JP4563031B2 - Multimedia display communication system with information processing function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to display systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interactive, low power, storable multimedia display system with an information processing function for use as a handheld portable communication device.

  With the increasing demand for hand-held portable communication devices such as telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), more and more functions are being required for such devices. For example, consumers are looking for handheld devices that include telephony functions, paging, faxing, wireless internet connectivity, data storage, and more. At the same time, however, consumers are demanding that manufacturers continue to reduce the size of these devices.

  Such handheld devices typically include a display. The problem with the reduced size of these devices is that their displays are too small to provide a lot of information, and the information that can be provided is usually not provided in a visually readable manner. For example, a typical light emitting diode (LED) display or liquid crystal display (LCD) used in a small handheld phone or PDA may be unclear and not display a sufficient amount of information. For example, the aforementioned display typically cannot display an entire web page. Further, the aforementioned displays are often not full color displays.

  A typical handheld communication device found in the prior art includes a housing containing processing electronics for the device. The housing is part of the device that the user has in hand, and is therefore usually designed to fit in the hand of the person. Typically, the display is integrated as part of the housing. As a result, the size of the display is limited by the size of the housing. In addition, such displays typically require a relatively large amount of electrical energy, thus hindering the ability of manufacturers to reduce the size of the device because the housing includes a relatively large power supply.

  1A-1C illustrate some typical prior art handheld communication devices. FIG. 1A is a diagram of a hand-held phone 10 having a housing 12 and a display 14 integrated with the housing 12. As shown, the display 14 is smaller than the housing 12. The telephone 10 includes a keypad 16 that includes a plurality of buttons that a user can use to operate the device. The keypad 16 is separated from the display 14.

  Similarly, FIG. 1B is a diagram of a personal digital assistant having a housing 22 and a display 24 integrated in the housing. Again, the display 24 is smaller than the housing 22. The personal digital assistant 20 includes a keyboard 26 that a user can use to operate the device 20. The keyboard 26 is separated from the 24.

  FIG. 1C is a view of a so-called foldable mobile phone having a display 34 integrated with a housing 32 and a housing 32. As shown, the display 34 is smaller than the housing 32. When the upper lid 31 is closed, a part of the display 34 is covered. The upper cover 31 can be opened to expose the covered portion of the display 34. Alternatively, the display 34 can be integrated with the upper cover 31 of the telephone 30. Since the surface area of the upper lid 31 is not larger than the surface area of the housing 32, the display 34 is smaller than the housing 32 in any case. The foldable mobile phone 30 includes a keypad 36 that is separated from the display 34.

In any case, the display is only one of several elements integrated (or incorporated) into the housing of the device. In either case, the aforementioned display is small in size, hard and fixed, and generally rectangular. As a result, the aforementioned display is functionally limited in that it provides meaningful information for the user. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a communication system with a multimedia display that has an information processing function.
Prior art document information related to the invention of this application includes the following (including documents cited in the international phase after the international filing date and documents cited when entering the country in other countries).
US Pat. No. 6,311,076 US Pat. No. 5,877,695 US Pat. No. 6,002,927 US Pat. No. 6,269,169 US Pat. No. 6,304,763 US Pat. No. 5,548,084 US Pat. No. 5,130,603 US Pat. No. 5,797,091 US Pat. No. 5,799,249 US Pat. No. 5,931,764

  The present invention provides an interactive, low power, stowable multimedia display system with information processing capabilities according to the present invention. It is a display system that can be used as a handheld portable communication device. A display communication device according to the present invention is an interactive and interactive device including a housing including a processor, a wireless transceiver device for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, and a retractable display mechanically coupled to the housing. It can be a communication device. The display can have a larger surface area than any cross section of the housing. The housing may include a low voltage power source such as a thin film power source.

  A processor can be included in the housing so that it can receive commands from the display and produce an output radio signal based on the received commands. The display may process touch commands and receive commands based on the touch commands are possible. In order to transmit an output audio signal, a speaker can be connected to the processor, the processor extracts audio data from the input radio signal, and outputs an output audio signal representing the extracted audio data to the speaker. Can be given to. A microphone can be coupled to the processor to receive an input audio signal, and the processor can generate an output radio signal based on the input audio signal. The processor may produce an output radio signal by modulating a carrier signal by displaying the input audio signal.

  The device can be voice activated. The processor may be provided with a function of determining whether the input voice signal is a telephone signal or a command. The processor can initiate a connection between the display communication device and a remote network device, for example by connection to the Internet. The processor is adapted to determine whether the device is in telephone mode or command mode. The processor is adapted to respond to voice activated commands if the device is in command mode. The display can be a flexible display. The communication device may include a rod connected to the housing and the display, and the display may be wound around the rod. The rod may be connected to the inside or the outside of the housing. Alternatively, the display can be wrapped around the housing itself. A locking mechanism for securing the display in an extended position can be included in the device. The display can be stored.

  The display can be contact responsive. The display provides a touch signal to the processor, and the processor can perform an operation corresponding to receiving the touch signal. The display communication device may include a display memory for storing display data corresponding to information displayed at that time. The display memory can be embedded in the display (eg, in the pixels themselves) or included in the housing.

  The display can include a plurality of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). The OLED can be, for example, a normal parallel OLED, a stacked OLED (SOLED), a top emission or a transparent OLED (TOLED). Furthermore, the OLED can be integrated with an organic light sensor.

  The display can include a plurality of bistable pixels. The display can include a plurality of self-configurable pixels. Each pixel can include a local processor and a memory that includes a pixel address associated with the pixel. The pixels are configured to make their own settings for color, gray scale, and / or resolution. The pixels may include a group of subpixels, where each subpixel includes a number of light emitting devices. The number of light emitting devices that form a subpixel depends on the color, gray scale, and resolution of the pixel.

  The processor may update the display by providing a data packet that includes a pixel address and brightness corresponding to the pixel at the pixel address. In order to compare the current image to the previous image and to convert the display from the previous image to the current image, the processor is adapted to identify one or more pixels with pixel brightness that needs to be changed. It has become. The processor may provide the display with display data that causes a change in pixel brightness of the identified one or more pixels. A pixel can include one or more color or infrared sub-pixels.

  The display can be connected to the housing so as to be removable, and can be connected to a plurality of external devices so as to be removable. The display is automatically configured for the external device to which it is connected.

  FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a multimedia display communication device 100 with information processing function according to the present invention. As shown, the device 100 includes a housing 102 that can accommodate a processor 103 that includes electronic components that perform the main processing for operating the device 100. Preferably, the device 100 is a hand-held or pocket-sized device and is generally shaped like a pen or pointer, for example as shown in the figure. In the above-described embodiment, the housing 102 is an elongated and narrow housing. Preferably, the device 100 includes a dispenser that includes ink or solid or liquid graphite so that it can be used both as a writing tool and as a communication device. The housing 102 can be made of, for example, plastic.

