WO2022132370A1

WO2022132370A1 - Foldable-display device with multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions

Info

Publication number: WO2022132370A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/059750
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sangmoo Choi; Taesung Kim; Jungmin Han
Original assignee: Google Llc
Priority date: 2020-12-16
Filing date: 2021-11-17
Publication date: 2022-06-23

Abstract

This document describes techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions, including an internal display and an external display. The multiple display portions are spaced apart by one or more bend regions. The bend regions may include one or more static or dynamic bends. In aspects, a static bend region includes a static bend that fixes a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display. The internal display and the external display are configured to be driven by data signals from the same display driver and control circuit. Such foldable-display devices may conserve power, may be less expensive to produce, or may be more durable.

Description

FOLDABLE-DISPLAY DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE DISPLAY PORTIONS

SPACED APART BY BEND REGIONS

BACKGROUND

[0001] Many computing devices, such as smartphones, wearable computers, and tablets, include a foldable-display device. These foldable-display devices may include multiple displays, for example, an internal display and an external display. These devices often fold open to create a combined viewing area with the displays adjacent each other and configured to fold closed to reduce their physical presence. These computing devices can also include a processor that outputs data signals to a demultiplexing circuit. The demultiplexing circuit divides the received data signals and provides a divided data signal to each display of the foldable-display device. In the case of a foldable- display device that has an internal display and an external display, the received data signal may be divided into two separate data signals, with each of the data signals provided to a separate control circuit including a separate display driver, each control circuit for driving a respective one of the internal and external displays. Foldable-display devices with separate internal and external displays that rely on multiple control circuits have complicated architectures and signal connections, which can result in increased power requirements for the computing device. Additionally, the implementation of such systems requires the inclusion of additional hardware components, thereby increasing manufacturing costs.

SUMMARY

[0002] This document describes techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions, including an internal display and an external display. The multiple display portions are spaced apart by one or more bend regions. The bend regions may include one or more static or dynamic bends. A static bend in a static bend region fixes a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display. The internal display and the external display are configured to be driven by data signals received from the same control circuit. Such foldable-display devices may conserve power, may be less expensive to produce, or may be more durable relative to foldable-display devices with separate internal and external displays that rely on multiple control circuits.

[0003] An example system includes a foldable-display device having a display with a static bend and a dynamic bend. The display may be a flexible display. The foldable-display device has a substrate and a display panel provided on the substrate, with an array of light-emitting elements and a display backplane configured to drive the light-emitting elements. The display panel defines an internal display, an external display, and a static bend in a static bend region located therebetween. The internal display defines a first display portion, a second display portion, and a dynamic bend in a dynamic bend region between the first and second display portions. The dynamic bend is configured to enable the first display portion to be selectively positioned about the dynamic bend relative to the second display portion. The internal display includes a main display surface defined in a first plane, and the external display includes a supplemental display surface defined in a second plane. The static bend fixes a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display so that the main display surface and the supplemental display surface are positioned spaced apart relative to one another, with the first plane generally parallel to the second plane. The internal display and the external display are configured to be driven by data signals from the same control circuit.

[0004] Another example system includes a foldable-display device having a display with a static bend and a dynamic bend. The display may be a flexible display. The foldable-display device has a layered structure, which includes a display panel layer (the display panel) having the array of light-emitting elements (a pixel layer) and the display backplane (a display backplane layer) configured to drive the light-emitting elements. The display backplane layer of the display panel may be disposed on a substrate. A backing layer may be provided for protecting the substrate, and one or more of a polarizer layer, touch sensor layer, or a cover layer may attach to the pixel layer of the display panel. The display panel defines an internal display, an external display, and a static bend in a static bend region located therebetween. The internal display defines a first display portion connected with a second display portion at a dynamic bend in a dynamic bend region between the first and second display portions. The first display portion is located between the static bend region and the dynamic bend region. The dynamic bend defines a central axis. The foldable-display device is configured to bend around the central axis to form the dynamic bend in the dynamic bend region. The dynamic bend is configured to enable the first display portion to be selectively positioned about the dynamic bend region relative to the second display portion. The static bend fixes a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display. The internal display defines a main display surface in a first plane, and the external display defines a supplemental display surface in a second plane. A radius of the static bend is defined so that the main display surface and the supplemental display surface are positioned spaced apart relative to one another, with the first plane generally parallel to the second plane. The internal display and the external display are configured to be driven by data signals from the same control circuit.

[0005] In the examples herein, reference to a display panel may refer to a single, contiguous display panel such that the internal display and the external display are provided on the single contiguous panel.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts for techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions, which are further described below in the Detailed Description and Drawings. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The details of one or more aspects of techniques and systems directed to foldable- display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions are described in this document with reference to the following drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. In the Figures:

Fig. 1 illustrates an example computing device having a foldable-display device in which techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions can be implemented;

Fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of a first example foldable-display device in which disclosed techniques and systems can be implemented;

Fig. 2B is a left side view of the foldable-display device of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2C is a top perspective view of the foldable-display device of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2D is a partial, enlarged view of the foldable-display device illustrated in Fig. 2C;

Fig. 2E is a bottom perspective view of the foldable-display device of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3A is a top perspective view of a second example foldable-display device in which disclosed techniques and systems can be implemented, illustrated in a partially folded configuration;

Fig. 3B is a left side view of the foldable-display device of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 3C is a top perspective view of the foldable-display device of Fig. 3 A, illustrated in a flat configuration;

Fig. 3D is a top perspective view of the foldable-display device of Fig. 3 A, illustrated in a Z-shaped configuration;

Fig. 3E is a top perspective view of the foldable-display device of Fig. 3 A, illustrated in a computing device;

Fig. 3F is a bottom perspective view of the foldable-display device of Fig. 3E; Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a third example foldable-display device in which disclosed techniques and systems can be implemented; and

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a fourth example foldable-display device in which disclosed techniques and systems could be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

[0008] This document describes techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions, including an internal display and an external display. The multiple display portions are spaced apart by one or more bend regions. The bend regions may include one or more static or dynamic bends. In aspects, a static bend region includes a static bend that fixes a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display. The internal display and the external display are configured to be driven by data signals from the same control circuit. The techniques and systems enable the manufacture and use of foldable-display devices for computing devices that, in some cases, conserve power, reduce manufacturing costs, or are more durable.

