U.S. patent application number 14/283817 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for accessory for reflecting an image from a display screen of a portable electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to 360BRANDVISION, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is 360Brandvision, Inc.. Invention is credited to Olav Christensen, Nick Vilardell.
Application Number | 20140253991 14/283817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47217703 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140253991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vilardell; Nick ; et
al. |
September 11, 2014 |
ACCESSORY FOR REFLECTING AN IMAGE FROM A DISPLAY SCREEN OF A
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
The invention generally relates to accessories for portable
electronic devices that offer a screen for displaying the contents
of a display of an electronic device. The invention provides, for
an electronic device, an accessory that includes a reflective
screen including a material such as a beam splitter to re-display
the device display. In certain aspects, the invention provides a
reflective screen for use with a computing device that has a
reflective material and a mechanism to hold the screen above a
horizontal surface at an angle.
Inventors: |
Vilardell; Nick; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Christensen; Olav; (Brooklyn, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
360Brandvision, Inc. |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
360BRANDVISION, INC.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
47217703 |
Appl. No.: |
14/283817 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13478761 |
May 23, 2012 |
8764206 |
|
|
14283817 |
|
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61489216 |
May 23, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1626 20130101;
G03H 2001/2236 20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101; G03H 1/2202
20130101; G06F 1/1639 20130101; G06F 2200/1633 20130101; G06F
1/1637 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/32 |
International
Class: |
G03H 1/22 20060101
G03H001/22 |
Claims
1-30. (canceled)
31. A hologram display device comprising: a screen to display a
hologram; a base having a top portion and an underside portion,
wherein the top portion is attached to the screen and includes a
tray area configured to receive an electronic device; and a stand
attached to the underside portion of the base.
32. The device of claim 31, wherein the electronic device is an
iPad.
33. The device of claim 31, wherein the screen is dimensioned to
correspond to the display of the electronic device.
34. The device of claim 31, wherein the screen is at least
partially reflective.
35. The device of claim 31, wherein the screen contain an
anti-reflective coating
36. The device of claim 32, wherein the tray area is configured to
secure the iPad from translational movements.
37. The device of claim 31, wherein the screen is positioned at an
angle relative to the base and the angle is between about 35
degrees and about 90 degrees.
38. The device of claim 31, wherein the stand comprises a kickstand
that folds into a recess in the underside of the base.
39. The device of claim 31, wherein the stand defines an element
configured to support the tray area at an angle with respect to the
horizontal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/489,216, filed May 23, 2011, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to accessories for portable
electronic devices that offer a screen for displaying the contents
of a display of an electronic device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Tablet computers are very popular, offering a comfortable
middle-ground between smartphones and laptops. Tablets have larger
displays than smartphones and provide improved portability over
laptops, potentially offering users rich experiences. People use
tablets to read, watch movies, play games, and view web pages.
[0004] A variety of accessories are available for tablets. For
example, some covers are designed to double as a protective cover
and support stand. Such covers can be folded into make-shift easels
for holding up a tablet so that a user does not have to crane their
neck uncomfortably while watching a movie. However, this
arrangement lifts the mass of the tablet into the air in an
unstable arrangement in which the tablet is susceptible to being
knocked down and in which a charging cord can protrude outwards and
upwards.
SUMMARY
[0005] The invention provides, for an electronic device, an
accessory that includes a reflective screen to re-display the
device display. The accessory can provide a light-weight, upright
display that is comfortable to view while allowing the electronic
device to lay flat, for example, on a lap or desk. By incorporating
a reflective or partially reflective material, a screen of the
accessory can be positioned above the electronic device to create
hologram-effect in which the contents of the device display is
visible above the electronic device. The accessory can be used to
provide a stable and comfortable set up for watching movies,
reading, or viewing web pages. A device of the invention can
further provide a uniquely attractive display of digital content,
for example, for retail merchandising or museum information signs.
The invention provides display accessories for use with a variety
of different electronic device types such as, for example, tablet
computers and smart phones.
[0006] Accessories of the invention can further provide durable,
protective covers for electronic devices. For example, an accessory
can include a leather, leather-like, or other material "book cover"
form factor that folds around a tablet computer to protect it while
being carried in a bag or purse.
[0007] In certain aspects, the invention provides an accessory for
a portable electronic device that includes a spine coupled to at
least a first leaf and sized to hold a portable electronic device.
In the spine or at one edge of the leaf is a hinge coupled to a
screen such that the screen can pivot towards and away from the
leaf or the device. The screen can be reflective, or it can be
partially reflective and partially transmissive. The accessory can
provide a protective cover for the device. For example, it can
include a second leaf so that the two leaves fold around the
spine.
[0008] The accessory includes a mechanism to prop the screen up,
relative to the display of the electronic device. For example, the
screen can be held at a 45.degree. angle (approximately or
precisely, depending on use demands, commercial applications, or
manufacturing tolerances), allowing a person to see the contents of
the display as reflected by the screen.
[0009] The reflective display creates a hologram-like effect in
that the contents of the display (e.g., a movie, web page, photo
slide show) appears in the space above the device while the device,
for example, lies flat on a surface. The screen can be held up by a
stiff hinge (e.g., with one plastic member exerting pressure on one
another), a strut, or a side wall.
[0010] The leaf can serve as a backing for the electronic device.
In certain embodiments, the leaf includes a fastening
mechanism--such as a plastic tab, open-front pocket, or an elastic
band member--to hold the device securely in place. One or a
plurality of such mechanisms may be included. Where a tab is
provided, it may include a protrusion dimensioned to correspond to
a feature of the electronic device.
