U.S. patent application number 11/879666 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for multi-sided display for portable computer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Palm, Inc.. Invention is credited to Francis Canova.
Application Number | 20080129647 11/879666 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24925111 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080129647 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Canova; Francis |
June 5, 2008 |
Multi-sided display for portable computer
Abstract
A display apparatus for providing multi-sided viewing
functionality. In one embodiment, the display apparatus is
comprised of a front cover which is electrically and mechanically
coupled to an electronic device. A first display component is
disposed on the front cover and includes a front display panel and
a rear display panel. A second display component is coupled to the
electronic device. A display control circuit, coupled to the
electronic device, is adapted to activate and to deactivate display
panels in direct response to the orientation of the front cover,
and when electronic device is so configured, to the orientation of
a second cover, interposed between the front cover and the
electronic device. Electronic ink technology is used in the
formation of the two sided display components.
Inventors: |
Canova; Francis; (Fremont,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PALM C/O MURABITO, HAO & BARNES LLP
TWO NORTH MARKET STREET, THIRD FLOOR
SAN JOSE
CA
95113
US
|
Assignee: |
Palm, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24925111 |
Appl. No.: |
11/879666 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09728023 |
Nov 30, 2000 |
7289083 |
|
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11879666 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1641 20130101;
G06F 1/1647 20130101; G06F 3/045 20130101; G06F 2200/1632 20130101;
G06F 1/1622 20130101; G06F 1/1698 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101;
G06F 1/1656 20130101; G06F 1/1677 20130101; G06F 1/1626
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/1.1 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Claims
1. A display apparatus providing multi-sided viewing functionality
for an electronic device, said apparatus comprising: a) a front
cover coupled to said electronic device; b) a first display
comprising a first viewable portion and a second viewable portion,
wherein said first display is coupled to said front cover; and c) a
display control circuit for enabling said first display, said
display control circuit coupled to said electronic device, said
display control circuit responsive to the orientation of said front
cover, wherein when said front cover is moved from a closed
position to an open position, information displayed on said first
viewable portion is automatically transferred to said second
viewable portion of said first display.
2. The display apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second
display, coupled to said electronic device, wherein said display
control circuit responsive to the orientation of said front cover
activates said second display when said front cover is moved from
said closed position to said open position.
3. The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first viewable
portion is on a front display portion and said second viewable
portion is on a back display portion of said first display.
4. The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front cover is
mechanically coupled to said electronic device via a hinge, wherein
said hinge is adapted to open and close said front cover, such that
when said front cover is open, said front cover is in an open
position, and when said front cover is closed, said front cover is
in a default position, and wherein said first viewable portion is
on a front display portion and wherein said second viewable portion
is on a rear display portion of said first display.
5. The display apparatus of claim 4 wherein said display control
circuit, responsive to said default position of said front cover,
activates said front display portion of said first display of said
front cover, to enable viewing functionality of said front display
portion of said first display while said display control circuit
deactivates said rear display portion of said first display of said
front cover.
6. The display apparatus of claim 4 further comprising: a second
display comprising a first viewable portion and a second viewable
portion, wherein said first viewable portion is on the front side
of said second display, and wherein said second viewable portion is
on the rear side of said second display, coupled to said electronic
device, wherein said display control circuit, responsive to said
open position of said front cover, activates said rear display
portion of said first display and said front side of said second
display of said electronic device while said display control
circuit deactivates said front display portion of said first
display of said front cover.
7. The display apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a processor
for processing data; and a keyboard entry device for facilitating a
user interaction.
8. A two-sided display apparatus for providing multi-sided viewing
for an electronic device, said apparatus comprising: a) a front
cover coupled to said electronic device, said front cover
comprising a hinge for opening and closing said front cover,
wherein said closed front cover is a default position; b) a first
display coupled to said front cover, said first display having a
front viewable portion and a rear viewable portion; and c) a
display control circuit coupled to said electronic device, adapted
to activate said first display, said display control circuit
responsive to the orientation of said front cover, wherein when
said front cover is moved from a closed position to an open
position, information displayed on said front viewable portion of
said first display is transferred automatically to said rear
viewable portion of said first display.
9. The display apparatus of claim 8 further comprising: a second
display, coupled to said electronic device, said second display
having a front viewable portion and a rear viewable portion,
wherein said display control circuit activates said second display
when said front cover is moved from said closed position to said
open position.
10. The display apparatus of claim 9 wherein said first display and
said second display comprise a thin flexible transparent material,
said thin flexible transparent material being analogous to
mylar.
11. The display apparatus of claim 10 wherein said transparent
material comprises a first layer and a second layer, said first
layer and said second layer coupled to each other, such that they
create a sealed chamber.
12. The display apparatus of claim 11 wherein said sealed chamber
comprises a first transparent conducting layer and a second
transparent conducting layer disposed within said sealed chamber,
said first transparent conductive layer and said second transparent
layer responsive to voltage applied by said display control
circuit.
13. The display apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first
transparent conducting layer and said second transparent conducting
layer are idium tin oxide.
14. The display apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first
transparent conducting layer is disposed toward said front viewable
portion and said second transparent conducting layer is disposed
toward said rear viewable portion.
15. The display apparatus of claim 11 wherein said sealed chamber
further comprises a fluid, said fluid comprising a first colored
liquid and at least a second colored liquid.
16. The display apparatus of claim 11 wherein said sealed chamber
is predominately filled with said first colored liquid.
17. The display apparatus of claim 15 wherein said first colored
liquid is white ink.
18. The display apparatus of claim 15 wherein said second colored
liquid is black ink.
19. The display apparatus of claim 18 wherein said black ink is
transparently encapsulated by a multisided viewing display.
20. The display apparatus of claim 19 wherein said transparently
encapsulated black ink is electrostatically charged.
21. The display apparatus of claim 20 wherein said transparently
encapsulated black ink is attracted to said voltage provided by
said display control circuit, said voltage is more positive
voltage.