[0009] For example, a foldable-display device for a smartphone may include a flexible substrate and a flexible display panel provided on the flexible substrate. The foldable-display device having a display with a static bend and a dynamic bend. The display or portions of the display may be flexible. The foldable-display device may have a layered structure, which includes a display panel layer (the display panel) having the array of light-emitting elements (a pixel layer) and the display backplane (a display backplane layer) configured to drive the light-emitting elements. The display backplane layer of the display panel may be disposed on a substrate. Abacking layer may be provided for protecting the substrate, and one or more of a polarizer layer, touch sensor layer, or a cover layer may attach to the pixel layer of the display panel. The display panel defines an internal display, an external display, and a static bend in a static bend region located therebetween. The internal display defines a first display portion connected with a second display portion at a dynamic bend in a dynamic bend region between the first and second display portions. The first display portion is located between the static bend region and the dynamic bend region. The dynamic bend defines a central axis. The foldable-display device is configured to bend around the central axis to form the dynamic bend in the dynamic bend region. The dynamic bend is configured to enable the first display portion to be selectively positioned about the dynamic bend region relative to the second display portion. The static bend fixes a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display. The internal display defines a main display surface in a first plane, and the external display defines a supplemental display surface in a second plane. A radius of the static bend is defined so that the main display surface and the supplemental display surface are positioned spaced apart relative to one another, with the first plane generally parallel to the second plane. The internal display and the external display are configured to be driven by data signals from the same control circuit.

[0010] These are but a few examples of how the described techniques and systems may be used to implement foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions. Other examples and implementations are described throughout this document, including but not limited to a computing device including a housing and a foldable-display device, and methods of manufacturing a display panel as described herein.

[0011] These and other capabilities and configurations are set forth in greater detail below. The example computing device 100 of Fig. 1 and the detailed illustrations of Figs. 2A through Fig. 5 illustrate some of the many possible environments, components, and devices capable of employing the described techniques and systems.

[0012] The document now turns to an example computing device, after which example foldable-display devices are described. Computing Device

[0013] Fig. 1 illustrates an environmental view of a computing device 100 that includes one or more processor(s) 102 (e.g., processor, microprocessor, microcontroller) and a foldable-display device 104 in which techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions can be implemented. The foldable-display device 104 may be configured to bend along a bendable region; for example, the foldable-display device 104 may be configured with one or more of a static bend or a dynamic bend. Examples of foldable- display devices 104 include, but are not limited to, active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display modules, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display modules, light-emitting diode (LED) display modules, liquid crystal display (LCD) display modules, microLED display modules, display technologies with individually-controllable pixels, thin-film technology display modules, and the like.

[0014] One or more processor(s) 102 may be implemented on the computing device 100. The processor(s) 102 may include one or more of a graphics processor unit (GPU) 106 or an application processor (AP) 108. One or more of the processor(s) 102 may be co-located. The computing device 100 may include a display driver 110 that provides an interface between a system-on-chip (SoC) of the computing device 100 and the foldable-display device 104, for example, between the one or more of the processor(s) 102 and the foldable-display device 104. The display driver 110 receives data signals from the processor(s) 102 and drives at least one light-emitting element 112 (e.g., array of light-emitting pixels) of the foldable-display device 104 to generate a display. A flexible circuit (e.g., flexible circuit board, flexible printed circuit board), not illustrated, may connect the display driver 110 to the SoC of the computing device 100, for example, the main printed circuit boards of the computing device 100. The flexible circuit providing signal connections to the processor(s) 102.

[0015] The term “computing device,” as used in this disclosure, refers to a portable device that has both computational and communication capabilities (e.g., portable telecommunication device, wireless-communication device, mobile phone, smartphone, computing device, camera, tablet computer, laptop computer, convertibles, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart watches, intelligent glasses, and so forth). While the computing device illustrated in FIG. l is a smartphone, other types of computing devices can also support the techniques and systems described in this publication.

First Foldable-Display Device

[0016] Figs. 2A-2E illustrate an example first foldable-display device 200 (e.g., foldable- display device 104 of Fig. 1) in which the disclosed techniques and systems directed to foldable- display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions can be implemented. The foldable-display device 200 may be disposed in a housing (not illustrated) of a computing device (not illustrated), for example, the computing device 100 of Fig. 1. The foldable- display device 200 extends from a first end 202 to a second end 204, defining a longitudinal axis (L). In aspects, the first end 202 and the second end 204 are generally parallel to one another.

[0017] A plurality of bend regions is defined in the foldable-display device 200 along the longitudinal axis. One or more of the bend regions may generally be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In the aspect illustrated in Figs. 2A-2E, a static bend region 206 is defined in a first portion of the foldable-display device 200 spaced apart from the second end 204, and a dynamic bend region 208 is defined in a second portion of the foldable-display device 200 spaced apart from the first end 202. For ease of understanding, Fig. 2Ais a schematic illustration of the first foldable-display device 200 that illustrates the elements of the foldable-display device 200 within a single plane.

[0018] As illustrated in Figs. 2B-2E, a static bend 210 is defined in the foldable-display device 200 in the static bend region 206. The static bend 210 may be defined along the width of the foldable-display device 200, generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The foldable-display device 200 may be bent around a bend axis of the static bend region 206 to form the static bend 210. The static bend 210 may be formed in the foldable-display device 200 during the manufacture of the foldable-display device, for example, by bending a flat foldable-display device to include a static bend, by applying one or more layers of a foldable-display device to a curved substrate, and the like.

[0019] An internal display 212 (e.g., a primary display) is defined in the foldable-display device 200 on a first side of the static bend 210, and an external display 214 (e.g., a secondary display) is defined in the foldable-display device 200 on a second side of the static bend 210. In such a configuration, the internal display 212 is located proximal to the first end 202, and the external display 214 is located proximal to the second end 204. The internal display 212 may include the first display portion 224 and the second display portion 226.

