CN117912355A

CN117912355A - Electronic device with translating flexible display and corresponding method

Info

Publication number: CN117912355A
Application number: CN202311319204.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李俊熙; 韦恩·G·莫里森; 丹尼尔·P·格勒贝; 奈杰尔·乔治·瓦利科达斯; 阿尔贝托·R·卡瓦拉罗
Original assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
Current assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
Priority date: 2022-10-17
Filing date: 2023-10-12
Publication date: 2024-04-19

Abstract

An electronic device with a translational flexible display and corresponding method. An electronic device includes a flexible display and a device housing defining a translation surface for the flexible display. The blade assembly is positioned between the flexible display and the translating surface. The rotor is positioned within the curved section of the flexible display and the blade assembly. The translation mechanism translates the blade assembly and the flexible display between an extended position, a retracted position, and a peeping position in which the image capture device is revealed.

Description

Electronic device with translating flexible display and corresponding method

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority and benefit from U.S. c. ≡119 (e) filed on day 10/month 17 of 2022, U.S. provisional application No. 63/416,925, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to electronic devices having flexible displays.

Background

Portable electronic communication devices, particularly smart phones, have become ubiquitous. People around the world use such devices to stay in touch. These devices are designed in various mechanical configurations. The first configuration is referred to as a "bar-type" which is generally rectangular in shape, has a rigid form factor, and has a display disposed along a major end face of the electronic device. In contrast, "flip" devices have a mechanical hinge that allows one housing to pivot relative to the other. A third type of electronic device is a "slider" in which two different device housings slide, one of which slides relative to the other.

Some consumers prefer bar-type devices, while others prefer flip-type devices. Still others prefer the slider type. The latter two types of devices are convenient because they are smaller in the closed position than in the open position, and thus easier to place in the pocket. While flip-type and slider-type devices are relatively mechanically simple, they tend to be bulky when in the closed position due to the need for two device housings. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved electronic device that not only provides a compact geometric form factor, but also allows for the use of a larger display surface area.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows an illustrative electronic device having a translating display that moves to a first sliding position in which portions of the translating display extend distally away from a device housing of the electronic device.

Fig. 3 shows the illustrative electronic device of fig. 2 with the translating display moved to a second sliding position in which the translating display is wrapped around and abutted against the device housing of the electronic device.

FIG. 4 shows the illustrative electronic device of FIG. 2 with the translating display moved to a third slide position, referred to as a "peeking" position, exposing the image capture device, which is positioned below the translating display when the translating display is in either the first slide position or the second slide position.

Fig. 5 shows one or more illustrative physical sensors suitable for use alone or in combination in an electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows one or more illustrative context sensors suitable for use alone or in combination in an electronic device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of an illustrative flexible display in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 shows an illustrative display assembly substrate in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a portion of an illustrative display assembly in an exploded view in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a portion of an illustrative display assembly in an exploded view in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows an illustrative display assembly in an exploded view in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows one illustrative display assembly in an undeformed state.

Fig. 13 shows the illustrative display assembly of fig. 12 in a deformed state.

Fig. 14 shows the illustrative display assembly of fig. 12 in another deformed state, with an exploded view of the deformable portion of the display assembly shown in an enlarged view.

Fig. 15 shows an illustrative blade assembly (blade assembly) in an exploded view in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 shows one illustrative perforation pattern for a substrate having strain relief cuts used in a blade assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17 illustrates a portion of a blade assembly in a deformed state in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 18 shows a top-left-bottom perspective view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly attached, the blade assembly in a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19 shows a rear-right-bottom perspective view of the electronic device of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 shows a top-left-bottom perspective view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly attached, the blade assembly in an extended position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 21 shows a rear-right-bottom perspective view of the electronic device of fig. 20.

Fig. 22 shows a front elevation view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly in an extended position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 23 shows a left side elevation view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly in an extended position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 24 shows a rear elevation view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly in an extended position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 shows a front elevation view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly in a retracted position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a left side elevation view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly in a retracted position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows a rear elevation view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly in a retracted position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 shows a front elevation view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly in a peeping position revealing a forward-facing image capture device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a rear elevation view of an illustrative electronic device with a blade assembly in a peeping position revealing a forward-facing image capture device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 30 illustrates various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present disclosure, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to translating a flexible display incorporated into a blade assembly about a single device housing between an extended position, a retracted position, and a peeping position. Any process descriptions or blocks in a flowchart should be understood to represent modules, segments, or portions of code including one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process.

Alternate embodiments are included, and it will be apparent that functions may be performed out of the order shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Moreover, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such methods and devices with minimal experimentation.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the specification and throughout the claims herein, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of "a", "an", and "the" includes plural references, "in …" including "in …" and "on …".

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. As used herein, components may be "operatively coupled" when information may be sent between the components, even though there may be one or more intervening or intervening components between or along the connection paths.

The terms "substantially," "approximately," "about," or any other version thereof are defined as being close to those of ordinary skill in the art understand, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined as being within ten percent, within five percent in another embodiment, within one percent in another embodiment, and within five percent in another embodiment. The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. In addition, reference numerals shown in parentheses herein indicate components shown in figures other than the one currently discussed. For example, talking about a device (10) when discussing figure a will refer to an element 10 shown in a figure other than figure a.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device that includes a single device housing. In one or more embodiments, the flexible display is then incorporated into a "blade" assembly that is wrapped around the single device housing. In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly accomplishes this by way of a translation mechanism coupled to the single device housing.

In response to actuation of a user interface device, such as a button, a touch-sensitive surface, or a user actuation target presented on a flexible display, the translating mechanism is operable to transition the blade assembly about a surface of the device housing between an extended position, in which the blade of the blade assembly extends distally from the device housing, a retracted position, and a "peeping" position; in the retracted position, the blade assembly abuts the device housing, wherein the flexible display is wrapped around a surface of the device housing; and in the "peeping" position, movement of the translation mechanism causes the blade assembly to reveal an image capture device located at the front of the single device housing underneath the blade assembly.

For example, in one illustrative embodiment, the blade assembly slides around a single device housing such that the blade slides off the single device housing to change the overall length of the flexible display present on the front of the electronic device. In other embodiments, the blade assembly may be slid around a single device housing in opposite directions to a retracted position, where the amount of flexible display visible on the front side of the electronic device and the back side of the electronic device is similar. Thus, in one or more embodiments, an electronic device includes a single device housing, a blade assembly coupled to both major surfaces of the single device housing and wrapped around at least one minor surface of the electronic device, wherein a translating mechanism is positioned such that the blade assembly can slide around and relative to the single device housing between a retracted position, an extended position, and a peeping position revealing a forward-facing image capture device.

In one or more embodiments, a flexible display is coupled to the blade assembly. In one or more embodiments, the flexible display is also surrounded by a silicone bezel that is co-molded onto the blade substrate and protects the side edges of the flexible display. In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly engages at least one rotor of a translation mechanism located at one end of a single device housing. When a translation mechanism located in a single device housing drives an element coupled to the blade assembly, the flexible display is wrapped around the rotor and moved to extend the blade of the blade assembly further away from or back toward the single device housing.

In one or more embodiments, the cross-section of both the blade assembly and the flexible display define a J-shape, with the curved portion of the J-shape wrapping around the rotor and the upper portion of the J-shape traveling across a translation surface defined by the single device housing. When the translator of the translation mechanism drives the blade assembly, the upper portion of the J-shape of the blade comprising the blade assembly lengthens as the flexible display translates around the rotor, with the blade further extending from the device housing. When the translator of the translating mechanism drives the blade assembly in the opposite direction, the upper portion of the J-shape carrying the blade appears to shorten significantly as the reverse operation occurs. Thus, when the translation mechanism drives the blade assembly carrying the flexible display, the flexible display deforms at different positions as the flexible display wraps around and past the rotor.

It should be appreciated that the "J-shape" is primarily defined when the blade assembly is transitioned to the extended position. Depending on the length of the blade assembly and flexible display, the J-shape may also be converted to other shapes, including a U-shape in which the upper and lower portions of the blade assembly and/or flexible display are substantially symmetrical, in combination with the amount by which the translation mechanism may slide the blade assembly around a single device housing. This U-shape is substantially formed when the blade assembly is in the peeping position. In other embodiments, depending on the configuration, the blade assembly may even be converted to an inverted J-shape in which an upper portion of the blade assembly and/or flexible display is shorter than a lower portion of the blade assembly and/or flexible display, and so on.

In one or more embodiments, the translator and rotor of the translation mechanism not only facilitate "extension" of the flexible display that occurs during an extend or "lift" operation, but also serve to improve the reliability and usability of the flexible display. This is true because the rotor defines a service loop having a relatively large radius compared to the minimum bending radius of the flexible display and the flexible display is bent around the service loop. The service ring prevents the flexible display from being damaged or forming memory in the curved state that occurs at this time when the flexible display is wrapped around a single device housing in the extended, retracted, and peeped positions.

In one or more embodiments, a flexible display includes an assembly including a flexible substrate, a foldable display, and a panel layer, and one or more adhesive layers to couple the components together. Some of these layers are harder than others, while others are softer than others. For example, in one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate is made of stainless steel, and the adhesive layer is an optically clear adhesive having a thickness of only about fifty microns. The stainless steel layer is harder than the adhesive layer and the adhesive layer is softer than the stainless steel layer. Similarly, the foldable display may be softer than stainless steel, but harder than the adhesive layer, and so on.

In one or more embodiments, the translation mechanism includes an actuator that causes: when the blade assembly is switched between the extended position, the retracted position, and the peeping position, a portion of the blade assembly abutting the first major surface of the single device housing and another portion of the blade assembly abutting the second major surface of the single device housing slide symmetrically along the single device housing in opposite directions. Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved sliding mechanism for a flexible display that is integrated into a blade assembly in a sliding electronic device having a single device housing and that eliminates the tendency for wrinkling and pillowing (pillowing) that may occur in flexible displays.

By using such a mechanical assembly, the flexible display maintains a J-shaped flat upper portion when slid. Furthermore, the flexible display is tightly wound around the rotor, wherein the lower part of the J-shape also remains flat against the lower surface of the single device housing. The blade assembly prevents the flexible display from wrinkling or bunching when slid around the single device housing between the extended position, the retracted position, and the peeping position. This rigid coupling ensures a linear and actual translation of the flexible display on the first major surface of the electronic device, around the rotor of the electronic device positioned on the minor surface of the single device housing, and on the second major surface of the electronic device.

In one or more embodiments, the translation mechanism includes a reverse motion link such that the first portion of the blade assembly and the second portion of the blade assembly symmetrically travel in opposite directions. The actuator of the translation mechanism may take various forms.

In some embodiments, the translation mechanism may be manually actuated. For example, the translation mechanism may include a spring actuator. The spring actuator may bias the blade assembly toward the extended or retracted position. The spring of the spring actuator may be compressed when the blade assembly is between the extended and retracted positions, or alternatively, when the blade assembly is in the peep position. Thereafter, as the blade assembly approaches the extended or retracted position, the spring may extend and apply a loading force that biases the blade assembly toward either position.

In other embodiments, the actuator may comprise a dual-shaft motor. In one or more embodiments, the dual-shaft motor may be threaded to move the translator of the translation mechanism in the same and opposite directions. In other embodiments, the dual-shaft motor may be coupled to at least one timing belt. Other configurations of the actuator will be described below. Still other constructions will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly is coupled to a translator of the translation mechanism. When the translator is actuated, the first portion of the blade assembly abutting the first major surface of the single device housing and the second portion of the blade assembly abutting the second major surface of the single device housing move symmetrically in opposite directions.

In yet another embodiment described below as an illustrative embodiment, an actuator includes a first drive screw and a second drive screw. The drive screws may be coupled together by a gear assembly. When a first portion of the blade assembly is coupled to a translator positioned about the first drive screw and a second portion of the blade assembly is coupled to another translator positioned about the second drive screw, actuation of either causes the first portion of the blade assembly that abuts the first major surface of the single device housing and the second portion of the blade assembly that abuts the second major surface of the single device housing to move symmetrically in opposite directions as the first and second drive screws rotate.

In still other embodiments, the actuator includes a first rack, a second rack, and a pinion. The first rack may be coupled to a first portion of the blade assembly and the second rack may be coupled to a second portion of the blade assembly. When the pinion engages both the first rack or the second rack, actuation of either causes the first portion of the blade assembly that abuts the first major surface of the single device housing and the second portion of the blade assembly that abuts the second major surface of the single device housing to move symmetrically in opposite directions as the first rack and the second rack move symmetrically in opposite directions.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved sliding mechanism for a flexible display in an electronic device. A flexible display and rotor sliding assembly constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure maintains a J-shaped flat upper portion defined by the flexible display and/or blade assembly while maintaining operability and functionality of the flexible display during a sliding operation.

