Google received patent approval from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on April 28 for a new "tearable" display. Initially filed in October 2014, the patent shows that the device would be able to be "ripped" into smaller pieces.
"The tearable display is a display that can present content and that can be physically separated, e.g., torn into portions by a user," the patent states. "Each resulting portion of the display can alter the content presented based, in part, on the characteristics of the tearing. The tearable display can be made of multiple connected display elements that collectively present any appropriate content capable of being presented on a display, including graphics, text, video, or other content."
In the images accompanying the patent, an illustration shows what looks like a paper flyer with phone number tabs at the bottom, presumably designed to be ripped off. The idea is that the "torn off" pieces of the display could be used to show the image on the entire screen, or an entirely different image.
A strain sensor installed on the tearable display will be used to detect "rips." The shape and size of the torn-off piece will also supposedly vary.
This is just one of many patents that has been filed by Google for futuristic-looking technology. Google has not commented on whether the "tearable" display will officially come to fruition, but it has the rights to develop it whenever it's ready.
On April 29, Google made headlines for its patent that could eventually lead to the creation of an injectable device for vision correction. It would be inserted within the eyeball and have storage capabilities, as well as the ability to harness power through an energy-harvesting antenna.
Back in December 2015, Google received approval for a patent for a needle-free blood-drawing system. It would ideally be used by individuals who need to frequently sample their blood.
Google has launched its own patent program, aimed at helping other businesses cross-license their developments with the company.
"Google promotes innovation both within our company and throughout the technology ecosystem," Google states on its website. "In the spirit of fostering such innovation, we have embraced new models for sharing intellectual property across a variety of technology areas."