22. An electronic device comprising: a housing; a flippable cover
hinged to said housing and having an open state and a closed state,
said flippable cover comprising a flexible first display having
multi-sided viewing functionality comprising a front viewable
portion and a back viewable portion; wherein said front viewable
portion is operable to display information provided said flippable
cover is in said closed state; and wherein further upon said
flippable cover opening to said open state, said front viewable
portion becomes deactivated, said back viewable portion
automatically becomes activated and displays said information.
23. An electronic device as described in claim 21, wherein said
housing support a second display, and wherein said display control
circuit, upon said flippable cover opening to said open state,
activates said second display for displaying additional
information.
24. An electronic device as described in claim 22 wherein said
first and said second display are flat panel display screens.
25. An electronic device as described in claim 23 wherein said flat
panel display screens comprise electronic ink technology.
26. An electronic device as described in claim 21 further
comprising: a processor for processing data; and a keyboard entry
device for facilitating a user interaction.
27. An electronic device comprising: a housing supporting a first
display; a first flippable cover hinged to said housing and having
an open state and a closed state, said first flippable cover
comprising a second flexible display having multi-sided viewing
functionality comprising a front viewable portion and a back
viewable portion; a second flippable cover hinged to said housing
opposite to said first flippable cover and having an open state and
a closed state, said second flippable cover comprising a third
flexible display having multi-sided viewing functionality
comprising a front viewable portion and a back viewable portion;
wherein said front viewable of said second cover is active to
display a first set of information provided said first and second
covers are closed; and wherein further, upon said second cover
opening, said front viewable portion of said second cover becomes
deactivated, said back viewable portion of said second cover
becomes activated and displays said first set of information and
said front viewable portion of said first cover becomes activated
for the display of second set of information; and wherein further,
upon said first cover opening while said second cover is open, said
front viewable portion of said first cover becomes deactivated,
said back viewable portion of said first cover becomes activated
and displays said second set of information and said first display
becomes activated to display a third set of information.
28. An electronic device as described in claim 27 wherein said
first and said second and said third display are flat panel display
screens.
29. An electronic device as described in claim 28 wherein said flat
panel display screens comprise electronic ink technology.
30. In an electronic device configured with a flexible cover
mounted display having multi-sided viewing functionality comprising
a first and a second side, a method for utilizing multiple display
capabilities, said method comprising: a) powering on said
electronic device, such that said flexible cover mounted display
having multi-sided viewing functionality comprising said first and
said second side are operable to display a first set of
information; and b) opening said flexible cover so as to
automatically deactivate said first side and to automatically
activate said second side of said flexible cover, to display said
first set of information.
Description
RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This Continuation Application claims the benefit and
priority to the co-pending, commonly-owned US patent application
with Attorney Docket No. PALM-3304.SG, Ser. No. 09/728,023, filed
on Nov. 30, 2000, by Francis Canova Jr., and titled "Multi-sided
Display For Portable Computer," which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing
a multi-sided display for a portable computer system. More
particularly, the present invention provides an apparatus for
providing multiple electronic-display panel capabilities for a
portable computer system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As the continuing advances in technology have enabled the
miniaturization of the components required to build computer
systems, new categories of computer systems have been created. One
of the categories of computer systems has been the portable, hand
held, or "palmtop" computer system, referred to as a personal
digital assistant or PDA. Other examples of portable computer
systems include electronic address books, electronic day planners,
electronic schedulers and the like.
[0004] A palmtop computer system is a computer that is small enough
to be held in the user's hand and as such is "palm-sized." As a
result, palmtops are readily carried about in the user's briefcase,
purse, and in some instances, in the user's pocket. By virtue of
its size, the palmtop computer, being inherently lightweight, is
therefore exceptionally portable and convenient.
[0005] The continuing miniaturization of computer systems has
enabled a user to now carry in their pocket very powerful computer
systems. However, miniaturization has also reduced some of the
functionality of the portable computer system compared to desktop
systems. To support the form factor of the portable computer,
smaller graphic display panels and reduced graphic resolution have
been developed. By virtue of the reduction of the graphic display
capabilities of the portable computer, less information is now
visible to the user.
[0006] Another drawback to the portable computer system is its
display panel. While the development of the liquid crystal display
(LCD) has, in part, enabled the further development of the portable
computer system, it is not without certain limitations. An LCD is
constructed using glass, and as such, is thick, rigid, and
relatively heavy for its size. Additionally, liquid crystal
displays are usually visible from one position, and as such, the
information displayed is often difficult to see. Another drawback
is that some LCD's require backlighting for illumination of the
display area which is a constant draw on the retained power within
a portable computer. Further, for the LCD to hold the images or
text on the display area for the user to see, a constant flow of
power must be applied to the screen, which is a draw on the
retained power within a portable computer.
[0007] With most portable computer systems operating on battery
power, the continuous drain of power, as described, significantly
reduces the usable time before recharging is required.
Additionally, because increased quantities of battery power are
required for the portable computer to operate longer without being
recharged/replaced, power consumption directly impacts the size of
the battery required.
[0008] Another computer system being developed and currently
available is the electronic book computer, commonly referred to as
an "e-book." An e-book has the approximate physical properties
associated with a laptop computer, but consists of two viewable
areas, each facing the other, analogous to an open book. The e-book
is utilized the same as when someone reads a book, but without
pages to turn. Instead of turning the page, the two facing screens
are refreshed, loading the new text to be read, in a fashion to
simulate the turning of a book page. The text is not the printed
text that is known in the printed form, but rather groups of pixels
that are controlled electronically through the application of
voltage or current to create the image of letters, and therefore
words. Unfortunately, the e-book, while presenting text in a new
manner is as large as a laptop computer, and therefore just as
cumbersome.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Thus a need exists for a portable computer system with
additional display panels. Another need exists for an apparatus
that fills the above need and which provides multi-sided e.g.,
two-sided display into the front cover of a portable computer
system. Another need exists for an apparatus that fills the above
need and which further provides an additional display panel on a
palmtop computer. Another need exists for an apparatus that fills
the above need and which further provides a switching mechanism to
control which of the display panels are activated by, e.g., a
mechanism that responds to the position of the front cover of the
portable computer.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill
in the art after having read the following detailed description of
the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various
drawing figures.