  Also, the internal pressure is applied to the housing 102 in the same manner as cooling the internal components, thereby preventing particles such as dust, sand and smoke from entering the apparatus and contaminating the internal components. It can also include a micro fan that Furthermore, a carrying case can be provided to protect the device 100 from water and dust. FIG. 8 shows the carrying case described above. Preferably, the carrying case 80 is made of a material such as metal or plastic and optionally includes a hermetic seal 82 to protect the device from impact and environmental conditions. Preferably, the carrying case 80 includes an elongated main body portion 81 that is hollow and an elongated cap portion 83 that is hollow, and has a shape on the tube (such as a cigar tube) as a whole. Preferably, the cap part 83 is connected to the main body part 81 by a detachable method. For example, the carrying case is designed so that it can be attached to and detached from the main body 81 by sliding the cap 83, or can be attached to and detached from the main body 81 by inserting the cap 83. Can do. Therefore, complementary screw lines (not shown in FIG. 8) can be included in the cap part 83 and the main body part 81 so that the cap part 83 can be attached to and detached from the main body part 81 by screw lines.

  Although the hermetic seal 82 can be a separate element, it is preferable that the hermetic seal is attached to either the body portion 81 or the cap portion 83. In any case, the sealing seal 82 is disposed between the cap part 83 and the main body part 81 so that the carrying case 80 is sealed when the cap part 83 is connected to the main body part 81. The housing of the device is expected to be around 1 inch in diameter. Therefore, the carrying case 80 is also expected to have an inner diameter 80d of about 1 inch.

  The processor 103 can include a microprocessor, but is not limited to a microprocessor. Preferably, the processor 103 is a thin film “digital radio on chip”. That is, the processor 103 provides the ability to process analog and digital wireless signals. Such processing includes data encryption, noise reduction, background noise cancellation, echo cancellation, or other similar techniques to ensure secure communication against third party interference, A myriad of signal processing techniques can be included to improve sound quality. Preferably, the device can receive, process and transmit encrypted communication signals by providing data encryption / decryption capabilities. Thereby, the device is reliably protected from possible interference by third parties. Any of the well-known data encryption / decryption techniques may be employed (eg, RSA, Diffie-Hellman, DES, Triple DES, etc.).

  The processor 103 can also provide complex radio functions (ie, multiple radios or radio functions on one chip). For example, device 100 may receive short-range infrared signals, or short-range, medium-range, or long-range radio frequency (RF) signals according to the environment, application, and specific characteristics of the external device with which display communication device 100 communicates. Send, process and receive. It is possible to implement the aforementioned wireless telecom capability in the software of the processor 103.

  Preferably, the processor 103 includes a control method for selectively and / or simultaneously controlling transmission / reception of communication signals including voice, video and / or control data. Further, the processor 103 preferably includes a control method for selectively and / or simultaneously controlling the display or storage of communication signals including audio, video and / or control data received by the device. A detailed description of the performance of the processor 103 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is set forth below.

  Apparatus 100 includes, for example, an antenna for transmitting output radio signals and receiving input radio signals. The radio signal may be an analog or digital radio signal. The apparatus 100 can operate in a transmission mode with one or more of simplex, half duplex, full duplex. The apparatus 100 may be, for example, time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), narrowband CDMA (NCDMA), wideband (wideband or wideband) CDMA (BCDMA). A connection scheme such as Ultra Wideband Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or any combination of the aforementioned connection schemes can be employed. The wireless transceiver device 104 may be adapted to transmit and receive communication signals by radio frequency (RF), infrared, ultraviolet, or similar electromagnetic carriers, or optical means.

  Preferably, in order to provide compatibility with packet-based mobile communication networks, the device is adapted to process and transmit and receive packet-switched communications, and also to Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), CDMA It can be adapted to any standard or combination of standards, such as -2000, Bluetooth, WiFi standards 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g. Thus, the device can provide communication connections to various network systems by switching according to an appropriate connection standard or scheme.

  The device can communicate (send and receive signals) with a single base station, multiple base stations (ie, a network), or any number of external devices. Thus, one communication device 100 according to the present invention can be a node on a telecommunications network, such as a cellular network or the Internet. The apparatus 100 can transmit and receive communication signals with one or more base stations included in the network. Similarly, the base station can transmit and receive communication signals with the device 100. When the device moves from the proximity of the first base station to the proximity of the second base station, the first base station automatically sets the current communication link (incoming or outgoing communication; voice or data) with the device. Can be handed over to two base stations. Therefore, the device 100 can maintain communication with the base station (and consequently communication with a far-end device that is a communication partner) as the user moves. Device 100 may be an “always-on” device that provides a permanent connection to an external device or network.

  Examples of the base station include an external device including communication electronic components (for example, the processor 102 and the antenna 104). The display communication electronics can be electrically connected to communicate with the base station. Thus, the base station can provide the apparatus 100 with processing capability and a communication interface. Such base stations can be stored or incorporated in airplanes, cars, backpacks, and the like.

  The antenna 104 is electrically connected to the processor 103. Preferably, the antenna 104 is connected to an external part of the housing 102. For example, the antenna 104 can be embedded in the housing 102 or fixed to the outside of the housing 102. Alternatively, the antenna 104 can be coupled to an internal portion of the housing 102 and can be included partially or completely within the housing 102. The device 100 can also be electrically connected to an external antenna. The external antenna can be plugged into the device and connected to the electronic components of the device. By storing the aforementioned external antenna in, for example, a backpack, it is possible to use the device anytime by simply inserting the antenna into the device when it is desired to use the device.

  Preferably, the antenna 104 is adapted to transmit and receive broadband audio / video signals for Internet connection and telephone. That is, the antenna has full-duplex data and voice transmission and reception capabilities and provides a broadband Internet connection. Preferably, the device 100 provides high-speed mobile access to the Internet and also includes pager and multimedia text messaging functions, such as provided via a multimedia messaging service (“MMS”). .

  In a preferred embodiment, the device has processing capabilities, and thus the wireless transceiver device 104 has the capability to transmit and receive narrowband and / or broadband signals. The aforementioned broadband signal may be compatible with, for example, third generation (3G) or fourth generation (4G) digital wireless standards, but the device according to the present invention may be in any standard or multiple It can be adapted to the standard of The final standard for 3G broadband mobile wireless data transmission via smart phone (advanced automatic function telephone) was formally adopted by the ITU Radiocommunication General Assembly with the approval of the so-called IMT-2000 specification. In general, it is independent of how the device connects to a wireless carrier. For example, it is expected that a multi-network device will be connected to an “appropriate” network when “appropriate”. That is, assuming that many networks will be available to the communications device at any time, the device will attempt to connect to the network most appropriate for what the device is currently trying. Become. For example, the device will seek a network that will produce the best reception, highest capacity, highest bandwidth, etc.

  Although it is conceivable that the bandwidth will be further widened in future communication applications, preferably, the wireless transceiver device 104 is adapted to transmit and receive radio waves having a bandwidth of about 5 to 30 MHz. In addition, data rates up to about 10 Mbps or higher are expected.

  The wireless transceiver device 104 may include processing to provide diversity (either in the antenna itself or in the processor 103). That is, the transmitting device can transmit the same signal many times (for example, three times), and the receiving device can use the best signal among the received signals. In addition, the wireless transceiver device 104 includes smart processing (either in the antenna itself or in the processor 103) that measures, amplifies, or optimizes input and output signals depending on the characteristics of the environment in which the signals are transmitted or received. -It can be an antenna (highly automatic function antenna).

