Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1601—Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
  • G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
  • G06F1/162—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position changing, e.g. reversing, the face orientation of the screen with a two degrees of freedom mechanism, e.g. for folding into tablet PC like position or orienting towards the direction opposite to the user to show to a second user
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
  • G06F3/1423—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
  • G09G2330/00—Aspects of power supply; Aspects of display protection and defect management
  • G09G2330/02—Details of power systems and of start or stop of display operation

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to apparatus and systems related to computer monitors. More particularly, the apparatus and systems relate to portable computer monitors. Specifically, the apparatus and systems of the present invention involve a portable computer monitor with a universal hinge and a rear display stand. 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
• One solution is to develop larger monitors that have substantially larger display areas. While these monitors are capable of displaying more windows simultaneously, they generally require more desk space, are heavy and not easy to move around (and are thus more permanent) and are costlier to produce.
• Dual monitor systems can be enabled to display multiple windows in each display.
• a secondary display controller and associated display are interfaced to the computer in parallel with a primary display controller and associated display.
• Graphical user interface (GUI) software is commercially available that controls the dual monitors so that the monitors appear as a single correspondingly larger virtual display system, so that curser manipulations and data entry move from screen to screen in a natural manner.
• one display can display active data entry, while the other can display static reference data such as help screens or other screens.
• Current operating systems used in personal computers can accommodate multiple monitors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a portable monitor.
• Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment of the portable monitor.
• Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the portable monitor.
• Figure 4 illustrates the rotation of the screen of the portable display.
• Figure 5 illustrates another rotation of the screen of the portable display.
• Figure 6 illustrates the fully rotated screen with the portable display in the tablet position.
• Figure 7 illustrates the fully rotated screen with the portable display in an upright position.
• Figure 8 illustrates a rear view of the fully rotated screen with the portable display in an upright position.
• Figure 9 illustrates a method of producing a portable display.
• Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of another configuration of a portable monitor with an opening for an electronic device in its base.
• Figures 11-12 illustrate side views of the embodiment of a portable monitor with an opening for an electronic device in its base.
• Figure 13 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of a portable monitor with an opening for an electronic device in its base.
• Figures 14, 15 and 18 illustrate cross-sectional views of the embodiment of a portable monitor with an opening for an electronic device in its base.
• Figure 16 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of a portable monitor with an opening for an electronic device in its base as the electronic device is removed from the portable monitor.
• Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a portable monitor with an opening for an electronic device in its base with a blank plug device in the opening instead of the electronic device.
• Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a portable monitor with an opening for an electronic device in its base with a combination unit in the opening instead of the electronic device.
• FIG 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a portable monitor 1 that can be connected to a computer as a second monitor.
• the portable monitor 1 includes a screen device 2 attached to base 3 with a universal hinge 20 (e.g., compound hinge).
• the base 3 forms a housing that is used to support the screen device 2.
• the base 3 can be formed similar to housing used in a traditional laptop computer.
• the base 3 should be shaped and have enough weight to support and balance the screen device 2 when in the open position as shown in Figure 1.
• the base 3, screen device 2, and other components of the portable monitor display are generally formed with rigid plastic or other polymer based materials or a metal such as aluminum, but other materials can be used.
• the base 3 and screen device 2 are generally formed as complementary rectangular shapes with the base 3 having a right side 7, a left side 8, a front side 6, a back side 9 and a bottom surface 15.
• the screen device 2 has a right side 81 , a left side 82, a top side 83 and a bottom side 84.
• a universal serial bus (USB) port 30, a video input port 31 and/or a jack 32 can be placed in the right side 7 of the base 3.
• these ports or other auxiliary ports 33, 34, 35 can be placed in the left side 8 of the base 3.
• port 32 can be a power input plug
• port 31 can be a USB-B port
• port 30 may be a power on/off switch.
• the housing would include a mother board, disk drives, a power supply, and other computer components and electronics.