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for
providing multi-sided viewing functionality to a portable computer
system. The present invention further provides, in one embodiment,
an apparatus that achieves the above listed feature which further
provides two-sided display capabilities to the front cover of the
portable computer system. Furthermore, the present invention also
provides an apparatus that provides the above listed features and
which further provides an additional display panel to the portable
computer system. Additionally, the present invention also provides
an apparatus that provides the above listed features and which
readily and transparently controls the activation of the display
panels by the opening of the front cover of the portable computer
system.
[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a
front cover. The front cover is electrically and mechanically
coupled to the palmtop computer. In the present embodiment, a first
display component is coupled to the front cover. The first display
component further comprises a front display panel and a rear
display panel. In the present embodiment, a second display
component is mounted with the portable computer system. In another
embodiment, a third display component may be provided and coupled
to the portable computer system. Additionally, in one embodiment,
the technology used in the display component is electronic ink
display. Further, in the present embodiment, the display component
is flexible. Furthermore, in the present invention, a display
control circuit is included in the portable computer system. The
display control circuit is adapted to activate the first display
component and the second display component. The display control
circuit is further adapted to activate the third display component,
provided the third display component is present and coupled to the
portable computer. The display control circuit is further adapted
to provide that activation in direct response to the orientation of
the front cover.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary network
environment including a portable computer system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a portable computer system
connected to other computer systems and the Internet via a cradle
device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of a portable computer
system in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom side perspective view of the portable
computer system of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the components of the portable
computer system of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top side perspective view of a portable computer
system configured a front cover in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a bottom side perspective view of the palmtop
computer system of FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a portable
computer system, in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of a
portable computer system configured with a display component
disposed on the front cover, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of the
portable computer system of FIG. 8 with the front cover in the open
position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of a
portable computer system configured with three display components,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of
the portable computer system of FIG. 10 with the front cover
opened, exposing the second of three display components, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a front facing illustrated perspective view of
the portable computer system of FIG. 10 with the front and second
covers opened, exposing three display panels, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the palmtop computer in FIGS.
8 and 9, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a
display panel of the present invention in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a
display panel of the present invention in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a
display panel of the present invention in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 17 is flowchart showing the steps in a process 1700 for
utilizing the apparatus for providing multi-sided display
functionality to the portable computer system in FIGS. 8 and 9, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 18 is flowchart showing the steps in a process 1800 for
utilizing the apparatus for providing multi-sided display
functionality to the portable computer system in FIGS. 10, 11, and
12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] A display apparatus having multi-sided display functionality
for a portable computer system is described. In one embodiment, a
flat panel technology is employed. In the following description,
for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art
that the present invention may be practiced without these specific
details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are
shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present
invention. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,
component, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to
unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
Notation and Nomenclature
[0034] Some portions of the detailed descriptions, which follow,
are presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks,
processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on
data bits that can be performed on computer memory. These
descriptions and representations are the means used by those
skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure,
computer executed step, logic block, process, etc., is here, and
generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or
instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually,
though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of
electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a
computer system. It has proven convenient at times, principally for
reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values,
elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
[0035] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these
quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from
the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
present invention, discussions utilizing terms such as "activating"
or "determining" or "indicating" or "indexing" or "receiving" or
"performing" or "initiating" or "sending" or "implementing" or
"disabling" or "enabling" or "displaying" or the like, refer to the
action and processes of a computer system or similar electronic
computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented
as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's
registers and memories into other data similarly represented as
physical quantities within the computer system memories or
registers or other such information storage, transmission or
display devices.
[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are discussed primarily
in the context of a portable computer system, such as a palmtop or
personal digital assistant. However, it is appreciated that the
present invention can be used with other types of devices that
utilize a flat panel display device, including but not limited to
palmtop computer systems, pagers, cell phones, remote web browsers,
remote control devices, etc.
Exemplary Palmtop Platform
[0037] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an exemplary network
environment 50 including a portable computer system 100 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Portable
computer system 100 is also known as a palmtop or palm-sized
computer system. In one embodiment, portable computer system 100
has the ability to transmit and receive data and information over a
wireless communication interface (e.g., a radio interface). For
purposes of the present application, the term "portable computer
system" is not intended to be limited solely to conventional
palmtop or portable computers. Instead, the term "portable
computer" or "portable computer system" is also intended to include
any mobile electronic device. Such mobile devices include but are
not limited to pagers and paging systems, wireless and cellular
telephones, electronic address books, and numerous other mobile
devices which may have the ability to wirelessly communicate with a
network. As such, for purposes of the present application, the
terms "portable computer" and "mobile device" will be considered
synonymous and will be used interchangeably.
[0038] Base station 32 can be both a transmitter and receiver base
station, which can be implemented by coupling it into an existing
public telephone network 34. Implemented in this manner, base
station 32 enables portable computer system 100 to communicate with
a proxy server computer system 36, which is coupled by wire to the
existing public telephone network 34. Furthermore, proxy server
computer system 36 is coupled to the Internet 52, thereby enabling
portable computer system 100 to communicate with the Internet 52.
When communicating with a Web site over Internet 52, protocols such
as CTP (Compact Transport Protocol) and CML (Compact Markup
Language) can be used by portable computer system 100 in the
present embodiment.
[0039] It should be appreciated that one of the functions of proxy
server 36 is to perform operations over the Internet 52 on behalf
of portable computer system 100. For example, proxy server 36 has a
particular Internet address and acts as a proxy device for portable
computer system 100 over the Internet 52.
[0040] It should be further appreciated that other embodiments of a
communications network, planned or envisioned, may be utilized in
accordance with the present invention. For example, a wireless
connection may be made from portable computer system 100 directly
to the Internet 52.