In one or more embodiments, an electronic device includes a device housing and a blade assembly that carries a blade and is slidably coupled to the device housing. In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly is operable to slidably transition between an extended position in which the blade extends beyond an edge of the device housing and a retracted position; and in the retracted position, a major surface of the blade abuts a major surface of the device housing.

In one or more embodiments, an electronic device includes a single device housing, a blade assembly slidably coupled to the single device housing and slidable between an extended position, a retracted position, and a peeping position, and a flexible display coupled to the blade assembly.

In one or more embodiments, an electronic device includes a single device housing defining a translation surface and a translation mechanism located in the single device housing. In one or more embodiments, an electronic device includes a blade assembly slidably coupled to a translation mechanism that includes a backpack (backpack).

In one or more embodiments, an electronic device includes a single device housing and a translation mechanism within the single device housing. In one or more embodiments, the electronic device includes a blade assembly coupled to the translation mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the electronic device includes a flexible display coupled to the blade assembly. In one or more embodiments, the translation mechanism is operable to transition the blade assembly and the flexible display between at least an extended position, a retracted position, and a peeping position, wherein in the extended position the blade assembly and the flexible display protrude beyond an edge of the single device housing; in the retracted position, the blade assembly and the flat portion of the flexible display abut a major surface of the single device housing, and the curved sections of the blade assembly and the flexible display bypass the roller mechanism; and in the peeping position, reveals the image capture device below the blade assembly when the blade assembly is in the retracted position.

Other advantages provided by embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. Still other advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to fig. 1, one illustrative electronic device 100 constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The electronic device 100 of fig. 1 is a portable electronic device. For illustration purposes, the electronic device 100 is shown as a smartphone. However, the electronic device 100 may be any number of other devices including a tablet computer, gaming device, multimedia player, and the like. Other types of electronic devices may also be constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, as will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.

The electronic device 100 includes a single device housing 101. In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 carrying the flexible display 104 is wrapped around a single device housing 101. As will be described in more detail below, in one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 is configured to "slide" along a first major surface (which is covered by a flexible display in a front view of the electronic device 100 on the left side of fig. 1) and a second major surface 103 (located on the rear side of the single device housing 101) of the single device housing 101.

In one or more embodiments, the single device housing 101 is fabricated from a rigid material such as a rigid thermoplastic, metal, or composite material, although other materials may be used. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, a single device housing 101 is fabricated from aluminum. Still other constructions will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the illustrative embodiment of fig. 1, the blade assembly 102 carries a flexible display 104. Optionally, the flexible display 104 may be touch sensitive. The user may communicate user input to the flexible display 104 of such an embodiment by communicating touch input from a finger, stylus, or other object disposed proximate to the flexible display 104.

In one embodiment, the flexible display 104 is configured as an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display fabricated on a flexible plastic substrate. The blade assembly 102 is also fabricated on a flexible substrate, an example of which is shown and described below with reference to fig. 8. This allows the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 to deform around the display roller mechanism 105 when the first portion 106 of the blade assembly 102 abutting the first major surface of the single device housing 101 and the second portion 107 of the blade assembly 102 abutting the second major surface 103 of the single device housing 101 move symmetrically around the single device housing 101 in opposite directions. In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104 are each constructed on a flexible metal substrate that may allow each to bend at various bending radii around the display roller mechanism 105.

In one or more embodiments, the flexible display 104 may be formed from multiple layers of flexible material, such as flexible sheets of polymer or other materials. In the illustrative embodiment, flexible display 104 is fixedly coupled to blade assembly 102, and blade assembly 102 is wrapped around display roller mechanism 105.

Features may be incorporated into a single device housing 101. Examples of such features include one or more cameras or image capture devices 108 or optional speaker ports. In this illustrative embodiment, the user interface components 109, 110, 111 (which may be buttons, fingerprint sensors, or touch sensitive surfaces) may also be disposed along a surface of the single device housing 101. Any of these features are shown as being provided on a side surface of the electronic device 100, but may be located elsewhere. In other embodiments, these features may be omitted.

Also shown in fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram 112 of electronic device 100. The schematic block diagram 112 includes one or more electronic components that may be coupled to a printed circuit board assembly disposed within the single device housing 101. Alternatively, the electronic components may be carried by the blade assembly 102. For example, in one or more embodiments, the electronic components may be positioned under a "backpack" 113 carried by the blade assembly 102.

The components of the schematic block diagram 112 may be electrically coupled together by conductors or buses disposed along one or more printed circuit boards, an example of which will be described below with reference to fig. 22-25. For example, some of the components of schematic block diagram 112 may be configured as first electronic circuitry fixedly located within a single device housing 101, while other components of schematic block diagram 112 may be configured as second electronic circuitry carried by the blade assembly in backpack 113. A flexible substrate, such as the flexible substrate described below with reference to fig. 22-25, may then extend from the first electronic circuitry in the single device housing 101 to the second electronic circuitry carried by the blade assembly in the backpack 113 to electrically couple the first electronic circuitry to the second electronic circuitry.

The illustrative schematic block diagram 112 of fig. 1 includes many different components. Embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that the number and arrangement of these components may vary depending on the particular application. Accordingly, an electronic device constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include some components not shown in fig. 1, and other components shown may not be required and thus may be omitted.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes one or more processors 114. In one embodiment, the one or more processors 114 may include an application processor and optionally one or more auxiliary processors. One or both of the application processor or the auxiliary processor may include one or more processors. One or both of the application processor or the auxiliary processor may be a microprocessor, a set of processing elements, one or more ASICs, programmable logic, or other types of processing devices.

The application processor and the auxiliary processor may operate with various components of the electronic device 100. Each of the application processor and the auxiliary processor may be configured to process and execute executable software code to perform various functions of the electronic device 100. A storage device, such as memory 115, may optionally store executable software code used by the one or more processors 114 during operation.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 114 are responsible for running the operating system environment of the electronic device 100. The operating system environment may include a kernel and one or more drivers, as well as an application services layer and an application layer. The operating system environment may be configured as executable code that operates on one or more processors or control circuits of the electronic device 100. The application layer may be responsible for executing application service modules. The application service module may support one or more applications or "applications (apps)". An application of the application layer may be configured as a client of the application service layer to communicate with a service through an Application Program Interface (API), message, event, or other interprocess communication interface. Where auxiliary processors are used, they may be used to perform input/output functions, activate user feedback devices, and so forth.

In the illustrative embodiment, the electronic device 100 also includes a communication device 116 that may be configured to communicate, either wired or wireless, with one or more other devices or networks. The network may include a wide area network, a local area network, and/or a personal area network. The communication device 116 may also communicate using wireless technology such as, but not limited to, point-to-point or ad hoc communication (e.g., home radio frequency (HomeRF), bluetooth, and IEEE 802.11), as well as other forms of wireless communication (e.g., infrared technology). The communication device 116 may include one of a wireless communication circuit, a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver, and one or more antennas 117.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 114 may be responsible for executing the primary functions of the electronic device 100. For example, in one embodiment, the one or more processors 114 include one or more circuits operable through one or more user interface devices, which may include the flexible display 104, to present images, video, or other presentation information to a user. Executable software code used by the one or more processors 114 may be configured as one or more modules 118 operable with the one or more processors 114. Such modules 118 may store instructions, control algorithms, logic steps, and the like.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 114 are responsible for running the operating system environment of the electronic device 100. The operating system environment may include a kernel and one or more drivers, and an application service layer and an application layer. The operating system environment may be configured as executable code that operates on one or more processors or control circuits of the electronic device 100. The application layer may be responsible for executing application service modules. The application service module may support one or more applications or "applications (apps)". An application of the application layer may be configured as a client of the application service layer to communicate with a service through an Application Program Interface (API), message, event, or other interprocess communication interface. Where auxiliary processors are used, they may be used to perform input/output functions, actuate user feedback devices, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the one or more processors 114 may generate commands or perform control operations based on information received from various sensors of the electronic device 100. As shown in fig. 1, these sensors may be classified into physical sensors 120 and context sensors 121.

In general, physical sensor 120 includes a sensor configured to sense or determine a physical parameter indicative of a condition in the environment surrounding electronic device 100. For example, physical sensors 120 may include sensors for determining information such as motion, acceleration, orientation, proximity to people and other objects, as well as illumination, capturing images, and the like. The physical sensors 120 may include various combinations of microphones, position detectors, temperature sensors, barometers, proximity sensor components, proximity detector components, health sensors, touch sensors, cameras, audio capture devices, and the like. Many examples of physical sensors 120 are described below with reference to fig. 5. Other sensors will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In contrast, context sensor 121 does not measure a physical condition or parameter. Rather, they infer context from the data of the electronic device. For example, when the physical sensor 120 comprises a camera or smart imager, the context sensor 121 may use the data captured in the image to infer a context cue. The emotion detector may be used to analyze data from the captured image to determine an emotional state. The emotion detector may identify facial gestures such as smiles or eyebrows to infer an emotional state that a person is silently conveying, e.g., happy, angry, depressed, etc. Other context sensors 121 may analyze other data to infer context, including calendar events, user profiles, device operating states, energy storage within the battery, application data, data from third parties (e.g., web services and social media servers), alarm clocks, time of day, user repeated behavior, and other factors.

The context sensor 121 may be configured as a hardware component or alternatively as a combination of hardware and software components. The context sensor 121 may be configured to collect and analyze non-physical parameter data.

Examples of physical sensors 120 and context sensors 121 are shown in fig. 5 and 6. These examples are merely illustrative, as other physical sensors 120 and context sensors 121 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning briefly to fig. 5, various examples of physical sensors 120 are shown. In one or more embodiments, the physical sensor 120 senses or determines a physical parameter indicative of a condition in the environment surrounding the electronic device. Fig. 5 shows several examples of physical sensors 120. It should be noted that those shown in fig. 5 are not comprehensive, as other physical sensors will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. In addition, it should be noted that the various physical sensors 120 shown in fig. 5 may be used alone or in combination. Thus, many electronic devices will employ only a subset of the physical sensors 120 shown in FIG. 5, with the particular subset selected being defined by the device application.

A first example of a physical sensor is a touch sensor 501. Touch sensor 501 may include a capacitive touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, or other touch sensitive technology. The capacitive touch sensitive device includes a plurality of capacitive sensors, such as electrodes, disposed along a substrate. Each capacitive sensor is configured in conjunction with associated control circuitry (e.g., one or more processors (114)) to detect objects in close proximity or contact with a surface of a display of the electronic device or a housing of the electronic device by establishing electric field lines between pairs of capacitive sensors and then detecting perturbations of those electric field lines.

The electric field lines may be established from a periodic waveform, such as a square wave, sine wave, triangular wave, or other periodic waveform, emitted by one sensor and detected by another sensor. For example, the capacitive sensor may be formed by disposing indium tin oxide patterned as an electrode on a substrate. Indium tin oxide is useful for such systems because it is transparent and electrically conductive. Furthermore, it can be deposited in thin layers by a printing process. Capacitive sensors may also be deposited on the substrate by electron beam evaporation, physical vapor deposition, or other various sputter deposition techniques.

Another example of a physical sensor 120 is a geolocation that functions as a location detector 502. In one embodiment, the location detector 502 is operable to determine location data when capturing images from a constellation of one or more earth-orbiting satellites or when capturing images from a network of terrestrial base stations to determine an approximate location. Examples of satellite positioning systems suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention include, among others, the united states time and range navigation system (NAVSTAR), the Global Positioning System (GPS), and other similar satellite positioning systems. The position detector 502 may make position determinations autonomously or with the aid of ground base stations, such as those associated with a cellular communication network or other ground-based network, or as part of a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The location detector 502 can also determine location by locating or triangulating ground base stations of a conventional cellular network or from other local area networks (e.g., wi-Fi networks).

The other physical sensor 120 is a near field communication circuit 503. Near field communication circuitry 503 may be included for communicating with a local area network to receive information regarding the context of the environment in which the electronic device is located. For example, the near field communication circuit 503 may obtain information such as weather information and location information. For example, if the user is at a museum, they may be standing near an exhibit that can be identified by near field communication. The identification may indicate that the electronic device is indoors and at a museum. Thus, if the user requests additional information about the artist or a picture, the problem is that the likelihood of device commands that require the one or more processors (114) to search for the information using a web browser is high. Alternatively, near field communication circuitry 503 may be used to receive contextual information from kiosks and other electronic devices. The near field communication circuit 503 may also be used to obtain images or other data from a social media network. Examples of suitable near field communication circuits include bluetooth communication circuits, IEEE 801.11 communication circuits, infrared communication circuits, magnetic field modulation circuits, and Wi-Fi circuits.

Another example of a physical sensor 120 is a motion detector 504. For example, an accelerometer, gyroscope, or other device may be used as the motion detector 504 in the electronic device. Using an accelerometer as an example, an accelerometer may be included to detect movement of an electronic device. In addition, accelerometers may also be used to sense some gestures of the user, such as hand movements while speaking, running, or walking.