• the base 3 of the preferred embodiment may contain electronic components for operating a display screen 5 located in the screen device 2, but generally does not include a motherboard or central processing unit (CPU), disk drives, and other computer components. Because the mobile monitor 1 has fewer components than a traditional computer, it can be produced much more economically than a full computer.
• the display screen 5 can be 15.4", 15.6" or a different size.
• the screen device 2 e.g. upper portion
• base 3 e.g. lower portion
• the screen device 2 and base 3 are similarly sized so that they can be folded together similar to a laptop computer in a closed folded position shown in Figure 2.
• the portable display can be transported without scratching the display screen 5.
• the portable monitor 1 is easily transportable, for example, with a laptop in a laptop carrying case or bag.
• the connection between the base 3 and screen device 2 provides sufficient friction to temporarily keep the base 3 and screen device 2 in the closed position.
• the portable monitor 1 may further comprise at least one latch 17 in the front side 6 of the base 3 to temporarily keep the base 3 and screen device 2 in the closed position.
• a recessed area can be formed near the latch 17 or the recessed area can be used to aid in the opening of the portable monitor 1 with or without the latch 17.
• at least one handle 66 (seen in Figure 2) attached to the portable monitor 1 at either the base 3 and screen device 2, or both.
• the screen device 2 and the base 3 are connected together with a universal hinge 20 attached to the bottom side 84 of the screen device and the base 3 that also allows the portable monitor 1 to be configured into a tablet display as discussed later.
• the screen device 2 generally surrounds the display 5 to protect the display from scratching or damage while the portable monitor 1 is transported.
• the base 3 also includes a U-shaped rear support brace 50 as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
• the rear support brace 50 includes a left arm 48, a right arm 49 and a center support beam 51 positioned between the left and right arms 48, 49.
• the rear support brace is folded under the base 3 and not used because the base 3 acts to support the screen device.
• the screen device 2 can be rotated about the universal hinge 20 in the direction of arrow A and then folded into a tablet type of display position as shown in Figure 6.
• the universal hinge 20 can allow the screen device 2 to be rotated in directions different than what is shown by arrow A in the figures. In some embodiments, the hinge 20 may only rotate in one direction.
• the portable monitor 1 can rest on a desktop surface and be used as a tablet display.
• the rear support brace 50 can be extracted from the bottom surface 15 of the base 3 so that the portable monitor 1 can be tilted forward and used as an upright monitor as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
• the rear support brace 50 may be pivotally attached to the bottom surface of the base 3 at each end of the rear support brace 50 at two pivot points 55.
• the pivot points 55 may comprise two pins, hinges, or other pivot mechanisms as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
• the base 3 may have a recessed area 53 that the support brace 50 can be folded into.
• the base 3 may include one or more devices for inputting data into a computer the portable monitor 1 is connected to.
• the portable monitor 1 can include a keypad 10 for entering data into the display.
• the keypad 10 can include numerical keys 12 for entering numerical digits into the portable monitor 1 and into a computer the portable monitor 1 is connect to.
• the keypad 10 can include an "enter" button 14 for indicating an entire number is ready to be entered or another function is ready to be performed.
• the keypad 10 may include other buttons such as one or more function buttons 14 that indicate to a computer that a certain function is to be performed when the function button is pressed.
• portable monitor 1 Other input devices that can be used with portable monitor 1 , whether incorporated into the base 3 or otherwise connected to the portable monitor 1 , include a full QWERTY keyboard, a joy stick, a touch screen, an electronic pen, speakers, or no other device (e.g., a base 3 with no openings).
• the portable monitor 1 can be connected to and controlled by cell phone such as a Blackberry, iPhone® or another electronic device.
• the portable monitor 1 can be configured with a full QWERTY keypad and mouse for use by an individual student in a classroom setting.
• the portable monitor 1 can be linked to a host computer and act as a "zero client".