[0041] The data and information which are communicated between base
station 32 and portable computer system 100 are the same type of
information and data that can conventionally be transferred and
received over a public telephone wire network system. Additionally,
in FIG. 1A, the existing telephone network could also be a
packet-based network, as is the Bellsouth wireless data network
utilized by some conventional portable computer systems. However, a
wireless communication interface is utilized to communicate data
and information between portable computer system 100 and base
station 32. It should be appreciated that one embodiment of a
wireless communication system in accordance with the present
invention is the Mobitex wireless communication system.
Furthermore, any wireless network, in addition to the Mobitex
wireless network, can support the functionality to be disclosed
herein.
[0042] FIG. 1B illustrates another embodiment of a system 51 that
can be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present
invention. System 51 comprises a host computer system 56 which can
either be a desktop unit as shown, or, alternatively, can be a
laptop system 58. Optionally, one or more host computer systems can
be used within system 51. Host computer systems 58 and 56 are shown
connected to a communication bus 54, which in one embodiment can be
a serial communication bus, but could be of any of a number of well
known designs, e.g., a parallel bus, Ethernet Local Area Network
(LAN), etc. Optionally, bus 54 can provide communication with the
Internet 52 using a number of well-known protocols.
[0043] Importantly, bus 54 is also coupled to a cradle 60 for
receiving and initiating communication with portable computer
system 100. Cradle 60 provides an electrical and mechanical
communication interface between bus 54 (and anything coupled to bus
54) and the computer system 100 for two-way communications.
Portable computer system 100 may instead be coupled to host
computer systems 56 and 58 via a wireless (radio) connection.
Computer system 100 also contains a wireless infrared communication
mechanism 64 for sending and receiving information from other
devices. Additionally, in FIG. 1B, the existing telephone network
could also be a packet-based network, as is the Bellsouth wireless
data network utilized by some conventional portable computer
systems.
[0044] With reference to both FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is appreciated
that portable computer system 100 can be used in a network
environment combining elements of networks 50 and 51. That is, as
will be seen below, portable computer system 100 can include both a
wireless infrared communication mechanism and a signal (e.g.,
radio) receiver/transmitter device.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the top face 100a of
one embodiment of the palmtop computer system 100 of the present
invention. The top face 100a contains a flat panel display screen
105 surrounded by a bezel or cover. A removable stylus 80 is also
shown. The display screen 105 is a touch screen able to register
contact between the screen and the tip of the stylus 80. The stylus
80 can be of any material to make contact with the screen 105. The
top face 100a also contains one or more dedicated and/or
programmable buttons 75 for selecting information and causing the
computer system to implement functions. The on/off button 95 is
also shown. Also shown is front cover 175. As described further
below, front cover 175 includes a display component having a rear
display panel and a front display panel.
[0046] FIG. 2 also illustrates a handwriting recognition pad or
"digitizer" containing two regions 106a and 106b. Region 106a is
for the drawing of alphabetic characters therein (and not for
numeric characters) for automatic recognition, and region 106b is
for the drawing of numeric characters therein (and not for
alphabetic characters) for automatic recognition. The stylus 80 is
used for stroking a character within one of the regions 106a and
106b. The stroke information is then fed to an internal processor
for automatic character recognition. Once characters are
recognized, they are typically displayed on the screen 105 for
verification and/or modification.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom side 100b of one embodiment of
the palmtop computer system that can be used in accordance with
various embodiments of the present invention. An extendible antenna
85 is shown, and also a battery storage compartment door 90 is
shown. A communication interface 180 is also shown. Also shown is
front cover 175. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
communication interface 180 is a serial communication port, but
could also alternatively be of any of a number of well-known
communication standards and protocols, e.g., parallel, SCSI (small
computer system interface), Firewire (IEEE 1394), Ethernet,
etc.
[0048] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the palmtop computer system
100 in accordance with one implementation. It should be noted that
front cover 175, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, is not shown so as
to simplify the description of the exploded view of portable
computer 100. Computer system 100 contains a back cover 245, and a
front cover 210 having an outline of region 106 and holes 75a for
receiving buttons 75b. Flat panel display 105 is disposed on front
cover 210. A battery 215 provides electrical power. A contrast
adjustment (potentiometer) 220 is also shown, as well as an on/off
button 95. A flex circuit 230 is shown along with a printed circuit
(PC) board 225 containing electronics and logic (e.g., memory,
communication bus, processor, etc.) for implementing computer
system functionality. The digitizer pad is also included in PC
board 225. A midframe 235 is shown along with stylus 80.
Position-adjustable antenna 85 is shown.
[0049] Infrared communication mechanism 64 (e.g., an infrared
emitter and detector device) is for sending and receiving
information from other similarly equipped devices (see FIG. 1B). A
signal (e.g., radio) receiver/transmitter device 108 is also shown.
The receiver/transmitter device 108 is coupled to the antenna 85
and also coupled to communicate with the PC board 225. In one
implementation the Mobitex wireless communication system is used to
provide two-way communication between computer system 100 and other
networked computers and/or the Internet via a proxy server (see
FIG. 1A).
[0050] FIG. 5 is a front angled perspective illustration of a
portable computer system with an opened front cover. Portable
computer system 100 is shown as equipped with front cover 175
removeably coupled to portable computer 100, which is adapted to
provide protection against damage to display panel 105. Cover 175
may rotate as shown by the arrow, about the axis, or hinge.
Portable computer 100 as depicted in FIG. 5 is analogous to the
palmtop computer of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 including dedicated and/or
programmable buttons 75 and on/off button 95.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a rear angled perspective illustration of the back
face and the back of front cover 175 of portable computer system
100 of FIG. 5. Portable computer system 100 is shown as having
optional data storage device receptacle 140, adapted to receive
optional data storage devices, e.g., memory sticks, secure data
cards, and the like. Portable computer 100 of FIG. 6 is otherwise
analogous to portable computer 100 of FIG. 5.