[0011] The screen generally comprises a material (e.g., glass,
plastic, fabric, foil, acrylic) that is at least partially
reflective. In certain embodiments, the screen operates as a beam
splitter.
[0012] The leaf part of the accessory can provide a functional or
attractive cover for the device. For example, the closed accessory
can take on a book-like form shape. The cover of the accessory can
include any suitable material, such as, for example, leather,
plastic, vinyl, fabric, latex, rubber, and silicone. In certain
embodiments, the end edges of the cover include gussets (e.g.,
fabric or a synthetic material) to present to a viewer an enclosure
that occludes light.
[0013] In certain aspects, the invention provides a reflective
screen for use with a computing device that has a reflective
material and a mechanism to hold the screen above a horizontal
surface at an angle. The screen can be dimensioned to correspond to
a size of a display of a computing device. The screen can include
an anti-reflective coating. In certain embodiments, the screen is
fully reflective or only partly reflective. By reflecting light
emitted from a display of electronic device, the screen operates
for a user as a hologram projector, allowing a user to view
material displayed by an electronic device without having to hold
the device up or prop the device up on an unsteady "house of cards"
folding contraption.
[0014] In certain aspects, the invention provides a hologram
projector that uses a screen to display a hologram that is
supported by a structure configured to position the screen near a
display of an electronic device. The screen can be dimensioned to
correspond to the display of the electronic device. For example,
the screen can have substantially the same length and width of a
length and width of the device display (e.g., for compact storage).
In certain embodiments, a width of the screen is equal to a length
of a hypotenuse of an isosceles triangle in which two edges are the
length of a width of the device display. The screen can be attached
to a base, for example, via a hinge, so that it may be pivoted up
into position. The screen can further include a protective cover
that can be folded to substantially cover the screen and the
electronic device.
[0015] In certain embodiments, a display accessory of the invention
displays contents from a display of an electronic device at a
different dimension from the display of the electronic device. For
example, by including one or more of a lens in a light path, a
display image can be magnified. By the use of lensing, the screen
of the device can create a free-floating image that is larger than
the image created by the electronic device. In certain embodiments,
an accessory includes one or more of Fresnel less or other
lens.
[0016] The supporting structure can be a frame (e.g., plastic or
metal), one or a pair of sidewalls, a strut, folding mobile stand,
or a customized form factor (e.g., of injection molded plastic).
Preferably, the support structure can position the screen at an
angle to the device display, for example, between about 35 and
about 50 degrees. In certain embodiments, the screen is positioned
at an angle of about 45 degrees to the device display. In some
embodiments, the angle is user-adjustable (e.g., for comfort). The
projector can include a mechanism for securing the electronic
device and the screen to one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a depiction of a screen in a cover for a portable
electronic device shown in a closed position.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a depiction of the cover shown in FIG. 1 in an
open position.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a depiction of the cover shown in FIG. 2 in an
open position.
[0020] FIG. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of a cover with a
screen.
[0021] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the open cover depicted in
FIG. 4.
[0022] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an accessory for a
portable electronic device.
[0023] FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of an accessory for
a portable electronic device.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a screen with a cover housing a device
according to certain embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 9 gives a side view of a projector accessory according
to certain embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a projector accessory.
[0027] FIG. 11A is a side view of a device according to certain
embodiments of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 11B gives a back view of the device shown in FIG.
11A.
[0029] FIG. 12 gives a front perspective view of a projector
accessory.
[0030] FIG. 13A shows a foldable accessory according to certain
embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 13B shows the leg portion of the accessory shown in
FIG. 13A folded closed.
[0032] FIG. 13C shows the accessory shown in FIG. 13A in an
alternative disposition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 1-7. In the drawings, like structures are
referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. Note
that the illustrations in the figures are representative only, and
are not drawn to scale, the emphasis having instead been generally
placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention and the
disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.
[0034] In certain aspects, the present invention provides a cover
for a portable electronic device. The cover includes a reflective
or partially reflective screen for projecting virtual (e.g.,
free-floating) images from the display screen of portable
electronic devices. The use of a partially reflective screen can
increase the degree of light reflected from the screen and can
increase the user's perceived strength of the virtual image.
Advantageously, the cover of the invention can not only provide a
covering that is protective, ornamental, or both for the portable
electronic device, and that can also augment the user's viewing
experience. The invention is particularly well suited for portable,
battery- powered electronic devices, and more particularly,
handheld battery-powered electronic devices, such as tablet
computers (PC, mac, linux, etc.), portable media players, smart
phones, tablet-smartphone hybrids (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Note, Asus
Padfone) and portable game players.
[0035] FIGS. 1-3 depict simplified diagrams of a cover 100 for a
portable electronic device 10 that includes a reflective or
partially reflective screen for projecting content displayed on the
display screen of the portable electronic device 10, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. The cover 100
includes first leaf 111a, optional second leaf 111b, and a spine
112 disposed in between the two leafs, each of the leafs and spine
having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The cover 100
is configured to wrap around the exterior surfaces of the portable
electronic device 10 like a book cover, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] The interior surface of the cover 100 includes two inner
faces, 113a (the inner face of first leaf 111a) and 113b (the inner
face of second leaf 111b), disposed on opposite sides of the spine
112.