• the monitor 1 can be daisy chained with other portable monitors 1 or input directly to a host computer. This allows students to log into personal accounts on the host computer, and enter data through the portable monitor 1 which is transmitted, stored, and processed on the host computer. This allows a single classroom to have one host computer and 20 or more "zero client" devices such as portable monitors 1.
• the base 3 of the portable monitor 1 may include a touchpad 40 (e.g., trackpad) that is a tactile type of sensor.
• the touchpad 40 can be configured to track the position of a user's finger to position a corresponding curser on the monitor screen 5.
• the touchpad 40 may be associated with one or more enter 41 and/or select keys 41 , 42. These keys 41 , 42 may correspond to the left and right mouse keys of a traditional mouse.
• Traditional laptop computers have a limited area for keys and often only have a basic QWERTY keypad.
• the portable monitor 1 can include the keypad 10, the touchpad 40 or other input devices to enhance the input capabilities of a traditional mobile computer.
• the portable monitor 1 will typically need a source of electrical power.
• Either a conventional external or internal 120 VAC (or equivalent) power supply may be included that is transformed to a desired voltage, or a battery 60 may be located within either or both of the base 3 and screen device 2.
• both rechargeable batteries 60 and a connection to an external power source for charging the batteries 60 and/or powering the display may be employed. It is preferred to place any power-related components within the base 3 so that the weight of such components may add stability to the portable monitor 1 when it is in an open position.
• the portable monitor 1 may have conventional battery "bays" that accommodate removable batteries 60, either alone or in combination with an external power supply as is common in the art.
• the portable monitor 1 also includes a video input port 31 in the right side
• the video input port is capable of receiving audio/video data as well as video data.
• the portable monitor 1 can be configured to receive one or more formats of video data and to display the video data onto the screen 5.
• the video data may be in an analog format or a digital format.
• the video input port 31 can be connected to one end of a suitable cable and the other end of the cable can be connected to another device such as a laptop that is generating the video data to be displayed on the portable monitor 1.
• One type of cable that may be used for connection to a common laptop computer is a conventional video graphics array (VGA) cable or super VGA (SVGA) cable.
• VGA video graphics array
• SVGA super VGA
• the portable monitor 1 includes a receiver to wirelessly receive audio/video data for display on the screen 5.
• the portable monitor 1 can receive video data from a variety of electronic devices including computers such as laptop computers, table computers, notebook computers, personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular telephones, internet terminals, gaming devices, personal music or video devices, and other devices that generate video data.
• the portable monitor 1 can have the capability of sending and receiving wireless data (e.g., numeric and text data entered from the numeric keypad and/or QWERTY keyboard).
• the preferred embodiment can include a power saving logic configured to determine if an image displayed on the screen has not changed in a time period. The power saving logic can then cause the portable display to enter a low power mode when the image displayed on the screen has not changed for the time period. For example, the power saving logic can dim the screen 5 to save power. Later, the power saving logic may detect the image displayed on the screen 5 is changing and may apply additional power to the screen.
• a power saving logic configured to determine if an image displayed on the screen has not changed in a time period. The power saving logic can then cause the portable display to enter a low power mode when the image displayed on the screen has not changed for the time period. For example, the power saving logic can dim the screen 5 to save power. Later, the power saving logic may detect the image displayed on the screen 5 is changing and may apply additional power to the screen.
• the portable monitor 1 contains a DisplayLink chip.
• a DisplayLink chip can be used for controlling and operating the monitor 1.
• Software that accesses the chips can allow a user to rotate images on the portable monitor 1 to be vertical or "mirror" mode images.
• the software further has the ability to remember the display configuration as well as previous settings. This allows a user to disconnect the portable monitor 1 from a computer and then later reconnect it to the same computer so that the chip in the portable monitor 1 will remember previous display settings.
