RETRACTABLE DEVICE
A device includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory is encoded with instructions that are executable by the processor to provide content signals. The device also includes a display screen extendable to present an extended portion comprising display pixels configured to display content using the content signals. Extension of the display screen imposes a compound shape on the extended portion of the display screen characterized by a central region and a peripheral angled edge region.
1 . A device comprising:
a processor;
a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory is encoded with instructions that are executable by the processor to provide content signals; and
a display screen extendable to present an extended portion comprising display pixels configured to display content using the content signals, wherein extension of the display screen imposes a compound shape on the extended portion of the display screen characterized by a central region and a peripheral angled edge region.
2 . The device of claim 1 wherein the central region comprises at least one of a flat region or a curved region.
3 . The device of claim 1 wherein the extended portion further comprises touch sensors for receiving touch input on a surface of the extended portion.
4 . The device of claim 1 further comprising an enclosure having at least one of a curved slot or a straight slot from which the extended portion extends while extended.
5 . The device of claim 4 wherein the display screen is secured within the enclosure in a retracted position, wherein the display screen is substantially flattened against a winding surface while secured within the enclosure.
6 . The device of claim 4 further comprising a tab accessible for extending the display screen from the enclosure.
7 . The device of claim 4 further comprising a crank, wherein rotation of the crank winds the display screen within the enclosure.
8 . The device of claim 1 wherein each of the display pixels comprises display circuits operable to emit or reflect light, wherein the display circuits are coupled to the processor.
9 . The device of claim 8 further comprising wires or conductive traces coupling the display circuits to the processor.
10 . The device of claim 8 further comprising an interface chip operable to provide for wireless communications under the control of the processor.
11 . The device of claim 1 wherein the display screen comprises a polymeric material having a thickness between 5 μm and 250 μm.
12 . The device of claim 1 wherein the display screen comprises a metallic material having a thickness between 5 μm and 250 μm.
13 . The device of claim 1 wherein, when fully extended, the extended portion has a length to width ratio between 0.1 and 10.
14 . The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a motor or a spring configured to retract the display screen.
15 . A device comprising:
an enclosure; and
an element extendable from the enclosure to present an extended portion comprising transducers, wherein the extended portion is characterized by a plurality of radii of curvature.
16 . The device of claim 15 wherein the enclosure comprises a curved slot having an arcuate cross-sectional shape.
17 . The device of claim 15 wherein the transducers convert electrical signals originating from a processor to display a pixel-based electronic image.
18 . The device of claim 15 wherein the transducers convert touch input on a surface of the extended portion to signals provided to a processor.
19 . The device of claim 15 wherein the transducers produce sound, heat, or cooling.
20 . A method of operating a retractable electronic device, the method comprising:
extending an element from within an enclosure to present an extended portion comprising transducers outside of the enclosure;
activating the transducers to output content via a surface of the extended portion of the element; and
retracting the element to a compact form within the enclosure.
21 . The method of claim 20 wherein extending the element from within the enclosure comprises extending the element through a curved slot in the enclosure.
22 . The method of claim 20 wherein the extended portion is characterized by an arcuate cross-sectional shape.
23 . The method of claim 20 wherein the extended portion is characterized by a flat central portion and angled side-edges.
24 . The method of claim 20 wherein activating the transducers comprises receiving input via a surface of the extended portion of the element.