The motion detector 504 may also be used to determine the electronic device and the spatial orientation in three-dimensional space by detecting the direction of gravity. An electronic compass may be included in addition to or in place of the accelerometer to detect the spatial orientation of the electronic device with respect to the earth's magnetic field. Similarly, one or more gyroscopes may be included to detect rotational motion of the electronic device.

Another example of physical sensor 120 is force sensor 505. The force sensor may take various forms. For example, in one embodiment, the force sensor includes a resistive switch or force switch array configured to detect contact with a display or housing of the electronic device. The resistive switch array may be used as a force sensing layer because any change in the impedance of the switch may be detected when in contact with the surface of the display of the electronic device or the housing of the electronic device. The switch array may be any of a resistive sense switch, a membrane switch, a force sense switch (such as a piezoelectric switch), or other equivalent type of technology. In another embodiment, the force sensor may be capacitive. In yet another embodiment, the piezoelectric sensor may also be configured to sense a force. For example, in the case of coupling with a lens of a display, a piezoelectric sensor may be configured to detect an amount of displacement of the lens to determine the force. The piezoelectric sensor may also be configured to determine a contact force to a housing of the electronic device instead of to the display.

Another example of a physical sensor 120 includes a proximity sensor. Proximity sensors are divided into one of two major camps: active proximity sensors and "passive" proximity sensors. These are shown in fig. 5 as a proximity detector component 506 and a proximity sensor component 507. The proximity detector component 506 or the proximity sensor component 507 can generally be employed for gesture control and other user interface protocols, some examples of which are described in more detail below.

As used herein, a "proximity sensor component" includes only a signal receiver that does not include a corresponding transmitter for transmitting a signal to reflect from an object to the signal receiver. Since the body of the user or other heat generating object external to the device (e.g. a wearable electronic device worn by the user) acts as a transmitter, only a signal receiver can be used. For example, in one example, the proximity sensor component 507 includes a signal receiver to receive a signal from an object external to the housing of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the signal receiver is an infrared signal receiver for receiving infrared emissions from an object such as a person when the person is in proximity to the electronic device. In one or more embodiments, the proximity sensor component is configured to receive infrared wavelengths of about four microns to about ten microns. This wavelength range is advantageous in one or more embodiments because it corresponds to the wavelength of the heat emitted by the human body.

In addition, wavelengths within this range may be detected from greater distances than, for example, reflected signals from emitters proximate to the detector assembly. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor component 507 has a relatively long detection range to detect heat emitted from the person's body when the person is within a predetermined heat receiving radius. For example, in one or more embodiments, the proximity sensor component is capable of detecting a person's body heat from a distance of approximately ten feet. The ten foot size can be extended depending on the optics designed, the sensor active area, gain, lens gain, etc.

The proximity sensor component 507 is sometimes referred to as a "passive IR system" due to the fact that the person is an active emitter. Thus, the proximity sensor component 507 does not require a transmitter, as an object disposed outside the housing conveys the transmission that the infrared receiver receives. Since no transmitter is required, each proximity sensor component 507 can operate at very low power levels.

In one embodiment, the signal receiver of each proximity sensor component 507 may operate at various sensitivity levels such that at least one proximity sensor component 507 is operable to receive infrared emissions from different distances. For example, one or more processors (114) may cause each proximity sensor component 507 to operate at a first "effective" sensitivity to receive infrared emissions from a first distance. Similarly, the one or more processors (114) may cause each proximity sensor component 507 to operate at a second sensitivity that is less than the first sensitivity in order to receive infrared emissions from a second distance that is less than the first distance. The sensitivity change may be achieved by having the one or more processors (114) interpret readings from the proximity sensor component 507 in different ways.

In contrast, the proximity detector component 506 includes a signal transmitter and a corresponding signal receiver. While each proximity detector component 506 can be any of various types of proximity sensors, such as, but not limited to, capacitive, magnetic, inductive, optical/optoelectronic, imager, laser, acoustic/acoustic, radar-based, doppler-based, thermal and radiation-based proximity sensors, in one or more embodiments, the proximity detector component 506 includes an infrared emitter and receiver. In one embodiment, the infrared emitter is configured to emit an infrared signal having a wavelength of about 860 nanometers that is one to two orders of magnitude shorter than the wavelength received by the proximity sensor component. The proximity detector component may have a signal receiver that receives a similar wavelength (i.e., approximately 860 nanometers).

In one or more embodiments, each proximity detector component 506 can be an infrared proximity sensor suite (sensor set) that uses a signal emitter that emits an infrared beam that reflects off of nearby objects and is received by a corresponding signal receiver. The proximity detector component 506 can be employed to calculate a distance to any nearby object, for example, based on characteristics associated with the reflected signal. The reflected signals are detected by corresponding signal receivers, which may be infrared photodiodes, for detecting reflected Light Emitting Diode (LED) light, responding to modulated infrared signals, and/or performing triangulation with received infrared signals.

Another example of a physical sensor is a moisture detector 508. The moisture detector 508 may be configured to detect an amount of moisture on or around a display or housing of the electronic device. This may indicate various forms of context. Sometimes it may indicate that rain or hair rain is being applied to the environment surrounding the electronic device. Thus, if the user is crazy asking for "Call a cab-! (called a taxi |) ", the fact that moisture is present increases the likelihood that the request is a device command. The moisture detector 508 may be implemented in the form of an impedance sensor that measures the impedance between the electrodes. Since moisture may be due to external conditions (e.g., rain) or user conditions (perspiration), the moisture detector 508 may work in conjunction with an ISFET or electrical sensor 509 configured to measure the pH or NaOH amount in the moisture to determine not only the amount of moisture, but also whether the moisture is due to external factors, perspiration, or a combination thereof.

The intelligent imager 510 may be configured to capture an image of an object and determine whether the object matches a predetermined criteria. For example, the smart imager 510 operates as a recognition module configured with optical recognition (e.g., including image recognition, character recognition, visual recognition, facial recognition, color recognition, shape recognition, etc.). Advantageously, the intelligent imager 510 may be used as a facial recognition device to determine the identity of one or more persons detected around an electronic device.

For example, in one embodiment, when one or more proximity sensor components 507 detect a person, the intelligent imager 510 may capture a photograph of the person. The intelligent imager 510 may then compare the image to a reference file stored in memory (115) to confirm that the person's face sufficiently matches the reference file beyond a threshold probability of authenticity. Advantageously, the optical recognition allows the one or more processors (114) to perform the control operation only if one of the detected persons surrounding the electronic device is sufficiently recognized as the owner of the electronic device.

The intelligent imager 510 may function in other ways besides capturing photographs. For example, in some embodiments, intelligent imager 510 may capture multiple consecutive pictures to capture more information that may be used to determine social cues. Alternatively, the smart imager 510 may capture frames or video frames with or without accompanying metadata such as motion vectors. This additional information captured by the smart imager 510 may be used to detect richer social cues that may be inferred from the captured data.

Barometer 511 may sense changes in barometric pressure due to environmental and/or weather changes. In one embodiment, barometer 511 includes a cantilever mechanism made of piezoelectric material and disposed within the chamber. The cantilever mechanism acts as a pressure sensitive valve, flexing as the pressure differential between the chamber and the environment changes. When the pressure differential between the chamber and the environment is zero, the deflection of the cantilever beam ceases. Since the cantilever material is a piezoelectric material, the deflection of the material can be measured with an electrical current.

Gaze detector 512 may include a sensor for detecting a gaze point of a user. Gaze detector 512 may optionally include a sensor for detecting alignment of the user's head in three-dimensional space. The electronic signal may then be passed from the sensor to a gaze detection process to calculate the gaze direction of the user in three-dimensional space. Gaze detector 512 may also be configured to detect a gaze cone corresponding to the detected gaze direction, which is a field of view that a user may readily see without deflecting their eyes or head from the detected gaze direction. Gaze detector 512 may be configured to instead estimate the gaze direction by inputting an image representing a photograph of a selected area near or around the eye into a gaze detection process. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that these techniques are merely illustrative, as other modes of detecting gaze direction may be substituted in gaze detector 512 of fig. 5.

The light sensor 513 may detect a change in light intensity, color, light, or shade in the environment of the electronic device. This may be used to infer weather or other clues, etc. For example, if the light sensor 513 detects a low light condition at noon when the location detector 502 indicates that the electronic device is outdoors, this may be due to a cloudy condition, fog or haze. An infrared sensor may be used in conjunction with the light sensor 513 or in place of the light sensor 513. The infrared sensor may be configured to detect thermal emissions from an environment surrounding the electronic device. For example, when the infrared sensor detects heat on a warm day, but the light sensor detects a low light condition, this may indicate that the electronic device is located in a room where the air conditioner is not properly set. Similarly, the temperature sensor 514 may be configured to monitor the temperature surrounding the electronic device.

The physical sensor 120 may also include an audio capture device 515. In one embodiment, the audio capture device 515 includes one or more microphones to receive acoustic input. While the one or more microphones may be used to sense voice inputs, voice commands, and other audio inputs, in some embodiments they may be used as environmental sensors to sense environmental sounds such as rain, wind, and the like.

In one embodiment, the one or more microphones comprise a single microphone. However, in other embodiments, the one or more microphones may include two or more microphones. Where multiple microphones are included, they may be used for selective beam steering, for example to determine from which direction sound emanates. For example, a first microphone may be located on a first side of the electronic device for receiving audio input from a first direction, and a second microphone may be located on a second side of the electronic device for receiving audio input from a second direction. The one or more processors (114) may then select between the first microphone and the second microphone to direct the audio receive beam to the user. Alternatively, the one or more processors (114) may process and combine signals from two or more microphones to perform beam steering.

In one embodiment, the audio capture device 515 comprises a "always on" audio capture device. In this way, the audio capture device 515 is able to capture audio input at any time the electronic device is operational. As described above, in one or more embodiments, the one or more processors, which may include a digital signal processor, may identify whether one or more device commands are present in the audio input captured by the audio capture device 515.

Yet another example of a physical sensor 120 is a hygrometer 516. Hygrometer 516 may be used to detect humidity, which may indicate that the user is outdoors or is sweating. As noted above, the illustrative physical sensor of fig. 5 is not comprehensive. Many other physical sensors may also be added. For example, a wind speed monitor may be included to detect wind. Accordingly, the physical sensor 120 of fig. 5 is merely illustrative, as many other physical sensors will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now briefly to FIG. 6, various examples of context sensors 121 are illustrated. As with fig. 5, the example shown in fig. 6 does not constitute a comprehensive list. Many other context sensors 121 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, mood detector 601 may infer a person's mood based on contextual information received from physical sensors (120). For example, if the smart imager (510) captures a picture, a number of consecutive pictures, video, or other information that may identify a person as the owner of the electronic device, and she is crying in the picture, number of consecutive pictures, video, or other information, the mood detector 601 may infer whether she is happy or sad. Similarly, if the audio capture device (515) captures the user's voice and the user is shouting or cursing, the mood detector 601 may infer that the user may be angry or uneasy.

Emotion detector 602 may function in a similar manner to infer an emotional state of a person from contextual information received from physical sensors (120). For example, if the smart imager (510) captures a picture, a plurality of consecutive pictures, video, or other information related to the owner of the electronic device, the emotion detector 602 may infer an emotional state that they silently convey, such as happiness, anger, frustration, and so forth. This can be inferred from, for example, facial expressions (e.g., eyebrows, grins, or other features). In one or more embodiments, such emotional cues may indicate that a user intends to issue commands to an electronic device. Alternatively, emotion may be detected by sound changes or words used. For example, if someone is screaming "I am mad at you (I am your gas)", then negative emotional problems may be involved.

Calendar information and events 620 may be used to detect social cues. For example, if a calendar event indicates that a birthday party is being held, this may mean social cues for holidays and happiness. However, if a funeral is being held, it is unlikely that the user will issue a device command to the electronic device, as the funeral is often a quiet thing.

Health information 603 may be used to detect social cues. For example, if the health information 603 indicates that the person's heart rate is high and they are sweating, and the location information 615 indicates that the person is in a roadway in a city, and the time of day information 608 indicates that it is now 3 a.m., the person may be stressed. Thus, the command "Call 911 (Call 911)" is likely to be a device command.

Alarm clock information 604 may be used to detect social cues. If the alarm clock just sounded in 6:00 a.m., then the command "snooze" is likely to be a device command. The personal identity information 605 may also be used to detect social cues. If one is a diabetic, the health sensor shows him to be sweaty with wet cold, possibly due to low insulin levels. Thus, the command "Call 911 (Call 911)" is likely to be a device command.

The device usage data 606 may indicate social cues. If a person is searching for a network and an incoming call is received, the command "reject" is likely to be a device command. An energy store 607 within the electronic device may be used to indicate social cues. The device operation mode information 609 may be used in a similar manner. For example, when energy storage drops to ten percent, then the command "shut down all non-CRITICAL APPS (turn off all non-critical apps)" may be a device command.