[0037] The inner face 113a of first leaf 111a may include one or
more tabs 114 disposed on an outer edge of the inner face 113a. In
certain embodiments, the one or more tabs 114 each contain at least
one protrusion 114a that secure an electronic device in place. In
certain embodiments, a protrusion 114a is included that aligns and
mates with one or more features (e.g., indentations or impressions)
disposed on an outer edge of the portable electronic device 10,
such that portable electronic device 10 can be snapped or locked
into place and held securely against the inner face 113a of the
cover 100 by the one or more tabs 114. In some embodiments, a
protrusion 114a on a tab 114 having a plastic quality snaps over
the edge of a device onto a top surface, to hold the device in
place. Protrusion 114a can be provided that is spaced apart from
inner face 113b by a distance that represents a common, or
standard, thickness of an electronic device (e.g., the thickness of
the tablet computer sold under the trademark IPAD by Apple
(Cupertino, Calif.)).
[0038] The cover 100 further includes a reflective or partially
reflective screen 115 having an edge coupled to the interior
surface of the spine 112. In certain embodiments, the reflective or
partially reflective screen is coupled to the interior surface of
the spine 112 by a hinge 116 that extends along the longitudinal
axis Y of the spine 112, to allow the screen 115 to independently
pivot relative to first leaf 111a, as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably,
the hinge 116 contains a stop position that allows the screen to be
pivoted only between a 0.degree. and 45.degree. angle relative to
inner face 113a of first leaf 111a. For example, the reflective or
partially reflective screen 115 may be held at the 45.degree. angle
by tension or friction or by one or more detents within the hinge
116 that stops rotation beyond the 45.degree. angle.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows cover 100 in an open position with device 10
disposed therein. Screen 115 is angled above the display of device
10. The display of device 10 is generally a screen, such as a glass
or similar touch screen (e.g., a capacitance touch screen). Device
10 may generally have a rectangular display. Regardless of a
geometric shape of a display of device 10, the display can be
described in terms of a maximum length LD parallel to axis Y of
spine 112 and a maximum width WD perpendicular to axis Y of spine
112. In certain embodiments, WD and LD are associated with an
intended specific model of device 10, a class of electronic
devices, or a predominant industry standard tablet display size.
Similarly, screen 115 can be described in terms of a predominant
length L parallel to axis Y of spine 112 and a predominant width W
perpendicular to axis Y of spine 112. Screen 115 can have any
suitable predominant width W, such as a predominant width W that is
approximately equal to WD or that is larger than WD. In certain
embodiments, W is approximately equal to (2WD.sup.2) (e.g., within
about 1 or 2 cm).
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, first leaf 111a and optional second leaf
111b of cover 100 can be laid flat on a surface (e.g., as an open
book could be laid flat) to use screen 115. In use (i.e., when the
portable electronic device is snapped/locked into tab(s) 114), the
cover 100 with the device 10 disposed therein is laid on top of a
flat surface. The leaf 111b is fully opened until it lays flat. The
reflective or partially reflective screen 115 is then pivoted on
the hinge until it reaches the stop position (i.e., the approximate
45.degree. angle relative to the inner face 113a of leaf 111a). In
other words, the screen 115 is inclined at approximately 45.degree.
to the plane of emission of light from the display screen of the
portable electronic device 10.
[0041] Light emitted by the display of device 10 is reflected off
of screen 115 such that the content of the display of device 10
appears to a spectator as if it were floating above device 10
(i.e., as a hologram), behind screen 115 or in front of screen 115.
While the holographic image can be perceived by a viewer/spectator
from any distance from the device, the viewing angle of the
holographic image is between 110 to 170 degrees, preferably 115 to
160 degrees, even more preferably 120 to 150 degrees from a single
point in the center of the screen 115 (or any specific value within
said ranges). In certain embodiments, the size of the hologram is
confined to the boundaries defining the display screen of the
portable electronic device 10.
[0042] In some embodiments, a device of the invention includes one
or more lenses (e.g., glass, acrylic, or similar) arrayed to
re-dimension a holographic image, display, or hologram. Lensing can
be provided to resize a display of device 10. For example, a
smartphone or tablet-smartphone hybrid can be provided with a cover
100 (e.g., a cover having a size to substantially correspond to
device 10) that includes lenses to create a larger display for more
enjoyable viewing. This can provide, for example, the experience of
watching a movie or browsing the web in a full-sized view based on
use of a smartphone or small tablet-sized device sitting on a
surface in front of a user.
[0043] In certain embodiments, the reflective or partially
reflective screen 115 contains an anti-reflective coating to
produce a high degree of reflectivity on the side of screen 115
facing the display screen of the device 10, and a high degree of
translucency on the opposite side of the screen 115. Such setup
will prevent ghosting of the reflected image. In the embodiments,
where an anti-reflective coating is used on the display surface,
the holographic image is only perceived from the front (i.e.,
viewed into angle A) of the screen 115 when set up over the display
screen of the portable electronic device 10. Where no
anti-reflective coating is used, the holographic image is perceived
from both the front side and the back side of the set-up. If the
screen 115 is positioned at an angle less than or greater than
45.degree. relative to the display screen of the portable
electronic device 10, the spectator or viewer V does not perceive
any holographic image, and instead sees through the reflective or
partially reflective screen 115, from both the front and back of
the set-up, regardless of whether an anti-reflective coating is
used.
[0044] When not in use, the reflective or partially reflective
screen 115 is pivoted back to 0.degree. relative to the inner face
113a of leaf 111a such that it lays flat against the display screen
of device 10. Leaf 111b is then folded over reflective screen 115
to protect the reflective screen 115 and the device 10 during
transport.
[0045] The reflective or partially reflective screen 115 can be a
beamsplitter. As used herein, a beam splitter device refers to an
optical device used to split incident light entering it by allowing
approximately half of the light to transmit and continue along the
originating path while reflecting the remaining light along a
separate path. In this way the beam splitter provides two identical
beams or images at about half the strength of the incident light.