  The apparatus 100 also includes ultra-wideband software defined radio (SDR) functionality, eg, simultaneous use of airways or spectrum changes according to use, radio signal re-differentiation based on radio signal electrical or magnetic polarization. And share national resources of available radio spectrum. The devices can also communicate using adaptive techniques, such as frequency mobility or hybrid (mixed) communication techniques.

  Communication device 100 may also include a microphone for receiving an input audio signal and one or more speakers for transmitting an output audio signal. The speaker is produced by the device itself, for example, as an output audio signal received as part of a telephone conversation, an output audio downloaded from the Internet as part of a web page, or a form of communication with a user. Can be used to provide a synthesized human speech. The speaker may also be a ring tone, for example, when a phone call is received, or a tone (or a series of tones) indicating that a particular event has been performed (eg, connection completion (or connection failure) between the device and an Internet service provider). It can also be used to provide identifiable speech, etc. The aforementioned sounds can be created by synthesis.

  Preferably, the communication device 100 includes a micro transceiver 108 having both a speaker (audio signal transmitter) and a microphone (audio signal receiver). The microtransceiver 108 is electrically connected to the processor 103 and can be integrated / embedded in the housing 102 or attached to the outside thereof. The processor 103 extracts audio data from the input radio signal, and provides an output audio signal representing the extracted audio data to the speaker. The processor 103 generates an output radio signal based on the input audio signal received from the microphone.

  The device 100 also includes a wireless inductive transceiver 112 that transmits and receives audio from the user of the device. The wireless inductive transceiver 112 may be, for example, a wireless earpiece that communicates with the processor via a wireless link 114. The transceiver is preferably an inductive transceiver that detects vibration generated by a user's utterance or the like and generates a voice signal representing the user's utterance based on the detected vibration. Thus, the processor 103 can communicate audio signals to the transceiver 112, and the transceiver 112 can communicate audio signals to the processor 103.

  The display communication device 100 can include an A / D converter (as part of the processor 103 or as an external component) that couples the microphone (or transceiver). An analog audio signal from the microphone or transceiver is input to the A / D converter. The digitized output of the A / D converter is provided to the processor 103. The processor 103 can then determine whether the device is in telephone mode (in this case, the voice should be sent via the wireless transceiver device 104) or in command mode (in this case, the voice is decoded and the action to be taken) Should be taken). Therefore, the microphone can be connected to the processor 103, and can be used as a voice input means for telephone communication and for issuing a voice command to the apparatus 100.

  Preferably, the processor 103 has the ability to understand and recognize human speech. Speech recognition techniques are fairly well known and are becoming more and more common due to the continued increase in computing power and available memory. The user can send a talk to a third party or give a command to the device 100 by speaking to the device 100. Preferably, the display communication device 100 according to the present invention is trying to transmit the input utterance (ie, the device is in a telephone mode) or is trying to decode the input utterance as a command (ie the device). Includes a configured voice command or keyboard operation to tell the processor 103 whether it is in command mode.

  Such voice commands can include voice dialing capabilities that allow the device to make a call by simply speaking the phone number that the user wishes to call. Users can also speak a codeword (such as the name of the person they want to call). The aforementioned list of codewords can be stored in memory to identify the telephone number or action associated with each codeword. If the spoken code word is in the list, the device calls the number according to the code word. Similarly, the device 100 uses voice recognition as a security measure to grant permission to use its (partial or all) functionality only when the user's voice is that of an approved user of the device. Can do.

  If the processor 103 determines that the device 100 is in telephone mode, the digitized audio signal can be compressed and encrypted if desired, and the D / A converter and RF signal are modulated by the audio signal. Input to the modulator. Next, the modulated RF signal is sent to the antenna 104 and transmitted outward from the apparatus 100. When the processor 103 determines that the device 100 is in the command mode, the processor 103 performs speech recognition of the digitized voice input signal using well-known speech processing techniques. The processor 103 can also include a command controller for causing a reaction operation in response to voice command reception. The device may also be coupled to a central server or server pool that provides additional processing power to the device, preferably via a wireless link. As a result, more sophisticated and computer-intensive processing can be performed without the need to increase the processing capability of the device itself.

  The received radio signal can be sent from the antenna 104 through a demodulator, an A / D converter, a decoder, and a decompressor. A digital audio signal can be extracted from the received radio signal and applied to a speaker for audio output.

  Preferably, the housing 102 also includes a low voltage power source 107 such as a rechargeable thin film battery. Such batteries are typically less than 10 microns thick and can have an open circuit of about 2 to 5 volts. The battery can be cycled thousands of times and is typically operable at any temperature up to the melting point of lithium (180 ° C.). A thin film lithium battery and its manufacturing process are described in US Pat. No. 5,895,731, entitled “Thin Film Lithium Battery and Process”. These batteries can be made either in a prismatic or cylindrical shape.

  Alternatively, the apparatus 100 can include a generator such as a micro fuel cell powered by methanol / hydrogen, a direct liquid micro ethanol fuel cell, or other similar fuel cell technology. The fuel cells described above typically flow current using hydrogen to react with oxygen. Methanol is typically used in the aforementioned fuel cells because it is known to be suitable as a fuel to carry the hydrogen required by the fuel cell. A micro fuel cell using only methanol is under development (for example, by Motorola), and it is expected that it would be advantageous to use the fuel cell described above for the display communication device of the present invention.

  To supply power to the device 100, a solar power source such as a solar cell or any photovoltaic material capable of converting sunlight into power can also be used. With the aforementioned solar power source it may be possible to operate the device with solar power alone. The use of flexible and organic photovoltaic cells is preferred. While the device is in operation, the battery can be charged with additional power generated (such as by a solar power source or a micro fuel cell). When the device is off, the entire power generated can be used to charge the battery.

  According to the present invention, a display system 106 capable of information processing can be connected to the housing 102. Display system 106, which can be electrically coupled to processor 103, can operate in a conventional mode or an information processing mode. In conventional mode, the entire display is refreshed periodically (eg, 60-100 times per second for video applications and less for graphic applications other than video). In the foregoing embodiment, conventional video processing electronics can be used to connect the display system 106 to the processor 103 (or other external video source). When the display system 106 operates in the “information processing mode”, only updated information needs to be supplied to the display. In the embodiment described above, the processor 103 can directly control the display 106. The processor 103 can take the video input, process the information to detect changes in the display image from frame to frame, and send appropriate video information to the display system 106.

  Processing power for the display system 106 may be provided by the processor 103. In the embodiment described above, the processor 103 may compare the latest received image (ie, the displayed image) with the previously received image (ie, the currently displayed image). The processor 103 can then update individual pixels 109 as needed.

  A typical application for linking a communication device according to the present invention to an external video source is to use the device in conjunction with a security system (such as that used in department stores). One or more remote cameras (i.e., cameras that are remote from the communications device) can be used to project images of each remote location. The image can be transmitted (preferably wirelessly) to the communication device. The display system 106 can then provide the communication device user with a video display including images captured at the remote location. The images can be displayed full screen and automatically updated from one camera to the next, or many of the images can be displayed simultaneously in separate windows on the display.