Consumer purchase information 611 may of course indicate a social cue. For example, if a person is a wait alcohol and often purchases wine, then command "buy that wine now (purchase the wine immediately)" may be a device command when he looks at the web browser and finds a bottle of Lafite (raffe) for 82 years, which costs less than $1000.

The device usage profile 612 may also be used to infer social cues. For example, if a person never uses an electronic device between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. for sleeping, then if they happen to say while sleeping: "order a pizza-I' M STARVING (point pizza, I hungry)", which is unlikely to be a device command.

An organization may have formal rules and policies 610, e.g., a meeting cannot last more than an hour without a break, must have a noon break between noon and 2:00 pm, and a brainstorming session is conducted between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. each day. Similarly, a family may have similar rules and policies 613, such as dinner occurring between 6:00 and 7:00 pm. This information may be used to infer social cues, such as whether a person may be talking to others. In this case, the verbal question is unlikely to be a device command. In contrast, when the user may be alone, the verbal command is more likely to be a device command.

Application data 634 may indicate social cues. If a person interacts with a word processing application often during the day, then the "cut" and "paste" commands are more likely to be device commands for him than those playing a bird electronic game. The device settings 616 may also indicate social cues. If the user sets their electronic device to alarm clock mode, they may be sleeping and not issuing device commands.

Social media 618 information may indicate social cues. For example, in one embodiment, multimodal social cue related information about the environment surrounding the electronic device may be inferred by retrieving information from a social media server. For example, a real-time search (which may be a keyword search, an image search, or other search) of the social media service may find images, posts, and comments related to the location determined by the location information 615. Images captured at the same location published on a social media service server may reveal multi-modal social cues. Alternatively, comments about the location may suggest social cues. Information from the third party server 617 may also be used in this manner.

Yet another example of a context sensor 121 is repetitive behavior information 619. For example, if a person is always stopped at a coffee shop on the way to work between 8:00 and 8:15 in the morning, the command "Pay for the coffee (pay coffee fee)" may be a device command. As with fig. 5 above, the physical sensors of fig. 6 do not constitute a comprehensive list. The context sensor 121 may be any type of device that infers a context from data of an electronic device. The context sensor 121 may be configured as a hardware component or alternatively as a combination of hardware and software components. Context sensor 121 may analyze information, for example, to not only detect a user, but also to determine social cues and emotional impact of other people in the vicinity of the electronic device, to inform inferences about the user's intent, and what executable control commands are appropriate given the compound social context.

The context sensor 121 may be configured to collect and analyze non-physical parameter data. Although some have been shown in fig. 6, many other contents may be added. Accordingly, the context sensor 121 of FIG. 6 is merely illustrative, as many other sensors will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. It should be noted that when physical sensor (120) and context sensor 121 are used in combination, one or both of physical sensor (120) or context sensor 121 may cascade in a predetermined order to detect multiple multi-mode social cues to determine whether a device command is intended for an electronic device.

Returning now to FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments, heuristic sensor processor 119 may be operable with both physical sensor 120 and contextual sensor 121 to detect, infer, capture, and otherwise determine when multi-modal social cues occur in the environment surrounding the electronic device. In one embodiment, heuristic sensor processor 119 determines the context and framework of the assessment from one or both of physical sensor 120 or context sensor 121 using an adjustable algorithm employing a context assessment of information, data, and events. These evaluations can be learned by repeated data analysis. Alternatively, the user may employ the user interface of the electronic device 100 to input various parameters, constructs, rules, and/or examples that instruct or otherwise direct the heuristic sensor processor 119 to detect multi-modal social cues, emotional states, moods, and other contextual information. In one or more embodiments, heuristic sensor processor 119 may include an artificial neural network or other similar technique.

In one or more embodiments, the heuristic sensor processor 119 may operate with the one or more processors 114. In some embodiments, the one or more processors 114 may control a heuristic sensor processor 119. In other embodiments, heuristic sensor processor 119 may operate independently to communicate information collected from detecting multi-modal social cues, emotional states, moods, and other contextual information to the one or more processors 114. Heuristic sensor processor 119 may receive data from one or both of physical sensor 120 or context sensor 121. In one or more embodiments, the one or more processors 114 are configured to perform the operations of the heuristic sensor processor 119.

In one or more embodiments, the schematic block diagram 112 includes a speech interface engine 122. In one embodiment, the speech interface engine 122 may include hardware, executable code, and utterance monitor executable code. The speech interface engine 122 may include a basic speech model, a trained speech model, or other modules used by the speech interface engine 122 to receive and recognize speech commands received with audio input captured by an audio capture device, stored in the memory 115. In one embodiment, the speech interface engine 122 may comprise a speech recognition engine. Regardless of the particular implementation used in the various embodiments, the speech interface engine 122 may access various speech models to recognize speech commands.

In one embodiment, the voice interface engine 122 is configured to implement voice control features that allow a user to speak specific device commands to cause the one or more processors 114 to perform control operations. For example, the user may say, "How TALL IS THE WILLIS Tower? (how high is a wilis building. Thus, the device commands may cause the one or more processors 114 to access an application module (e.g., a web browser) to search for an answer, which is then passed as an audible output via the audio output of the other component 124. Briefly, in one embodiment, the voice interface engine 122 listens for voice commands, processes the commands, and returns an output in conjunction with the one or more processors 114 as a result of the user's intent.

Schematic block diagram 112 may also include an image/gaze detection processing engine 123. The image/gaze detection processing engine 123 may operate with a physical sensor 120, such as a camera or smart imager, to process information to detect a user's gaze point. The image/gaze detection processing engine 123 may optionally include a sensor for detecting alignment of the user's head in three-dimensional space. The electronic signals may then be passed from the sensor to the image/gaze detection processing engine 123 for calculating the direction of the user's gaze in three-dimensional space. The image/gaze detection processing engine 123 may also be configured to detect a gaze cone corresponding to the detected gaze direction, which is a field of view that a user may easily see without deviating their eyes or head from the detected gaze direction. The image/gaze detection processing engine 123 may be configured to estimate the gaze direction instead by inputting an image representing a photograph of a selected area near or around the eye.

The one or more processors 114 may also generate commands or perform control operations based on information received from a combination of physical sensors 120, context sensors 121, flexible display 104, other components 124, and/or other input devices. Alternatively, the one or more processors 114 may generate commands or perform control operations based on information received from one or more sensors or only from the flexible display 104. In addition, the one or more processors 114 may process the received information alone or in combination with other data (e.g., information stored in the memory 115).

Other components 124 capable of operating with the one or more processors 114 may include output components such as video output, audio output, and/or mechanical output. Examples of output components include an audio output, such as a speaker port, an earphone speaker or other alarm and/or buzzer, and/or a mechanical output component, such as a vibration or motion based mechanism. Other components will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

As described above, in one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 is coupled to the flexible display 104. In contrast to a sliding device that includes multiple device housings, the electronic device 100 of fig. 1 includes a single device housing 101, with the blade assembly 102 coupled to the single device housing 101. The blade assembly 102 is configured as a mechanical chassis that allows the flexible display 104 to translate along a translation surface defined by the major and minor surfaces of the single device housing 101. In one or more embodiments, when the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are in the extended position shown in fig. 1, the blade assembly 102 also provides mechanical support for the portion 130 of the flexible display 104 that protrudes beyond the top edge 131 of the single device housing 101. When actuated, the display roller mechanism 105 causes the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 to translate along the rear major surface 103, bottom minor surface, and front major surface between the extended position shown in fig. 1, the retracted position shown in fig. 3, and the peeping position shown in fig. 4.

The blade assembly 102 may include a blade substrate 125, the blade substrate 125 including a flexible portion and a rigid portion, and the blade substrate 125 positioned between the flexible display 104 and a translation surface defined by the single device housing 101. The blade substrate 125 may also include a silicone bezel 127 that surrounds and protects the edges of the flexible display 104. In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 includes a steel backing plate, and the silicone bezel 127 is co-molded around the perimeter of the steel backing plate. The blade substrate 125 will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 8 to 9. In one or more embodiments, the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 and the blade 126 are positioned between the blade assembly 102 and a translation surface defined by the single equipment housing 101.

In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is partially rigid and partially flexible. For example, the portions of the blade substrate 125 that slide along the major surfaces of the individual equipment housings 101 are configured to be substantially rigid, while the portions of the blade substrate 125 that bypass the minor surfaces of the individual equipment housings 101 are configured to be flexible such that they may be wrapped around these minor surfaces. In one or more embodiments, some portions of the blade substrate 125 abut the translation surface defined by the single device housing 101, while other portions abut the display roller mechanism 105, which in this illustrative embodiment, is located at the bottom minor surface of the single device housing 101.

In one or more embodiments, the blade 126 and the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 are positioned between the blade assembly 102 and a translation surface defined by the single device housing 101. When the blade assembly 102 is transitioned to the extended position shown in fig. 11, the blade 126 supports the blade assembly and the portion of the flexible display 104 that extends beyond the top edge 131 of the single device housing 101. Since the blade 126 needs to be rigid to support those portions of the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104, it cannot bend around the display roller mechanism 105. To prevent gaps or steps from occurring at the termination of the blade 126, in one or more embodiments, the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 spans the remainder of the blade assembly 102 and abuts the conversion surface defined by the single equipment housing 101. An illustrative example of the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 15.

The blade assembly 102 may be fixedly coupled to the flexible display 104 by an adhesive or other coupling mechanism. Wherein the blade substrate 132 defines both rigid and flexible portions. The blade substrate 132 may define a first rigid section extending along a major surface of the single device housing 101 and a second flexible section configured to wrap around a minor surface of the single device housing 101 where the display roller mechanism 105 is disposed.

In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 defines a mechanical assembly that provides a slider frame that allows the flexible display 104 to move between the extended position of fig. 1, the retracted position of fig. 3, and the peeping position of fig. 4. As used herein, the term "frame" is defined in plain english, i.e., a mechanical support structure that supports other components coupled to the slider frame. These components may include a blade 126, a silicone frame 127, and a low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128. Other components may also be included. For example, as will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 10-11, these other components may include electronic circuitry for powering the flexible display 104. Further, as will be described below with reference to the figures, these other components may include tensioners that ensure that the flexible display 104 remains flat against the single device housing 101 when translated.

In one or more embodiments, the display roller mechanism 105 causes a first portion of the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104 (shown on the rear side of the electronic device 100 in fig. 1) and a second portion of the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104 (positioned on the front side of the electronic device 100 in fig. 1) to slide symmetrically in opposite directions along a translation surface defined by the single device housing 101.

Thus, the electronic device 100 of fig. 1 includes a single device housing 101, the single device housing 101 having a flexible display 104 incorporated into the blade assembly 102. The blade assembly 102 is then coupled to a translation mechanism defined by the display roller mechanism 105 and located within the single device housing 101. In the illustrative embodiment of fig. 1, the display scroll wheel mechanism 105 is located at the bottom edge of the single device housing 101.

In one or more embodiments, in response to actuation of the user interface component 110 (such as a button), the translation mechanism defined by the display roller mechanism 105 is operable to transition the blade assembly 102 about the surface of the single device housing 101 between the extended position of fig. 1, in which the blade 126 of the blade assembly 102 extends distally from the single device housing 101, a retracted position (shown in fig. 3), and a "peeping" position (shown in fig. 4); in this retracted position, the blade assembly 102 abuts the single device housing 101, with the flexible display 104 wrapped around the surface of the single device housing 101; in this "peeping" position, movement of the translation mechanism defined by the display roller mechanism 105 causes the blade assembly 102 to reveal an image capture device beneath the blade assembly 102 in front of the single device housing 101.

As shown in fig. 1, the blade assembly 102 is capable of sliding around a single device housing 101 such that the blade 126 slides off the single device housing 101 to change the apparent overall length of the flexible display 104 when viewed from the front of the electronic device 100. In contrast, in other states (e.g., the state shown in fig. 3), blade assembly 102 may be slid around single device housing 101 in the opposite direction to a retracted position, where a similar amount of flexible display 104 is visible on the front side of electronic device 100 and the back side of electronic device 100. In fig. 1, the electronic device 100 comprises a single device housing 101, wherein a blade assembly 102 is coupled to both major surfaces of the single device housing 101 and is wrapped around at least one minor surface of the electronic device 100 where a display scroll wheel mechanism 105 is disposed. This allows the blade assembly 102 to slide relative to the single device housing 101 between the retracted position of fig. 3, the extended position of fig. 1, and the peeping position of fig. 4 revealing the forward-facing image capture device.

It should be understood that fig. 1 is provided for illustrative purposes only and is used to illustrate the components of one electronic device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to be a complete schematic diagram of the various components required for an electronic device. Thus, other electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include various other components not shown in fig. 1, or may include a combination of two or more components, or divide a particular component into two or more separate components, and still be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Turning now to fig. 2, there is shown the electronic device 100 in an extended position 200, which is also shown in fig. 1. In the extended position 200, the blade (126) slides outwardly and away from the single device housing 101, revealing more and more of the flexible display 104. In this configuration, portions of the flexible display 104 that bypass the display roller mechanism (105) elongate to a flat position as they travel along a translation surface defined by the front of the single device housing 101.