Examples of beam splitter devices include, without limitation,
dielectric mirrors, dichroic mirrors, interferometers, teleprompter
mirrors, half-silvered mirrors, and beam splitter cubes.
[0046] The reflective or partially reflective screen 115 can be
glass, acrylic, mesh, fabric, or similar. Screen 115 can include a
multi-layer (e.g., laminated) material such as one similar to
materials described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,124, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In
certain embodiments, mirrored glass or metal is used.
Alternatively, a mesh or fabric suspended or stretched across a
frame is employed. Materials for screens including beam splitter
screens are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,124; U.S. Pat. No.
5,572,229; U.S. Pub. 2009/0256970; and U.S. Pub. 2002/0075461, the
contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety for all purposes. A variety of optically transparent
materials may be used in beam splitting screen including, for
example, any of a variety of glass, molded plastic, polymer,
acrylic resin, or acrylic materials (such as polymethyl
methacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, methyl methacrylate
styrene, styrene acrylonitrile, and acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene). In certain embodiments, a screen of the invention
includes an acrylic polymer such as one sold under the trademark
PLEXIGLAS by Altugas International (Bristol, Pa.). In one
embodiment, the optically transparent material has refractive index
of at least about 1.3. Material for screen 115 can act as both a
reflective and transmissive optical element. In one embodiment,
screen 115 has a coating with a broader bandwidth than the
illumination source. Types of coatings which may be used with this
type of beam splitter include, for example, dielectric,
metal/dielectric and metal coatings. Hybrid metal/dielectric
coatings can provide moderate light absorption with little
polarization sensitivity. These coatings also show relative
insensitivity to the angle of incidence.
[0047] In certain embodiments, screen 115 includes an element
sandwiched between two optically transparent materials which each
have an index of refraction greater than air. In various
embodiments, optically transparent material can be adapted to be
coated with one of a variety of optical coatings. A thin coating
can be prepared, for example, by vapor deposition technologies
(e.g., plasma vapor deposition, carbon vapor deposition). In some
embodiments, one optically transparent material may be a glass
slide which is glued to one or more surfaces of another optically
transparent material. A beam splitter may be incorporated into
either optically transparent material. In certain embodiments,
screen 115 includes an optional Fresnel lens.
[0048] The cover 100 can be made from a variety of materials,
including without limitation, latex, rubber, silicone, vinyl,
leather, plastic, or a fabric. In certain embodiments, the cover
100 may further include a strap, such as Velcro strap or a strap
with a button attachment for securing first leaf 111a and optional
second leaf 111b in the closed position during transport. The cover
100 (including the reflective screen 115) can be dimensioned to fit
any portable electronic device having a display screen. A portable
electronic device for use with the invention can be any known in
the art such as, for example, a tablet computer, smartphone,
tablet-smartphone hybrid, digital picture frame, and media and game
player. Examples include, for example, the Quaduro Systems QuadPad
3G Plus, the bModol2, the Neofonie WeTab, the Samsung Galaxy Note,
the Asus Padfone, the Dixons Retail pic Advent Vega, the Dell
Inspiron Duo A flip screen Netbook and Tablet PC hybrid, the HP
Slate 500, the HP Touchsmart tm2t, the MotoroIIa Xoom, the
ViewSonic ViewPad, the Acer TravelMate C300, Ratent 15'' digital
photo frame, ViewSonic VFM1536-11 digital picture frame, the
Sungale CA700 Digital Photo Frame, the LG G-Slate, the RIM
Blackberry PlayBook, the Apple iPad, the Apple iPad 2, the Asus EEE
Pad MeMo, the Asus EEE Slate EP121, the Asus EEE Transformer, the
Asus EEE Pad Slicer, the Dell Streak 7, the Fujitsu LifeBook T580
or T5010, the ZTE VII, the Toshiba Tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab
10.1 and 8. 9, and the Sony Honeycomb Android Tablet S2; portable
media players such as, for example, the HP DreamScreen 100 and 130,
the Cowon A2 or A3, the Cowon 02, the Cowon Q5W, the Cowon V5, the
iRiver Spin, the iRiver Clix, the Archos 604 WiFi, the Archos 605
WiFi, the Archos 7, the Archos 705 WiFi, the Archos AV700 Mobile
DVR, the MobiBlu T10, the Blue Raven MediaMate 7040, the Blue Raven
MediaMate 7080, the Coby PMP-7040, the Aluratek CINEPAL APMP100F,
the Aluratek CINEPAL APMP101F, the AIPTEK Portable 3D Display, the
Nextar MC3007, and the SVAT PMP-7301; and portable game
players.
[0049] The cover 100 may be configured to cover a portion of one or
more external surfaces of the portable electronic device 10 and may
provide ornamentation, protection, or both.
[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the cover 100 may provide
ornamentation to the portable electronic device (i.e., it may help
define the overall ornamental appearance of the electronic device).
The cover 100 can also permit personalized ornamentation. The cover
100 may also provide tactility in order to improve the feel and
grip to the portable electronic device.
[0051] FIGS. 4-5 depict simplified diagrams of a cover 200 for a
portable electronic device 10 that includes a reflective or
partially reflective screen for projecting content displayed on the
display screen of the portable electronic device 10, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. The cover 200
includes first leaf 211a and optional second leaf 211b and a spine
212 disposed in between the two leafs, each of the leafs and spine
having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The cover 200
is configured to wrap around the exterior surfaces of the portable
electronic device 10 like a book cover. The interior surface of the
cover 200, which includes two inner faces, 213a (the inner face of
leaf 211a) and 213b (the inner face of optional second leaf 211b),
disposed on opposite sides of the spine 212.