  Alternatively, processing power can be provided locally to each pixel 109. For example, each pixel 109 can be programmed (or initialized) to know where each pixel is located relative to other pixels in the display. A unique address code can be provided so that each pixel 109 knows what to display. Therefore, the pixel 109 of the display system 106 having information processing capability can be displayed as a node on the network. In the foregoing embodiment, the processor 103 can provide a display signal to the pixel 109. Preferably, the display signal includes an address corresponding to a specific pixel (or pixel group) and content indicating what the pixel (group) having the address should display. The pixel receives the signal and determines what to display from the signal. Also contemplated are embodiments in which the processor can provide pixels with a higher level of information. In the previous embodiment, each pixel 109 can perform calculations on higher level information to determine what is to be displayed.

  One or more thin film batteries or light-activated batteries (or some combination thereof) can be attached to the display system 106. The power system described above can be mounted on or directly attached to the back of the display so as not to interfere with the visual display on the display. For example, a flexible thin film battery or a light-activated battery can be laminated on the display. Thus, the device 100 is powered by the first power system when the display system 106 is not extended, and may provide additional power when the display system 106 is extended, The power can be received by a second power system that acts on behalf of the one power system. Examples of flexible photostartable batteries include organic, amorphous silicon, or copper indium diselenide. When the first and second power systems are provided, it is preferable that the power system attached to the display does not generate power unless the display is extended.

  In the conventional display, the driver electronic component can provide necessary information to each pixel 109 according to the brightness state. In a display capable of information processing, the pixels can be interconnected via a common data bus that carries data packets to the pixels. The data packet includes fields having values representing pixel position, color, and brightness. The data packet can give either the physical address or the logical address of the destination pixel and the brightness state of the pixel. In the foregoing embodiment, each pixel 109 may include circuitry that decodes information regarding address and brightness.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the display screen 110 can have a larger surface area than any cross section of the housing 102. As the figure shows, the display screen may generally have a generally rectangular shape, but it should be understood that the display system 106 according to the present invention is not limited by geometric factors. That is, a substrate on which a display having information processing capability is placed can take any form.

  Preferably, display 106 is a high efficiency, interactive, multimedia display system. The display 106 should emit as much brightness as possible with as little power consumption as possible, and can be a light transmissive or light reflective display. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display screen 110 has a plurality of pixels 109. Each pixel 109 has one or more light emitting elements. The pixel 109 can include an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination of organic and inorganic materials. Preferably, the light emitting element is a high efficiency organic light emitting device (OLED) using a fluorescent emitter as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,303,238B1, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. did. Fluorescent emitters such as those disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,539,507, 4,769,292, and 5,294,870 may be used. The organic layer of the OLED can include either small molecule (ie, non-polymeric and unlinked) materials or large molecule (ie, polymeric and linked) materials. The OLED may be a normal parallel OLED or a stacked (ie multi-resolution) OLED (SOLED). A TOLED that is either a transparent OLED or a top emission OLED may be used. An example of TOLED is described in US Pat. No. 5,703,436, the contents of which are described herein for reference. Examples of SOLEDs are described in US Pat. No. 5,707,745, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  OLED devices are generally (but not always) for emitting light through at least one of the electrodes, and one or more transparent electrodes may be useful in organic optoelectronic devices. For example, a transparent electrode material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) may be used as the lower electrode. Transparent top emission electrodes, such as those disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,703,436 and 5,707,745, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, may also be used. For devices made to emit light only through the lower electrode, the upper electrode need not be transparent, but may be a thick, reflective metal layer with high conductivity. Similarly, for devices made to emit only through the upper electrode, the lower electrode may be opaque and / or reflective. In places where the electrode does not need to be transparent, better conductivity may be obtained by using a thicker layer, by using a reflective electrode and reflecting light back toward the transparent electrode. , The amount of light emitted through the other electrode may increase. Both electrodes may be made transparent and completely transparent. Side-emitting OLEDs may be made, and one or both electrodes may be opaque or reflective in the devices described above.

  The anode may be any suitable anode that has sufficient conductivity to propagate holes to the organic layer. Preferred anode materials include conductive metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc tin oxide (ZnTO), and metals. The anode (and substrate) need only be sufficiently transparent to create a bottom light emitting device. A preferred transparent substrate and anode combination is a glass or plastic (substrate) with commercially available ITO (anode) attached. US Pat. No. 5,844,363, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a flexible and transparent substrate and anode combination. The anode may be opaque and / or reflective. In some top-emitting devices, a reflective anode may be preferred to increase the amount of light emitted from the top of the device. The anode material and thickness may be selected to obtain desirable conductivity and engineering properties. If the anode is transparent, there may be a range of specific material thicknesses that are thick enough to provide the desired conductivity and thin enough to provide the desired transparency. Other anode materials and structures may be used.

  The substrate to which the OLED is attached may be any suitable substrate that provides the desired structural properties. The substrate may be flexible or hard. Examples of preferred hard substrate materials include plastic and glass. Examples of preferred flexible substrate materials include plastic and metal foil. The substrate may be a semiconductor material, which is advantageous for circuit fabrication. For example, a circuit can be made on a silicon wafer substrate in such a way as to control an OLED that is subsequently attached to the substrate. Other substrates may be used. To obtain the desired structural and optical properties, the substrate material and thickness may be chosen.

  The display system 106 may include a removable protective layer that is deposited over the display screen to provide mechanical and environmental protection. Preferably, the protective layer is made of a thin transparent material such as plastic and can be easily replaced. Therefore, the above-mentioned protective layer can be made disposable.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the display 106 is retractable. That is, the display 106 can be formed on a substrate that can be stored, and can be connected to the housing 102 in such a manner that the display 106 can be pushed into and pulled out of the housing 102. FIG. 3A shows the display 106 fully retracted. FIG. 3B shows the display 106 partially extended. FIG. 3C shows the display 106 in a fully extended state. It is possible to make the display substrate using a high-performance material that is flexible when the display 106 is housed but hard when the display 106 is pulled out.

Using a thin film deposition process, pixels can be stacked on a stowable substrate to create a stowable display. The display 106 is preferably made on a flexible substrate such as plastic or thin metal foil.

An active matrix backplane compatible with a plastic substrate can be made and laminated to the flexible substrate. Then, a pixel can be stacked thereon. While an active matrix display is preferred, it should be understood that a passive matrix display may be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Active matrix displays typically use transistors to keep the diodes on or off. Passive matrix displays, on the other hand, pass current through a diode at a specific refresh rate to maintain the image.

  There are various reasons why OLED display technology is preferred for use on the aforementioned flexible substrates, among others, the substrate temperature during deposition is very low and the brightness at low power levels is strong. For example, small molecule OLEDs as described in US Pat. No. 5,844,363 can be used. In order to prevent moisture and oxygen from penetrating through the plastic film and degrading the performance of the OLED, encapsulation is performed by a method as disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 5,771,562. preferable.

