel to the rotation axes of the columnar bodies 101[3] and 101[4], but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The function of the spring can also be realized by arranging an elastic material (such as rubber or silicone resin) in the electronic device. For example, two layers of elastic material (or something like a rod, plate, or object) are provided so as to sandwich the rotation axis of the columnar body 101. Figure 8(C) is an example using the elastic material layer 112 and the elastic material layer 113, and by these, it becomes flat when no force is applied to the electronic device. The elastic material layer 113 can be provided so as to penetrate the columnar body 101.

[0047] (Other equipment) Furthermore, a part of the support 100 may be designed to act as a physical button. Such a physical button can be realized, for example, by incorporating a pressure sensor into the columnar body 101 and measuring the mechanical pressure received by the columnar body 101 when the user holds the electronic device. The pressure sensor may be manufactured using, for example, a piezoresistor. The columnar body 101 may be made of a more elastic material (such as rubber) so that a characteristic spring feeling can be obtained when the user grips it. Furthermore, one or more mechanical buttons may be arranged between the two columnar bodies 101 so that the user can obtain a real pressing feeling.

[0048]

[0049] ​​​​​The above-described techniques such as the stopper, the fixing plate, and the spring may be combined with each other to bring about more favorable results. They may be combined with each other.

[0050] (Electronic device 1) The electronic device is manufactured by attaching a flexible display to the support 100 as described above. FIG. 9(A) shows the electronic device 114a in the e-book mode. The electronic device 114a has a support and a flexible display 115. As described above, the support has columnar bodies 101[0] to 101

[10] connected to each other.

[0051] FIG. 9(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 114a. The flexible display 115 may have, as shown in FIG. 9(C), a flexible layer 115a, a device layer 115b, and a flexible layer 115c. In this example, the device layer 115b is located between the flexible layer 115 a and the flexible layer 115c. The flexible layer 115c provided between the columnar body 101 and the flexible layer 115a may be thinner than the flexible layer 115a. Furthermore, in order to enable a multi-touch function, a layer having a capacitive or optical touch sensor may be provided on the flexible display 115. The function of the touch sensor may be provided in the device layer 115b.

[0052] As described in FIG. 4(C), when the support is bent, the length around the support extends in proportion to the rotation radius "r". Therefore, a mechanical structure for supplying such an extension may be added.

[0053] For that purpose, the flexible display 115 is fixed to all the columnar bodies 101 Not fixed to all the columns 101 other than the column 101[0], or not fixed at all. This may be acceptable. For example, in the flexible display 115, the portions corresponding to the columns 101[1] to 101

[10] of the columns 101 may be designed to move according to the degree of bending. This may be acceptable.

[0054] (Electronic device 2) FIG. 10(A) shows another electronic device 114b in an e-book mode. The electronic device 114b has columns 111[0] to 111

[10] and a flexible display 115. In this example, the columns 111[0] to 111

[10] are not directly connected to each other. The columns 111[0] to 111

[10] are adhered to the flexible display 115. Therefore, the columns 111 are connected via the flexible display 11 5. This connection is made via the flexible display 115.

[0055] FIG. 10(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 114b. The flexible display 115 may have a flexible layer 115a, a device layer 115b, and a flexible layer 115c as shown in FIG. 10(C). The columns 111 are adhered to the flexible layer 115c with a spacing "W". The radius of curvature between the columns 111 may be determined by the spacing "W". In the electronic device 114b, since mechanical connection is not required, the radius "r" can be minimized. One or both of the flexible layer 115a and the flexible layer 115c may be made of some elastic material such as silicone resin or rubber. Some of the techniques of the stopper, fixing plate, spring, etc. described above may also be applicable to the electronic device 114b.

[0056] Some of the technologies such as the stopper, fixing plate, spring, etc. described above are also applicable to the electronic device 114b. Applicable. For example, the stopper is effective in restricting extreme bending but is not suitable for fixing and maintaining the shape. However, by combining with a spring or a fixing plate, the electronic device 114b can be in an extended state in the standard form and can also be moderately bent (rolled). In the case of the electronic device 114b, it can be used as a standard tablet device when it is in an extended state without being bent. When used in the tablet mode, a fixing plate can be used to make the electronic device 114b sufficiently rigid. In the tablet mode, most of the flexible display 115 can be used as the main display area 116. Specifically, the width of the main display area 116 is called "Full Width", and the width corresponding to each of the columnar bodies 111 is called "Unit Width". It should be noted that, for example, the part corresponding to the columnar body 111[5] of the flexible display 115 does not necessarily always mean the part overlapping with the columnar body 111[5].