[0052] The inner face 213a of first leaf 211a may include one or
more tabs 214 disposed on an outer edge of the inner face 213a. In
certain embodiments, the one or more tabs 214 each contain at least
one protrusion 214a to fasten a device in place. For example, a
protrusion can be designed that aligns and mates with one or more
features disposed on an outer edge of the portable electronic
device 10, such that portable electronic device 10 can be snapped
or locked into place and held securely against the inner face 213a
of the cover 200 by the one or more tabs 214.
[0053] In certain embodiments, cover 200 includes two sidewalls
230a and 230b coupled to opposite sides of leaf 211a for reducing
the amount of ambient light that the device display is exposed to
when cover 200 is in use. Sidewalls can function to occlude light
and not be structural (i.e., a strut or hinge-and-detent mechanism
support screen 215). Or the sidewalls can do double duty as
light-blocking and structural. For example, in some embodiments,
sidewalls 230a and 230b are substantially rigid and configured to
be collapsible such that the sidewalls can be laid flat against the
display screen of the portable electronic device 10, or against
inner face 213a of leaf 211a when the cover 200 is not in use.
Sidewalls 230a and 230b are dimensioned to prop reflective screen
215 up at a 45.degree. angle relative to the display screen of
electronic device 10 when the cover 200 is in use, or relative to
inner face 213a of leaf 211a when the cover 200 is not in use.
Preferably, the sidewalls 230a and 230b are comprised of a material
that does not allow light to be transmitted therethrough.
[0054] In use, the sidewalls are raised until the sidewalls 230a
and 230b are substantially perpendicular to leaf 211a. For example,
each of the sidewalls can be coupled to opposite sides of leaf 211a
via a flexible spine or via hinges that extend along opposite sides
of leaf 211a. Where hinges are used, the hinges preferably contain
a stop position that allows the sidewalls 230a and 230b to be
pivoted in opposite directions relative to each other and between a
0.degree. and 90.degree. angle relative to leaf 211a. The sidewalls
230a and 230b can be held at the 90.degree. angle by tension or
friction within the respective hinges or by one or more detents
within the hinges that stops rotation beyond the 90.degree. angle.
Sidewalls 230a and 230b can include a rigid, semi-rigid, or
flexible material. For example, each can include a triangle of
material such as plastic or reinforced leather or other soft
material and be fixed to the edges of leaf 211a. In certain
embodiments, each sidewall includes an accordion-fold or gusset
structure. A sidewall can include a synthetic material such as, for
example, a high-density polyethylene fiber such as that sold under
the trademark TYVEK by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
(Wilmington, Del.).
[0055] The cover 200 further includes a reflective or partially
reflective screen 215 coupled to the interior surface of the spine
212. The reflective or partially reflective screen is coupled to
the interior surface of the spine 212 by a hinge 216 that extends
along the longitudinal axis Y of the spine 212, to allow the screen
215 to independently pivot relative to leaf 211a. In certain
embodiments, the screen 215 freely pivots about hinge 216 relative
to inner face 213a of leaf 211a. In other certain embodiments, the
hinge 216 may contain a stop position that allows the screen 215 to
be pivoted only between a 0 0 and 45.degree. angle relative to
inner face 213b of leaf 211a. In certain embodiments, the
reflective or partially reflective screen 215 is held at the
45.degree. angle by tension or friction or by one or more detents
within the hinge 212 that stops rotation beyond the 45.degree.
angle.
[0056] When not in use, the cover 200 and its components (i.e., the
reflective screen 215 and sidewalls 230a and 230b) are completely
collapsed such that the cover is substantially flat within a
horizontal plane, with optional second leaf 211b on top of leaf
211a, and sidewalls 230a and 230b and reflective screen 215
disposed between leafs 211a and 211b.
[0057] For use, the collapsed cover 200 is first laid on top of a
flat surface. Leaf 211b is opened away from leaf 211a such that it
lays flat against the surface and adjacent to leaf 211a and the
inner faces 213a and 213b are facing upwards. The reflective or
partially reflective screen 215 is then raised to an angle above
inner face 213a of first leaf 211a. In structural sidewall
embodiments, the sidewalls 230a and 230b are raised in opposite
directions from each other until each sidewall is perpendicular to
leaf 211a. In certain embodiments, the screen 215 is lowered onto
and supported by the perpendicularly disposed sidewalls 230a and
230b, thereby creating a partially enclosed structure over leaf
211a to reduce the amount of ambient light that the display screen
of portable electronic device 10 is exposed to when disposed
therein during use of cover 200. In certain embodiments, a strut is
lifted and positioned to hold screen 215 in an angled-up position.
In some embodiments, sidewalls expand to form a light box (e.g.,
where sidewalls comprise TYVEK gussets).
[0058] When supported by a mechanism such as the sidewalls or a
strut, the screen 215 is inclined at approximately 45.degree. to
the plane of emission of light from the display screen of the
portable electronic device 10 when the cover 200 is in use. The
light from the display screen is reflected off of the reflective or
partially reflective screen 215 such that a virtual image of the
content being displayed on the display screen of the portable
electronic device 10 appears to a spectator as if it is floating or
hovering above the portable electronic device 10 (i.e., as a
hologram), behind screen 215 or in front of screen 215.