[0020] The internal display 212 defines a main display surface 250, and the external display 214 defines a supplemental display surface 252. The radius of the static bend 210 results in the main display surface 250 and the supplemental display surface 252 positioned spaced apart relative to one another and generally parallel configuration, with the first plane generally parallel to the second plane, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 2B. In such a spaced apart and generally parallel configuration, a cavity 254 is defined between the internal display 212 and the external display 214, as illustrated in Figs. 2B-2E. The cavity 254 may receive a spacer 220 configured to support the static bend 210 and/or maintain the spacing of the internal display 212 relative to the external display 214. In aspects, the spacer 220 includes a battery.

[0021] The internal display 212 may include a first display portion 224 and a second display portion 226, with the dynamic bend region 208 defined therebetween. The foldable-display device 200 may be configured to bend around a central axis of the dynamic bend region 208 to form a dynamic bend. In aspects, the axis of the dynamic bend region 208 is generally parallel to an axis of the static bend region 206.

[0022] The dynamic bend in the dynamic bend region 208 enables the first display portion

224 to be selectively positioned about the dynamic bend region relative to the second display portion 226. In Figs. 2A-2E, the first display portion 224 and the second display portion 226 of the foldable- display device 200 are illustrated co-planar, in a “tablet” mode. In aspects, the first display portion 224 and the second display portion 226 of the foldable-display device 200 may be positioned relative to one another by bending the foldable-display device 200 at the dynamic bend region 208, with the first display portion 224 at an angle to the second display portion 226 in a partially folded configuration, as illustrated with respect to the second foldable-display device 300 in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. The first display portion 224 may be located between the static bend region 206 and the dynamic bend region 208.

[0023] The foldable-display device 200 may include a control circuit 222 with a display driver 216 (e.g., a display driver integrated circuit (DDIC)). The display driver 216 provides an interface between one or more processors (e.g., processor(s) 102 in Fig. 1) and the foldable-display device 200. The display driver 216 receives data signals from the processor(s) and selectively drive any of the light-emitting elements (e.g., array of light-emitting pixels) of the foldable-display device 200 to generate a display. That is, the display driver 216 is configured to drive light-emitting elements in each of the internal display and the external display. In some examples, the foldable-display device 200 may include a single (i.e., only one) display driver 216. Figs. 2A-2C and Fig. 2E illustrate the display driver 216 and the flexible circuit 218. In these figures, the display driver 216 is illustrated as connected to the foldable-display device 200 at the first end 202 of the foldable-display device 200. In other aspects, the display driver 216 may be positioned in a different location with respect to the foldable-display device 200. A flexible circuit 218 may connect the foldable-display device 200 to the main printed circuit boards (e.g., PCBs) of the computing device, providing signal connections to the processor.

[0024] The foldable-display device 200 may be composed of a layered structure 228 of one or more layers or groups of layers (collectively “layers”). For example, a foldable-display device

200 may include a display panel layer (display panel 230) that includes light-emitting elements 232 (a pixel layer) and a display backplane layer (display backplane 234) for driving the light-emitting elements 232 of the display panel 230. The display panel 230 may be a flexible organic light-emitting diode-based display.

[0025] The layered structure 228 may further include a substrate layer (substrate 236) on which the display backplane 234 of the display panel 230 is formed (deposited). The substrate 236 supports the display panel 230 of the foldable-display device 200 and provides mechanical stability. In aspects, the substrate 236 is a flexible plastic substrate formed of flexible polymer material (base film) (e.g., polyimide (PI), polyester film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetherimide (PEI), fluoropolymers (FEP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), transparent conductive polyester film, copolymers, and the like). Examples of display backplanes 234 include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display backplane, a liquid crystal display (LCD) backplane, and the like.

[0026] During an example manufacturing process, the display panel 230 is deposited on the substrate 236. In one such example manufacturing process, the display backplane 234 is deposited on the substrate 236, and then the light-emitting elements 232 are deposited onto the display backplane 234. The display backplane 234 supports the light-emitting elements 232. The lightemitting elements 232 may be encapsulated on the display backplane 234 by an encapsulation layer (not illustrated) that covers the light-emitting elements 232. The encapsulation layer protects and prevents the degradation of the array of light-emitting pixels. In aspects, one or more other layers (not illustrated), such as encapsulation layers, may be disposed between the display backplane 234 and the light-emitting elements 232 of the display panel 230, or above the light-emitting elements 232.

[0027] The light-emitting elements 232 of the display panel 230 are configured to emit light in an active area to generate a display on the foldable-display device 200. The light-emitting elements 232 (e.g., an array of light-emitting pixels) may include one or more of an organic active layer (e.g., emitting layer, emissive layer, an array of organic light-emitting diodes), a cathode, and an anode deposited on the substrate 236.

[0028] The layered structure 228 of the foldable-display device 200 may include one or more other layers, for example, a touch layer 240 (e.g., touch sensor panel) for detecting physical touch, a polarizer layer 238 (e.g., polarization filter, polarizer film, circular polarizer film, circular polarizer that includes a linear polarizer and a quarter-wave retarder) for reducing reflections, a cover layer 242 (e.g., cover glass, glass layer, glass substrate, window, film) for protecting one or more layers of the foldable-display device 200, and a backing layer 244 (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer 246, back-cover film layer 248, backing plate, back-cover) for protecting the stacked layers (e.g., the substrate 236). The PET layer 246 may be clear. The cover layer 242 may attach to an upper surface of the foldable-display device 200, for example, the upper surface of the display panel 230. The cover layer 242 may extend over the internal display 212 and the external display 214, and the cover layer 242 may be interrupted by the static bend region 206. An optically clear adhesive (OCA) may be used to bond one or more layers of a foldable-display device 200 together. One or more layers of the layered structure 228 may include one or more of a power source, a timing component, controllers, electrical connectors, capacitors, electrodes, data signal lines, logic circuitry, and the like.

[0029] The foldable-display device 200 may further include a control circuit 222, for example, located in the display backplane 234. The control circuit 222, as further illustrated with respect to the foldable-display devices of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, may include one or more of the display driver 216, a column driver for driving columns (data lines), upper-row driver circuits, and lower- row driver circuits. The upper row driver circuits and the lower row driver circuits for driving rows (gate lines). The column data lines intersect the row gate lines and define a pixel area of the foldable- display device 200 (e.g., the active area). In aspects, the column data lines extend through both the internal display 212 and the external display 214. The column data lines may extend through an inactive area of the foldable-display device. The column driver circuit may drive both the internal display 212 and the external display 214. Aspects of the control circuit 222 may be located outside of the display backplane 234.

