Apple patent embeds physical iPhone control, feedback components beneath flexible display
In a new patent discovered on Tuesday, Apple details a flexible mobile device screen that deforms to reveal buttons hidden beneath its surface, accepts sound and pressure input and provides haptic feedback.
Source: USPTO
As awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple's U.S Patent No. 8,816,977 for "Electronic devices with flexible displays" incorporates one or more flexible display layers overlaid atop actuators, buttons, switches, sliders, speakers, microphones and more.
In some embodiments, the system combines a flexible display layer, such as a compatible OLED substrate, with a similarly flexible capacitive touchscreen layer, which is then covered by a flexible or rigid cover. As the assembly is flexible, users can interact with components installed beneath.
According to one example, buttons or other control structures receive input from a user's finger or other object as it pushes onto the display, thus deforming it and transferring force onto a sensor. Certain systems can extend the device's active screen area by replacing external controls -- like an iPhone's home button -- with internal counterparts.
Illustration of sub-display structural component delineating position of embedded button.
Since the display is flexible, components positioned beneath can create an interactive raised structure that serves as a user input. When force is applied, the display deforms and activates the internal button, dome switch or other sensor before returning to its natural shape.
Alternatively, internal actuators can be made to press upward against the flexible layers to create temporary ridges, points or other shapes on the display surface, with each region made active or inactive to user input. For example, ridges can be used to outline a grid pattern corresponding to an onscreen keyboard.
Another implementation would include passive raised structures that force users to deform the display in order to reach an active sensor or switch. This use case lets operators "feel" for a button on the display without looking at the phone or activating a command prematurely.
Sound and localized vibrations, also known as haptics, are also good candidates for the technology, as speakers, microphones and vibration motors can be placed in key positions for dynamic feedback to user input. In some cases, the flexible display itself serves as an input module integrated into a microphone or pressure-sensing component.
For example, a simple coil and magnet speaker can drive a diaphragm integrated with a device display to output sound through the screen. Alternatively, vibrations captured by the display's large surface may be transmitted to the diaphragm and into the coil to induce a current, thereby creating an input signal. Additionally, a laser microphone can monitor minute vibrations on the screen coming from external sound waves, translating movement into audio input.
Apple notes the technology could be employed in devices such as the iPhone or iPad where space is at a premium, affording a larger input surface by moving physical controls beneath the display. Additionally, the layout would provide space for additional interactive elements like speakers, microphones and pressure sensors.
Along with added screen real estate, the invention would also serve to protect sensitive internal components from dust and debris as environmental exposure is kept to a minimum.
In a final embodiment, Apple describes how an actuator placed beneath a MacBook's touchpad could be used to lift the top cover away from the chassis for easier opening, an alternate take on the erstwhile magnetic latch seen in Apple's older model laptops.
It is unknown if Apple plans to employ flexible display technology in a future device, though the next-generation iPhone models anticipated for launch next month are not expected to boast such features. The company is consistently growing its advanced display IP portfolio, however, possibly signaling research into a more interactive and tactile user experience.
Apple's flexible display patent was first filed for in June 2011 and credits Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Scott A. Myers and Stephen Lynch as its inventors.
Source: USPTO
As awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple's U.S Patent No. 8,816,977 for "Electronic devices with flexible displays" incorporates one or more flexible display layers overlaid atop actuators, buttons, switches, sliders, speakers, microphones and more.
In some embodiments, the system combines a flexible display layer, such as a compatible OLED substrate, with a similarly flexible capacitive touchscreen layer, which is then covered by a flexible or rigid cover. As the assembly is flexible, users can interact with components installed beneath.
According to one example, buttons or other control structures receive input from a user's finger or other object as it pushes onto the display, thus deforming it and transferring force onto a sensor. Certain systems can extend the device's active screen area by replacing external controls -- like an iPhone's home button -- with internal counterparts.
Illustration of sub-display structural component delineating position of embedded button.
Since the display is flexible, components positioned beneath can create an interactive raised structure that serves as a user input. When force is applied, the display deforms and activates the internal button, dome switch or other sensor before returning to its natural shape.
