According to multiple reports, Microsoft is working on a dual-screen device called Andromeda that could debut sometime in 2019. Microsoft is also said to be working on another dual-screen device codenamed Centaurus 2-in-1 and the software maker might announce it soon.
Unlike traditional 2-in-1 devices and smartphones, the setup of foldable devices is complicated. Microsoft apparently has to make sure that components are better at balancing their performance with their requirements. Microsoft has applied for several foldable devices patents in 2017 and 2018 to address various concerns.
First spotted by us, another patent titled ‘Ultrasound based configuration detection of a multipart electronic apparatus’ has been published by USPTO on January 29. The patent was filed by the software giant in May 2016 and it explains how ultrasound sensors would work on a foldable configuration device.
Microsoft says that the patented foldable device has two portions. The first portion has an ultrasound emitter and the second portion comes with an ultrasound sensor. The first portion and the second portion are arranged to be movable with respect to each other thereby allowing the distance between the ultrasound emitter and the ultrasound sensor to vary, the company explains.
“The electronic apparatus further comprises a measurement unit configured to measure current propagation delay of an ultrasound wave from the ultrasound emitter to the ultrasound sensor. The electronic apparatus further comprises a calculation unit configured to calculate current distance between the ultrasound emitter and the ultrasound sensor based on the measured current propagation delay of the ultrasound wave from the ultrasound emitter to the ultrasound sensor,” Microsoft explains.
The patent further explains that the first portion and the second portion are arranged to be foldable with respect to each other in a folding angle. There is also a calculation unit configured to calculate the current distance between the ultrasound emitter and the ultrasound sensor.
It’s important to note that this is yet another patent and there is no guarantee that it will turn into a real product.
According to previous rumours, the device is said to feature two displays connected by a hinge for its durability and flexibility. The two-screen form factor will be compatible with a stylus for maximum touch-based productivity. The design of the device could be similar to foldable phone from other tech giants, but the software and certain hardware components will make a big difference.