  Flexible liquid crystals or field emission displays can also be used. For example, the flexible OLED backlight can be used to illuminate the flexible LCD, and the flexible LCD can be illuminated from behind. In addition, flexible electrophoretic display media such as “electronic ink” processed into a film for incorporation into an electronic display can be used (“electronic ink” is a proprietary product of E Ink Corporation).

  The display 106 can be shaped as a flexible display that can be wrapped around the rod 113, for example as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. The user can extend the display 106 simply by winding the display 106 off the rod 113 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). The user can house the display 106 simply by winding the display 106 around the rod 113 (see FIG. 2C).

  In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the rod 113 is attached to the inside of the housing 102. In the above-described embodiment, one end or both ends of the rod 113 can be rotationally connected to the inner end of the housing 102. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2B and 2C, the rod 113 is attached to the exterior of the housing 102. In the above-described embodiment, the rod 113 can be rotationally coupled to each of the one or more coupling portions 117. Each connecting portion 117 can be attached to the housing 102 (fixed or rotational). The rod 113 can be fixedly or rotationally connected to each of the one or more connecting portions 117. Display 106 can include an interface 119 for physically coupling display 106 to rod 113. Interface 119 can also provide a way to communicate electrical information between display 106 and the rest of device 100.

  In yet another embodiment, the display 106 can be wrapped around the housing 102. As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the display 106 can include an interface 120 for physically coupling the display 106 to the housing 102. The interface 120 can also provide a way to communicate electrical information between the display 106 and the rest of the device 100. The user can extend the display 106 only by pulling the display 106 out of the housing 102 (see FIG. 2D). The user can store the display 106 simply by winding the display 106 around the housing 102 (see FIG. 2E).

Display 106, preferably assembled in a material which can make a display with a smaller radius of curvature as possible. For example, as described above, the display 106 can be housed in a casing 102 that is about the same size as a normal pen or pointer, or can be wrapped around a rod connected to the casing. Can have enough thinness and flexibility. For example, the substrate should be thin enough to have the smallest possible cross-section (a plane perpendicular to the length of the rod), for example when the display is housed in the housing. It is. Similarly, the components that are attached to the substrate, such that sufficiently small radius of curvature sufficiently small, should be sufficiently flexible. OLED technology is preferred because the feasible pixel size (eg, so-called “nanopixels”) is very small.

  Preferably, the display 106 is automatically retractable (just like a tape measure). For example, by applying tension to the rod 113 like a tape measure tape, the display 106 can be automatically wound around the rod 113 unless the display 106 is fixed in an extended state. The display 106 can also include an auto-fix feature that automatically operates when the display 106 is fully extended. By releasing the fixing mechanism while the display 106 is fixed, the user can wind the display 106 around the rod 113 or the casing 102. For example, the locking mechanism may be a latch that can be set at any point, or a latch that can be set automatically when the display 106 is fully extended, or set at any of a number of points where the display 106 is extended. Is mentioned. The display 106 can include an automatic storage button 111 that stores the display 106 when pressed. For example, in the embodiment in which the display 106 is wound around the rod 113, the rod 113 is rotated by the automatic storage button 111, and the display 106 can be wound around the rod 113. Further, the fixing mechanism is released by the automatic storage button, and the display can be wound around the rod 113 or the housing 102. The device 100 can also include a motor (not shown) for rolling the display 106 into and out of the rod 113 or housing 102. The motor preferably has a size and shape that can be stored in the housing 102.

  The processor 103 extracts display data from the input radio signal, and provides the display 106 with a display of the display data. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication protocol between the communication device 100 and the external device enables a significant reduction in the required communication bandwidth compared to current communication protocols. For example, in a system according to the present invention, it is not necessary to continuously transmit information for all pixels 109. Rather, each pixel 109 is provided with sufficient “intelligence” to determine what is expected to be displayed based on the higher level information provided via communication from the outside world. Further, the display 106 is updated by changing only those pixels 109 that need to change as the image changes. However, for backward compatibility, the device 100 preferably includes the ability to operate using existing protocols (ie interpreting old protocols to new protocols).

  The display communication device 100 can also include a memory 105 that can be included in the housing 102 or embedded in the display 106. Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 can include a removable memory, such as a memory card, and a small drive for reading and writing to the memory card. The memory can be used for temporary or permanent storage of voice, video, or other data that is received, transmitted, or used while the communication device 100 is in operation. Such memories include, for example, multi-mode memory cards or “memory sticks” that contain logic that provides multiple functions that serve as an interface between the communication device and different external devices.

  Such memory can also reduce the bandwidth required between the display system 106 and external devices by storing information about the current display. As a result, the processor 103 can send out only information for updating the display 106. In a preferred embodiment of a display with information processing capabilities, the display system 106 may include a separate memory for each pixel 109. Basic memory cells such as a few transistors can be used to provide the necessary memory. The use of a few transistors at each pixel 109 reduces or eliminates the need to keep moving information from the outside to the pixel at all times. Alternatively, an external chip can be used to facilitate communication between pixel memories.

  The memory can be implemented as a large area electronic backplane, such as an active matrix display. For example, a pixel matrix can be overlaid on the backplane so that multiple transistors are associated with each pixel. Currently, the display backplane is assembled first, and then the light emitting element is attached thereto. Typically, the display backplane includes electronic components. In a display system with information processing capabilities according to the present invention, additional electronic components can be added for pixel specific memory. Amorphous silicon, polysilicon, organic thin film technology (TFT), or other TFTs are preferably used. Processing and logic can also be incorporated into the large area electronic backplane described above.

  It is preferable that the display communication apparatus 100 of the present invention can be voice activated. For example, a user may wish to display an email or flight schedule, zoom in on an image, or move an image from one location to another. For example, a user who wants to display his / her e-mail can instruct the device to display e-mail by simply speaking a command such as “display e-mail” to the microphone. The processor 103 determines that the input voice is a voice command (not part of a telephone conversation). The processor 103 includes logic that receives, interprets and reacts accordingly to voice commands. For example, the processor 103 can read out the user's email from the user's email box and store it in the memory 105 of the communication device 100. Alternatively, the processor 103 can initiate an internet connection to read the user's email. In any case, the processor 103 can display the user's email on the display 106 as a result of the user's voice activation command. In general, any function that can be performed by the device 100 can be performed by using voice activated technology for the device 100. Further, voice activation may be used to set the display device 106 to active. For example, when the user speaks “call”, the telephone keypad 132 is displayed by automatic setting of the display device 106, and when the user speaks “type email”, the keyboard 134 is displayed. Automatic setting is started by an engagement means arranged in the device 100 or the display device 106.

  The display 106 can have a display frame 115 that can include a microphone 121, a speaker 123, and a digital imager 125 as shown. The imager 125 can include a thin film device that is embedded in or embedded in the display screen 110. Imagers 125 of organic or small molecule polymers or hybrid inorganic detectors are possible. For example, each pixel 109 (or group of pixels) can have a sensing element that receives light within its display field. Alternatively, the entire display screen 110 can be made into a video transmission / reception complex machine using a large area image technology that can be implemented in software as a part of the imager 125. In another embodiment of the present invention, imager 125 is separated from display screen 110. For example, the imager 125 can be embedded or attached to the display frame or device housing 102. In a preferred embodiment, the imager 125 is a thin film device that is sufficiently thin and sufficiently flexible so as not to affect the retractable nature of the display 106. The imager can produce digital data corresponding to still photos or videos. The digital data can be stored in memory (either a fixed memory in the housing 102 or a removable memory card) and later read and displayed. In this context, the device 100 can act like a digital camera or a video camera.