Alternatively, internal actuators can be made to press upward against the flexible layers to create temporary ridges, points or other shapes on the display surface, with each region made active or inactive to user input. For example, ridges can be used to outline a grid pattern corresponding to an onscreen keyboard.
Another implementation would include passive raised structures that force users to deform the display in order to reach an active sensor or switch. This use case lets operators "feel" for a button on the display without looking at the phone or activating a command prematurely.
Sound and localized vibrations, also known as haptics, are also good candidates for the technology, as speakers, microphones and vibration motors can be placed in key positions for dynamic feedback to user input. In some cases, the flexible display itself serves as an input module integrated into a microphone or pressure-sensing component.
For example, a simple coil and magnet speaker can drive a diaphragm integrated with a device display to output sound through the screen. Alternatively, vibrations captured by the display's large surface may be transmitted to the diaphragm and into the coil to induce a current, thereby creating an input signal. Additionally, a laser microphone can monitor minute vibrations on the screen coming from external sound waves, translating movement into audio input.
Apple notes the technology could be employed in devices such as the iPhone or iPad where space is at a premium, affording a larger input surface by moving physical controls beneath the display. Additionally, the layout would provide space for additional interactive elements like speakers, microphones and pressure sensors.
Along with added screen real estate, the invention would also serve to protect sensitive internal components from dust and debris as environmental exposure is kept to a minimum.
In a final embodiment, Apple describes how an actuator placed beneath a MacBook's touchpad could be used to lift the top cover away from the chassis for easier opening, an alternate take on the erstwhile magnetic latch seen in Apple's older model laptops.
It is unknown if Apple plans to employ flexible display technology in a future device, though the next-generation iPhone models anticipated for launch next month are not expected to boast such features. The company is consistently growing its advanced display IP portfolio, however, possibly signaling research into a more interactive and tactile user experience.
Apple's flexible display patent was first filed for in June 2011 and credits Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Scott A. Myers and Stephen Lynch as its inventors.
Comments
"technology could be employed in devices such as the iPhone or iPad where space is at a premium"
Quit making the iPhones so thin and you'll have space! Don't get me wrong. I love my IP5S. It's thin enough. Is rather see the next iPhone the same thickness but more or better internals.
I agree - I don't need a phone to be 0.5mm thick - and I don't want it to be 10" diagonal after you add a case.
Many people may have there handheld device glued to their hand - mine spend plenty of time in a pocket or other location beside in my hand in front of my face.
I can't wait. Physical buttons are a failure waiting to happen.
Tell me about it. My family has maybe 9 iPod touches, iPhones, and iPads and we're still waiting for one of the home buttons to fail. We're getting impatient.
I still think the 5.5 is the new iPod touch gaming device
I wouldn't really call that "thinking".
I can't even begin to think about describing the sheer absurdity that goes into thinking that Apple would even consider making a 4.7 iPhone and then 5.5 iPod touch.
There is no fathomable stretch of the imagination that could even pretend to take that seriously.
Me too. Seven devices, Pads, Pods, Phones, not a single one has failed since 2008. Good thing I have other stuff to do while i'm waiting.
in fact if Apple wanted to increase the functionality of the screen get rid of that Damn start button. To me it's an eyesore and just wastes real estate.
Touch ID?
I can't wait. Physical buttons are a failure waiting to happen.
Talking about the tech shown in this article, there is still a mechanical button under the screen.
No idea, but it would be great if it could. Seems doubtful, though.
I'll bite.
Describe the sheer absurdity.
Well, it’s better than your “argument”, which is absolutely nothing whatsoever. No disproof of the benefits of the idea, not even a rebuttal.
THE IPOD TOUCH ISN’T HELD TO YOUR HEAD. That’s reason number one it can be larger than the iPhone. You’re saying that it would be ludicrous for Apple to make the iPad larger than the iPhone.
No openings? Mic & Speaker & button functionality in a fully enclosed unit - can you say waterproof!? 'Feel' for button w/out looking? All signs here point to the iWatch.
Soooo... dynamic braille as an accessibility option?