[0057] (Tablet mode) FIG. 11 shows, as an example, the electronic device 114b in the tablet mode. When the electronic device 114b is in an extended state without being bent, it is used as a standard tablet device. When used in the tablet mode, a fixing plate can be used to make the electronic device 114b sufficiently rigid. When the electronic device 114b is in an extended state without being bent, it is used as a standard tablet device. When used in the tablet mode, a fixing plate can be used to make the electronic device 114b sufficiently rigid. When used in the tablet mode, a fixing plate can be used to make the electronic device 114b sufficiently rigid. When used in the tablet mode, a fixing plate can be used to make the electronic device 114b sufficiently rigid.

[0058] In the tablet mode, most of the flexible display 115 can be used as the main display area 116. Specifically, the width of the main display area 116 is called "Full Width", and the width corresponding to each of the columnar bodies 111 is called "Unit Width". Specifically, the width of the main display area 116 is called "Full Width", and the width corresponding to each of the columnar bodies 111 is called "Unit Width". It should be noted that, for example, the part corresponding to the columnar body 111[5] of the flexible display 115 does not necessarily always mean the part overlapping with the columnar body 111[5].

[0059] It should be noted that, for example, the part corresponding to the columnar body 111[5] of the flexible display 115 does not necessarily always mean the part overlapping with the columnar body 111[5]. It should be noted that, for example, the part corresponding to the columnar body 111[5] of the flexible display 115 does not necessarily always mean the part overlapping with the columnar body 111[5]. It should be noted that, for example, the part corresponding to the columnar body 111[5] of the flexible display 115 does not necessarily always mean the part overlapping with the columnar body 111[5].

[0060] There is also a touch sensor at the periphery of the main display area 116, but it may be set to be inactive to avoid unnecessary responses by the user's hand. There is also a touch sensor at the periphery of the main display area 116, but it may be set to be inactive to avoid unnecessary responses by the user's hand.

[0061] (E-book mode) FIG. 12 shows, as an example, the electronic device 114b in the e-book mode. In particular, this state is The columnar bodies 111[6] to 111

[10] are bent, and the flexible display The right part of the I 115 cannot be used for the main display area 116, so it is called the left e-book mode The bent columnar bodies 111[6] to 111

[10] can be used to hold the electronic device 114b as the grip 102R.

[0062] When only one of the right side or the left side of the electronic device 114b is rolled, the electronic device 114b can enter the e-book mode. In this mode, the main display area 116 displays some information (such as text, images, videos, etc.), and the grip 102R can be used to hold the electronic device stably and comfortably while reading the information.

[0063] In the e-book mode, the left and central parts of the flexible display 115 can be used for the main display area 116. Therefore, the width of the main display area 116 is smaller than that in the tablet mode. For example, the width is the difference between "Full Width" and 5 times of "Unit Width". Similar to the tablet mode, the touch sensors outside the main display area 116 may be set to be inactive.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, the grip 102R can also be used in the sub-display area 117 to display non-intrusive interfaces such as the next and previous page buttons and the end button. In this example, the touch sensor in the sub-display area 117 may be selectively activated.

[0065] Also, when using the above physical buttons, the grip 102R is used for document navigation. ​​​​​​​​It can be used for [operation name]. For example, a single grip can perform an operation to advance to the next page, and a double grip can be set to perform an operation to return to the previous page.

[0066] (Game mode) FIG. 14 shows, as an example, an electronic device 114b in game mode. When both the left and right sides of the electronic device 114b are rolled, the electronic device 114b determines to enter the game mode. In this mode, for example, the upper half of the main display area 116 is used as a display window for videos and objects, and the lower half of the main display area 116 is used to display a game controller.

[0067] The columnar bodies 111[1] to 111[5] and the columnar bodies 111[6] to 111

[0010] are bent, and only the central portion of the flexible display 115 is used as the main display area 116. Therefore, the width of the main display area 116 becomes even smaller than in the tablet mode. For example, the width is "Full Width" minus 10 times of "Unit Width". The bent columnar bodies 111[1] to 111[5] and the columnar bodies 111[6] to 111

[10] are used as the grip 102L and the grip 102R for holding the electronic device 114b, respectively.

