Abstract: Reconfigurable touch screen computing devices with folding configurations that include flexible displays made up of segments reconfigured from a folded state to an expanded state are described. The form factor of the folded state is the size of a handheld phone (including an integrated speaker and microphone). The form factor of the expanded state is the size of a tablet computer. Both states provide a configuration including a touch screen display on a front side and a protective housing on a back side. The computing devices include sensors indicating the state and mechanisms for folding, alignment, and structural support, and magnets for the devices to be locked in the folded or unfolded state. A module attached to at least one segment may contain substantially all processing and memory, and a communications system, all which may be used in either state.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a transverse compression cam mechanism is described. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also have the size and mechanical functionality of a laptop. The device form factor may also be a flip phone configuration. Both folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The transverse compression cam mechanism is utilized to stabilize the folded angle of the device's display segments as they are folded along their hinge and to lock the device in an unfolded or folded state. The device may further include sensors to indicate the position of each display segment.

Abstract: An expandable touch screen display device made up of a flexible display that can be reconfigured from a compact state to a plurality of expanded states. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of each of the expanded states is roughly the size of a tablet computer. An internal mechanism is provided for synching the motion of the device's expansion with the motion of the flexible display's end plate which provides a force to guide the display around the roller located at the edge of the device. The device may further include an integrated speaker and microphone, and sensors to indicate the expanded position of the display. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with the device may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible or tiled display segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a gaming motion control interface. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also have the mechanical functionality of a laptop. The gaming motion control interface can provide enhanced interaction and viewing of a game application by utilizing the inherent folding mechanics and position of each display segment relative to each other such that a virtual object or point of reference shown on the display corresponds with the device's folding motion. Other applications that do not relate to gaming may also be applied utilizing the same techniques disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device with a flexible display made up of segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a peripheral enclosure mechanism. The peripheral enclosure mechanism can be automatically repositioned to rotate out of a channel as the device is being folded in such a way that it can close the gap at the sides of the device between two flexible display segments when the device is fully configured to a folded state. The device may further include sensors to indicate the state of configuration and mechanisms for alignment, locking, and further structural support. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with at least one segment of the flexible display or rigid display may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system, which may be used in any state.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible or tiled display segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a 360 degree camera system. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also include the mechanical functionality of a laptop. The device form factor may also be a flip phone configuration. Both folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The 360 degree camera utilizes the inherent folded segment positions and their respective cameras such that they can be configured at different angles to achieve the appropriate camera array geometry. The device may further include sensors to indicate the position of each display segment.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible or tiled display segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a gimbal stabilization system. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also include the mechanical functionality of a laptop. The device form factor may also be a flip phone configuration. Both folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The gimbal stabilization system can automatically rotate one or both display segments using an actuator such that at least one display segment can remain in the same position independent of the movement of the other display segment. The device may further include sensors to indicate the required position of at least one of the display segments.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible or tiled display segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a power generation system. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also include the mechanical functionality of a laptop. The device form factor may also be a flip phone configuration. Both folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The power generation system utilizes the force applied to the hinge of the device to ultimately recharge the batteries embedded within the device. The device may further include sensors to indicate the position of each display segment.

Abstract: Reconfigurable touch screen computing devices with folding configurations that include flexible displays made up of segments reconfigured from a folded state to an expanded state are described. The form factor of the folded state is the size of a handheld phone (including an integrated speaker and microphone). The form factor of the expanded state is the size of a tablet computer. Both states provide a configuration including a touch screen display on a front side and a protective housing on a back side. The computing devices include sensors indicating the state and mechanisms for folding, alignment, and structural support, and magnets for the devices to be locked in the folded or unfolded state. A module attached to at least one segment may contain substantially all processing and memory, and a communications system, all which may be used in either state.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device with a flexible display including segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state, and including a hinge mechanism having plate stops is described. The form factor of the compact state is comparable to a handheld phone. The form factor of the expanded state is comparable to a larger phone or tablet computer. Both states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The hinge mechanism's plate stops provide a support structure below and in between the device's flexible display segments, preventing folding beyond a flat open state to an obtuse angle. The device can include sensors to indicate the state of configuration and mechanisms for alignment, locking, and further structural support. A module attached to at least one segment of the flexible display or rigid display may contain all processing and memory, and a communications system usable in any state.

