Future Motorola phones can be equipped with a self-healing, which will allow users to fix a damaged smartphone screen.
The patent, filed for registration last week, describes a "method and apparatus for detecting damage to the surface of the screen and restore him."
The method works by using a series of thermocouples embedded in the screen, which when activated, can heat the glass surface and restore its integrity.
"One of the drawbacks of touch screens is that they can crack," reads the patent. "Many of the displays or the surface layers of modern electronic devices are made of glass or plastic. Any of these materials are susceptible to deformation such as scratches, breakage or bending".
"Even the most durable materials, such as thermally toughened glass, can be distorted if the device is falling, and as soon as the display is damaged, the electronic device is often considered the user due to the fact that the main element of the smartphone has become unusable."
Motorola said that it would be "more beneficial" to have a device that repairs itself, not to completely change the smartphone.
The method proposed by Motorola, provides for the replacement of the glass screen on "polymer shape memory". This screen may change when exposed to heat, which means that any cracks or scratches will be filled.
The process will be initiated by the appropriate application, which takes stock of the damage caused to the device, and to determine the location of damage, as well as switched on heating a specific area to make the surface uniform and smooth.
Since the process can take some time, the patent also describes the dock - which will operate the device in the repair of the display. |