  A display communication device including the aforementioned digital imager can be used, for example, for gesture tracking. The aforementioned device can capture an image of a user's gesture. The series of images described above can then be compared to a specific known command (the mapping for which is stored in the device's memory or some remote memory location). For example, an emergency user may have made a series of gestures that are interpreted to indicate the user's current location. The device can capture a sequence of images and interpret the sequence as a message containing the user's location. Gesture tracking techniques and the software that implements them are well known in the art.

  The display 106 can include a speaker 123 when it is desired to obtain a stereo effect. When the display 106 is housed, the speaker 108 in the housing 102 provides output sound. However, when the display 106 is extended, the speaker 123 on the display 106 is automatically activated. As with the video imager, the speaker 123 is preferably a thin film speaker that is sufficiently thin and sufficiently flexible so as not to affect the storable nature of the display 106.

  Preferably, the display system 106 includes a touch reaction screen 110. In the touch response screen, components can be added within the screen itself or overlaid on the screen 110 so that the device 100 can detect the presence and location of any touch input. For example, a user can use the aforementioned touch response screen in conjunction with a stylus (or a user's finger) to write on the screen. The screen can detect the touch of the stylus and display a contrast color (or gray scale) where the stylus touches the screen. In addition, the display system 106 can detect the writing and communicate coordinate data corresponding to the “touched” pixel to the processor 103. The processor then functions to transmit the coordinate data to the far end communication device. The far end device can then process the received coordinate data and display the same writing on the screen as that displayed on the user's screen. Therefore, the device can be used as an “electronic pen” that can transmit information written by the user of the device through the device to the far-end device from the user's device.

  Similarly, a set of several communication devices according to the present invention are linked in a communicable manner and used as a “team tool” that allows a group of users of the several devices to share information within the group Can do. In the first setting of the above settings, the communication output from any device included in the set can be provided to the other devices in the set, respectively, so that each user experiences the same information on their own device. Alternatively, each device included in the set can be connected in a communicable manner to a single display, so that communication output from any device is provided to the display. The device preferably has a function of providing a three-dimensional image that moves in real time. For example, holographic images can be provided for video conferencing. The aforementioned devices can also include video game software.

  The touch response screen also allows the display system 106 to detect and process touch commands entered by the user. This information can be used, for example, to activate a switch displayed on the screen 110 or to highlight a specific point on the display 106 (eg, as a zoom reference point).

  The device 100 also provides fingerprint recognition (also a thumb fingerprint) as a security measure to allow access to (part or all of) its functionality only when the device 100 detects the user's fingerprint as an authorized user's fingerprint. Included). For the foregoing purposes, the device may include a receptor (on the housing or the display system) that scans a user's fingerprint. The receptor communicates the fingerprint pattern to the processor including a process of comparing the fingerprint pattern with one or more fingerprint patterns stored in memory. If one of the stored patterns matches the fingerprint pattern, the user is approved and the functionality (or safety functionality) of the device is possible.

  Similarly, the device may be used as a security measure to allow access to (part or all) of its functionality only when the device 100 detects the user's eye as an approved user's eye. Eyeprint recognition by, for example, can be included. For the foregoing purposes, the device may include a receptor that scans the user's eyeprint (on the housing or the display system). The receptor communicates the eyeprint pattern to the processor including a process of comparing the eyeprint pattern with one or more eyeprint patterns stored in memory. If one of the stored patterns matches the eyeprint pattern, the user is approved and the functionality (or safety functionality) of the device is possible.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a display communication device 100 having a touch-sensitive display 106 with a telephone keypad 132 according to the present invention. The user can use the telephone keypad 132 on the display 106 in the same manner as using a normal telephone telephone keypad button. The display system 106 detects the contact of the user, determines where the touched part is on the screen, and transmits a display indicating the part of the screen touched by the user to the processor 103. For example, each pixel can be assigned a coordinate (eg, in the x, y plane). When the user touches the display screen, the display system detects that a particular pixel has been touched and communicates the corresponding coordinates to the processor. Depending on which part of the screen the user has touched, the processor 103 processes the aforementioned touch commands. For example, if the screen is currently displaying telephone keypad buttons, the processor can be programmed to begin making calls to “contacted” field numbers.

  Similarly, FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of a display communication device 100 according to the present invention having a touch-sensitive display 106 with a keyboard 134, such as found on a PDA or pager. The user can use the screen 110 as a keyboard for Internet connection, e-mail communication, pager call, and the like. Again, the display system 106 detects user contact, determines where on the screen the portion touched by the user, and communicates to the processor 103 a display indicating the portion of the screen touched by the user. Depending on which part of the screen the user has touched, the processor 103 processes the aforementioned touch commands.

  FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of a display communication device according to the present invention having a display screen 110 capable of displaying an entire web page. Preferably, display screen 110 is a full color display and is sized and shaped to display the web page in a visually preferred format. The device can include browser software that allows a user to browse the Internet and download the web page. As the download technology, for example, an applet or a Java (registered trademark) base can be used, and any other download technology can be used.

  Preferably, the display system 106 can display multiple images on the display screen 110. That is, the display system 106 can provide a type of split screen display as downloaded from a website, or can provide multiple active portions simultaneously. For example, the display screen 110 may include a first sub-display (or window) that displays a web page downloaded by the user from the Internet and a second sub-display (or window) that displays the user's email. it can. Users can move from window to window and have alternating Internet and email interaction. Therefore, a plurality of functions can be performed simultaneously using the display communication device 100 according to the present invention.

  Preferably, the display system 106 has an automatic setting capability. In one setting, the sub-display can change the gray scale by changing the number of 16 pixels that are on (or off) at a given time. The display itself can be reconfigured depending on whether it is resolution or gray scale based on the needs of the image to be displayed. That is, the sub-display itself can be reset based on whether the current display is desired to be more accurate grayscale or higher resolution. For example, for a specific image, four gray levels may be sufficient, but higher resolution may be desirable. In the aforementioned application, the 4x4 sub-display can reconfigure itself as a sub-display with four gray levels in each of the four 2x2 sub-displays. Similarly, four 4x4 sub-displays work together to form an 8x8 display with 64 gray levels, but with reduced resolution.

  In one embodiment, the display can include bistable pixels. Bistable pixels operate in binary mode (ie, each pixel is either on or off) and remain in their current state unless instructed to change. The pixels can include TFTs or other electrical components that can be connected to provide memory. The TFT can be used to create a normal memory element that stores data such as the location or brightness of the associated pixel. If the information displayed on the display does not need to change the brightness state of any particular pixel, there is no information that needs to be given to that pixel and the internal local memory is the pixel memory. The brightness information stored in can be maintained. The local memory can provide the pixel circuit with information necessary to control the brightness of the pixel.