[0068] Since the bent portion of the flexible display 115 also includes a touch sensor, additional controller buttons can also be displayed in the secondary display areas 117 of the grip 102L and the grip 102R in the e-book mode or as described in FIG. 13. ​​​​​​​​​​​​Note that the sub-display area 117 may be provided on both the grip 102L and the grip 102R of the rolled electronic device 114b. Also, as described above, physical buttons may be actuated with the grip 102L and the grip 102R. In other examples, all or most of the main display area 116 is used for a video or object display window. This means that no controllers or buttons are displayed on the main display area 116. For example, in a car racing game, the grips 102L and 102R that the user holds are used as steering, the built-in gyro sensor recognizes the rotation of the steering, and the buttons provided on the grips 102L and 102R can be used for acceleration and deceleration. No other display is required on the main display area 116. Since no extra input buttons are displayed, more parts of the main display area 116 can be used to display the game. Hereinafter, a modification example will be shown. For example, only the connecting part of the columnar bodies 111[2] to 111[4] may be bent. In this case, the flexible display 115 corresponding to the columnar bodies 111[0] and 111[5] to 111

[10] can be used for display as a deformed right e-book mode.

[0069] In the above examples, the electronic device 114b in FIG. 10 has been used for explanation, but it can also be applied to the electronic device 114a in FIG. 9. As described above, the electronic device 114a (or the electronic device 114b) is foldable (rollable). For example, the sub-display area 117 may be provided on both the grip 102L and the grip 102R of the rolled electronic device 114b. Also, as described above, physical buttons may be actuated with the grip 102L and the grip 102R. In other examples, all or most of the main display area 116 is used for a video or object display window. This means that no controllers or buttons are displayed on the main display area 116. For example, in a car racing game, the grips 102L and 102R that the user holds are used as steering, the built-in gyro sensor recognizes the rotation of the steering, and the buttons provided on the grips 102L and 102R can be used for acceleration and deceleration. No other display is required on the main display area 116. Since no extra input buttons are displayed, more parts of the main display area 116 can be used to display the game. Hereinafter, a modification example will be shown. For example, only the connecting part of the columnar bodies 111[2] to 111[4] may be bent. In this case, the flexible display 115 corresponding to the columnar bodies 111[0] and 111[5] to 111

[10] can be used for display as a deformed right e-book mode. In the above examples, the electronic device 114b in FIG. 10 has been used for explanation, but it can also be applied to the electronic device 114a in FIG. 9. As described above, the electronic device 114a (or the electronic device 114b) is foldable (rollable). For example, the sub-display area 117 may be provided on both the grip 102L and the grip 102R of the rolled electronic device 114b. Also, as described above, physical buttons may be actuated with the grip 102L and the grip 102R.

[0070] In other examples, all or most of the main display area 116 is used for a video or object display window. This means that no controllers or buttons are displayed on the main display area 116. For example, in a car racing game, the grips 102L and 102R that the user holds are used as steering, the built-in gyro sensor recognizes the rotation of the steering, and the buttons provided on the grips 102L and 102R can be used for acceleration and deceleration. No other display is required on the main display area 116. Since no extra input buttons are displayed, more parts of the main display area 116 can be used to display the game. Hereinafter, a modification example will be shown. For example, only the connecting part of the columnar bodies 111[2] to 111[4] may be bent. In this case, the flexible display 115 corresponding to the columnar bodies 111[0] and 111[5] to 111

[10] can be used for display as a deformed right e-book mode. In the above examples, the electronic device 114b in FIG. 10 has been used for explanation, but it can also be applied to the electronic device 114a in FIG. 9. As described above, the electronic device 114a (or the electronic device 114b) is foldable (rollable).

[0071] In the above examples, the electronic device 114b in FIG. 10 has been used for explanation, but it can also be applied to the electronic device 114a in FIG. 9. As described above, the electronic device 114a (or the electronic device 114b) is foldable (rollable).

[0072] (Sensor) As described above, the electronic device 114a (or the electronic device 114b) is foldable (rollable). Depending on the degree, it is necessary to adjust the main display area 116, the active touch sensor area, and the sub-display area 117. Bending can be detected by various sensors.

[0073] For example, as shown in FIG. 15(A), conductive materials 118a and 118b can be incorporated at the respective upper corners of each of the columnar bodies 101.

[0074] Since the columnar bodies 101 are connected, a resistance sensor is formed by the pair of the conductive material 118a of one columnar body 101 and the conductive material 118b of the adjacent columnar body 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 15( B), a sensor 1 20[3] is formed by the conductive material 118b[3] and the conductive material 118a[4]. The sensor 120[3] corresponds to the connecting portion 119[3].