Second Foldable-Display Device

[0030] Figs. 3A-3F illustrate an example second foldable-display device 300 (e.g., foldable- display device 104 of Fig. 1). The foldable-display device 300 is similar to the first foldable-display device 200 illustrated in Figs. 2A-2E and described above, except as detailed below. Thus, the foldable-display device 300 may include one or more of a first end 302, a second end 304, a static bend 310 defined in a static bend region 306, a dynamic bend region 308, an internal display 312 defined in a display panel 330, an external display 314 defined in the display panel 230, display driver 316, flexible circuit 318, and a spacer 320.

[0031] The static bend 310 is defined in the foldable-display device 300 in the static bend region 306 along a bend axis. The static bend 310 may be defined along the width of the foldable- display device 300, generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The foldable-display device 300 may be bent around a central axis of the static bend region 306 to form the static bend 310. The static bend 310 may be formed in the foldable-display device 300 during the manufacture of the foldable- display device, for example, by bending a flat foldable-display device to include a static bend, by applying one or more layers of a foldable-display device to a curved substrate, and the like. The static bend 310 defines an internal display 312 (e.g., a primary display) in the display device 300 on a first side of the static bend 310 and an external display 314 (e.g., a secondary display) in the display device 300 on a second side of the static bend 310. In such a configuration, the internal display 312 is located proximal to the first end 302, and the external display 314 is located proximal to the second end 304. The internal display 312 may include the first display portion 324 and the second display portion 326. [0032] The internal display 312 defines a main display surface 350, and the external display 314 defines a supplemental display surface (not illustrated). A radius of the static bend 310 results in the main display surface 350 and the supplemental display surface positioned spaced apart relative to one another and generally parallel configuration, with the first plane generally parallel to the second plane, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 3B. In such a spaced apart and generally parallel configuration, a cavity 354 is defined between the internal display 312 and the external display 314, as illustrated in Fig. 3B. The cavity 354 may receive a spacer 320 configured to support the static bend 310 and/or maintain the spacing of the internal display 312 relative to the external display 314. In aspects, the spacer 320 includes a battery.

[0033] The foldable-display device 300 is further configured with a dynamic bend 322 positioned in the dynamic bend region 308. The dynamic bend 322 divides the internal display 312 into a first display portion 324 and a second display portion 326. Through the dynamic bend 322, the first display portion 324 can be positioned relative to the second display portion 326. In first and second positions, illustrated in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3B, the second display portion 326 is positioned at an angle to the first display portion 324 in a partially folded configuration. The position of the second display portion 326 to the first display portion 324 may be variable and selectable by a user. The dynamic bend 322 in the dynamic bend region 308 enables the first display portion 324 to be selectively positioned about the dynamic bend region 308 relative to the second display portion 326.

[0034] In a third position, illustrated in Fig. 3C, the first display portion 324 and the second display portion 326 are co-planar, in a flat configuration, enabling the foldable-display device 300 to be utilized in a tablet mode. In a fourth position, a Z-shaped configuration illustrated in Fig. 3D, the second display portion 326 is folded onto the first display portion 324 in a folded-mode.

[0035] A foldable-display device (e.g., foldable-display device 104, foldable-display device

200, foldable-display device 300) may be positioned within a housing of a computing device. For example, Fig. 3E and Fig. 3F illustrate foldable-display device 300 positioned within a housing 360 of a computing device 340. The housing 360 for housing and protecting the foldable-display device 300. The housing 360 may also house other components of the computing device 340, for example, a main logic board, memory, processors, sensors, a battery, and the like. Fig. 3E illustrates a top side view, and Fig. 3F illustrates a bottom side view of a computing device 340, including the foldable- display device 300, positioned within a housing 360.

Third Foldable-Display Device

[0036] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an example third foldable-display device 400 (e.g. , foldable-display device 104 of Fig. 1) in which the disclosed techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions can be implemented. The third foldable-display device 400 is similar to the first foldable-display device 200, illustrated in Figs. 2A-2E and described above, except as detailed below. Thus, the third foldable-display device 400 includes a first end 402, a second end 404, a static bend defined in a static bend region 406, a dynamic bend positioned in a dynamic bend region 408, an internal display 412 defined in a display panel 430, an external display 414 defined in the display panel 430, and a display driver 416. The dynamic bend divides the internal display 412 into a center display portion 424 and an outer display portion 426. A longitudinal axis (L) is defined between the first end 402 and the second end 404 of the foldable-display device 400. The bend regions may be defined along the longitudinal axis of the foldable-display device 400, and one or more of the bend regions may generally be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the foldable-display device 400.

[0037] The foldable-display device 400 may be implemented within a computing device (e.g. , a smartphone), not illustrated. The foldable-display device 400 includes at least one light-emitting element (e.g., array of light-emitting pixels) configured for emitting light in at least one active area of the foldable-display device 400. In the aspect illustrated in Fig. 4, the external display 414 defines a first active area (AAi) of the foldable-display device 400, and the internal display 412 defines a second active area (AA₂) of the foldable-display device 400. A pixel-free inactive area (IA) of the foldable-display device 400 is defined between the first active area (AAi) and the second active area (AA₂).

[0038] The foldable-display device 400 may be composed of a layered structure of one or more layers or groups of layers (collectively “layers”). In the aspect illustrated in Fig. 4, the first active area (AAi) and the second active area (AA₂) of the foldable-display device 400 have a first layered structure 428 and the inactive area (IA) of the foldable-display device 400 has a second layered structure 450. As such, the foldable-display device 400 has a second layered structure 450 in the static bend region 406 and a first layered structure 428 in the other areas of the foldable-display device 400.

