Fold Over Camera Window for Flexible Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld computing devices with small-scale touch screens face challenges in precise physical interaction, limited viewing capacity, and restricted portability due to their rigid nature, which also limits camera usage when folded.
Innovation Solution
A foldable touch screen display device with a flexible display that can transform from a compact to an expanded state, featuring a fold over camera window that allows camera functionality without the need for additional camera modules, enabling a symmetrical and ergonomic form factor while reducing cost and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a flexible display is folded into a compact state, then portability and form factor are improved, but the camera module becomes blocked and cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple flexible display segments that can be folded relative to each other. The camera window is positioned to overlap with the camera module when segments are folded, allowing the camera to remain accessible while maintaining compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera window is positioned on a different spatial dimension (the folded-over segment) relative to the camera module. When the display is unfolded, the window and camera are on the same face; when folded, the window moves to a different spatial plane, allowing the camera to remain accessible through the overlapping window structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional camera module is added for folded state usage, then camera usability in both states is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single camera module serves dual purposes: it functions when the display is in an unfolded state and also functions when the display is folded, provided the user looks through the fold-over camera window. This eliminates the need for separate camera modules for different usage states.
Solution Approach 2:
The fold-over camera window acts as an intermediary structure that enables camera access in folded state without requiring an additional camera module. The window serves as a mediator between the user and the existing camera module when the display is folded.
3Area of stationary object
If the display is made larger to increase viewing capacity, then viewing capacity and interaction quality are improved, but portability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display transitions from a static, fixed-size structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The flexible display segments can be unfolded to provide a large viewing area when needed and folded into a compact form factor for portability, allowing the display size to adapt to different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is segmented into multiple flexible segments that can be independently positioned. When unfolded, these segments form a large display area; when folded, they compact into a portable form factor, providing both large viewing capacity and portability.
Data Source
AI summary
Foldable touch screen display devices with a flexible display including foldable segments to configure from a compact state to an expanded state, and a fold over camera window are described. The form factor of the compact state can be the size of a handheld phone. The form factor of the expanded state can be the size of a tablet computer, and can include the mechanical functionality of a laptop. Both states include an integrated speaker and microphone. The fold over camera window allows symmetrically folding so that edges of each segment are tangent with each other in a fully folded state. The device includes sensors indicating the state of configuration and mechanisms for alignment, locking, and further structural support. A module attached to at least one segment of the flexible display or rigid display contains all processing and memory, and a communications system to be used in any state.