[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates circuitry of computer system 100, some of
which can be implemented on PC board 225 (FIG. 4). Computer system
100 includes an address/data bus 110 for communicating information,
a central processor 101 coupled with the bus for processing
information and instructions, a volatile memory 102 (e.g., random
access memory, RAM) coupled with the bus 110 for storing
information and instructions for the central processor 101 and a
non-volatile memory 103 (e.g., read only memory, ROM) coupled with
the bus 110 for storing static information and instructions for the
processor 101. Computer system 100 also includes an optional data
storage device 104 (e.g., memory stick) coupled with the bus 110
for storing information and instructions. Device 104 can be
removable. As described above, computer system 100 also contains a
display device 105 coupled to the bus 110 for displaying
information to the computer user. PC board 225 can contain the
processor 101, the bus 110, the ROM 103 and the RAM 102.
[0053] With reference still to FIG. 7, computer system 100 also
includes a signal transmitter/receiver device 108, which is coupled
to bus 110 for providing a physical communication link between
computer system 100, and a network environment (e.g., network
environments 50 and 51 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively). As such,
signal transmitter/receiver device 108 enables central processor
unit 101 to communicate wirelessly with other electronic systems
coupled to the network. It should be appreciated that within the
present embodiment, signal transmitter/receiver device 108 is
coupled to antenna 85 (FIG. 4) and provides the functionality to
transmit and receive information over a wireless communication
interface. It should be further appreciated that the present
embodiment of signal transmitter/receiver device 108 is well suited
to be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, signal
transmitter/receiver device 108 could be implemented as a
modem.
[0054] In one embodiment, computer system 100 includes a
communication circuit 109 coupled to bus 110. Communication circuit
109 includes an optional digital signal processor (DSP) 120 for
processing data to be transmitted or data that are received via
signal transmitter/receiver device 108. Alternatively, processor
101 can perform some or all of the functions performed by DSP
120.
[0055] Also included in computer system 100 of FIG. 7 is an
optional alphanumeric input device 106 that in one implementation
is a handwriting recognition pad ("digitizer") having regions 106a
and 106b (FIG. 2), for instance. Alphanumeric input device 106 can
communicate information and command selections to processor 101.
Computer system 100 also includes an optional cursor control or
directing device (on-screen cursor control 107) coupled to bus 110
for communicating user input information and command selections to
processor 101. In one implementation, on-screen cursor control
device 107 is a touch screen device incorporated with display
device 105. On-screen cursor control device 107 is capable of
registering a position on display device 105 where the stylus makes
contact. Display device 105 is suitable for generating graphic
images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to the user. In the
preferred embodiment, display device 105 is a flat panel
display.
MULTI-DISPLAY EMBODIMENT
[0056] With reference to FIG. 8, portable computer system 100 is
shown in a front facing illustrated perspective view with the front
cover closed. This embodiment provides a display component as the
cover and this display component has a front display panel and a
rear display panel. In this embodiment, flat panel display
technology is used. On/off button 95 is shown as being disposed on
the top surface area of portable computer 100 and oriented on the
right side. Region 550, shown as disposed toward the bottom of
front cover 300, is adapted to provide access to dedicated and/or
programmable buttons 75. In one embodiment of the present
invention, when front display panel 500A is activated through the
pressing of on/off button 95, the information displayed may need to
be manipulated, and therefore access to buttons 75 is most
advantageous. Front display panel 500A is shown as disposed
integral with hinged front cover 300. Front cover 300 may rotate,
as shown by the arrow, about the axis. A display control circuit
200 (FIG. 13) is included in portable computer 100 integral with
the electronic circuitry within the portable computer, and is
adapted to control the activation of the display panels, as
described in more detail herein.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 8, when a user turns on/powers up palmtop
computer 100, display control circuit 200 determines the
orientation of front cover 300. If display control circuit 200
(FIG. 13) determines that front cover 300 is in the closed
(default) position, it activates front display panel 500A such that
information or data becomes viewable. In the example shown, the
data viewed is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, as
shown in FIG. 8. It should be appreciated that the data could be
any data, e.g., a GUI (graphical user interface) or other
information presented in a fashion associated with single panel
displays.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 9, the portable computer 100 of FIG. 8
is shown as having front cover 300 in the open (non-default)
position. Rear display panel 500B, on the left, is now visible.
Rear panel display 500B is the other display panel contained within
front cover 300, and is functionally analogous to front display
panel 500A. Display screen 600 is shown on the right, coupled to
palmtop computer 100, and is also functionally analogous to either
display panel 500A or 500B.
[0059] Still referring to FIG. 9, by virtue of the orientation of
front cover 300, display control circuit 200 automatically
deactivates originally activated front display panel 500A, and
activates rear panel 500B of front cover 300. Additionally, display
control circuitry 200 activates now visible display screen 600.
When front cover 500A is deactivated, the data or information
previously viewable, e.g., the month of September as shown in FIG.
8, is reoriented so as to be identically viewable on rear display
panel 500B, as shown in FIG. 9. Additionally, display screen 600 is
activated thereby providing another viewable panel on which new
data or information may be displayed. In the current example, the
information is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, and
it shown on the right of FIG. 9. Of course, the user may display
any information on either of the multiple display panels.
[0060] It should be appreciated that by providing a second display
panel to the functionality of a portable computer system, the
amount of viewable surface area has been effectively doubled,
therefore providing increased functionality to the portable
computer system. For example, a user may display a calendar on one
panel, and notes regarding the calendar on the other. In another
example, a user may display a schedule on one panel and information
regarding the calendar on the other. In yet another example, a user
may display the GUI (graphical user interface) on one panel, and
have the selected icon's associated application appear on the other
screen, reducing the time required to switch back and forth from
the GUI to associated applications as is customary when using a
conventional portable computer system. In fact, a two-sided
display, as one embodiment of the present invention, provides an
almost endless array of functional configurations.