Turning now to fig. 3, the electronic device 100 is shown with the flexible display 104 in a retracted position 300. In this state, the blade (126) slides back toward and then along the translation surface defined by the single device housing 101. As more and more of the flexible display 104 travels around the display scroll wheel mechanism (105) located at the bottom of the single device housing 101 and through the translating surface defined by the rear side of the single device housing 101, this results in the apparent overall length of the flexible display 104 becoming shorter.

Turning now to fig. 4, the electronic device 100 is shown with the flexible display in a peeping position 400. When in the peep position, blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 translate through the retracted position (300) of fig. 4. In one or more embodiments, when this occurs, blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 reveal image capture device 401, and when blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are in the retracted position (300) of FIG. 3, image capture device 401 is positioned below blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104. In the illustrative embodiment, speaker 402 is also shown.

Advantageously, by positioning the image capture device 401 below the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 when the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are in the retracted position (300) of fig. 3 or the extended position (200) of fig. 2, privacy of the user of the electronic device 100 is ensured because the image capture device 401 is not able to shoot through the blade (126) of the blade assembly 102. Thus, even if the electronic device 100 is accessed by a hacker or other malicious party, the user may be assured that the image capture device 401 cannot capture images or video when the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are in the retracted position (300), the extended position (200), or a position therebetween. Only when the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are transitioned to the peeping position 400, thereby revealing the image capture device 401, the image capture device 401 can capture a forward-facing image or forward-facing video.

Referring collectively to fig. 2-4, it can be seen that the electronic device 100 includes a single device housing in which a flexible display 104 is incorporated into the blade assembly 102. The blade assembly 102 is coupled to a translation mechanism (one example of which is the display roller mechanism (105) described above, shown in more detail below with reference to the figures) located within a single device housing 101.

In response to actuation of a user interface device (one example of which is a button positioned on one side of the single device housing 101), the translating mechanism is operable to transition the blade assembly 102 about a surface of the single device housing 101 between an extended position 200 in which the blade (126) of the blade assembly 102 extends distally from the single device housing 101, a retracted position 300, and a peeping position 400; in this retracted position 300, the blade assembly 102 abuts the single device housing 101, with the flexible display 104 and the blade assembly 102 wrapped around the surface of the single device housing 101; and in this peeping position 400, movement of the translation mechanism causes the blade assembly 102 to reveal an image capture device 401 (and in this example a speaker 402) located on the front side of the single device housing 101 below the blade assembly 102.

As shown in fig. 2, the blade assembly 102 is operable to slide around a single device housing 101 such that the blade 126 slides off the single device housing 101 to change the overall length of the flexible display 104 when viewed from the front of the electronic device 100. As shown in fig. 3, blade assembly 102 may be slid around a single device housing 101 in opposite directions to a retracted position 300, where a similar amount of flexible display 104 can be seen on the front side of electronic device 100 and the back side of electronic device 100.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes a single device housing 101 with the blade assembly 102 coupled to both major surfaces of the single device housing 101 and wrapped around at least one minor surface of the electronic device 100 such that the blade assembly 102 is slidable relative to the single device housing 101 between the retracted position 300, the extended position 200, and the peeping position 400 revealing the forward-facing image capture device 401.

Turning now to fig. 7, there is shown a flexible display 104 and blade assembly 102 shown in an exploded view. As shown in fig. 7, in one or more embodiments, the flexible display 104 includes one or more layers coupled or laminated together to complete the flexible display 104. In one or more embodiments, these layers include a flexible protective cover 701, a first adhesive layer 702, a flexible display layer 703, a second adhesive layer 704, and a flexible substrate 705. Other configurations of layers suitable for manufacturing the flexible display 104 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Starting from the top of the layer stack, in one or more embodiments, the flexible protective cover 701 comprises an optically transparent substrate. In one or more embodiments, the flexible protective cover 701 may be made of an optically transparent material, such as a thin film sheet of thermoplastic material. For example, in one embodiment, the flexible protective cover 701 is fabricated from an optically transparent polyamide layer having a thickness of about eighty microns. In another embodiment, flexible protective cover 701 is fabricated from an optically transparent polycarbonate layer having a thickness of about eighty microns. Other materials suitable for manufacturing flexible protective cover 701 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the flexible protective cover 701 functions as a panel by defining a cover for the flexible display layer 703. In one or more embodiments, the flexible protective cover 701 is optically transparent, wherein light may pass through the flexible protective cover 701 such that objects behind the flexible protective cover 701 may be clearly seen. The flexible protective cover 701 may optionally include an ultraviolet light barrier. In one or more embodiments, such a barrier may be used to improve the visibility of the flexible display layer 703.

Beneath the flexible protective cover 701 is a first adhesive layer 702. In one or more embodiments, the first adhesive layer 702 includes an optically clear adhesive. An optically clear adhesive may be applied to both sides of the thin optically clear substrate such that the first adhesive layer 702 functions as an optically clear layer with optically clear adhesive on both sides. When so configured, in one or more embodiments, the first adhesive layer 702 has a thickness of about fifty microns. The optically transparent version of the "double sided tape" may then be wound and applied between the flexible protective cover 701 and the flexible display layer 703 to couple the two together.

In other embodiments, the first adhesive layer 702 will alternatively be applied between the flexible protective cover 701 and the flexible display layer 703 as an optically clear liquid, gel, as a uniform adhesive layer, or in the form of another medium. When so configured, the first adhesive layer 702 may optionally be cured by heat, ultraviolet light, or other techniques. Other examples of materials suitable for use as the first adhesive layer 702 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the first adhesive layer 702 mechanically couples the flexible display layer 703 to the flexible protective cover 701.

In one or more embodiments, flexible display layer 703 is located between flexible substrate 705 and flexible protective cover 701. In one or more embodiments, the flexible display layer 703 is longer along the major axis 706 of the flexible display layer 703 and thus along the flexible display 104 itself than the image-generating portion 708 of the flexible display 104. For example, as shown in fig. 7, the flexible display layer 703 includes a T-shaped tongue 707 that protrudes beyond the image-producing portion 708 of the flexible display layer 703. As will be shown in fig. 10 below, in one or more embodiments, electronic circuit components, connectors, and other components configured to operate the image-producing portion 708 of the flexible display layer 703 may be coupled to the T-tongue 707 in one or more embodiments. Thus, in this illustrative embodiment, the tee-tongue 707 extends distally beyond the ends of the other layers of the flexible display 104. While the tee tongue 707 is T-shaped in this illustrative embodiment, it may take other shapes as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The flexible display layer 703 may optionally be touch sensitive. In one or more embodiments, the flexible display layer 703 is configured as an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display layer. When coupled to the flexible substrate 705, the flexible display layer 703 may bend according to various bend radii. For example, some embodiments allow a bend radius of between thirty and six hundred millimeters. Other substrates allow a bend radius of about five millimeters to provide a display that can be folded by active bending. Other displays may be configured to allow both bending and folding.

In one or more embodiments, the flexible display layer 703 may be formed of multiple layers of flexible material, such as a flexible polymer sheet or other material. For example, the flexible display layer 703 may include a layer of optically transparent electrical conductors, a polarizer layer, one or more optically transparent substrates, and electronic control circuit layers, such as thin film transistors to drive the pixels and one or more capacitors for storing energy. In one or more embodiments, the flexible display layer 703 has a thickness of about 130 microns.

In one or more embodiments, to be touch sensitive, the flexible display layer 703 includes a layer that includes one or more optically transparent electrodes. In one or more embodiments, the flexible display layer 703 includes an organic light emitting diode layer configured to display images and other information to a user. The organic light emitting diode layer may comprise one or more pixel structures arranged in an array, wherein each pixel structure comprises a plurality of electroluminescent elements, such as organic light emitting diodes. These various layers may be coupled to one or more optically transparent substrates of the flexible display layer 703. Other layers suitable for inclusion in the flexible display layer 703 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the flexible display layer 703 is coupled to the flexible substrate 705 by a second adhesive layer 704. In other embodiments, the layers above flexible display layer 703 may be configured to have sufficient stiffness so that flexible substrate 705 is not required. For example, in embodiments where the flexible protective cover 701 is configured to have sufficient stiffness to provide sufficient protection for the flexible display 104 during bending, the flexible substrate 705 may be omitted.

In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate 705 includes a thin steel layer. For example, in one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate 705 includes a steel layer having a thickness of approximately thirty microns. While thin flexible steel works well in practice, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other materials may be used for the flexible substrate 705. For example, in another embodiment, the flexible substrate 705 is fabricated from a thin layer of thermoplastic material.

In one or more embodiments, to simplify manufacturing, the second adhesive layer 704 is identical to the first adhesive layer 702 and includes an optically clear adhesive. However, since the second adhesive layer 704 is coupled between the flexible display layer 703 and the flexible substrate 705, i.e., below the flexible display layer 703, an optically clear adhesive is not required. In other embodiments, the second adhesive layer 704 may be partially optically clear or not optically clear at all.

Regardless of whether the second adhesive layer 704 is optically clear, in one or more embodiments, the adhesive of the second adhesive layer 704 is applied to both sides of a thin flexible substrate. When so configured, in one or more embodiments, the second adhesive layer 704 has a thickness of about fifty microns. Such extremely thin "double sided tape" may then be wound and applied between the flexible display layer 703 and the flexible substrate 705 to couple the two together.

In other embodiments, as with the first adhesive layer 702, the second adhesive layer 704 will instead be applied between the flexible display layer 703 and the flexible substrate as a liquid, gel, as a homogenous layer, or in another medium. When so configured, the second adhesive layer 704 may optionally be cured by heat, ultraviolet light, or other techniques. Other examples of materials suitable for use as the second adhesive layer 704 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the illustrative embodiment, the flexible display 104 is supported not only by the flexible substrate 705, but also by the blade assembly 102. As previously described, in one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 includes a blade substrate 125. In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 includes a steel layer. In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is thicker than the flexible substrate 705. For example, in one or more embodiments, when the flexible substrate 705 includes a steel layer having a thickness of about thirty microns, the blade substrate 125 includes a steel layer having a thickness of about one hundred microns.

In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 includes a rigid, substantially planar support layer. For example, in one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 may be made of stainless steel. In another embodiment, the blade substrate 125 is made of a thin rigid thermoplastic sheet. Other materials may also be used to fabricate the blade substrate 125. For example, nitinol, a material that is a nickel-titanium alloy, may be used to fabricate the blade substrate 125. Other rigid, substantially planar materials will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Thus, the blade substrate 125 defines another mechanical support for the flexible display 104. In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is the hardest layer in the overall assembly of fig. 4. In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is made of stainless steel having a thickness of about one hundred microns. In another embodiment, the blade substrate 125 is made of a flexible plastic. Other materials capable of manufacturing the blade substrate 125 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. For example, in another embodiment, the blade substrate 125 is made of carbon fiber or the like. In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 includes a reinforcing bezel that includes a thicker layer of material to further protect the flexible display 104 when the blade assembly 102 is in the extended position (200).

In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate 705 is slightly longer than the image generating portion 708 of the flexible display 104 along the major axis of the flexible substrate 705. Since the tee tongue 707 is tee-shaped, this allows one or more apertures 709 to be exposed on either side of the base of the tee tongue 707. As will be described in greater detail below, this additional length along the main axis provided by the flexible substrate 705 allows one or more fasteners to rigidly couple the first end of the flexible substrate 705 to the tensioner.

Embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate that some of the layers comprising flexible display 104 are stiffer than others. Similarly, other layers of flexible display 104 are softer than others. For example, when the flexible substrate 705 is made of metal (one example of the metal is stainless steel), the layer is harder than the first adhesive layer 702 or the second adhesive layer 704. In one or more embodiments, the stainless steel is also harder than the flexible display layer 703. In one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate 705 is the hardest layer in the flexible display 104, and the first adhesive layer 702 and the second adhesive layer 704 are the softest layers in the flexible display 104. In one or more embodiments, the hardness of the flexible protective cover 701 and the flexible display layer 703 fall between the hardness of the flexible substrate 705 and the adhesive layer.

In one or more embodiments, the various layers of the flexible display 104 are laminated together in a substantially planar configuration. In other words, in one or more embodiments, the flexible substrate 705 is configured as a substantially planar substrate. The second adhesive layer 704 may be attached to the substantially planar substrate, and then the flexible display layer 703 is attached to the second adhesive layer 704. The first adhesive layer 702 may be attached to the flexible display layer 703, and the flexible protective cover 701 is attached to the first adhesive layer 702.