  The bistable pixel can include an organic or inorganic photodetector as part of the bistable circuit. Furthermore, the bistable pixels can be made using purely electrical feedback. An example of a bistable pixel for use in the aforementioned display is a US patent application entitled “Organic Photonic Integrated Circuit Using Organic Photodetector and Transparent Organic Light-Emitting Device”. No. 10 / 219,760, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  In the aforementioned display, grayscale can be achieved by defining each pixel as a group of subpixels (eg, 4, 8, 16, or 64) and turning on or off the appropriate number of subpixels. Thus, it is possible to use the display at the maximum resolution where each pixel is either on or off, or at a lower resolution where each pixel displays grayscale information.

  In a color display, each pixel can include three sub-pixels (each primary color: red, blue, green). As shown in FIG. 9A, the pixels 90 can be arranged in a 1 × 3 matrix of subpixels 92R, 92G, 92B. That is, the three color sub-pixels 92R, 92G, and 92B can be linearly arranged. Thus, each subpixel 92R, 92G, 92B of display 106 uses three times the number of column lines, and the same row as if each pixel 90 had a single address (eg, as a monochrome display). You can address using the number of lines.

  Another well-known pixel arrangement is the so-called quad green architecture. In this embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, pixel 90 includes a second green subpixel 94G in addition to another primary color subpixel 92R, 92B, 92G. As shown in the figure, the sub-pixels 92 and 94 are arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix. Thus, each sub-pixel 92, 94 of the display 106 can be addressed with twice the number of row lines and twice the number of column lines as if each pixel 90 had one address.

  In general, it will be preferable for the display 106 to look as good as possible. However, there are applications where it is desirable for the human naked eye not to be able to see the display 106 (note that there is an area after the there). In order to enable the aforementioned applications, the display system 106 also includes infrared (IR) pixels for making the display 106 visible only at night using an infrared sensing device such as night vision goggles. Use can be included. The display system 106 has a pixel architecture that includes four sub-pixels, eg, one green 92G, one red 92R, one blue 92B, and one infrared 92I, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, for example. Can be included. In the above-described embodiment, in order to power all the sub-pixels at all times, or to reduce power consumption, when only color sub-pixels 92G, 92R and 92B are powered and color is not desired when color is desired In addition, power can be supplied only to the infrared sub-pixel 92I. As shown in FIG. 9C, the sub-pixels 92 and 94 can be arranged linearly, or as shown in FIG. 9D, the sub-pixels 92 and 94 can be arranged in a 2 × 2 matrix.

  Also, the display system 106 according to the present invention can be detached from the housing 102 and any number of external devices such as mobile phones, laptops or personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Internet appliances, televisions and the like. Consider allowing them to be linked together or connected in a removable form. In this regard, the display system 106 can be directly or remotely coupled between the display system 106 and the external device to any type of external device that allows the transfer of information. Examples of wireless connections that can be used for this purpose include, without limitation, wireless, optical, infrared, or other such communication carriers. Display system 106 is adapted to identify and respond accordingly to external devices with which display system 106 communicates in the implementation described above. For example, a display system user with information processing capabilities according to the present invention can connect the display system 106 to a cellular phone (or other such external device). Accordingly, since the display system 106 after connection assumes attribution to the display included in the external device, a display superior to the display included in the external device can be provided.

  In these cases, the display system 106 recognizes the characteristics of the connected system display. For example, if the display system 106 is connected to a cellular phone, the display system 106 can determine, for example, resolution and grayscale content. The display system 106 then adjusts the cell phone image to display each pixel of the cell phone display so that it is properly displayed at a different size. Can be mapped to. Alternatively, if a larger image or a higher resolution image is desired, each pixel from the cellular phone can be mapped onto a number of pixels of the display system 106.

  Similarly, the display can be connected to the housing in a detachable manner so that any number of displays can be connected to the housing at any given time. For example, the user of the device wants to use a particular display (eg, having the first display resolution) under certain circumstances, but uses a different display (with better resolution) under different circumstances. There may be things you want to do.

  The display communication device 100 can also include position finding capabilities such as global positioning. For example, the antenna 104 can receive a global positioning signal from one or more global positioning satellites. The processor 103 can then determine the position of the device 100 from the global positioning signal. The processor 103 can send data to the display system 106 so that the display system 106 can generate a visual representation of the position of the device 100 based on the received global positioning signal.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a display communication device 100 that includes a display system extension 140 in accordance with the present invention. As the figure shows, the display extension can also be stored. Preferably, the display system extension 140 includes a retractable display screen extension 144. Display screen extension 144 can be made in connection with display system 106 as described above. Preferably, the display screen extension 144 can be wrapped around a rod contained in the extension housing 142 (not shown). Thus, the display communication device 100 having the display system extension 140 can take the form of a “pen and pencil” set.

  Display system 106 and display system extension 140 are coupled to each other via display extension interface 146. When display system extension 140 is coupled to display system 106, device 100 detects the presence of display system extension 140. Thereafter, the processor 103 can provide display data to both the display system 106 and the display system extension 140. For example, the display data bus can be extended through the display system 106 and completed at the display extension interface 146. Similarly, the display system extension 140 can include a display data bus that also completes with a display extension interface. Thus, the processor can communicate display data to both the display system 106 and the display system extension 140 via a common bus. Display extension 140 may also include additional memory.

  Information input to and output from the device can be accomplished by the extendable display system described above and a low information display system disposed on the exterior surface of the housing 100. The display system can be coupled to the processor 103 in a communicable manner and can be sized and shaped to display phone numbers, names, and the like.

  The device 100 can also be connected in a removable manner to a user's headset, glasses or a micro display that can be incorporated into a wrist wearable device such as a wristwatch, Thereby, higher privacy is given to the user using the device. The apparatus 100 can also be connected to a vehicle head-up display (HUD) or a transparent organic light emitting device (TOLED) display, for example to display information on the vehicle windshield.

  The apparatus can also include a keypad disposed on the housing. The keypad can be communicatively coupled to the processor 103 and can be sized and shaped to allow the user to enter phone numbers, text, data, etc. (possibly using a pin or pencil tip). . Thus, the device can be operated without extending the main display system 106. Similarly, the device 100 can be coupled to an external input or output device such as a keyboard, mouse, display, etc. in any way that communicates information directly or remotely between the display system 101 and the external input or output device. .

  It is also expected that the device will be used as a remote control device for lighting, stereo, television, electrical appliances and the like. Preferably, the device controls the external device by programming the device (either pre-programmed or programmed by the user) and the user pressing the appropriate button on the device. Is infrared and can carry the appropriate signal.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the communication device can also include a stowable housing. Using any of the techniques described above, the display is connected to the exterior of the housing and wrapped around a rod or the housing itself, or the display is housed in the housing and the housing is The display can be coupled to the interior of the housing to wrap around itself.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the display system 206 can be incorporated into or on a housing 202 that can be housed. In the embodiment described above, the apparatus 200 can be similar to a conventional PDA, for example, as shown in FIG. 10A. However, according to the present invention, both the housing 202 and the display 206 can be stored, and the user can wrap the entire apparatus 200 (see FIG. 10B).