[0061] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are front facing illustrated
perspective views of portable computer 100 configured with three
display panels, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention. With reference to FIG. 10, portable computer
system 100 has two flip covers and is shown in a front facing
illustrated perspective view, one embodiment of the present
invention. The example of FIG. 10 illustrates front cover 300
closed. Front cover 300 is a display component having a front
display panel and a rear display panel. Region 550, shown as
disposed toward the bottom of front cover 300, is adapted to
provide access to dedicated and/or programmable buttons 75. Front
display panel 500A is shown as disposed integral with hinged front
cover 300. Front cover 300 may rotate, as shown by the arrow, about
the axis. Like FIG. 8, display control circuit 200, (FIG. 13), is
included within palmtop computer 100 integral with the electronic
circuitry within the palmtop computer, and is adapted to control
the activation of the display panels.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, when a user turns on/powers up palmtop
computer 100, display control circuit 200 determines the
orientation of front cover 300. If display control circuit 200
determines that front cover 300 is in the closed (default)
position, it activates front display panel 500A such that
information or data becomes viewable. In one example, the data
viewed is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, as
shown in FIG. 10. It should be appreciated that the data viewed, in
another example, could be a GUI (graphical user interface) or other
information presented in a fashion associated with a single panel
display.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 11, the portable computer 100 of FIG.
8 is shown as having front cover 300 in the open (non-default)
position. Rear display panel 500B, on the left, is now visible.
Also now visible is second cover 301, on the right, and is adapted
to rotate, as shown by the arrow, about the axis. Incorporated into
second cover 301 is a two-sided display component analogous to the
two-sided display component disposed within front cover 300. Front
cover 301 also contains a front display panel and a rear display
panel. Rear panel display 500B, the other display panel contained
within front cover 300, is functionally analogous to front panel
display 500A. Front display panel 600A, on the right, is disposed
on the now visible second cover 301. Front display panel 600A is
also functionally analogous to front display panel 500A.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 11, by virtue of the orientation of front
cover 300, display control circuit 200 automatically deactivates
originally activated front display panel 500A, and activates rear
panel 500B of front cover 300. Additionally, display control
circuitry 200 automatically activates now visible front display
panel 600A of second cover 301. When front panel display 500A of
front cover 300 is deactivated, the data or information previously
viewable, e.g., the month of September as shown in FIG. 10, is
reoriented so as to be identically viewable on rear display panel
500B, as shown in FIG. 11. Additionally, front display panel 600A
is activated thereby providing another new viewable panel on which
data or information may be displayed. In the current example, the
information is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, and
is shown as viewable on rear display panel 600B of FIG. 11.
[0065] Now referring to FIG. 12, the portable computer system 100
of FIGS. 10 and 11 is now shown with three display panels visible.
Front cover 300 is shown in the open position, which therefore has
activated visible display panel 500B. Second cover 301 is also
shown as being in the open (non-default) position. By opening
second cover 301, the previously visible front display panel 600A
is deactivated, and the now visible display panel 600B is activated
by display control circuit 200. Further activated by display
control circuit 200 is display screen 700, which can be mounted in
palmtop computer 100, and functionally analogous to display screen
600 in FIG. 9.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 12, when rear display panel 600B and
display screen 700 are activated, the information or data viewable
in the deactivated front display panel 600A of FIG. 11 is
reoriented so as to be identically viewable on a visible display
panel. For instance, the information contained in front display
panel 600A was a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, as
shown in FIG. 11. Instructions provided enable display control
circuit 200 to reorient October to be viewable in display screen
700. Additionally, rear display panel 600B is activated thereby
providing another viewable panel on which data or information may
be displayed. In the current example, the information is a monthly
calendar, e.g., the month of November, and is shown as viewable on
rear display panel 600B of FIG. 12.
[0067] It should be appreciated that in another example of the
present invention, the data or information being displayed, as
previously described, may or may not require the exemplary
configuration as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, or in FIGS. 10, 11, and
12. It should be further appreciated that configuration of the data
or information displayed is generally defined by the user or by the
application with which the user is interacting.
[0068] It should be appreciated that while the portable computer
100 of FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown as having two distinct display
panels, it can be configured analogous to the depicted portable
computer 100 of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, which is shown to have three
panels seamlessly connected. This is enabled by the virtue of the
thinness, strength, and flexibility of the material used to
construct the two-sided display. It should be conversely
appreciated that while the palmtop computer 100 of FIGS. 10, 11,
and 12 is shown as a seamless panel, it can be adapted to have
three distinct display panels.
[0069] Including three display panels in palmtop computer 100
enables a user to now see much more information, e.g., a user can
view complete spreadsheets without having to switch back and forth
from one section to another. In one example, a user would be able
to view a graphic e.g., elongated pictures, wide diagrams, complex
and expansive formulas, and the like, in their entirety, no longer
having to scroll or switch from one section or screen to another.
In another example, a user may wish to have multiple daily
schedules, or multiple weekly, monthly, or yearly calendars
displayed, thereby reducing the switching of screens normally
associated with portable computers not configured with the present
invention. In yet another example, a user may wish to view multiple
financial documents, e.g., annual income statements from various
years. In yet another example, a user may wish to view multiple web
pages. In still another example, and by utilizing the networking
functionalities contained within the portable computer, a user
connected and communicating with other individuals via a network,
could have information from other portable computers displayed on
one or more panels and compared with or integrated into information
contained within the other panels. A virtually endless array of
viewing configurations and functionalities are now available to a
user.
[0070] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the circuitry of the palmtop
computer 100 in FIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment of the present
invention. The circuitry depicted is analogous to the described
circuitry of FIG. 7, with the following additions. Display control
circuit 200 is added for activating the appropriate display panel,
as previously described, is shown as coupled to bus 110. Display
component 105-A, with coupled front display panel A-1 and rear
display panel A-2, shown as coupled to bus 110 in this embodiment
of the present invention, is representative of display panel 500A
and display panel 500B disposed upon front cover 300. Display
component 105-B, shown as coupled to bus 110, is representative of
the display component 600 coupled to palmtop computer 100, in one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 13, it should be appreciated that, in
another embodiment of the present invention, e.g., the palmtop
computer 100 of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, display component 105-B would
be shown to include front panel B-1 and rear panel B-2,
representing display panel 600A and display panel 600B of the
palmtop computer 100 in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12. It should be further
appreciated that display component 105-C, a third display component
representing the display component coupled to palmtop computer 100
would be present in FIG. 13 and would be shown as coupled to bus
110, with the provision that FIG. 13 was a block diagram
representation of the palmtop computer 100 of FIGS. 10, 11, and
12.
