Flexible Screen Flexion Detection via Optical Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible screens, particularly those using OLED technology, face challenges in detecting flexion reliably due to the fragility of resistive nets and high costs associated with multiple emitters and detectors, which limits their tactile functionality and navigation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a flexible screen with a substrate emitting light beams, where part of the light is reflected within a transparent substrate to exit on the side, allowing for detection of flexion by measuring the luminous amplitude of the beams, enabling precise detection of flexion areas and providing input parameters for screen management, with optical waveguides and detectors on opposite sides for enhanced precision and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistive nets are attached to the back of a flexible screen, then the screen can detect flexion, but the assembly becomes fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical resistive net system with an optical detection system. Light beams are emitted from the front of the screen, transmitted through the flexible substrate, and detected by detectors on the opposite side. When the screen flexes, the light transmission changes, enabling flexion detection without attaching fragile resistive nets to the back of the screen.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple beam emitters and detectors are arranged to detect flexion in large areas, then detection coverage is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light beams serve multiple functions: they display the picture on the screen and simultaneously detect flexion. The same optical path is used for both display and sensing purposes, eliminating the need for separate detection components and reducing system complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thin flexible structure is used for OLED screens, then flexibility is improved, but the ability to support additional components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the detectors from the back of the screen to the front side, placing them on the same side as the light emission. This dimensional rearrangement allows the thin flexible structure to maintain its flexibility while supporting detection components, as the detectors are positioned where they can receive light without requiring additional thickness or rigidity on the back side.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, invisible detection of flexions, allowing the screen to remain tactile and navigable, with precise identification of flexion areas and introduction of commands, while maintaining high reliability and reducing the complexity and cost of detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
another part of the light beam is reflected within the transparent substrate to exit on at least one side of the transparent substrate
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of detection steps of the luminous amplitude of the beams exiting by at least one side of the substrate, each detection step measuring the amplitude of the beams
Data Source
AI summary
Present day, technology allows flexible screens to be produced, particularly the OLED screen technology. The invention relates to a device equipped with a flexible screen emitting light. Part of the light rays emitted by the optical cells is imprisoned between the substrate layers and reflecting from one layer to the other exit at the side of the screen. Photoelectric detectors are arranged on the side of the screen in order to capture the incident light. Depending on the position of the cells emitting the light and the values supplied by the detectors, the central processing unit determines the areas of flexion applied to the screen. Hence, it is possible to introduce commands by exerting flexions on certain areas of the screen. The invention also relates to a device having a flexible screen and flexion sensors capable of executing the method for the introduction of commands.