  As shown in FIGS. 10C to 10E, the communication device 210 can be stored in a housing 212 and at least partially stored in the housing 212 (see FIGS. 10C and 10D) or extended from the housing 212 (see FIG. 10E). And a retractable display 216 that can be stored. A retractable display 216 is connected via a rod 213 that can be rotationally coupled to the interior of the housing (see FIGS. 10C-10E) or the exterior of the housing (eg, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C). , And can be connected to a housing 212 that can be stored.

  As shown in FIG. 10C, the housing 212 can be housed with a display 216 that is at least partially stored in the housing 212. Although the housing 212 can be expanded as FIG. 10D shows, the display 216 remains at least partially within the housing 212. Next, the display 216 can be pulled out of the housing 212 as shown in FIG. 10E.

  As shown in FIG. 10F, the communication device 220 can include a stowable casing 222 and a stowable display 226 attached to the stowable casing 222, and can be stowed with the stowable display 226. The casings 222 can be wound separately.

  The foregoing has described an interactive, low power, packable, multimedia display system with information processing capabilities for use as a handheld portable communications device. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that various modifications and improvements can be made to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and that such modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. I will. Accordingly, all such equivalent variations are considered to be covered by the appended claims as falling within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
1A-1C show a typical handheld communication device found in the prior art with a relatively small display integrated into each housing. 1A-1C show a typical handheld communication device found in the prior art with a relatively small display integrated into each housing. 1A-1C show a typical handheld communication device found in the prior art with a relatively small display integrated into each housing. 2A-2E show a preferred embodiment of a multimedia display communication device with information processing capabilities according to the present invention. 2A-2E show a preferred embodiment of a multimedia display communication device with information processing capabilities according to the present invention. 2A-2E show a preferred embodiment of a multimedia display communication device with information processing capabilities according to the present invention. 2A-2E show a preferred embodiment of a multimedia display communication device with information processing capabilities according to the present invention. 2A-2E show a preferred embodiment of a multimedia display communication device with information processing capabilities according to the present invention. 3A-3C show a preferred embodiment of a display communication device according to the present invention having a retractable display. 3A-3C show a preferred embodiment of a display communication device according to the present invention having a retractable display. 3A-3C show a preferred embodiment of a display communication device according to the present invention having a retractable display. FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a display communication device according to the present invention having a touch sensitive display with a telephone keypad. FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of a display communication device according to the present invention having a touch-sensitive display with a keyboard. FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of a display communication device according to the present invention having a full color display capable of displaying an entire web page. FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of a display communication device according to the present invention with a display extension. FIG. 8 shows a carrying case for holding a display communication device according to the present invention. Figures 9A-9D illustrate alternative embodiments of pixels that can be used in a display according to the present invention. Figures 9A-9D illustrate alternative embodiments of pixels that can be used in a display according to the present invention. Figures 9A-9D illustrate alternative embodiments of pixels that can be used in a display according to the present invention. Figures 9A-9D illustrate alternative embodiments of pixels that can be used in a display according to the present invention. 10A-10F show an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a stowable housing. 10A-10F show an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a stowable housing. 10A-10F show an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a stowable housing. 10A-10F show an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a stowable housing. 10A-10F show an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a stowable housing. 10A-10F show an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a stowable housing.

Claims (48)

A device,
A housing,
Means for receiving a communication input signal;
A flexible display for providing an image display based on the communication input signal,
The housing has a diameter of about 1 inch,
The casing has a rod that is connected to an outer or inner portion of the casing and on which the flexible disk can be wound.
The flexible display is
(A) a flexible substrate,
(B) an active matrix backplane which is laminated on the substrate,
(C) the plurality of organic light emitting device is a thin film deposited active matrix backplane (organic light emitting devices: OLEDs) and
Having
The flexible display is capable of being wound around a complete turn more than once,
The flexible display is connected to the housing and can be wound and housed inside the housing, and an image display area of the display is a cross-sectional area in any direction of the housing A device characterized by being larger than.   2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the radius of curvature when the flexible display is wound is sufficiently small to allow the flexible display to wind around the rod. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
It has a processor designed to extract data for display on the display from the communication input signal and provide the display with the display data to the flexible display.   4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processor is included in the housing. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible display has a function of receiving user input data, and the apparatus further includes:
It has means for transmitting a communication output signal based on user input data. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
A first power source is attached to the flexible display.   7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first power source includes a thin film battery.   7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first power source includes a photovoltaic cell.   7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first power source includes a fuel cell.   The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the housing includes a second power source.   11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first power source and the second power source includes a thin film battery.   11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first power source and the second power source includes a photovoltaic cell.   11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first power source and the second power source includes a fuel cell. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
It has a removable transparent material disposed on the surface of the flexible display.   15. The device of claim 14, wherein the removable transparent layer comprises a plastic film.   2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display comprises pixels and the pixels comprise infrared subpixels.   17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the pixels have color sub-pixels.   18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pixels have red, green, blue and infrared subpixels arranged in a straight line.   18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pixels have red, green, blue and infrared subpixels arranged in a 2x2 matrix. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
Means for receiving a global positioning signal. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
A keypad disposed on an outer surface of the housing; The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
It has a 2nd display arrange | positioned on the outer surface of the said housing | casing. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
It has an electrical interface for receiving user input signals from an external user input device. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising:
A mechanical interface for connecting the external user input device to the display communication device; The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
It has an electrical interface for providing a display signal to an external display. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising:
A mechanical interface for connecting the external display to the display communication device; The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
Means for attaching the flexible display to the casing is provided so that the display can be wound around the casing.   28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the flexible display is a flexible display. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
A fan included in the housing is included. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
Means for performing fingerprint recognition of the user of the device. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
The apparatus has means for recognizing a user's eyeprint (eyeprint). The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
Means for processing an encrypted communication input signal is provided. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
The antenna has an antenna connected to an outer portion of the casing. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
The antenna has an antenna connected to an inner portion of the casing. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
It has an antenna interface for connecting the device to an external antenna.   2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display comprises a plurality of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs).   38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the display comprises a plurality of fluorescent OLEDs.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display comprises a plurality of transparent organic light emitting devices.   2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the display comprises a plurality of top light emitting organic light emitting devices.   2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display comprises a plurality of encapsulated organic light emitting devices. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
A video imager integrated in the housing;   29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the display is made on a flexible substrate.   43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the flexible substrate comprises plastic.   43. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the flexible substrate has a metal foil. A device,
A housing having a diameter of about 1 inch and having a rod connected to an outer or inner portion thereof ;
Coupled to said housing, a flexible display having a screen surface area greater than the cross-sectional area of either direction of the housing,
The flexible display can be wound around the housing , and has a function of receiving user input data.
The flexible display is
(A) a flexible substrate,
(B) an active matrix backplane which is laminated on the substrate,
(C) a plurality of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) , which are thin films stacked on the active matrix backplane ,
The flexible display is capable of being wound around a complete turn more than once, a flexible display;
Means for transmitting a communication output signal based on the input data of the user;
Having a device.   46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the display includes a display screen that is responsive to touch.   46. The device of claim 45, wherein the display includes a fingerprint sensor for detecting a fingerprint of a user of the device.   46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the display includes a display screen that is responsive to voice.

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