[0059] While the holographic image can be perceived by a viewer
from any distance from the device, the viewing angle of the
holographic image is between 110 to 170 degrees, preferably 115 to
160 degrees, even more preferably 120 to 150 degrees from a single
point in the center of the screen 115 (or any specific value within
said ranges). In some embodiments, the size of the hologram is
confined to the boundaries defining the display screen of the
portable electronic device 10. In some embodiments (e.g., where
lenses or curved mirrors are used), the size of the hologram can be
larger than the display screen of device 10.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the reflective or partially
reflective screen 215 contains an anti-reflective coating to
produce a high degree of reflectivity on the side of screen 215
facing the display screen of the device 10, and a high degree of
translucency on the opposite side of the screen 215. Such setup
will prevent ghosting of the reflected image. In the embodiments,
where an anti-reflective coating is used on the display surface,
the holographic image is only perceived from the front (i.e.,
viewed into angle A) of the screen 215 when set up over the display
screen of the portable electronic device 10. Where no
anti-reflective coating is used, the holographic image is perceived
from both the front side and the back side of the set-up. If the
screen 215 is positioned at an angle less than or greater than
45.degree. relative to the display screen of the portable
electronic device 10, the spectator or viewer V does not perceive
any holographic image, and instead sees through the reflective or
partially reflective screen 115, from both the front and back of
the set-up, regardless of whether an anti-reflective coating is
used.
[0061] When not in use, the reflective or partially reflective
screen 215 is pivoted back to 0.degree. relative to the inner face
213a of first leaf 211a such that it lays flat against the display
screen of device 10. Optional second leaf 211b can then be folded
over reflective screen 215 to protect the reflective screen 215 and
the device 10 during transport.
[0062] The reflective or partially reflective screen 215 can be a
beam splitter, such as is discussed above. The cover 200 can be
made from a variety of materials, such as any of those discussed
elsewhere herein. The cover 200 (including the reflective screen
215) can be dimensioned to fit any portable electronic device
having a display screen. Examples of portable electronic devices
are given above.
[0063] The cover 200 may be configured to cover a portion of one or
more external surfaces of the portable electronic device 10 and
provide protection, ornamentation, or both. For example, cover 200
can also permit personalized ornamentation. The cover 200 may also
provide tactility in order to improve the feel and grip to the
portable electronic device.
[0064] In certain aspects, the present invention provides a
projector accessory for projecting virtual images of the content
displayed on the display screen of a portable electronic
device.
[0065] FIG. 6 depicts a simplified diagram of a projector accessory
300 for a portable electronic device 10, in accordance one
embodiment of the invention. The projector accessory 300 includes a
base 310 and a reflective or partially reflective screen 311
coupled to the base 310 via a hinge 312 that extends along the edge
of one side of the base 310. The base 310 includes a top surface
310a and a bottom surface (not shown). The top surface 310a
optionally includes one or more tabs 313 disposed on the outer
edges. In certain embodiments, the one or more tabs 313 each
contain at least one protrusion 313a that secures device 10 into
accessory 300. For example, each of tab 313 can align with or mate
with a corresponding feature disposed on an outer edge of device
10, such that device 10 can be snapped or locked into place and
held securely against the top surface 310a of base 310 by the one
or more tabs 313.
[0066] Hinge 312 is configured to allow the screen 311 to
independently pivot relative to the top surface 310a of the base
310. Preferably, the hinge contains a stop position that allows the
screen 311 to be pivoted only between about a 0.degree. and about a
45.degree. angle relative to the top surface 310aof base 310. The
reflective or partially reflective screen 311 can be held at the
45.degree. angle by tension or friction within the hinge 312 or by
one or more detents within the hinge 312 that stops rotation beyond
the approximately 45.degree. angle.
[0067] When not in use, the projector assembly 300 is completely
collapsed such that screen 311 lies substantially flat against base
310 within a horizontal plane. In use the collapsed assembly is
first laid on a flat surface with base 310 on the bottom against
the flat surface. The reflective or partially reflective screen 311
is then pivoted on the hinge until it reaches the stop position
(i.e., the 45.degree. angle relative to the top surface 310a of
base 310). The portable electronic device 10 is then disposed on
the top surface 310a of base 310 such that screen 311 is angled
over the display screen of the device 10. In other words, the
screen 311 is inclined at approximately 45.degree. to the plane of
emission of light from the display screen of the portable
electronic device 10. The light from the display screen is
reflected off of the reflective or partially reflective screen 311
such that a virtual image of the content being displayed on the
display screen of the portable electronic device 10 appears to a
spectator as if it is floating or hovering above the portable
electronic device 10 (i.e., as a hologram), behind screen 311 or in
front of screen 311. While the holographic image can be perceived
by a viewer from any distance from the device, the viewing angle of
the holographic image is between 110 to 170 degrees, preferably 115
to 160 degrees, even more preferably 120 to 150 degrees from a
single point in the center of the screen 311 (or any specific value
within said ranges). The size of the hologram is confined to the
boundaries defining the display screen of the portable electronic
device 10 or magnified through lenses or like.
[0068] In certain embodiments, the reflective or partially
reflective screen 311 contains an anti-reflective coating to
produce a high degree of reflectivity on the side of screen 311
facing the display screen of the device 10, and a high degree of
translucency on the opposite side of the screen 311. Such setup
will prevent ghosting of the reflected image reflected. In the
embodiments, where an anti-reflective coating is used on the
display surface, the holographic image is only perceived from the
front (i.e., viewed into angle A) of the screen 311 when set up
over the display screen of the portable electronic device 10. Where
no anti-reflective coating is used, the holographic image is
perceived from both the front side and the back side of the set-up.
