GristyMcFisty used our news submit to tell us about a new advance in laptop technology. While it is best to read the article for those that are more technically minded, this relates the essential nature of the advance:
| Roll-up laptop screens may be a step closer, according to scientists. A Cambridge team have developed metal structures that can morph from flat screens into tubes and other shapes. They say in the future the structures could form the basis for electronic displays that could be rolled-up and placed in a bag or pocket. One of the morphing processes involves a dimpled structure: 1. Invertible dimples are created on surface 2. Depressing a narrow band causes metal to crease 3. When all are inverted, sheet coils up Source: ReconStruct |
The success of this depends on changing the stress points of the form in question. The article provides many pictures of different shapes, along with explanations on why the form will not snap. The idea isn't unlike some of the 'holographic' displays one might see on the online advertising for HP, where the person 'rolls' out and rolls up different displays. The one thing the article does not state is any kind of estimation on how soon this advance will lead to the practical use of such screens. While people love flat panel monitors, one can only imagine how nice it would be to shape a monitor to fit into tight spaces, or to create a certain visual effect. This is a very intriguing idea, and it will be interesting to see if and when it becomes reality.
According to the article, these type structures are produced from one sheet of metal, therefore, they are quick and cheap to produce, In addition, they will be light and easy to carry around as well. This would make taking our DVD movies and CD music discs on the road, or even on an overnight hike, a real possibility in the future.
Source: BBC Technology