• the DisplayLink chip has controls for adjusting color, resolution, etc which can be accessed through a DisplayLink manager menu. This chip can also implement power saving features to conserve battery life. When a host computer the portable monitor 1 is connected to goes to sleep, the chip senses that and makes similar changes to the portable monitor 1.
• the portable device can include controls for adjusting the visual quality (color balance, hue, intensity, and the like) of an image on the screen 5.
• the image quality may be adjusted by manipulating one or more of the keys 11 , 12, 14 on the keypad 10 or via controls 35.
• the portable monitor 1 can include one or more speakers for generating sound that may be associated with data displayed on the screen 5.
• the portable monitor 1 can include a jack 32 to connect to an external speaker.
• the portable monitor 1 may also include an auxiliary connector such as a universal serial bus (USB) to allow a mouse or another device to be connected to the portable monitor 1.
• USB universal serial bus
• Air vents 57 may also be formed in the portable monitor 1 if there is a need for cooling the portable monitor 1.
• Rubber pads 24 may be placed on the screen device 2 to cushion the screen device 2 onto the base 3 as it is folded onto the base 3 in the closed position. Rubber pads can also be added to the base 3 to protect the back of the screen device 2 when the portable monitor 1 is in the tablet computer position.
• the portable monitor 1 may include a chamber 62 in the base 3 that allows an electrical cable to be stored in the base 3. The electrical cable can be used to connect the portable monitor 1 to a computer or other electronic device.
• the bottom surface 15 of the base 3 may include rubber or other polymer pads 71 , 72 attached to the base to prevent the sliding of the portable monitor 1 when it is resting on a surface in the tablet, open laptop or closed positions.
• the bottom surface 15 may also contain one or more openings 70 to allow the portable monitor 1 to be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall.
• the portable monitor 1 can have openings to attach a cable locking device such as a Kensington type of lock.
• the portable monitor 1 may contain other useful devices such as a built-in video camera for video conferencing (e.g., Skype®), a built-in camera, or other device.
• Example methods may be better appreciated with reference to flow diagrams. For the purpose of simplicity of explanation, the illustrated methodologies are shown and described as a series of blocks. It is to be appreciated that the methodology is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks can occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from that shown and described. Moreover, less than all the illustrated blocks may be required to implement an example methodology. Blocks may be combined or separated into multiple components. Furthermore, additional and/or alternative methodologies can employ additional not illustrated blocks.
• FIG 1 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a portable monitor 1 that can be connected to a computer as a second monitor.
• the portable monitor 1 includes a screen device 2 attached to base 3 with a universal hinge 20 (e.g., compound hinge).
• the base 3 forms a housing that is used to support the screen device 2.
• the base 3 can be formed similarly to the housing used in a traditional laptop computer.
• the base 3 should be shaped and have enough weight to support and balance the screen device 2 when in the open position as shown in Figure 1.
• the base 3, screen device 2, and other components of the portable monitor display are generally formed of rigid plastic or other polymer-based materials or a metal such as aluminum; however, other materials can be used.
• the base 3 and screen device 2 are generally formed as complementary rectangular shapes with the base 3 having a right side 7, a left side 8, a front side 6, a back side 9 and a bottom surface 15.
• the screen device 2 has a right side 81 , a left side 82, a top side 83 and a bottom side 84.
• a universal serial bus (USB) port 30, a video input port 31 and/or a jack 32 can be placed in the right side 7 of the base 3.
• these ports or other auxiliary ports 33, 34, 35 can be placed in the left side 8 of the base 3.
• port 32 can be a power input plug
• port 31 can be a USB-B port
• port 30 may be a power on/off switch.
• the housing would include a mother board, disk drives, a power supply, and other computer components and electronics.
• the base 3 of the preferred embodiment may contain electronic components for operating a display screen 5 located in the screen device 2, but generally does not include a motherboard or central processing unit (CPU), disk drives, or other computer components. Because the mobile monitor 1 has fewer components than a traditional computer, it can be produced much more economically than a full computer.