[0039] Referring initially to the first layered structure 428, the foldable-display device 400 may include a display panel layer (display panel 430) including light-emitting elements 432 (a pixel layer) and a display backplane layer (display backplane 434) for driving the light-emitting elements 432 of the display panel 430. The display panel 430 may be a flexible organic light-emitting diodebased display. The layered structure 428 may further include a substrate layer (substrate 436) on which the display backplane 434 of the display panel 430 is formed (deposited). The substrate 436 supports the display panel 430 of the foldable-display device 400 and provides mechanical stability. In aspects, the substrate 436 is a flexible plastic substrate formed of flexible polymer material (base film) (e.g., polyimide (PI), polyester film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetherimide (PEI), fluoropolymers (FEP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), transparent conductive polyester film, copolymers, and the like). Example display backplanes include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display backplane, a liquid crystal display (LCD) backplane, and the like.

[0040] During an example manufacturing process, the display panel 430 is deposited on the substrate 436. For example, a process where the display backplane 434 is deposited on the substrate 436 and then the light-emitting elements 432 are deposited onto the display backplane 434. The display backplane 434 supports the light-emitting elements 432. The light-emitting elements 432 may be encapsulated on the display backplane 434 by an encapsulation layer (not illustrated) that covers the light-emitting elements 432. The encapsulation layer protects and prevents the degradation of the array of light-emitting pixels. In aspects, one or more other layers (not illustrated), such as encapsulation layers, may be disposed between the display backplane 434 and the lightemitting elements 432 of the display panel 430, and above the light-emitting elements 432.

[0041] The light-emitting elements 432 of the display panel 430 are configured to emit light in the first active area (AAi) and the second active area (AA2) to generate at least one display on the foldable-display device 400. The light-emitting elements 432 (e.g., an array of light-emitting pixels) may include one or more of an organic active layer (e.g., emitting layer, emissive layer, an array of organic light-emitting diodes), a cathode, and an anode deposited on the substrate 436. The lightemitting elements 432 may terminate at a pixel outer edge and not extend through the entire (in the X-direction) organic active area. The pixel outer edge defines an edge of the active area. In an aspect, second layered structure 450 in the static bend region 406 includes an array of light-emitting pixels that are not configured for emission (e.g., are not driven by the display backplane 434) and/or are not used to generate a display. In another aspect, the light-emitting elements 432 may not extend into the static bend region 406.

[0042] The layered structure 428 of the foldable-display device 400 may include one or more other layers, for example, a touch layer 440 (e.g, touch sensor panel) for detecting physical touch, a polarizer layer 438 (e.g, polarization filter, polarizer film, circular polarizer film, circular polarizer that includes a linear polarizer and a quarter-wave retarder) for reducing reflections, a cover layer 442 (e.g., cover glass, glass layer, glass substrate, window, film) for protecting one or more layers of the foldable-display device 400, and a backing layer 444 (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer 446, back-cover film layer 448, backing plate, back-cover) for protecting the stacked layers (e.g., the substrate 436). The PET layer 446 may be clear. The cover layer 442 may attach to an upper surface of the foldable-display device 400, for example, the upper surface of the display panel 430. The cover layer 442 may extend over the internal display 412 and the external display 414, and the cover layer 442 may be interrupted by the static bend region 406. In aspects, the cover layer 442 on the external display 414 may have a different material composition and thickness than the cover layer 442 on the internal display 412. An optically clear adhesive (OCA) may be used to bond one or more layers of a foldable-display device 400 together. One or more layers of the layered structure 428 may include one or more of a power source, a timing component, controllers, electrical connectors, capacitors, electrodes, data signal lines, logic circuitry, and the like. While the first layered structure 428 illustrated in Fig. 4 includes a cover layer 442, a touch layer 440, a polarizer layer 438, a PET layer 446, and a back-cover film layer 448, in aspects, a first layered structure 428 may not include one or more of such layers.

[0043] The foldable-display device 400 may further include a control circuit 452. The control circuit 452 may include the display driver 416, a column driver 454 for driving column data lines 456, upper-row driver circuits (458a, 458b) and lower-row driver circuits (460a, 460b) for driving row gate lines 462. The column data lines intersect the row gate lines to define a pixel area. The column data lines may extend through both the internal display 412 and the external display 414. The column data lines may extend through an inactive area of the foldable-display device. In aspects, a single display driver 416 drives both the internal display 412 and the external display 414.

[0044] Upper-row driver circuit 458a and lower-row driver circuit 460a are located in the external display 414. The upper-row driver circuit 458b and lower-row driver circuit 460b are located in the internal display 412. In the aspect illustrated in Fig. 4, the data lines 456 extend through both the internal display 412 and the external display 414, and the column driver 454 drives both. Aspects of the control circuit 452 may be located in the display backplane 434 or located outside of the display backplane 434. The display driver 416 provides an interface between the system-on-chip (SoC) (e.g., application processor (AP), graphics processor unit (GPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, and the like) of a computing device (not illustrated) and the foldable-display device 400. The display driver 416 may connect to the SoC through a flexible circuit (e.g., flexible circuit 218 of Fig. 2). The SoC (e.g., on a main logic board of a computing device) outputs data signals that are received by the display driver 416, which, in turn, drives the foldable-display device 400.

[0045] The second layered structure 450 in the inactive area (IA) may be free of one or more layers present in the first layered structure 428. For example, the second layered structure 450 of Fig. 4 includes a display panel 430 deposited on a substrate 436 but does not include one or more of: the light-emitting elements, the encapsulation layer, the touch layer, the polarizer layer, the cover layer, or the backing layer of the first layered structure 428. The display panel 430 may include at least one of a light-emitting element 432 and a display backplane 434. One or more layers may be present when the foldable-display device 400 is formed but ablated (e.g., by a laser) or otherwise removed to form the second layer structure 450. For example, aspects of the backing layer 444 may be removed from the display panel stack in the static bend region 406.

[0046] In contrast to the first active area (AAi) and the second active area (AA2), the inactive area (IA) may be free of upper-row driver circuits (458a, 458b) and lower-row driver circuits (460a, 460b). Instead, a conductive element (trace) 464a may connect the upper-row driver circuits (458a, 458b) in the first active area (AAi) to the second active area (AA2), and another conductive element 464b may connect the lower-row driver circuits (460a, 460b) in the first active area (AAi) to the second active area (AA2), enabling electrical signals to be routed across the inactive area.