[0072] In one embodiment, electronic ink technology is used in the
formation of the two sided display component discussed above. It
should be appreciated that the following drawings in FIGS. 14, 15,
and 16 are, while discussed in the context of a two-sided display
component 500 having a front display panel 500A and a rear display
panel 500B, analogous to the two-sided display panels previously
described herein. FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are cross-section
illustrated perspectives of a two-sided display panel with a front
display panel and a rear display panel, in one embodiment of the
present invention. The cross-section shown is such that that front
display panel 500A is oriented facing upward and rear display panel
500B is facing downward.
[0073] In FIG. 14, flexible transparent material 1520 is shown as
being disposed upon the uppermost surface of component 500 and is
also shown as being disposed upon the lowermost surface of
component 500. Transparent material 1520 is depicted as having been
sealed so as to create a sealed chamber 1500. In one embodiment of
the present invention, flexible transparent material 1520 is mylar.
Transparent conductor 1510A, oriented below the transparent
material 1520 associated with panel 500A is disposed within sealed
chamber 1500. Transparent conductor 1510B, oriented above the
transparent material 1520 associated with panel 500B is also
disposed within sealed chamber 1500. Also disposed within sealed
chamber 1500 is ink fluid 1530, which is indicated by a "w." In one
embodiment of the present invention, ink fluid 1530 is white in
color and comprises the majority of the fluid contained within
sealed chamber 1500. Additionally disposed within sealed chamber
1500 are encapsulated ink droplets 1540. Encapsulated ink droplets
1540 are electrostatically charged, making them reactive to a more
positive voltage, so as to be drawn to the more positive voltage.
In one embodiment of the present invention, encapsulated ink
droplets 1540 are black in color.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 14, transparent conductor 1510A,
associated with display panel 500A, is adapted to conduct voltage
such that when a more positive voltage is present, through an
activation provided by display control circuit 200,
electrostatically charged and encapsulated, in one embodiment,
black ink droplets 1540 are drawn to transparent conductor 1510A,
thereby displacing ink fluid 1530, and forming into shapes that
take the form of graphics or letters. By virtue of the white ink
fluid 1530 contrasting with the black ink droplets 1540, a virtual
printed paper is displayed through transparent material 1520. It
should be appreciated that transparent conductor 1510B, associated
with display panel 500B, is analogous in form and function to
transparent conductor 1510A, associated with display panel 500A. In
one embodiment, transparent conductors 1510A and 1510B are indium
tin oxide.
[0075] FIG. 14 is a depiction of the display panel in a non powered
state, and as such, a more positive voltage is not being applied to
either transparent conductor 1510A or 1510B. Therefore, in one
embodiment of the present invention, electrostatically charged
encapsulated ink droplets 1540 are free floating and are randomly
floating about within sealed chamber 1500 and are thusly depicted
in FIG. 14.
[0076] FIG. 15 is a cross-section illustrated perspective of the
display panel when in the default state, analogous to portable
computer 100 of FIG. 8, one embodiment of the present invention.
When power is applied to portable computer 100 with front cover 300
in the closed or default position, display control circuit 200
automatically activates transparent conductors 1510A, such that it
has a more positive voltage. This is shown as positive (+) signs
within depicted transparent conductor 1510A and as negative (-)
signs within depicted transparent conductor 1510B. Accordingly,
this attracts electrostatically charged encapsulated ink droplets
1540 to transparent conductors 1510A associated with display panel
500A. Ink droplets 1540, by virtue of the voltage applied, displace
ink fluid 1530, and form letters or graphics viewable from display
panel 500A. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ink
droplets 1540 take the form of information, e.g., a monthly
calendar, e.g., the month of September, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0077] FIG. 16 is a cross-section illustrated perspective of the
display panel when front cover 300 is in the open position,
analogous to portable computer 100 of FIG. 9. When power has been
applied to portable computer 100, such that it is turned on, and a
user subsequently opens front cover 300, display control circuit
200 deactivates transparent conductor 150A. Simultaneously, display
control circuit 200 activates transparent conductor 1510B, such
that it has a more positive voltage. This is shown as positive (+)
signs within depicted transparent conductors 1510B and negative (-)
signs within transparent conductors 1510A. Accordingly, this
attracts electrostatically charged encapsulated ink droplets 1540
to transparent conductors 1510B associated with display panel 500B.
Ink droplets 1540, by virtue of the voltage applied, displace ink
fluid 1530, and form letters or graphics viewable from display
panel 500B. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ink
droplets 1540 take the form of a monthly calendar, e.g., the month
of September, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 16, it should be appreciated that
subsequent to the opening of front cover 300, the image viewable in
display panel 500A, which in one embodiment is a monthly calendar,
e.g., the month of September, display control circuit 200
deactivates the viewable image in panel 500A, and activates panel
500B, thereby reorienting the September calendar, such that it is
now viewable in panel 500B. This embodiment of the present
invention is depicted in FIG. 9. It should be further appreciated
that when display control circuit 200 activated display panel 500B,
it also activated display screen 600 coupled to portable computer,
such that in one embodiment it could be a monthly calendar, e.g.,
the month of October, also shown in FIG. 9.