To ensure proper coupling, the resulting flexible display layer 703 may be cured, for example, in an autoclave at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration. When such curing is employed, any bubbles or other defects in the layers may be corrected. In one or more embodiments, because flexible substrate 705 is configured as a substantially planar substrate, the resulting flexible display 104 is also substantially planar.

In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 of the blade assembly 102 includes a flexible portion 710 and a rigid portion 711. Since in one or more embodiments the blade substrate 125 is made of metal (one example of which is steel having a thickness of 100 microns), the rigidity of the rigid portion 711 comes from the material from which it is made. For example, if the blade substrate 125 is made of a thermoplastic material, in one or more embodiments, the thermoplastic material will be sufficiently rigid such that the rigid portion 711 will be rigid. Since the rigid portion 711 slides only along the flat main surface of the translation surface defined by the single device housing (101), it does not need to be bent. Furthermore, the rigidity helps to protect the portion of the flexible display 104 that protrudes beyond the end of the single device housing (101).

In contrast, the flexible portion 710 needs to be wrapped around the minor end face of the single device housing (101) where the display roller mechanism (105) is disposed. Since the flexible portion 710 is made of the same material as the rigid portion 711 when the blade substrate 125 is made as a single, unitary component, in one or more embodiments the flexible portion 710 includes a plurality of holes cut through the blade substrate 125, allowing the material to flex. For example, in one or more embodiments where the blade substrate 125 is fabricated from steel, a plurality of chemically or laser etched holes may allow the flexible portion 710 to be tightly wrapped around the minor end face of the single device housing (101) where the display roller mechanism (105) is disposed. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to fig. 8.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is partially rigid and partially flexible. The portions of the blade substrate 125 that slide along the major surfaces of the individual device housings (101) are configured to be substantially rigid, while the minor surface portions of the blade substrate 125 that bypass the individual device housings (101) are configured to be flexible so that they can be curled around these minor surfaces.

In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 further includes a silicone bezel 127 positioned around the perimeter of the blade substrate 125. In one or more embodiments, the silicone bezel 127 surrounds and protects the edges of the flexible display 104 when the flexible display 104 is attached to the blade substrate 125 of the blade assembly 102. In one or more embodiments, the silicone bezel 127 is co-molded around the perimeter of the blade substrate 125.

In one or more embodiments, the rigid portion 711 of the blade substrate 125 can define one or more apertures. These holes may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, some holes may be used to rigidly secure the blade assembly 102 to a translation mechanism, one example of which is the display roller mechanism (105) of fig. 1. In addition, some of the holes may contain magnets. Hall effect sensors located in a single device housing (101) to which the blade assembly 102 is coupled may then detect the position of these magnets so that the one or more processors (114) may determine whether the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104 are in the extended position (200), the retracted position (300), the peeping position (400), or some position therebetween.

In one or more embodiments, the flexible display 104 is coupled to the blade substrate 125 of the blade assembly 102 within the confines of the silicone bezel 127. For example, in one or more embodiments, the first end of the flexible display 104 is adhesively coupled to the rigid portion 711 of the blade substrate 125 of the blade assembly 102. While the other end of the flexible display 104 may be rigidly coupled to the tensioner by passing fasteners through holes 709 of the flexible substrate 705. This will be shown and described in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Turning now to fig. 8, one illustrative example of a blade substrate 125 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrative embodiment, the blade substrate 125 is manufactured from a single continuous piece of material comprising three sections. In fig. 8, the three sections include a rigid head section 801, a flexible portion 710, and a rigid portion 711.

In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is fabricated from an initially rigid material. The rigid material defines a rigid head section 801 and a rigid portion 711. Thereafter, one or more holes 802 are cut into the flexible portion 710 using a chemical etching process, a laser etching process, or other similar process (e.g., stamping or Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)), to make it easier to bend. When the flexible portion 710 is disposed about the rotor of a translation mechanism positioned at the end of the device housing of the electronic device, the flexible portion 710 wraps around the rotor and allows the blade substrate 125 to easily move the flexible display (104) between the extended position (200), the retracted position (300), and the peeping position (400).

In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is fabricated from metal. In one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is made of steel having a thickness of about one hundred microns. However, as noted above, other materials including rigid thermoplastics, carbon fibers, or films may also be used to fabricate the blade substrate 125.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more apertures 802 are configured as one or more partial ribs extending distally through the flexible portion 710 of the blade substrate 125. In the illustrative embodiment of fig. 8, the one or more apertures 802 are configured in a mesh arrangement that spans the flexible portion 710 of the blade substrate 125 from left to right, which is an orthogonal orientation of the rotor relative to the translational direction of the flexible portion 710 of the blade substrate 125 when the blade substrate 125 is integrated into the blade assembly (102), thereby translating the flexible display (104) between the extended position (200) of fig. 2, the retracted position (300) of fig. 3, and the peeping position (400) of fig. 4. In either embodiment, the one or more apertures 802 are designed such that the flexible portion 710 of the blade substrate 125, and thus the flexible display (104) supported by the blade substrate 125, may flexibly extend around the rotor of the translation mechanism.

As described above, in one or more embodiments, the silicone bezel (127) may be overmolded onto the blade substrate 125. To ensure that the silicone bezel (127) is sufficiently attached to the blade substrate 125, in one or more embodiments, the rigid head section 801 and the rigid portion 711 of the blade substrate 125 each define one or more silicone bezel-engaging holes 803, 804. When a silicone bezel (127) is overmolded over the blade substrate 125, silicone may pass through these silicone bezel-engaging holes 803, 804 to surround the outer edge of each silicone bezel-engaging hole 803, 804, thereby surrounding portions of the blade substrate 125. In one or more embodiments, the bottom of the blade substrate 125 (as shown in fig. 8) does not include a silicone bezel-engaging aperture, because the silicone bezel (127) is overmolded around only three sides of the blade substrate 125 shown in fig. 8 having the silicone bezel-engaging apertures 803, 804 and protrudes beyond the bottom of the blade substrate 125 rather than being attached thereto. This is shown in more detail in fig. 10 below.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the blade substrate 125 is partially rigid and partially flexible. The portion of the blade substrate 125 that slides along the major surface of the single device housing (101) is configured to be substantially rigid, while the portion of the blade substrate 125 that bypasses the minor surfaces of the single device housing (101) is configured to be flexible via one or more holes 802, the one or more holes 802 extending through the flexible portion 710 such that the flexible portion 710 may be curled around the minor surfaces.

As described above, in one or more embodiments, the rigid portion 711 of the blade substrate 125 can define one or more holes 805, 806, 807, 808, 809. These apertures may be used for a variety of purposes.

For example, some holes 805 may be used to rigidly secure the blade assembly 102 to a translation mechanism, as will be shown in the figures below. In addition, some of the holes 805, 806, 808 may contain magnets. Hall effect sensors located in a single device housing (101) to which the blade substrate 125 is coupled may then detect the positions of these magnets so that the one or more processors (114) may determine whether the blade substrate 125 is in the extended position (200), the retracted position (300), the peeping position (400), or some position in between.

Turning now to fig. 9, there is shown a blade substrate 125 and a silicone bezel 127 shown in an exploded view. As shown, the silicone bezel 127 defines a single, continuous, unitary piece of silicone. In the illustrative embodiment of fig. 9, the silicone bezel 127 surrounds the three sides 901, 902, 903 of the blade substrate 125 and extends beyond the short side 904 to define a receiving recess 905 that can house mechanical and electrical components, such as electronic circuit components located within the perimeter defined by the silicone bezel 127 to power and control the flexible display (104), tensioners for maintaining the flexible display (104) flat on the flexible portion 710 of the blade substrate 125, flex circuits, and other components.

In this illustrative embodiment, portions 906, 907, 908 of the silicone bezel 127 surrounding the receiving recess 905 that protrude beyond the short side 904 of the blade substrate 125 are thicker than other portions of the silicone bezel 127 that would surround the flexible display (104). This allows for placement of the component within the receiving recess 905.

Turning now to fig. 10, there is shown a flexible display 104 and blade assembly 102 with a silicone bezel 127 overmolded onto a blade substrate 125. As shown, the silicone bezel 127 surrounds the three sides 901, 902, 903 of the blade substrate 125 and extends beyond the short side 904 to define a receiving recess 905 that can accommodate mechanical and electrical components.

The electronic circuit 1001 is operable to power and control the flexible display 104, the electronic circuit 1001 having been coupled to the T-tongue 707 of the flexible display layer (703). In addition, mechanical connector 1002 has been attached to the top of the T on T-tongue 707. In this illustrative embodiment, the flexible substrate 705 protrudes beyond the distal end of the flexible display layer (703) such that the aperture 709 defined therein may be coupled to a tensioner to ensure that the flexible display 104 remains flat around the flexible portion 710 of the blade substrate 125 as the flexible portion 710 of the blade substrate 125 bypasses the rotor at the end of the single device housing (101).

In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 may be fixedly coupled to the flexible display 104. For example, where the blade substrate 125 defines both a rigid portion 711 and a flexible portion 710, in one or more embodiments, the flexible display 104 is coupled to the rigid portion 711 by an adhesive or other coupling mechanism. The tensioner may then be positioned in the receiving recess 905. In one or more embodiments, the tensioner is rigidly coupled to the aperture 709 of the flexible substrate 705 with fasteners to keep the flexible display 104 flat on the flexible portion 710, regardless of how the flexible portion 710 flexes around the minor surface of a single device housing or around its corresponding rotor.

Turning now to fig. 11, the flexible display 104 is shown after being coupled to the blade assembly 102. As shown, the silicone bezel 127 surrounds the flexible display 104, with the silicone bezel 127 surrounding and abutting three sides of the flexible display layer (703).

As will be shown and described below with reference to fig. 25-27, the flexible substrate is then connected to an electronic circuit 1001 carried by a tee-tongue 707. As will be shown below with reference to the figures, a tensioner may be coupled to the flexible substrate 705. Thereafter, cover 1101 is attached to silicone bezel 127 atop electronic circuit 1001 and other components located on or around the tee tongue. The portion of the blade assembly 102 where the components are stored under the cover 1101 is referred to as the "backpack" in relative terms. Turning to fig. 12, a fully constructed blade assembly 102 of a backpack 1201 is shown.

In one or more embodiments, the flexible display 104 and blade assembly 102 are configured to wrap around a minor surface of the device housing where the display roller mechanism is disposed. In one or more embodiments, the display roller mechanism includes a rotor positioned within the curved section of the flexible display 104 and the blade assembly 102. When placed within the device housing of an electronic device, translation of the translation mechanism results in translation of the blade assembly 102, which in turn results in rotation of the rotor. The result is that by pulling the flexible display 104 and the blade assembly 102 around the rotor, the flexible display 104 and the blade assembly 102 translate linearly across the translating surface of the device housing.

The blade substrate (125) of the blade assembly 102 includes a flexible portion (710) that allows the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104 to be deformed around a device housing, an example of which is the single device housing (101) of fig. 1. For example, turning now to fig. 13-14, the blade assembly 102 and flexible display are shown deformed to produce a curved section 1301 and two linear sections 1302, 1303. In fig. 13, flexible display 104 and blade assembly 102 are shown in a retracted position 300. In fig. 14, the flexible display 104 and the blade assembly 102 are shown in an extended position 200. The enlarged view 1401 of fig. 14 shows how the aperture 802 defined by the chemical etching of the blade substrate 125 allows the blade substrate 125 to bend easily around the curved section 1301 while maintaining a rigid support structure beneath the flexible display 104 in the two linear sections 1302, 1303.

In one or more embodiments, the first linear section 1302 and the second linear section 1303 are configured to slide between the retracted position 300 of fig. 13 and the extended position 200 of fig. 14. The flexible display 104 is coupled to the blade assembly 102 and, thus, translates along a translation surface defined by the device housing of the electronic device with the blade assembly 102.

In one or more embodiments, the linear sections 1302, 1303 of the blade assembly 102 are positioned between the flexible display 104 and the translating surface. The rotor is then positioned within the curved section 1301 of the blade assembly 102. As the translation mechanism causes the linear sections 1302, 1303 of the blade assembly 102 to move over a translation surface defined by the device housing, the rotor rotates, with the flexible portion 710 traveling along the rotor as the rotor rotates.

As shown in fig. 13-14, in one or more embodiments, the cross-section of both the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104 define a J-shape, wherein the curved portion of the J-shape defined by the curved section 1301 is configured to wrap around the rotor, while the upper portion of the J-shape defined by the linear section 1302 travels across the translating surface defined by the device housing. As the translator of the translation mechanism drives the blade assembly 102, the upper portion of the J-shape lengthens as the flexible display 104 translates around the rotor, with the blade assembly 102 protruding farther from the device housing. This can be seen in fig. 13-14 by comparing the extended position 200 of fig. 14 with the retracted position 300 of fig. 13.

When the translator of the translation mechanism drives the blade assembly 102 in the opposite direction, for example, from the extended position 200 of fig. 14 to the retracted position 300 of fig. 13, the upper portion of the j-shape becomes shorter as this reversal occurs. Thus, when the translation mechanism drives the blade assembly 102 carrying the flexible display 104, the flexible display 104 deforms at different positions as the flexible display 104 wraps around and past the rotor.

It should be appreciated that the more conventional "J-shape" is generally defined when the blade assembly 102 is transitioned to the extended position 200 of FIG. 14. Depending on the length of the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104, and the amount by which the blade assembly 102 can be slid around the rotor in conjunction with the translation mechanism, the J-shape can also be converted to other shapes, including a U-shape, wherein the upper and lower portions of the blade assembly 102 and/or flexible display 104 are substantially symmetrical. This U-shape is formed when the blade assembly is in the peeping position, but is substantially formed in the retracted position 300 of FIG. 3. In other embodiments, depending on the configuration, the blade assembly 102 may even transition to an inverted J-shape, wherein an upper portion of the blade assembly 102 and/or flexible display 104 is shorter than a lower portion of the blade assembly 102 and/or flexible display 104, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the translator and rotor of the translation mechanism not only facilitate "extension" of the flexible display 104 that occurs during an extend or "lift" operation, but also serve to improve the reliability and usability of the flexible display 104. This is true because the rotor defines a service ring 1304 in the curved section 1301, the service ring 1304 having a relatively large radius compared to the minimum bend radius of the flexible display 104. The service ring 1304 prevents the flexible display 104 from being damaged or developing memory in the flexed state when the flexible display 104 is defined around the curved section 1301 of the rotor in the extended position 200, the retracted position 300, and the peeping position (400).

With such a mechanical assembly, the flexible display 104 retains the J-shaped flat upper portion defined by the first linear section 1302 when slid. In addition, the flexible display 104 is tightly wound around the rotor, wherein the lower portion of the J-shape defined by the second linear section 1303 is also held flat against the lower surface of the device housing. The blade assembly 102 and tensioner combination (described below with reference to the figures), which is rigidly secured to the translation mechanism, prevents the flexible display 104 from wrinkling or bunching as it slides around the device housing between the extended position 200, the retracted position 300, and the peeping position (400). This rigid coupling in combination with the moving tensioner ensures that the flexible display 104 translates in a straight line and practically on the first major surface of the electronic device, around the rotor of the electronic device positioned at the minor surface of the device housing, and on the second major surface of the electronic device.

Turning now to fig. 15, in one or more embodiments, additional support members may be attached to the blade assembly 102 to provide additional support to the flexible display 104, facilitate translation of the blade assembly 102 about the device housing, or one or more of a combination thereof.

As described above, in one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 is coupled to the flexible display 104. In contrast to a sliding device that includes multiple device housings, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device with a sliding display that includes only one device housing. The blade assembly 102 is configured as a mechanical chassis that allows the flexible display 104 to translate along a translation surface defined by the major and minor surfaces of the single device housing.

In one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 also provides mechanical support for the portion of the flexible display 104 that protrudes beyond the top edge of the single device housing when the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are in the extended position. The blade assembly 102 of fig. 15 includes a unitary blade substrate (125), but the blade substrate (125) defines both a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The blade substrate (125) also includes a silicone bezel 127 that surrounds and protects the edges of the flexible display 104.

In the illustrative embodiment of fig. 15, the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 and the blade 126 are positioned between the blade assembly 102 and a translation surface defined by the single equipment housing 101. In one or more embodiments, the blade 126 and the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 are positioned between the blade assembly 102 and a translating surface that defines a device housing to which the blade assembly 102 is attached.

When the blade assembly 102 is transitioned to the extended position, the blade 126 supports the blade assembly 102 and the portion of the flexible display 104 that extends beyond the top edge of the device housing. Since the blade 126 needs to be rigid to support those portions of the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104, it cannot bend around the flexible portion of the blade substrate (125) of the blade assembly 102. To prevent gaps or steps from occurring where the blade 126 terminates, in one or more embodiments, the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 spans the remainder of the blade assembly 102 and abuts a transition surface defined by a single equipment housing.

In one or more embodiments, the blade 126 includes a steel layer. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the blade 126 is greater than the thickness of the blade substrate (125) of the blade assembly 102 or the flexible substrate (705) of the flexible display 104. In one or more embodiments, the blade 126 includes a steel layer having a thickness of five hundred microns or 0.5 millimeters.

In one or more embodiments, the blade 126 includes a rigid, substantially planar support layer. For example, in one or more embodiments, the blades 126 may be made of aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. In another embodiment, the blade 126 is made of a rigid thermoplastic sheet. Other materials may also be used to fabricate the blade substrate 125. For example, nitinol may also be used to fabricate the blade 126.

In one or more embodiments, the blade 126 is the hardest layer in the overall assembly of fig. 15. In one or more embodiments, the blade 126 is made of stainless steel having a thickness of about five hundred microns. In another embodiment, the blade 126 is made of carbon fiber. Other materials capable of making the blade 126 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 includes multiple layers. When assembled, the low friction dynamic bending laminate stack 128 adds a layer to the blade assembly 102 that improves the lubricity of the overall assembly to allow smooth movement of the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 across the translating surface of the device housing. Additionally, as shown in fig. 15, the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 prevents features on other layers of the assembly from reducing the ability of the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 to translate across those translating surfaces when in abutment with the blade 126.

In one or more embodiments, the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 allows for "low friction" sliding across static surfaces and the ability to circulate bending and/or rolling around the rotor. In one or more embodiments, the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 engages and abuts the blade 126 to improve lubricity.

In the illustrative embodiment of fig. 15, the uppermost layer of the low friction dynamically curved lamination stack 128 is the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 1501. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer 1501 allows the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 to adhere to the underside of the blade assembly 102.

Below the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 1501 is a strain resistant foam layer 1502. Examples of strain resistant foam suitable for use as the strain resistant foam layer 1502 include silicone, low density polyethylene, or other materials that provide sufficient thickness to allow the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 to match the thickness of the blade 126 while reducing internal stress and allowing bending.

Beneath the strain resistant foam layer 1502 is another pressure sensitive adhesive layer 1503. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer 1503 is coupled to a flexible substrate 1504 having a strain relief kerf pattern 1505 formed therein. Flexible substrate 1504 may be made of metal or plastic or other materials. For example, in one or more embodiments, flexible substrate 1504 includes a layer of steel having a thickness of about thirty microns. While thin flexible steel works well in practice, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other materials may be used for flexible substrate 1504. For example, in another embodiment, the flexible substrate 705 is fabricated from a thin layer of thermoplastic material.

Turning briefly to fig. 16, one example of a strain relief kerf pattern 1505 that may be formed in a flexible substrate 1504 of a low friction dynamic bending lamination stack (128) is illustrated. In the illustrative embodiment, the strain relief cut pattern 1505 defines one or more load path guide holes 1600.

In the illustrative embodiment of fig. 16, the one or more load path guide holes 1600 are each substantially rectangular in cross-section. In the illustrative embodiment, the columns 1603 of the one or more load path guide holes 1600 are substantially parallel. Although fig. 16 shows the load path guide holes 1600 of five columns 1603, four rows 1064, this is for ease of illustration. In practice, the number of load path guide holes 1600 will typically be much larger, as the load path guide holes 1600 may have a width of about one hundred microns.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more load path guide holes 1600 define a load force guide bar 1605, which load force guide bar 1605 guides the load force 1601 in a direction substantially parallel to the major axis 1606 of the strain relief cut pattern 1505. As shown, the four rows 1604, five columns 1603 of substantially rectangular load path guide holes 1600 define six load force guide bars 1605 or "load paths". However, in practice, the columns 1603 and rows 1604 of the substantially rectangular load path guide holes 1600 will define a greater number of load paths due to their small size. In one or more embodiments, any load forces 1601 applied to the strain relief cut pattern 1505 are transferred along these load paths due to the fact that the strain relief cut pattern 1505 is more rigid than the flexible display.

Returning now to fig. 15, another pressure sensitive adhesive layer 1506 then couples flexible substrate 1504 to low friction layer 1507. In one or more embodiments, low friction layer 1507 includes a substrate with Teflon (Teflon ^TM) attached. In another embodiment, the low friction layer 1507 comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene layer that is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. Such materials are known for their non-stick properties and add lubricity to the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128, allowing the overall assembly of fig. 15 to slide smoothly. In addition, low friction layer 1507 prevents strain relief cut pattern 1505 in flexible substrate 1504 from being blocked at surface imperfections and transitions on the device housing to which the assembly of fig. 15 is attached. In short, the low friction layer 1507 greatly improves the lubricity of the overall assembly.

Turning now to fig. 17, there is shown a stack 1700 that results when the low friction dynamically curved lamination stack 128 is attached to the flexible display 104. As shown, stack 1700 may be easily deformed, such as when the stack is deformed around a rotor of an electronic device having a single device housing, an example of which is shown and described above with reference to fig. 1. In this illustrative embodiment, stack 1700 is deformed to define a J-shape 1701 in cross-section.

In one or more embodiments, the curved portion 1702 of the J-shape 1701 is configured to wrap around a rotor of an electronic device while the upper portion 1703 of the J-shape 1701 spans a translating surface of the device housing. Then, as the flexible display 104 and the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 translate around the rotor in a first direction, the upper portion 1703 of the J-shape 1701 lengthens. When the translator of the translation mechanism drives the flexible display 104 and the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 in the opposite direction, the upper portion 1703 of the J-shape 1701 shortens as the reverse operation occurs. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the flexible display 104 and the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 deform at different locations as the flexible display 104 and the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 wrap around and pass over the rotor.

While fig. 17 illustrates how the flexible display 104 and the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 may define a J-shape, as described above with reference to fig. 15, in most applications, both the flexible display 104 and the low friction dynamic bending lamination stack 128 will be coupled to the blade assembly (102) along with the blade (126). In one or more embodiments, the finished blade assembly (102) may also define a J-shape when the blade assembly (102) is coupled to a single device housing of an electronic device.

Notably, the "J-shape" is primarily defined when the blade assembly (102) is transitioned to the extended position. Depending on the length of the blade assembly (102) and flexible display (104), and in combination with the amount by which the translation mechanism can slide the blade assembly (102) around a single device housing, the J-shape can also be converted to other shapes, including a U-shape in which the upper and lower portions of the blade assembly (102) and/or flexible display (104) are substantially symmetrical. This U-shape is essentially formed when the blade assembly (102) is in the peeping position. In other embodiments, depending on the configuration, the blade assembly (102) may even transition to an inverted J-shape in which an upper portion of the blade assembly (102) and/or flexible display 104 is shorter than a lower portion of the blade assembly (102) and/or flexible display 104, and so on.

Turning now to fig. 18-21, one illustrative electronic device 100 is shown in which this transition from the substantially U-shape 1804 to the J-shape 2104 occurs. Fig. 18-21 illustrate an electronic device 100 having a blade assembly 102 with a flexible display 104, a low friction dynamic bending lamination stack (128), and a blade 126 attached to the blade assembly 102. A cover 1101 is attached to the blade assembly 102 to define a backpack 1201 that is located on the rear side of the electronic device 100. In fig. 18-21, the blade assembly 102 is wound around a single device housing 101 with the rotor at the end of the single device housing 101. In fig. 18-21, the blade assembly 102 is also coupled to a translation mechanism located within the single device housing 101.

In fig. 18 and 19, blade assembly 102 is in retracted position 300. In contrast, in fig. 20 and 21, the blade assembly 102 is in the extended position 200.

In response to actuation of the user interface device 1801, the translation mechanism is operable to transition the blade assembly 102 about the surface 2101 of the single device housing 101 between the extended position 200 of fig. 20-21, in which extended position 200 the blade 126 (here with the RIZR ^TM trademark printed thereon) of the blade assembly 102 extends distally from the top minor surface 2102 of the single device housing 101. In response to another actuation of the user interface device 1801, the translating mechanism transitions the blade assembly 102 back to the retracted position 300 of fig. 18-19, where the blade assembly 102 abuts the single device housing 101, with the flexible display 104 wrapped around the surface 2101 of the single device housing 101. As described above with reference to fig. 4, and as will be described below with reference to the figures, the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 may also be transitioned to a peeping position (400) where movement of the translation mechanism causes the blade assembly 102 to reveal an image capture device (401) located in front of the single device housing 101 below the blade assembly 102.

As shown in these figures, in one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 slides around a single device housing 101 such that the blade 126 slides off the single device housing 101 to change the overall length of the flexible display 104 that appears in front of the electronic device 100. The blade assembly 102 may be slid around a single device housing 101 in opposite directions to a retracted position 300 with a similar amount of flexible display 104 visible on the front side of the electronic device 100 and the back side of the electronic device 100. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes a single device housing 101 with the blade assembly 102 coupled to both major surfaces 1802, 1902 of the single device housing 101 and wrapped around at least one minor surface 1803 of the rotor of the electronic device 100 provided with a translating mechanism such that the blade assembly 102 may slide around and relative to the single device housing 101 between the retracted position 300, the extended position 200 (and a peeping position revealing a forward-facing image capture device).

As shown in these figures, a flexible display 104 is coupled to the blade assembly 102. The flexible display 104 is also surrounded by a silicone bezel 127 that is co-molded onto the blade substrate (125). The silicone bezel 127 protects the side edges of the flexible display 104. The blade assembly engages at least one rotor of a translation mechanism located at the curved end of the single device housing 101 (as will be described below with reference to the drawings). When the translation mechanism located in the single device housing 101 drives the elements coupled to the blade assembly 102, the flexible display 104 wraps around the rotor and moves to extend the blades 126 of the blade assembly 102 further away from the single device housing 101 or back toward the single device housing 101.

In fig. 20-21, the cross-section of both the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104 define a J-shape 2104. The curved portion 2105 of the J-shape 2104 wraps around the rotor, while the upper portion 2106 of the J-shape 2104 spans the translation surface defined by the single device housing 101. As the translator of the translation mechanism drives the blade assembly 102, the upper portion 2106 of the J-shape 2104 that includes the blade 126 of the blade assembly 102 lengthens as the flexible display 104 translates around the rotor, with the blade 126 further protruding from the single device housing 101. When the translator of the translating mechanism drives the blade assembly 102 in the opposite direction, the upper portion 2106 of the J-shape 2104 carrying the blade 126 appears to be significantly shorter as this reverse operation occurs. Thus, when the translation mechanism drives the blade assembly carrying the flexible display, the flexible display 104 deforms at different positions as the flexible display 104 wraps around and past the rotor.

The J-shape 2104 occurs primarily when the blade assembly 102 is transitioned to the extended position 200 as shown in fig. 20-21. Depending on the length of the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104, and in combination with the amount by which the translation mechanism can slide the blade assembly 102 about the single device housing 101, in this illustrative embodiment, the J-shape 2104 transitions into a substantially U-shape 1804 in which the upper and lower portions of the blade assembly 102 and/or flexible display 104 are substantially symmetrical, as shown in fig. 18-19. In other embodiments, depending on the configuration, the blade assembly 102 may even transition to an inverted J-shape in which an upper portion of the blade assembly 102 and/or flexible display 104 is shorter than a lower portion of the blade assembly 102 and/or flexible display 104, and so on.

As described above with reference to fig. 10, in one or more embodiments, the blade assembly 102 carries electronic circuitry (1001) that powers and controls the flexible display 104. To facilitate the transition between the extended position 200 and the retracted position 300 shown in fig. 18-21, voltage, current, and control signals must be communicated from one or more processors (114) and those electronic circuits (1001) located in a single device housing 101. This is compounded by the fact that these electronic circuits (1001) and the electrical connections to them move in the backpack 1201 as the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are switched between the extended position 200 and the retracted position 300. As shown in fig. 21, there is very little space between the translating surface 2101 and the backpack 1201 that slides along the translating surface 2101. Furthermore, from an aesthetic perspective, it is undesirable to expose the electronic components or connectors as the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 translate and reveal the translating surface.

While much attention has been paid to the unique translation of the blade assembly and flexible display between the extended and retracted positions, another truly unique feature provided by embodiments of the present disclosure occurs when the blade assembly and flexible display are transitioned to the peeping position. Turning now to fig. 28-29, the electronic device 100 is shown in the peeping position 400.

As shown in fig. 28, in one or more embodiments, when the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 transition to the peeping position 400, the backpack 1201 moves beyond the retracted position (300) toward the rearward facing image capture device 108. When this occurs, the upper edge 2801 of the blade assembly 102 moves below the upper edge 2802 of the individual device housing 101. In one or more embodiments, this reveals a forward facing image capture device 401 located below the blade assembly 102 when the blade assembly 102 is in the retracted position (300).

In one or more embodiments, translation of the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 to the peeping position 400 occurs automatically. For example, in one or more embodiments, when the forward-facing image capture device 401 is actuated, the one or more processors (114) of the electronic device 100 translate the blade assembly 102 to the peep position 400, revealing the image capture device 401. 28-29, also revealing the speaker 402.) once the image capturing operation with the image capturing device 401 is completed, the one or more processors (114) may cause the blade assembly 102 to transition back to the retracted position, which again covers and obscures the image capturing device 401.

In other embodiments, the transition to peep position 400 is initiated manually by actuation of button 2803 or other user interface control. For example, a single press of button 2803 may transition blade assembly 102 to the extended position (200), while a double press of button 2803 returns blade assembly 102 to the retracted position (300). Long presses of button 2803 may cause blade assembly 102 to transition to peep position 400 of fig. 4, and so on. Other button operation schemes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

By positioning the forward image capture device 401 under the blade assembly 102 and its corresponding opaque blade (126) during normal operation, embodiments of the present disclosure provide privacy guarantees to a user of the electronic device 100. In other words, by positioning the image capture device 401 below the blade assembly 102 and the flexible display 104 when in the retracted (300) or extended (200) position, the user of the electronic device 100 is mechanically assured of privacy due to the fact that the image capture device 401 is physically impossible to perform image capture operations through the blade (126) of the blade assembly 102. Thus, even if the electronic device 100 is accessed by a hacker or other malicious party, the user can be confident that the image capture device 401 cannot capture images or video when the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are in the retracted position (300), the extended position (200), or a position therebetween. The image capture device 401 may capture a forward-facing image or forward-facing video only when the blade assembly 102 and flexible display 104 are transitioned to the peeping position 400 to reveal the image capture device 401.

The following commonly assigned applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes:

U.S. patent No. 17/459,774, filed on month 27 of 2021, entitled "Electronic Devices with Sliding Device Housings and Translating Flexible Displays and Corresponding Methods( electronic device with sliding device housing and translating flexible display and corresponding method) ";

U.S. patent No. 17/520,438, filed on 5/11 at 2021, entitled "Sliding Electronic DEVICES WITH TRANSLATING flexible DISPLAYS AND Electrochemical Cell Rollers (sliding electronic device with translating flexible display and electrochemical cell scroll wheel)";

U.S. patent No. 17/706,383, filed on 3/28 of 2022, entitled "Electronic Devices with Sliding Device Housings and Translating Flexible Displays and Corresponding Methods( electronic device with sliding device housing and translating flexible display and corresponding method) "; and

U.S. patent No. 17/684,201, filed on 1, 3, 2022, titled "Sliding Electronic Devices with Translating Flexible Displays Having Rigidly Coupled Foldable Substrates and Corresponding Methods(, slide electronics with translating flexible display with rigidly coupled foldable substrate, and corresponding methods).

Turning now to fig. 30, various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown therein. The embodiment of fig. 30 is shown as a label box in fig. 30, since the various components of these embodiments have been shown in detail in fig. 1 to 29 prior to fig. 30. Accordingly, since these items have been shown and described previously, repeated illustrations of them are no longer necessary for a proper understanding of the embodiments. Thus, the embodiments are shown as marker boxes.

At 3001, an electronic device includes a device housing and a blade assembly including a blade substrate carrying a blade and slidably coupled to the device housing. At 3001, the blade assembly is operable to slidably transition between an extended position, in which the blade extends beyond an edge of the device housing, and a retracted position; and in the retracted position, a major surface of the blade abuts a major surface of the device housing.

At 3002, the electronic device of 3001 further includes a flexible display carried by the blade assembly. At 3003, the blade substrate of 3002 mechanically supports the flexible display.

At 3004, the blade substrate of 3003 defines a rigid head section and a rigid section. At 3005, the blade substrate of 3004 defines a flexible segment separating the rigid head segment and the rigid segment. At 3006, the electronic device of 3005 further includes at least one rotor at an end of the device housing, wherein the flexible segment extends around the at least one rotor.

At 3007, the flexible section of 3005 defines one or more apertures. At 3008, the one or more holes of 3007 are chemically etched in the flexible segment. At 3009, the one or more apertures of 3007 are configured as one or more partial ribs extending distally across the flexible section. At 3010, the one or more apertures of 3007 are configured in a mesh arrangement across the flexible segment.

At 3011, the blade substrate of 3002 defines one or more silicone bezel-engaging holes around an outer edge of the blade substrate. At 3012, the electronic device of 3011 further includes a silicone bezel surrounding the flexible display. At 3013, the silicone bezel of 3012 is over-molded onto the blade substrate by the bezel, with portions of the silicone bezel passing through the one or more silicone bezel-engaging holes.

At 3014, the flexible display of 3002 includes a flexible display layer and a flexible substrate supporting the flexible display layer. At 3015, the flexible substrate of 3014 protrudes beyond the image-generating portion of the flexible display layer.

At 3016, the flexible substrate of 3015 defines a T-shaped tongue that protrudes beyond the image-producing portion of the flexible display layer. At 3017, the electronic device of 3016 further comprises an electronic circuit component configured to operate an image-generating portion of the flexible display layer coupled to the T-shaped tongue.

At 3018, the electronic device includes a device housing and a blade assembly including a blade substrate. At 3018, the blade assembly is operable to slidably transition between an extended position in which the blade extends beyond an edge of the device housing and a retracted position; in the retracted position, a major surface of the blade abuts a major surface of the device housing. At 3018, the blade substrate defines a flexible section that separates the rigid head section of the blade substrate from the rigid section of the blade substrate.

At 3019, the electronic device of 3018 further includes a silicone bezel surrounding the flexible display. At 3019, a silicone bezel is overmolded onto the blade substrate, with portions of the silicone bezel passing through one or more silicone bezel-engaging holes defined by the blade substrate.

At 3020, an electronic device includes a device housing and a blade assembly including a blade substrate. At 3020, the blade assembly is operable to slidably transition between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position the blade extends beyond an edge of the device housing; and in the retracted position, a major surface of the blade abuts a major surface of the device housing.

At 3020, the blade substrate defines one or more holes that are chemically etched in the flexible section separating the rigid head section and the rigid section. At 3020, the one or more apertures are configured as one or more partial ribs extending distally across the flexible section.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. Thus, while the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be apparent that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising:

An equipment housing; and

A blade assembly including a blade substrate carrying a blade and slidably coupled to the device housing;

Wherein the blade assembly is operable to slidably switch between:

An extended position in which the blade extends beyond an edge of the device housing; and

A retracted position in which a major surface of the blade abuts a major surface of the device housing.

2. The electronic device defined in claim 1 further comprising a flexible display that is carried by the blade assembly.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, the blade substrate mechanically supporting the flexible display.

4. The electronic device defined in claim 3 wherein the blade substrate defines a rigid head section and a rigid section.

5. The electronic device defined in claim 4 wherein the blade substrate defines a flexible section that separates the rigid head section and the rigid section.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, further comprising at least one rotor located at an end of the device housing, wherein the flexible section extends around the at least one rotor.

7. The electronic device of claim 5, the flexible section defining one or more apertures.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, the one or more holes being etched in the flexible section.

9. The electronic device of claim 7, the one or more apertures configured as one or more partial ribs extending distally across the flexible section.

10. The electronic device of claim 7, the one or more apertures configured in a mesh arrangement across the flexible section.

11. The electronic device defined in claim 2, the blade substrate defining one or more silicone bezel-engaging holes around an outer edge of the blade substrate.

12. The electronic device defined in claim 11 further comprising a silicone bezel that surrounds the flexible display.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, the silicone bezel being overmolded on the blade substrate, wherein portions of the silicone bezel pass through the one or more silicone bezel-engaging holes.

14. The electronic device defined in claim 2 wherein the flexible display comprises a flexible display layer and a flexible substrate that supports the flexible display layer.

15. The electronic device defined in claim 14 wherein the flexible substrate protrudes beyond the image-producing portion of the flexible display layer.

16. The electronic device defined in claim 15 the flexible substrate defines a T-shaped tongue that protrudes beyond an image-producing portion of the flexible display layer.

17. The electronic device defined in claim 16 further comprising electronic circuit components configured to operate the image-producing portion of the flexible display layer that is coupled to the tee-tongue.

18. An electronic device, comprising:

An equipment housing; and

A blade assembly including a blade substrate supporting a flexible display;

Wherein the blade assembly is operable to slidably switch between:

An extended position in which the blade extends beyond the edge of the device housing;

a retracted position in which a major surface of the blade abuts a major surface of the device housing; and

The blade substrate defines a flexible section that separates a rigid head section of the blade substrate from a rigid section of the blade substrate.

19. The electronic device defined in claim 18 further comprising a silicone bezel surrounding the flexible display, wherein the silicone bezel is overmolded onto the blade substrate with portions of the silicone bezel passing through one or more silicone bezel-engaging holes defined by the blade substrate.

20. An electronic device, comprising:

An equipment housing; and

A blade assembly including a blade substrate;

Wherein the blade assembly is operable to slidably switch between:

The blade substrate defines one or more holes chemically etched in the flexible section, wherein

The flexible section separates the rigid head section from the rigid section, the one or more apertures configured as one or more partial ribs extending distally across the flexible section.