If the reflective or partially reflective screen 311 is positioned
at an angle less than or greater than 45.degree. relative to the
display panel, the spectator or viewer V does not perceive any
holographic image, and instead sees through the reflective or
partially reflective screen 311, from both the front and back of
the set-up, regardless of whether an anti-reflective coating is
used.
[0069] When not in use, the reflective or partially reflective
screen 311 is pivoted back to 0.degree. relative to the top surface
310a of base 310 such that it lays flat against the display screen
of portable electronic device 10.
[0070] In certain embodiments, the base 310 includes at two
sidewalls (not shown) for reducing the amount of ambient light that
the display screen of the portable electronic device is exposed to
when snapped into place in base 310. The sidewalls are configured
to be collapsible such that the sidewalls can be laid flat against
the display screen of the portable electronic device, or the top
surface when the projection assembly is not in use. In use, the
sidewalls are raised until the sidewalls are substantially
perpendicular to the base 310. For example, each of the sidewalls
can be coupled to the base 310 via a flexible spine or via hinges
that extend along opposite sides of base 310. Where hinges are
used, the hinges preferably contain a stop position that allows the
sidewalls to be pivoted in opposite directions relative to each
other and between a 0.degree. and 90.degree. angle relative to the
top surface 310a of base 310. The sidewalls can be held at the
90.degree. angle by tension or friction within the respective
hinges or by one or more detents within the hinges that stops
rotation beyond the 90.degree. angle. The sidewalls are dimensioned
such that they do not interfere with the position of screen 311
when in use (i.e., when the screen is disposed at a 45.degree.
angle relative to base 310). Preferably, the sidewalls are
comprised of a material that does not allow light to be transmitted
therethrough.
[0071] In certain embodiments, the projector accessory 300 includes
a removable protective sleeve (not shown) having substantially the
same dimensions (i.e., length and width) of screen 311. The
protective sleeve is configured to slide over and around the free
side (i.e., the unhinged side) of screen 311 such that the screen
311 is fully protected on all sides during transport.
[0072] The reflective or partially reflective screen 311 can be a
beamsplitter. Screen 311 can include any material include those
discussed above. In some embodiments, the reflective or partially
reflective screen 311 is a foil, such as a polymeric foil, which
can have a partially reflective coating upon a front face of the
foil (i.e., the side facing the display screen of the portable
electronic device 10). The foil screen may be rolled about a
cylinder disposed adjacent to hinge 312 when not in use.
[0073] In use, the foil screen is unrolled and retained within a
box frame (not shown) that is coupled to hinge 312 such that box
frame can be pivoted between a 0.degree. and 45.degree. angle
relative to the top surface 310a of base 310. In certain
embodiments, the foil screen is attached to the box frame using
tensioning straps and a pair of clamp jaws, as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,883,212, the contents of which are herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety. As described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,883,212, the tension straps are adjustable to allow an even
tension to be applied over the whole surface of the foil screen
thereby reducing, and ideally eliminating, the formation of
wrinkles upon the foil screen which reduce the quality of an image
projected upon the screen.
[0074] The base 310 and sidewalls (when used) can be made from a
variety of materials, including without limitation, latex, rubber,
silicone, vinyl, leather, plastic, or a fabric. Preferably, the
base 310 and sidewalls are made of the same material. However, in
certain embodiments, base 310 and sidewalls can be made of
different materials.
[0075] The projector accessory 300 can be dimensioned to fit any
portable electronic device having a display screen.
[0076] FIG. 7 depicts a simplified diagram of a projector accessory
400 for a portable electronic device 10, in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention. The projector accessory 400 includes
clamp 410 that includes an elongate member 410a having first end
and a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the
first and second ends. The elongate member 410a further includes
two side arms, 410b and 410c, disposed on the first and second ends
of the elongate member 410a such that the side arms 410b and 410c
are perpendicular to elongate member 410a. In certain embodiments,
the side arms 410a and 410b each contain at least one protrusion
415 that secure device 10 in place. For example, a protrusion 415
may be provided that aligns and mates with a corresponding feature
disposed on an outer edge of device 10, such that the clamp 400 can
be securely attached to device 10 by snapping protrusion 415 into
the corresponding feature. In other embodiments, the clamp 400 is
configured to be coupled to a portable electronic device via a
tension mechanism (e.g., using a screw-assembly). A reflective or
partially reflective screen 411 is coupled to elongate member 410a.
In certain embodiments, the reflective or partially reflective
screen 411 is coupled to the elongate member 410a of clamp 400 via
a hinge 412. Hinge 412 is configured to allow the screen 411 to
independently pivot relative to the portable electronic device 10
when the clamp 410 is attached thereto. Preferably, the hinge
contains a stop position that allows the screen 411 to be pivoted
only between about a 0.degree. and about a 45.degree. angle
relative to the display screen of the portable electronic device 10
when the clamp is attached thereto. The reflective or partially
reflective screen 411 can be held at the approximately 45.degree.
angle by tension or friction within the hinge 412 or by one or more
detents within the hinge 412 that stops rotation beyond the
45.degree. angle.
[0077] In use, the portable electronic device is laid on a flat
surface with the display screen facing up. The clamp 410 is
attached to the portable electronic device as previously described.