Abstract: An expandable touch screen display device made up of a flexible display that can be reconfigured from a compact state to a plurality of expanded states. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of each of the expanded states is roughly the size of a tablet computer. An internal mechanism is provided for synching the motion of the device's expansion with the motion of the flexible display's end plate which provides a force to guide the display around the roller located at the edge of the device. The device may further include an integrated speaker and microphone, and sensors to indicate the expanded position of the display. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with the device may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible or tiled display segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a gaming motion control interface. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also have the mechanical functionality of a laptop. The gaming motion control interface can provide enhanced interaction and viewing of a game application by utilizing the inherent folding mechanics and position of each display segment relative to each other such that a virtual object or point of reference shown on the display corresponds with the device's folding motion. Other applications that do not relate to gaming may also be applied utilizing the same techniques disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a flexible touch-sensitive display composed of a first flexible touch-sensitive display portion and a second flexible touch-sensitive display portion. The first flexible touch-sensitive display portion is attached to a first structural support segment. The second flexible touch-sensitive display portion is attached to a second structural support segment. The flexible touch-sensitive display further includes having a partially expanded state. The flexible touch-sensitive display further includes having a fully expanded state. A gimbal stabilization system is configured to automatically rotate the first structural support segment using an actuator such that the first structural support segment can remain at the same angle relative to the ground plane, which can include a viewable displayed content position if the first flexible touch-screen display portion is facing approximately parallel or perpendicular to the ground plane.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes electromechanical slip rings. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also have the size and mechanical functionality of a laptop. The device form factor may also be a flip phone configuration. Both folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The electromechanical slip rings are utilized to provide multiple electrical connections between the device's display segments and their respective support structures. The device may further include sensors to indicate the position of each display segment.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible or tiled display segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a power generation system. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also include the mechanical functionality of a laptop. The device form factor may also be a flip phone configuration. Both folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The power generation system utilizes the force applied to the hinge of the device to ultimately recharge the batteries embedded within the device. The device may further include sensors to indicate the position of each display segment.

Abstract: Expandable touch screen display devices each having a flexible display that can be reconfigured from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes an actuator that can be controlled wirelessly and through machine learning algorithms. The form factor of the compact state for each device is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state for each device is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer. An internal actuator is provided for driving the motion of each device's change in size, whether through folding or sliding, or for other functions such as haptic feedback. The device may further include an integrated speaker and microphone, and sensors to indicate the expanded position of the display. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with the device may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system.

Abstract: Foldable touch screen display devices with a flexible display unit made up of segments that can be reconfigured from a compact state to an expanded state which includes a modular rigid display that may be attached to the flexible display unit. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer. A third state whereby the attached rigid display is folded out such that its top surface is aligned with the top surface of the unfolded flexible display, may provide the use of both displays simultaneously. All folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with at least one segment of the flexible display or rigid display may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system, which may be used in any state.

Abstract: Expandable touch screen display devices each having a flexible display that can be reconfigured from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes an actuator that can be controlled wirelessly and through machine learning algorithms. The form factor of the compact state for each device is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state for each device is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer. An internal actuator is provided for driving the motion of each device's change in size, whether through folding or sliding, or for other functions such as haptic feedback. The device may further include an integrated speaker and microphone, and sensors to indicate the expanded position of the display. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with the device may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system.

Abstract: Foldable touch screen display devices with a flexible display unit made up of segments that can be reconfigured from a compact state to an expanded state which includes a modular rigid display that may be attached to the flexible display unit. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer. A third state whereby the attached rigid display is folded out such that its top surface is aligned with the top surface of the unfolded flexible display, may provide the use of both displays simultaneously. All folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with at least one segment of the flexible display or rigid display may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system, which may be used in any state.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes an aperture that can retract parallel to the respective planes of each flexible display segment structure. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also have the size and mechanical functionality of a laptop. The device may also have a flip phone configuration. Both folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The device may also be folded 360 degrees about a hinge such that it can fold to a compact folded state in one direction with its flexible display segments facing inward towards each other, or to an inverted compact folded state in the opposite direction such that the flexible display segments arc facing outward along the device's segment structures.