[0075] When the columnar body 101 is bent and comes into contact with each other at its corners, the adjacent conductive materials 118a and 118b also come into contact and current flows. Therefore, it can be determined that the corresponding connecting portion 119 is sufficiently bent. In FIG. 15(C), since the corresponding sensors 120 [1] to 120[5] are conductive, it is determined that all of the connecting portions 119[1] to 119 [5] are bent.

[0076] Note that instead of the resistance sensor, other types of sensors such as pressure sensors, capacitance sensors, magnetic sensors, and optical sensors can also be used to detect the degree of bending and the angle between adjacent columnar bodies 101.

[0077] Although not shown in FIG. 15(C), the sensor 120[6] is between the columnar body 101[0] and the columnar It is provided between 101[6]. The same applies to sensors 120[7] to 120

[10] . They are provided. And sensors 120[6] to 120

[10] respectively correspond to connecting parts 119[6] to 119

[10] .

[0078] (Mode determination process) The sensor 120 is used to automatically determine which mode the user is trying to enter. FIG. 16 shows an example of a flowchart for determining the mode.

[0079] First, it is verified whether both the connecting part 119[5] and the connecting part 119[6] are bent. If Yes, the electronic device 114a enters the game mode. If No, then it is verified whether the connecting part 119[5] is bent. If Yes, the electronic device 114a enters the right e - book mode (R - eBook mode). If No, then it is verified whether the connecting part 119[6] is bent. If Yes, the electronic device 114a enters the left e - book mode (L - eBook mode). If No, the electronic device 114a enters the tablet mode. The main display area 11 6 is set in size according to the determined mode.

[0080] FIG. 17 shows another example. The flowchart shown in FIG. 17 can be used to change the main display area 116 according to the bent part. First, "L" is set to 0 and "i" is set to 1. And it is verified whether the connecting part 119[i] is bent (the first question). If Yes, "L" is set to "i" (that is, in the first loop ​​​In the case of "P", "L" is set to 1). Further, regardless of the answer to the first question, "i" is 1 and increases only by 1. Then, it is verified whether "i" is greater than the number of connection parts on the left side of the electronic device (the second question). In the electronic device 114a, the number is 5. If No, return to the first question. If Yes, the unusable left width that cannot be used in the main display area 116 is calculated as the product of "L" and "Unit Width".

[0081] For example, when the connecting part 119[1], the connecting part 119[3], and the connecting part 119[4] are bent as shown in Fig. 17, the flowchart in Fig. 17 determines that "L" is 4, and the unusable left width is 4 times of "Unit Width", and the part corresponding to the column 101[5] becomes available in the main display area 116. On the other hand, the parts corresponding to the columns 101[1] to 101[4] are not used even though the connecting part 119[2] is not bent.

[0082] The flowchart in Fig. 17 can only determine the left side of the main display area 116 . The right side can be determined by the flowchart in Fig. 18. The process in Fig. 18 is the same as that in Fig. 17, and the unusable right width that cannot be used in the main display area 116 is similarly calculated.

[0083] In this way, the main display area 116 is determined by subtracting the unusable right width and the unusable left width from "Full Width".

[0084] The calculation may be changed according to the determined mode. For example, in the e - book mode, Figs. 17 and ​​​​"L" and "R" directly obtained from the flowchart of FIG. 18 are used to calculate the width of the main display area 116. On the other hand, in the game mode, the unusable right width (or unusable left width) is defined as the product of "L - 1" (or "R - 1") and "Unit Width". While in the game mode, the unusable right width (or the unusable left width) is defined as the product of "L - 1" (or "R - 1") and "Unit Width". While in the game mode, the unusable right width (or the unusable left width) is defined as the product of "L - 1" (or "R - 1") and "Unit Width".

Explanation of Signs

[0085] 100 Support 101 Columnar body 102R Grip 102L Grip 103a Side surface 103b Side surface 104a Connection part 104b Connection part 105a Hole 105b Hole 106 Stopper 107 Stopper 108 Concave part 109 Fixing plate 110 Spring 111 Columnar body 112 Elastic material layer 113 Elastic material layer 114a Electronic device 114b Electronic device 115 Flexible display 115a Flexible layer 115b Device layer 115c Flexible layer 116 Main display area 117 Sub - display area 118a Conductive material 118b Conductive material 119 Connection part 120 Sensor​

Claims

【Claim 1】 A flexible display and a plurality of columnar bodies, wherein the plurality of columnar bodies have sensors, the sensors have a function of detecting rotation of the plurality of columnar bodies, the flexible display has a function of displaying in a first mode when rotation of the plurality of columnar bodies is detected, and a function of displaying in a second mode when rotation of the plurality of columnar bodies is not detected, an electronic device.

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