Fourth Foldable-Display Device

[0047] Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of an example fourth foldable-display device 500

(e.g., foldable-display device 104 of Fig. 1) in which the disclosed techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions can be implemented. The fourth foldable-display device 500 is similar to the first foldable-display device 200 illustrated in Figs. 2A-2E and described above, except as detailed below. Thus, the fourth foldable-display device 500 includes a first end 502, a second end 504, a static bend defined in a static bend region 506, a dynamic bend positioned in a dynamic bend region 508, an internal display 512 defined in a display panel 530, an external display 514 defined in the display panel 530, and a display driver 516. The dynamic bend divides the internal display 512 into a center display portion 524 and an outer display portion 526. A longitudinal axis (L) is defined between the first end 502 and the second end 504 of the foldable-display device 500. The bend regions may be defined along the longitudinal axis of the foldable-display device 500, and one or more of the bend regions may generally be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the foldable-display device 500.

[0048] The foldable-display device 500 may be implemented within a computing device, for example, a smartphone (not illustrated). The foldable-display device 500 includes at least one lightemitting element (e.g., array of light-emitting pixels) configured for emitting light in at least one active area of the foldable-display device 500. In the aspect illustrated in Fig. 5, the internal display 512 and the external display 514 define an active area (AA) of the foldable-display device 500. In aspects, a continuous display area is defined through the active area of the foldable-display device 500.

[0049] The foldable-display device 500 may be composed of a layered structure of one or more layers or groups of layers (collectively “layers”). In the aspect illustrated in Fig. 5, the foldable- display device 500 has a first layered structure 528 and a second layered structure 550. The first layered structure 528 is utilized in the internal display 512 and the external display 514, and the second layered structure 550 is utilized in at least a portion of the static bend region 506. As such, the foldable-display device 500 has a second layered structure 550 in the static bend region 506 and a first layered structure 528 in the other areas of the foldable-display device 500. In an aspect, second layered structure 550 in the static bend region 506 includes an array of light-emitting pixels that are configured for emission.

[0050] Referring initially to the first layered structure 528, the foldable-display device 500 may include a display panel layer (display panel 530) including light-emitting elements 532 (a pixel layer) and a display backplane layer (display backplane 534) for driving the light-emitting elements 532 of the display panel 530. The display panel 530 may be a flexible organic light-emitting diodebased display. The layered structure 528 may further include a substrate layer (substrate 536) on which the display backplane 534 of the display panel 530 is formed (deposited). The substrate 536 supports the display panel 530 of the foldable-display device 500 and provides mechanical stability. In aspects, the substrate 536 is a flexible plastic substrate formed of flexible polymer material (base film) (e.g., polyimide (PI), polyester film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetherimide (PEI), fluoropolymers (FEP), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), transparent conductive polyester film, copolymers, and the like). Example display backplanes include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display backplane, a liquid crystal display (LCD) backplane, and the like.

[0051] During an example manufacturing process, the display panel 530 is deposited on the substrate 536. For example, a process where the display backplane 534 is deposited on the substrate 536 and then the light-emitting elements 532 are deposited onto the display backplane 534. The display backplane 534 supports the light-emitting elements 532. The light-emitting elements 532 may be encapsulated on the display backplane 534 by an encapsulation layer (not illustrated) that covers the light-emitting elements 532. The encapsulation layer protects and prevents the degradation of the array of light-emitting pixels. In aspects, one or more other layers (not illustrated), such as encapsulation layers, may be disposed between the display backplane 534 and the lightemitting elements 532 of the display panel 530, or above the light-emitting elements 532. [0052] The light-emitting elements 532 of the display panel 530 are configured to emit light in the active area (AA) to generate at least one display on the foldable-display device 500. The lightemitting elements 532 (e.g., an array of light-emitting pixels) may include one or more of an organic active layer (e.g., emitting layer, emissive layer, an array of organic light-emitting diodes), a cathode, and an anode deposited on the substrate 536.

[0053] The layered structure 528 of the foldable-display device 500 may include one or more other layers, for example, a touch layer 540 (e.g., touch sensor panel) for detecting physical touch, a polarizer layer 538 (e.g., polarization filter, polarizer film, circular polarizer film, circular polarizer that includes a linear polarizer and a quarter-wave retarder) for reducing reflections, a cover layer 542 (e.g., cover glass, glass layer, glass substrate, window, film) for protecting one or more layers of the foldable-display device 500, and a backing layer 544 (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer 546, back-cover film layer 548, backing plate, back-cover) for protecting the stacked layers (e.g., the substrate 536). The PET layer 546 may be clear. The cover layer 542 may attach to an upper surface of the foldable-display device 500, for example, the upper surface of the display panel 530. The cover layer 542 may extend over the internal display 512 and the external display 514.

[0054] In aspects, the cover layer 542 may include a first portion extending over the internal display 512 and a second portion extending over the external display 514. The first and second portions of the cover layer 542 may be interrupted by the static bend region 506, with the static bend region 506 defined between the first portion and the second portion. In such aspects, the thickness of the first portion may be less than the thickness of the second portion.

[0055] An optically clear adhesive (OCA) may be used to bond one or more layers of a foldable-display device 500 together. One or more layers of the layered structure 528 may include one or more of a power source, a timing component, controllers, electrical connectors, capacitors, electrodes, data signal lines, logic circuitry, and the like. While the first layered structure 528 illustrated in Fig. 5 includes a cover layer 542, a touch layer 540, a polarizer layer 538, a PET layer 546, and a back-cover film layer 548, in aspects, a first layered structure 528 may not include one or more of such layers. While the second layered structure 550 illustrated in Fig. 5 includes both a touch layer 540 and a polarizer layer 538, in aspects, a second layered structure 550 may not include one or both of such layers.

[0056] The foldable-display device 500 may further include a control circuit 552. The control circuit 552 may include the display driver 516, a column driver 554 for driving column data lines 556, an upper-row driver circuit 558 and a lower-row driver circuit 560 for driving row gate lines 562. The column data lines intersect the row gate lines and define a pixel area. The column data lines may extend through both the internal display 512 and the external display 514. Aspects of the control circuit 552 may be located in the display backplane 534 or located outside of the display backplane 534. The display driver 516 provides an interface between the system-on-chip (SoC) (e.g., application processor (AP), graphics processor unit (GPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, and the like) of a computing device (not illustrated) and the foldable-display device 500. The display driver 516 may connect to the SoC through a flexible circuit (e.g, flexible circuit 218 of Fig. 2). The SoC (e.g, on a main logic board of a computing device) outputs data signals that are received by the display driver 516, which, in turn, drives the foldable-display device 500. In aspects, a single display driver 516 drives both the internal display 512 and the external display 514.