• the display screen 5 can be 15.4", 5.6" or a different size.
• the screen device 2 e.g. upper portion
• base 3 e.g. lower portion
• the screen device 2 and base 3 are similarly sized so that they can be folded together similar to a laptop computer in a closed folded position as shown in Figure 2.
• the portable display can be transported without scratching the display screen 5.
• the portable monitor 1 is easily transportable, for example, with a laptop in a laptop carrying case or bag.
• the connection between the base 3 and screen device 2 provides sufficient friction to temporarily keep the base 3 and screen device 2 in the closed position.
• the portable monitor 1 may further comprise at least one latch 17 in the front side 6 of the base 3 to temporarily keep the base 3 and screen device 2 in the closed position.
• a recessed area can be formed near the latch 17 or the recessed area can be used to aid in the opening of the portable monitor 1 with or without the latch 17.
• at least one handle 66 (seen in Figure 2) attached to the portable monitor 1 at either the base 3, screen device 2 or both.
• the screen device 2 and the base 3 are connected together with a universal hinge 20 attached to the bottom side 84 of the screen device and the base 3 that also allows the portable monitor 1 to be configured into a tablet display as discussed later.
• the screen device 2 generally surrounds the display 5 to protect the display from being scratched or damaged while the portable monitor 1 is transported.
• Base 3 also includes an U-shaped rear support brace 50 (shown in Figures 7 and 8). Of course, this brace 50 can be L-shaped or other shapes.
• Rear support brace 50 includes a left arm 48, a right arm 49 and a center support beam 51 positioned between the left and right arms 48, 49.
• the rear support brace is folded under the base 3 and is not used because the base 3 acts to support the screen device.
• the screen device 2 can be rotated about the universal hinge 20 in the direction of arrow A and then folded into a tablet-type of display position as shown in Figure 6.
• the universal hinge 20 can allow the screen device 2 to be rotated in directions different than what is shown by arrow A in the figures.
• the hinge 20 may only rotate in one direction.
• the right side 81 of the screen device 2 is adjacent to the left side 8 of the base 3.
• the left side 82 of screen device 2 is adjacent to the right side 7 of base 3 in the tablet position.
• rear support brace 50 can be extracted from bottom surface 15 of base 3 so that the portable monitor 1 can be tilted forward and used as an upright monitor as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
• Rear support brace 50 may be pivotally attached to the bottom surface of base 3 at each end of the rear support brace 50 at two pivot points 55.
• the pivot points 55 may comprise two pins, hinges, or other pivot mechanisms as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
• Base 3 may have a recessed area 53 that the support brace 50 can be folded into.
• base 3 may include one or more devices for inputting data into a computer that the portable monitor 1 is connected to.
• portable monitor 1 can include a keypad 10 for entering data into the display.
• the keypad 10 can include numerical keys 12 for entering numerical digits into the portable monitor 1 and into a computer that the portable monitor 1 is connected to.
• the keypad 10 can include an "enter" button 14 for indicating that a number is ready to be entered or another function is ready to be performed.
• the keypad 10 may include other buttons such as one or more function buttons 14 that indicate to a computer that a certain function is to be performed when the function button is pressed.
• portable monitor 1 Other input devices that can be used with portable monitor 1 , whether incorporated into the base 3 or otherwise connected to the portable monitor 1 , include a full QWERTY keypad, a joy stick, a touch screen, an electronic pen, speakers, or no other device (e.g., a base 3 with no openings).
• the portable monitor 1 can be connected to and controlled by a cell phone such as a Blackberry®, iPhone® or other electronic device.
• the portable monitor 1 can be configured with a full QWERTY keypad and mouse for use by an individual student in a classroom setting.
• the portable monitor 1 can be linked to a host computer and act as a "zero client".
• the monitor 1 can be daisy chained with other portable monitors 1 or input directly to a host computer. This allows students to log into personal accounts on the host computer and input data through the portable monitor 1 ; this data is then transmitted, stored, and/or processed on the host computer.
• This allows a single classroom to have one host computer and 20 or more "zero client" devices such as portable monitors 1.
• FIGS 10-18 illustrate a configuration of the preferred embodiment that allow an electronic device 104 such as an iPad® to be inserted into a base 103 of a portable monitor 101.
• the electronic device can be any electronic device including an iPhone®, iPod Touch®, a tablet computer, a cellular phone, a handheld electronic device or another device.
• the graphics of the electronic device 104 can then be displayed on a screen device 102 of the portable monitor 101.
• the base 103 includes a latch member 144 adjacent to back wall 142 of an electronic device chamber 1 19 in the base 103 as discussed further below.
• the latch member 144 includes a concave surface 143 that is formed complementary to a top edge surface 1 1 1 of the electronic device 104.
• the base 103 has an electronic device chamber 119 (best seen in Figure 16) into which the electronic device 104 can be inserted.
• the electronic device chamber 119 is formed in part by the back wall 142 of the base 103, a front interior wall 146 of the base 103 and a bottom surface of the base 103.
• a perimeter of the upper surface of the base 103 is formed to create an open window 1 18 that is an opening so that a screen of the electronic device 104 can be viewed when it is inserted into the electronic device chamber 119.
• the electronic device 104 is inserted into the chamber 9 from the bottom of the base 103.
• a front end 2 of the electronic device 104 is placed into a concave area formed by a concave surface 145 on the interior front wall 146.
• a back wall (e.g. top surface 1 11 ) of the electronic device 104 is locked into place with the latch member 144.
• the upper surface of the electronic device 104 presses the perimeter of the upper surface of the base 103 that forms the open window 1 18 to aid in keeping the electronic device 104 within the chamber 1 19
• the base 103 can include a lock opening 159.
• a lock mechanism 165 can be inserted into the lock opening 159 to lock the latch member 144 in a locked position preventing removal of the electronic device 104 from the base 103 and securing the portable monitor 101 in a locked configuration to prevent theft of the portable monitor 101.
• the lock mechanism 165 may be, for example a "Kensington" 161 type of locking mechanism.
• the base 103 can have an internal locking mechanism 160 that can be locked with a key. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that any other suitable device or other methods of locking the latch member 144 and the base 103 can be used.
• the bottom edge surface 1 12 is first positioned into concave surface
• the latch member 144 is pushed in the direction of arrow A in Figure 16 and top surface 11 1 of electronic device 104 is placed within the latch member 144 so that it is locked between the latch member 144 and other surfaces of base 103.
• a spring bias can be used to return the latch member 144 to a latched position that holds the electronic item within the base 103.
• the lock mechanism 165 can then be used to lock the latch member 144 so that it cannot release the electronic device 144. Later the lock mechanism 165 can be unlocked and then the latch member can again be pushed in the direction of arrow A to release the electronic device 104 allowing the electronic device 104 to be moved in the direction of arrow B to remove it from the base 103.
• the portable monitor 101 includes a screen device 102 attached to base 103 with a universal hinge 120 (e.g., compound hinge) similar to the universal hinge described earlier.
• the base 103 forms a housing that is used to support the screen device 102 that includes a screen 105 for displaying image data.
• the screen 105 can be 15.6 inches, 17.3 inches or another size.
• the screen device 102 generally surrounds the display 105 to protect the display 105 from being scratched or damaged while the portable monitor 101 is transported.
• the base 103 can be formed similar to the housing used in a traditional laptop computer.
• the base 103 should be shaped and have enough weight to support and balance the screen device 102 when in the open position as shown in Figure 10.
• the base 103, screen device 102, and other components of the portable monitor display are generally formed of rigid plastic, polymer-based materials, or a metal such as aluminum but other materials can be used.
• One implementation of this embodiment uses a sheet of aluminum to form the upper surface of the base 103.
