Vivo has filed a patent for a foldable device design that has a detachable second screen equipped with its own internal hardware. So, while current foldable devices primarily focus on expanding the display area, this new concept brings in a modular design that facilitates independent functionality of both screens. Here, we will check out how this design seems to work and speculate on its potential applications.
Vivo foldable with detachable screen: how it works
The Vivo patent is filed in China with application number 202411862519.0. It is a foldable device with two distinct screen devices:
- A first screen device.
- A second screen device that is detachably connected to the first. It has a hardware module of its own.
- These are magnetically attached and connected electrically via contact points present on their respective borders.
- Vivo mentions that the terms ‘first’ and ‘second’ are “used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence”. It also says “the objects distinguished by ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. are usually of the same type, and the number of objects is not limited”.
When detached, the second screen could receive operational data from a control device. This control device could be either the first screen device or another electronic device.
Based on the received instructions/ operational data, the hardware module within the second screen executes control operations. For example, the second screen device might receive operation data instructing it to display an image or play audio, using its internal display or speaker that are part of the hardware module.
On the other hand, when attached, the connection could potentially facilitate power sharing between the devices or grant the first device direct control of the second screen’s hardware.
In a traditional foldable design, when the device is folded, a portion of the screen remains unused. But here, both screens could be simultaneously used.
Potential use cases of this detachable screen
- The second screen could be used for presentation or demo with visuals and audio, while the first screen device could be used to control the presentation. You could also take note of audience feedback and queries on the first device in real time.
- The first screen could act as the controller, while the detached second screen displays the game visuals, perhaps from a different perspective. If you are playing the entire thing on the primary display, you could gain game information on the secondary screen.
- The hardware module in the second screen could be optimised for audio (like a different speaker channel, maybe), and this could enhance the media experience.
- The second screen, when separated, could be used as a remote display or control panel for smart home devices or other connected electronics. In this case, the controlling device could be another electronic device.
- It would be interesting if Vivo enabled cross-compatibility with third-party devices to interact with the second screen.
All in all, such a design could mean the future of folding devices unfolds to not just large screens. We will keep you posted about similar design patents. Stay tuned!
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