Sony patents fold-up origami gadgetry

by Paul Miller, posted Jun 8th 2006 at 12:59PM

No, not that Origami. Sony is taking the term a bit more literally, and working on a technology to allow a device to be folded up to fit in your pocket, but which when unfolded becomes rigid for use. The whole unit, body and screen, would be made from a flexible material and contain conductive rubber bracing struts with some gel of aluminosilicate particles suspended in silicone oil mixed in for good measure. When zapped with a little bit of electricity, the struts harden almost instantly, allowing you to use the gadget in its proper state. The patent goes on to suggest the possibility of using this technology in conjunction with a video game in response to on-screen action. Unfortunately, our magic 8 ball says the signs aren't looking too hot for seeing something like this in action any time soon.

[Via New Scientist]

Filed under: Displays, Gaming, Handhelds

Tags: display, flexible, fold, folding, origami, sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

English @ Jun 8th 2006 1:07PM

Now, if only it could fold into a swan...

Pretty cool, though. I wonder if they (Sony) will finally make an mp3 player worth buying with this implemented?

Neutral

Al @ Jun 8th 2006 1:08PM

Sounds like batmans cape in Batman Begins.

Neutral

Brian @ Jun 8th 2006 1:12PM

Those hardening struts were invented several years ago for adaptive computer controlled automobile suspensions. Very cool technology, but very very expensive.

Neutral

Jono Cono @ Jun 8th 2006 1:16PM

Very cool idea, but like you say I'm sure we won't be seeing something like that on the shelf anytime soon.

Neutral

Joel @ Jun 8th 2006 1:37PM

Very compelling design. Looks like a technogeek prohylactic:)

Neutral

greatslack @ Jun 8th 2006 2:41PM

aww no thanks for the referral?

Neutral

Chris @ Jun 8th 2006 3:32PM

This bendable rigid with electric cant possibly be patented by sony... batman had it in the movie just it wasnt a screen it was his cape lol...

Neutral

Osiris @ Jun 8th 2006 4:28PM

Transformers, Robots in disguise!

Neutral

Guruboy @ Jun 8th 2006 6:19PM

What are you talking about Chris? I remember read articles about flexible sreens and such years ago! And the memory cloth idea was around long before Batman...

In this case, Sony is working on a full-fledged electronic out of it.

And who said Sony doesnt innovate?

Neutral

Alfred E @ Jun 8th 2006 11:32PM

I can't wait for this, then i can make digital copies of the back page of all my MAD magazines

What me worry?

Neutral

Mark Penix @ Jun 9th 2006 5:47PM

What happens if you fold it in on itself (knot-like) and turn the device on? Would it explode?

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