According to itNews reports, Microsoft has applied for two patents.All the two designs are equipped with hinges, folding screen.However, the focus of the patent is not folding design, it is concerned about the camera.
First look at the first patent.
Microsoft designed the device to have two parts, a camera and a mechanical flap, and at least two parts following the opening of the device, the first part contained a camera assembly with an optical axis and the second part also had a camera assembly, There's also a mechanical flap that exposes or hides the second camera assembly.
First to explain that the so-called 'camera' means that the device, module, unit contains at least one image sensor, you can take digital image frames, which have image data, you can re-create a digital image or display digital images. Component 'can be any component within the camera, such as a lens, a lens barrel, a filter, and the like.
The first part and the second part are connected together, the connection point can be moved, there are two modes of operation can choose, one is the two parts together, there is the separation.
When used together, the camera components are aligned and used as a camera. In the second mode, the camera components with the optical components are passive and covered by the mechanical flaps. The camera components with the image sensors are in an idle state, Can be used as a camera alone.
A look at the picture will be easier to understand. The 320-position camera assembly is an optical component that can be covered with a mechanical flap; the 310-position component is an imaging component that can be left unused or used as a standalone camera. FIG.3B is the first Mode, the device is closed, the optical assembly 320 is exposed, the imaging unit 310 is operated through the optical unit 320, and both are used as a camera.
Look at the second patent.
The patent describes a portable device that has two parts: a sensor on one side of the device with a viewing angle of 120 degrees and the other an optical device that is superimposed on the sensor and can be angled at 60 or 90 degrees ; In this way, the two components can form a camera, enlarge the image, but without sacrificing quality.
Microsoft has been working on devices that can be folded, and Microsoft is focusing on stylus and digital ink features, running Windows 10 as soon as next year, according to speculation that Microsoft's new device is unlikely to be compatible with iPhone, Android positive competition, because Microsoft has made it clear that competition is now too late.
The technology described by Microsoft patents can also be used on smartphones, tablets, notebooks, cellphone-tablet hybrids, and game consoles. The patented inventors include former Nokia and Huawei employees.
Before the iPhone went public, folding clamshell and slider phones became popular, with Apple changing the look of the phone with just the simplest buttons and a screen, and now handset makers seem to want to take the vintage and reintroduce the fold design.
Samsung recently launched the W2018 clamshell phone with a 4.2-inch screen and phones sold only in China.Korean media also said that Samsung is developing a new smart phone that uses a 3-panel folding design.It has been reported that Apple and LG Collaboration, is developing a folding iPhone, LG for the phone to provide a curved screen.