Although, we have come across a number of patent applications from Apple so far this year which have given us the idea that the Cupertino-based company is working on a flexible display, bracelet-like device and a few other flexible technologies. However, the latest patent applications from Apple have revealed further progress by the company on flexible display technology. These patent applications were perhaps filed in September of 2012 and they show various flexible devices. The first patent request was titled “Flexible Electronic Devices” and it is quite simple because it shows that Apple is not only paying attention to the methods of producing flexible displays, but it is also looking to provide flexible components such as circuit boards, batteries and the casing of the device.
In this patent application Apple has described a device that could react according to the way user bends or moulds its flexible display. The latest patent applications from Apple also divulged a device that shuts off and enters into the standby mode when it is folded or a user changes volume or answers a phone call:
“As an example, a flexible device may be foldable so that the device may be folded for storage (e.g., in a pocket). User interface components may be configured to sense that a device has been folded and to cause the device to enter a standby or off mode. User interface components may be configured to sense inactive deformations of the device (e.g., a folded or open position of the device) or may be configured to detect active deformations of the device (e.g., active twisting, squeezing, bending or otherwise active deforming) of the device.”
“User interface components may be configured to initiate a response from the device to the detected twist such as turning the device on or off, entering active or standby mode, answering a cellular telephone call, starting a software application, changing a volume associated with audio or video playback of media, starting or stopping audio playback of media, etc. For example, twisting a flexible electronic device may change the operating mode of the device, may be interpreted by the device as a command to an electronic gaming system, may turn the device on or off, etc.”
The title of the second patent application was “Electronic devices with sidewall displays” and it exhibits the same functionality that is linked with flexible displays, which could be twisted to form “front side displays and edge displays” that exposes numerous controls or turns into a second display:
“Edge displays may be separated from front side displays or from other edge displays using patterned housing members, printed or painted masks, or by selectively activating and inactivating display pixels associated with the flexible display. Edge displays may alternately function as virtual buttons, virtual switches, or informational displays that are supplemental to front side displays. Virtual buttons may include transparent button members, lenses, haptic feedback components, audio feedback components, or other components for providing feedback to a user when virtual buttons are activated.
During operation of an electronic device, a virtual button may be, for example, a virtual volume button for controlling audio output volume and may be repurposed based on user input to become a virtual camera shutter button for taking a picture or may be reconfigured to serve as a controller for another device function.”
Source: 9to5Mac
Photo: 9to5Mac
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