• the right side of the base 103 can have one, two or more universal serial bus (USB) ports 130 and an audio output port 131.
• the left side is illustrated with a variety of other ports 129 that can include a USB-B port, an audio jack (output) or other auxiliary ports.
• the ports on the left side and the right side of the base 103 can be located at different locations on the portable monitor 101.
• This embodiment also includes a video port (connector, interface) 125 on the underside (see Figure 13) of the base 103 to allow the video of the electronic device 104 to be displayed on a screen 105 of the screen device 102.
• the video port 125 can be a high definition multiple interface (HDMI) type of port.
• HDMI high definition multiple interface
• a single cable 121 can be used to connect the electronic device 104 to the base 103. Even though Figure 13 is illustrated with the cable 121 in a daisy chain configuration that allows the portable monitor to be daisy chained together with one or more other monitors, a first end 122 of the cable 121 could be connected into the video input port 125 of the portable monitor 101 and a second end 123 of the cable could be directly connected to the electronic device 104.
• a power cable 124 can be used to power the electronic device 104.
• a first end 127 of a 30 conductor cable 126 is connected to the electronic device 104.
• a second end 128 with dual connectors is connected to a power cable 124 and a first end 123 of a video cable 121.
• the second end 122 of the video cable is connected to a video port 125.
• the portable monitor 101 can be powered by receiving power from cable 124 and then through cable 121.
• Some configurations of this embodiment can include a battery to provide power to the portable monitor 101.
• an HDMI output port can be installed on in the portable monitor 101 to allow daisy chaining of the monitor from the HDMI output port to other monitors. In addition to daisy chaining it is possible to drag content from the electronic device 104 onto the screen 105 of the portable monitor 101.
• the screen device 102 and the base 103 are connected together with a universal hinge 120 attached to the bottom side of the screen device and the base 103 that also allows the portable monitor 101 to be configured into a tablet display as discussed later.
• the base 103 also includes an L-shaped rear support brace 150 as shown in Figure 13 but this brace can also be U-shaped or other shapes.
• the rear support brace 150 includes an elongated arm 148 and a cross-arm 149. Similar to the support brace 50 of the preferred embodiment discussed earlier, in the "laptop display position" of Figure 10, the rear support brace 150 is folded under the base 103 and is not used because the base 103 acts to support the screen device.
• the screen device 102 can be rotated about its universal hinge 120 and then folded into a tablet type of display position.
• the rear support brace 150 can be extracted from the bottom surface of the base 103 so that the portable monitor 101 can be tilted forward and used as an upright monitor as shown in either a portrait or a landscape position.
• This embodiment can include a blank "plug" 115 as shown in Figure 17.
• the blank plug 115 can be inserted into the opening 118 of base 103 instead of the electronic device 104.
• this plug 115 can be snap-fitted into the opening 118, locked into the electronic device chamber 119 with latch device 144 or placed into the opening 118 in other ways.
• This blank plug 115 can be used by individuals who desire using the portable screen 101 with another device plugged into it without having an electronic device 104 plugged into the base 103.
• the blank plug 115 is formed of inexpensive plastic or other material and shaped similar to an electronic device that would be inserted into the electronic device chamber 1 19 and locked in place by the latch member 144. This allows the portable monitor 101 to appear attractive when an electronic device is not inserted into the base 03.
• Some configurations of the portable monitor 101 of this embodiment can include a touchpad/keypad combination unit 134 as shown in Figure 17.
• the touchpad/keypad combination unit 134 makes it easy for those who input a lot of numerical data to use a standard keypad with a laptop computer or other device connected to the portable monitor 101.
• the touchpad/keypad combination unit 134 can be plugged into a computer and used by itself with the computer without using the portable monitor 101.
• the touchpad/keypad combination unit 134 can be plugged into a computer where the computer is connected to the portable monitor 101.