[0079] It should be appreciated that many of encapsulated ink
droplets are contained within the sealed chamber of a two-sided
display panel. It should further be appreciated that each two-sided
display panel is approximately 1 mm thick, about one seventh the
thickness of an LCD. It should also be appreciated that the
transparent conductors are configured in numerous grids, such that
the text or graphics displayed in a display panel has the
appearance of printed paper. It is even further appreciated that
the viewable image on the display is visually persistent, meaning
that until an additional display panel is activated, in one
embodiment of the present invention, or the information/data being
displayed is changed, the contents and quality of the display
remains constant without using power.
[0080] Additionally, it should be appreciated that while the
present invention is discussed primarily in the context of having
two colors, those colors being black and white, other colors may be
used, either as a replacement color for either black or white, but
also as an additional color within the sealed chamber. Further,
while a more positive voltage applied to transparent conductors
attracts the encapsulated ink droplets, colored ink droplets may be
responsive to varying amount of voltage conducted through the
transparent conductor. In the present embodiment of the present
invention, when the transparent conductor associated with one of
the display panels has a voltage more positive than that of the
opposite side, the encapsulated ink droplets are attracted to the
more positive side.
[0081] In another embodiment of the present invention, each
additional color, as an encapsulated ink droplet, could be
electrostatically charged so as to make it responsive to a specific
voltage. In one embodiment, red colored ink droplets could be
configured to be responsive to 4.35 micro-volts. In one embodiment,
green colored ink droplets could be configured to be responsive to
4.30 micro-volts. In one embodiment, blue colored ink droplets
could be configured to be responsive to 4.40 micro-volts, and so
forth. It should be appreciated that while micro-volts may be
utilized to attract the colored ink droplets, other types of
electrical energy could also be implemented.
[0082] With reference to FIG. 17, a flow chart depicting the steps
of a process 1700 utilizing the portable computer 100 in FIGS. 8
and 9 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0083] In step 1702, a user turns on (powers up) portable computer
100 equipped with two-sided display panels, one embodiment of the
present invention. When power is applied, display control circuit
200 is responsive to the position of front cover 300.
[0084] In step 1703, if front cover 300 remains in the closed
(default) position, as determined by display control circuit 200 in
step 1705, display control circuit 200 then, in step 1706,
activates display panel 500A, the flexible front panel display
disposed in front cover 300, thereby utilizing one display panel to
viewably convey information or data to the user, which in one
embodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September.
This current embodiment of the present invention is depicted in
FIG. 8.
[0085] In step 1703, if front cover 300 is not closed, as
determined by display control circuit 200 in step 1704, display
control circuit 200 then deactivates display panel 500A, the
flexible front display panel of front cover 300, and activates both
rear display panel 500B and display screen 600, coupled to palmtop
computer 100, thereby utilizing two display panels to viewably
convey information or data to the user, as depicted in FIG. 9, one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] In step 1707, it should be appreciated that, in one
embodiment of the present invention, when display control circuit
200 deactivates front display panel 500A in preparation to activate
rear display panel 500B, the viewable information or data displayed
within front display panel 500A, which in the example is a monthly
calendar, e.g., the month of September, is reoriented automatically
so as to be redisplayed on rear display panel 500B in such a way as
to become identically viewable as it was previously on front
display panel 500A. Concurrently, display control circuit 200 also
activates display screen 600, coupled to palmtop computer 100,
enabling a second display panel for the viewing of information or
data, which in one example is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month
of October. This current example of the present invention is
depicted in FIG. 9.
[0087] With reference to FIG. 18, a flow chart depicting the steps
of a process 1800 utilizing the multi-sided display capabilities of
the portable computer 100 in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 is shown, in one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] In step 1802, a user turns on (powers up) portable computer
100 equipped with two-sided display panels, one embodiment of the
present invention. When power is applied, display control circuit
200 is responsive to the position of front cover 300.
[0089] Regarding step 1803, if front cover 300 remains in the
closed (default) position, display control circuit 200 then
activates display panel 500A, the flexible front panel display
disposed in front cover 300, thereby utilizing one display panel to
viewably convey information or data to the user, as represented by
step 1804, and depicted in FIG. 10, one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0090] In Step 1803, if front cover 300 is not in the closed
position, display control circuit 200 then further determines
whether second cover 301 is in the open position or closed
(default) position, as represented by Step 1805.
[0091] In Step 1805, if display control circuit 200 determines that
second cover 301 is in the closed (default) position, display
control circuit 200 deactivates front panel 500A of front cover
300, and activates both flexible rear display panel 500B of front
cover 300 and flexible front display panel 600A of second cover 301
as in step 1806. It should be appreciated that when front panel
500A was deactivated, the information or data viewable therein,
initially depicted in FIG. 10, was reoriented automatically so as
to be redisplayed on rear display panel 500B such that it is
identically viewable as it was previously on front display panel
500A, and is now depicted in FIG. 11. It should be further
appreciated that display panel 600A, by virtue of activation, is
capable of displaying viewable information or data, also shown in
FIG. 11.
[0092] In step 1805, if display control circuit 200 determines that
second cover 301 is not in the closed position, display control
circuit 200 deactivates display panel 500A, the flexible front
display panel of front cover 300. Further, display control circuit
200 then activates rear display panel 500B of front cover 300.
Concurrently, display control circuit 200 deactivates display panel
600A, the flexible front display panel of second cover 301, and
simultaneously activates flexible rear display panel 600B of second
cover 301. Additionally, display control circuit 200 also activates
display screen 700, coupled to palmtop computer 100, as in step
1807.
[0093] In step 1807, it should be appreciated that the information
or data originally viewable on front display panel 500A, which in
one embodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September,
was reoriented by display control circuit 200 and enabled to be
viewable on rear display panel 500B. It should be further
appreciated that the information or data originally viewable on
front display panel 600A, which in one embodiment is a monthly
calendar, e.g., the month of October, was reoriented by display
control circuit 200 and enabled to be viewable on display screen
700. It should be additionally appreciated that display control
circuit 200 activated rear display panel 600B to viewably display
additional information or data, which in one example is a monthly
calendar, e.g., the month of November. This current embodiment of
the present invention is depicted in FIG. 12.
[0094] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *