Paperback writer? Microsoft slaps patents on book-style gadgetry with flexible display

Redmond kit has the bends

Microsoft's work on "bendable or flexible" display technology is far more advanced than anyone realised. A new patent application from Redmond indicates it's inspired by a very familiar technology: the paperback book.

Of the two claims, one (Application 2018/0113520, PDF, "Input based on interactions with a Physical Hinge") follows the now-familiar, Courier-style dual touchscreen format as the embodiment of the invention – but the other is far more interesting. This (Application 2018/00113241, PDF, "Curved edge display with controlled luminance") describes techniques for display content on folding images. The hypothetical device pictured contains two flexible displays hinged, like a paperback book.

Yes, a paperback writer.

One of the latest applications to surface (no pun intended) are far more interesting, showing an implementation of a dual-folding "bendable or flexible" OLED matrix. The IP that Microsoft seeks to protect recognises that flexible displays distort the image presented to the user – it's difficult to present a uniform brightness. So the invention seeks to ameliorate the distortion.

"A prismatic or holographic film" may also be used, the patent application notes.

Let's hope Microsoft thinks of another pitfall for display content down a hinge, beautifully illustrated here:

A timely reminder for all print-publishing folk errywhere: Beware the Gutter™ pic.twitter.com/ANVMmGKFb3

— Adolfo Aranjuez (@adolfo_ae) April 26, 2018

Earlier patents indicated that Microsoft continued to toy with a dual touchscreen pocket companion, much like the ill-fated Courier. This project emerged in 2009 as Apple prepared to launch its iPad. Courier was being developed by J Allard, who had led the Xbox team, but fell victim to the usual internecine warfare at Microsoft, and Allard left the following year. Work continues on a more conventional dual touchscreen design.

A Yoga Book-style pocket computer isn't a game changer – but a foldable, paperback-style gadget might be. ®