• the touchpad/keypad combination unit 134 can be inserted into the electronic device chamber 119 and used to input data from there.
• the touchpad/keypad combination unit 134 includes a touch pad 135 and a keypad 136 adjacent to one another.
• the touchpad 135 is shown as being left of the keypad 136, but the touchpad 135 and keypad 136 could be located in other positions relative to one other.
• the touchpad 136 is shown with two buttons 170 but could include a different number of buttons 170.
• the touchpad 135 can be used to interact with images generated on the screen 105 using a mouse pointer or another graphical interface.
• the buttons 170 can be used to select items displayed on the screen 105 or to interact with images presented on the screen in other ways as understood by those with ordinary skill in the art.
• the keypad 136 is shown with a variety of buttons (e.g., keys) 137, 138, 139, 180, 181 and 182, but could also include different kinds of buttons or buttons in different locations on the keypad 136 than what is illustrated.
• the keypad 136 is generally configured as a "standard” keypad that is a common keypad favored for inputting numeric values into an electronic device.
• the keypad of Figure 19 is illustrated with keys 137 for entering numbers 1 through 9 as well as a key 138 for entering the number "0".
• Key 139 is used for entering a decimal point when entering a fractional portion of a number.
• Two keys 181 are used to input mathematical operation such as "plus” (+) and “minus” (-) while keys 182 can be used to represent the "number lock", “slash” (/) and “asterisks” ( * ).
• the base 103 can include front post structures 190 used to support the front of the base 103.
• a rear housing structure is used to support the rear portion of the base 103 so that there is some downward taper of an upper surface of the base toward the front post structures 190.
• the rear housing structure 191 can have the latch member 144, video port 125, audio output port 131 , USB ports 130, a power supply port 108, a power button 109 and other ports 129 such as a USB-B port.
• the portable monitor 101 can be configured so that it can be hung from a wall with a video electronics standards association (VESA) type of mounting device.
• VESA video electronics standards association
• Various pads 107 can be added to the portable monitor 101 to protect surfaces on the electronic device and/or the portable monitor 101.
• Figure 9 illustrates a method 900 of using a portable display comprised of a monitor and a base.
• the portable display can lack a processor executing software instructions.
• the portable display can include a DisplayLink chip to process image data.
• the method 900 chooses, at 902, whether to place the portable display in a closed laptop position as shown in Figure 2, an open laptop position as shown in Figures 1 and 3, a tablet computer position as shown in Figure 6 or a freestanding monitor position as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
• a universal hinge is connected to the base and monitor to orientate the portable display to be displayed in a closed laptop position, an open laptop position, a tablet computer position, or a freestanding monitor position.
• the monitor is planar and adjacent to the base with the display screen facing toward the base when the portable display is in the closed position.
• the base is generally horizontal to a horizontal surface and the monitor is opened away from the base to allow a user to view the display screen.
• the display is planar and adjacent to the base with a display screen facing outward from the base when the portable monitor is in the tablet position.
• the tablet computer position may be a traditional tablet computer position where the display is placed flat on a desk. Alternatively, the tablet computer position may be upright with the display leaning back on a stand supporting the display upright.
• the monitor and the base are placed, at 904, in the chosen position.
• a display stand is pivotally attached to the display base, at 908.
• the display stand can be attached to the display base and may fold into or away from the base.
• the display stand can be U-shaped, L-shaped or other shapes and can be pivotally attached to the two ends of an U-shaped display stand.
• the display stand can be pivoted from the display base to support the portable display in an upward position when the portable display is in the tablet position.
• Different modules can be attached to the display or swapped with other modules attached to the display.
• different data entering devices can be attached to the display such as a numeric keypad, a full QWERTY keyboard for operation in a classroomfzero client" setting.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Mathematical Physics (AREA)
• Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
• Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)

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• 2013
  • 2013-01-04 WO PCT/US2013/020293 patent/WO2013103821A2/fr not_active Ceased

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