[0057] The second layered structure 550 may be free of one or more layers present in the first layered structure 528. For example, the second layered structure 550 of Fig. 5 includes a display panel 530 having a light-emitting element 532 and a display backplane 534 deposited on a substrate 536, but does not include one or more of the touch layer, the polarizer layer, or the backing layer of the first layered structure 528. One or more layers may be present when the foldable-display device 500 is formed but ablated (e.g., by a laser) or otherwise removed to form the second layer structure 550. For example, aspects of the backing layer 544 may be removed from the display panel stack in the static bend region 506. [0058] The entities of Figs. 1, 2A-2E, 3 A-3F, 4, and 5 may be further divided, combined, used along with other components, and so on. In this way, different implementations of the disclosed techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions can be implemented. The example computing device 100 of Fig. 1 and the detailed illustrations of Figs. 2A-2E, 3A-3F, 4, and 5 illustrate but some of many possible environments and devices capable of employing the described techniques.

Examples

[0059] In the following section, examples are provided:

[0060] Example 1 : A foldable-display device comprising: a substrate; and a display panel provided on the substrate, the display panel comprising: an array of light-emitting elements; and a display backplane configured to drive the light-emitting elements, the display panel defining: an internal display, the internal display defining: a first display portion; a second display portion; a dynamic bend region between the first and second display portions; the dynamic bend region defining: a dynamic bend, the dynamic bend configured to enable the first display portion to be selectively positioned about the dynamic bend relative to the second display portion; and a main display surface in a first plane; an external display, the external display defining: a supplemental display surface in a second plane; and a static bend region, the static bend region: located between the internal display and the external display; and defining a static bend, the static bend: fixing a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display so that the main display surface and the supplemental display surface are positioned spaced apart relative to one another with the first plane generally parallel to the second plane.

[0061] Example 2: The foldable-display device of example 1, wherein the array of lightemitting elements extends through the internal display, the static bend region, and the external display; and wherein the display backplane is configured for driving the array of light-emitting elements in the internal display, the static bend region, and the external display.

[0062] Example 3 : The foldable-display device of any of examples 1 and 2, wherein the array of light-emitting elements extends through the first display portion, dynamic bend region, and second display portion of the internal display; and wherein the display backplane is configured for driving the array of light-emitting elements in the internal display and the external display.

[0063] Example 4: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-3, wherein the spacing apart of the internal display and the external display defines a cavity therebetween.

[0064] Example 5: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-4, further comprising a battery located in the cavity.

[0065] Example 6: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-5, wherein the display backplane is configured for driving light-emitting elements in the internal display and light-emitting elements in the external display.

[0066] Example 7: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-6, wherein the static bend region comprises a first layered structure including a display panel layer and a substrate layer; wherein the internal display comprises a second layered structure including the display panel layer, the substrate layer, and one or more of a cover layer, a touch layer, a polarizer layer, and a backing layer; wherein the dynamic bend region comprises the second layered structure; and wherein the external display comprises the second layered structure.

[0067] Example 8: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-7, wherein the static bend region comprises a first layered structure including a cover layer, a polarizer layer, a touch layer, a display panel layer, and a substrate layer; wherein the internal display comprises a second layered structure, the second layered structure comprising the display panel layer, the substrate layer, the cover layer, a touch layer, a polarizer layer, and a backing layer; wherein the dynamic bend region comprises the second layered structure; and wherein the external display comprises the second layered structure.

[0068] Example 9: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-8, further comprising: a cover layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel, the cover layer extending over the internal display, the external display, and the static bend region.

[0069] Example 10: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-9, further comprising: a cover layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel, the cover layer comprising: a first portion extending over the internal display; and a second portion extending over the external display, wherein the static bend region is defined between the first portion and the second portion.

[0070] Example 11 : The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-10, further comprising: wherein a thickness of the first portion is less than a thickness of the second portion.

[0071] Example 12: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-11, further comprising at least one of: a touch layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel; or a polarizer layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel.

[0072] Example 13 : The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-12, further comprising: a backing layer attaching to the substrate, the backing layer comprising at least one of a clear polyethylene terephthalate layer or a back-cover film layer.

[0073] Example 14: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-13, further comprising: a display driver configured for providing an interface between a processor of a computing device and the foldable-display device.

[0074] Example 15: The foldable-display device of any of examples 1-14, further comprising: the first display portion located between the static bend region and the dynamic bend region. [0075] Example 16: A computing device, comprising: the foldable-display device of any of examples 1-15; a display driver driving the foldable-display device; and a processor that outputs data signals for the display driver.

[0076] Example 17: An apparatus comprising: a substrate; and a display panel provided on the substrate, the display panel defining: an internal display, the internal display defining: a first display portion; a second display portion; a dynamic bend region between the first and second display portions; the dynamic bend region defining: a dynamic bend; an external display; and a static bend region, the static bend region located between the internal display and the external display, the static bend region defining a static bend.

[0077] Example 18: The apparatus of example 17, wherein the display panel further comprises: an array of light-emitting elements; and a display backplane configured to drive the lightemitting elements.

[0078] Example 19: The apparatus of any of examples 17 and 18, wherein the dynamic bend is configured to enable the first display portion to be selectively positioned about the dynamic bend relative to the second display portion.

[0079] Example 20: The apparatus of any of examples 17-19, wherein the internal display further defines a main display surface in a first plane, and wherein the external display further defines a supplemental display surface in a second plane.

[0080] Example 21 : The apparatus of any of examples 17-20, wherein the static bend fixes a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display so that the main display surface and the supplemental display surface are positioned spaced apart relative to one another with the first plane generally parallel to the second plane.

[0081] Example 22: The apparatus of any of examples 17-21, wherein the array of lightemitting elements extends through the internal display, the static bend region, and the external display; and wherein the display backplane is configured for driving the array of light-emitting elements in the internal display, the static bend region, and the external display.

[0082] Example 23: The apparatus of any of examples 17-22, wherein the array of lightemitting elements extends through the first display portion, dynamic bend region, and second display portion of the internal display; and wherein the display backplane is configured for driving the array of light-emitting elements in the internal display and the external display.

[0083] Example 24: The apparatus of any of examples 17-23, wherein the spacing apart of the internal display and the external display defines a cavity therebetween.

[0084] Example 25: The apparatus of any of examples 17-24, further comprising a battery located in the cavity.

[0085] Example 26: The apparatus of any of examples 17-25, wherein the display backplane is configured for driving light-emitting elements in the internal display and light-emitting elements in the external display.

[0086] Example 27: The apparatus of any of examples 17-26, wherein the static bend region comprises a first layered structure including a display panel layer and a substrate layer; wherein the internal display comprises a second layered structure including the display panel layer, the substrate layer, and one or more of a cover layer, a touch layer, a polarizer layer, and a backing layer; wherein the dynamic bend region comprises the second layered structure; and wherein the external display comprises the second layered structure.

[0087] Example 28: The apparatus of any of examples 17-27, wherein the static bend region comprises a first layered structure including a cover layer, a polarizer layer, a touch layer, a display panel layer, and a substrate layer; wherein the internal display comprises a second layered structure, the second layered structure comprising the display panel layer, the substrate layer, the cover layer, a touch layer, a polarizer layer, and a backing layer; wherein the dynamic bend region comprises the second layered structure; and wherein the external display comprises the second layered structure. [0088] Example 29: The apparatus of any of examples 17-28, further comprising a cover layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel, the cover layer extending over the internal display, the external display, and the static bend region.

[0089] Example 30: The apparatus of any of examples 17-29, further comprising: a cover layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel, the cover layer comprising: a first portion extending over the internal display; and a second portion extending over the external display, wherein the static bend region is defined between the first portion and the second portion.

[0090] Example 31 : The apparatus of any of examples 17-30, further comprising at least one of: a touch layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel; a polarizer layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel; or a backing layer attaching to the substrate, the backing layer comprising at least one of a clear polyethylene terephthalate layer or a back-cover film layer.

[0091] Example 32: The apparatus of any of examples 17-31, further comprising a display driver configured for providing an interface between a processor of a computing device and the apparatus.

[0092] Example 33: The apparatus of any of examples 17-32, further comprising the first display portion located between the static bend region and the dynamic bend region.

[0093] Example 34: The apparatus of any of examples 17-33, wherein the apparatus is a foldable-display device.

[0094] Example 35: The apparatus of any of examples 17-34, wherein a thickness of the first portion is less than a thickness of the second portion.

[0095] Example 36: A computing device, comprising: the apparatus of any of examples 17- 35; a display driver driving the apparatus; and a processor that outputs data signals for the display driver. Conclusion

[0096] Although implementations of techniques and systems directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions have been described in language specific to features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the subject of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or techniques described. Rather, the specific features and techniques are disclosed as example implementations directed to foldable-display devices that define multiple display portions spaced apart by bend regions.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a substrate; and a display panel provided on the substrate, the display panel defining: an internal display, the internal display defining: a first display portion; a second display portion; a dynamic bend region between the first and second display portions, the dynamic bend region defining a dynamic bend; an external display; and a static bend region, the static bend region located between the internal display and the external display, the static bend region defining a static bend.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display panel further comprises: an array of light-emitting elements; and a display backplane configured to drive the light-emitting elements, wherein the dynamic bend is configured to enable the first display portion to be selectively positioned about the dynamic bend relative to the second display portion, wherein the internal display further defines a main display surface in a first plane, wherein the external display further defines a supplemental display surface in a second plane, and wherein the static bend fixes a position of the internal display relative to a position of the external display so that the main display surface and the supplemental display surface are positioned spaced apart relative to one another with the first plane generally parallel to the second plane.

3. The apparatus of any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the array of light-emitting elements extends through the internal display, the static bend region, and the external display; and wherein the display backplane is configured for driving the array of light-emitting elements in the internal display, the static bend region, and the external display.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1-3, wherein the array of light-emitting elements extends through the first display portion, dynamic bend region, and second display portion of the internal display; and wherein the display backplane is configured for driving the array of light-emitting elements in the internal display and the external display.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1-4, wherein the spacing apart of the internal display and the external display defines a cavity therebetween.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1-5, further comprising a battery located in the cavity.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1-6, wherein the display backplane is configured for driving light-emitting elements in the internal display and light-emitting elements in the external display.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1-7, wherein the static bend region comprises a first layered structure including a display panel layer and a substrate layer; wherein the internal display comprises a second layered structure including the display panel layer, the substrate layer, and one or more of a cover layer, a touch layer, a polarizer layer, and a backing layer; wherein the dynamic bend region comprises the second layered structure; and wherein the external display comprises the second layered structure.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1-8, wherein the static bend region comprises a first layered structure including a cover layer, a polarizer layer, a touch layer, a display panel layer, and a substrate layer; wherein the internal display comprises a second layered structure, the second layered structure comprising the display panel layer, the substrate layer, the cover layer, a touch layer, a polarizer layer, and a backing layer; wherein the dynamic bend region comprises the second layered structure; and wherein the external display comprises the second layered structure.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1-9, further comprising: a cover layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel, the cover layer extending over the internal display, the external display, and the static bend region.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 1-10, further comprising: a cover layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel, the cover layer comprising: a first portion extending over the internal display; and a second portion extending over the external display, wherein the static bend region is defined between the first portion and the second portion.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1-11, further comprising at least one of: a touch layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel; a polarizer layer attaching to an upper surface of the display panel; or a backing layer attaching to the substrate, the backing layer comprising at least one of a polyethylene terephthalate layer or a back-cover film layer.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 1-12, further comprising: a display driver configured for providing an interface between a processor of a computing device and the apparatus.

14. The apparatus of any of claims 1-13, further comprising: the first display portion located between the static bend region and the dynamic bend region.

15. A computing device, comprising: the apparatus of any of claims 1-14; a display driver driving the apparatus; and a processor that outputs data signals for the display driver.