The reflective or partially reflective screen 411 is then pivoted
on the hinge until it reaches the stop position (i.e., the
45.degree. angle relative to the display screen of device 10). In
other words, the screen 411 is inclined at approximately 45.degree.
to the plane of emission of light from the display screen of the
portable electronic device 10. The light from the display screen is
reflected off of the reflective or partially reflective screen 411
such that a virtual image of the content being displayed on the
display screen of the portable electronic device 10 appears to a
spectator as if it is floating or hovering above the portable
electronic device 10 (i.e., as a hologram), behind screen 411 or in
front of screen 411. While the holographic image can be perceived
by a viewer/spectator from any distance from the device, the
viewing angle of the holographic image is between 110 to 170
degrees, preferably 115 to 160 degrees, even more preferably 120 to
150 degrees from a single point in the center of the screen 411 (or
any specific value within said ranges).
[0078] In certain embodiments, the reflective or partially
reflective screen 411 contains an anti-reflective coating to
produce a high degree of reflectivity on the side of screen 411
facing the display screen of the device 10, and a high degree of
translucency on the opposite side of the screen 411. Such setup
will prevent ghosting of the reflected image reflected. In the
embodiments, where an anti-reflective coating is used on the
display surface, the holographic image is only perceived from the
front (i.e., viewed into angle A) of the screen 411 when set up
over the display screen of the portable electronic device 10. Where
no anti-reflective coating is used, the holographic image is
perceived from both the front side and the back side of the set-up.
If the reflective or partially reflective screen 411 is positioned
at an angle less than or greater than 45.degree. relative to the
display panel, the spectator or viewer V does not perceive any
holographic image, and instead sees through the reflective or
partially reflective screen 411, from both the front and back of
the set-up, regardless of whether an anti-reflective coating is
used.
[0079] The reflective or partially reflective screen 411 can
include materials discussed elsewhere herein. In some embodiments,
the reflective or partially reflective screen 411 is a foil, such
as a polymeric foil, which can have a partially reflective coating
upon a front face of the foil (i.e., the side facing the display
screen of the portable electronic device 10). The foil screen may
be rolled about a cylinder disposed adjacent to hinge 412 when not
in use.
[0080] In use, the foil screen is unrolled and retained within a
box frame that is coupled to hinge 412 such that box frame can be
pivoted between a 0.degree. and 45.degree. angle relative to the
display screen of a portable electronic device when the clamp is
attached thereto. In certain embodiments, the foil screen is
attached to the box frame using tensioning straps and a pair of
clamp jaws, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,212, the contents
of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. As
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,883,212, the tension straps are
adjustable to allow an even tension to be applied over the whole
surface of the foil screen thereby reducing, and ideally
eliminating, the formation of wrinkles upon the foil screen which
reduce the quality of an image projected upon the screen.
[0081] The projector accessory 400 can be dimensioned to fit any
portable electronic device having a display screen, such as any of
those listed elsewhere herein.
[0082] FIG. 8 shows a cover 800 for a portable electronic device 10
that includes a reflective or partially reflective screen 215 for
projecting content displayed on the display screen of the portable
electronic device 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. The cover 800 includes first leaf 811a, optional
second leaf 811b, and a spine 812 disposed in between the two
leafs, each of the leafs and spine having an exterior surface and
an interior surface. The cover 800 is configured to wrap around the
exterior surfaces of the portable electronic device 10 like a book
cover (as also shown in FIG. 1).
[0083] The interior surface of the cover 800 includes two inner
faces, 813a (the inner face of first leaf 811a) and 813b (the inner
face of second leaf 811b), disposed on opposite sides of the spine
812.
[0084] The inner face 813a of first leaf 811a may include one or
more tabs 814 disposed within cover 800 to secure electronic device
10 in place. Tab 814 can have an overhang that is spaced apart from
inner face 813a by a distance that represents a common, or
standard, thickness of an electronic device (e.g., the thickness of
the tablet computer sold under the trademark IPAD by Apple
(Cupertino, Calif.)).
[0085] The cover 800 further includes a reflective or partially
reflective screen 815 having materials or properties as discussed
above. Cover 800 can further include one or more of strut 830
(i.e., plastic or metal rod) attached to the cover that can be used
to prop screen 815 into its functional position. Two of strut 830
(or more) can be used for greater stability or aesthetics. Strut
830 can be provided that folds down and is optionally retained in
an optional plastic clasp for storage. Screen 815 may have a
plastic tab and divot, or the strut may have a plastic clip, which
can position the screen in an angle above the device display. In
certain embodiments, strut 830 is mounted in a swiveling hinge at
face 813a and has a press-fit clasp at the other end, as shown in
FIG. 8.
[0086] FIG. 9 presents another view of a projector assembly 300.
Base 310 is connected to screen 311 via hinge 312. Device 10 mounts
to or sits on base 310. A viewer V sees an image on screen 311 of
the contents of a display of device 10 when screen 311 is disposed
at an angle A to a face of device 10. Angle can be between about
30.degree. and about 60.degree., preferably between about
40.degree. and 50.degree. (e.g., 45.degree.).
[0087] A device 10 can have a display with a width WD approximately
equal to, or a little bit smaller than a width WB of base 310.
Screen 311 can have a width W such that W is approximately equal to
WD or WB. In certain embodiments, W is dimensioned such that (W/WD)
or (W/WB) is at least or approximately cosA where, for example, A
is 45.degree..
[0088] FIG. 10 gives a perspective view of cover 300, showing
screen 311 connected to base 310 via hinge 312. As can be seen in
FIG. 10, device 10 can be smaller than screen 311. For example,
screen 311 can be dimensioned to correspond to a certain tablet
computer, and can house a device 10 that is a small portable
digital music player. In some embodiments, base 310 includes one or
more of a speaker or a coupling to dock a music player. Any audio
played by device 10 is played from base 310. In certain
embodiments, screen 311 reflects sound as well as light to a viewer
V.
[0089] FIG. 11A is a side view of a device of the invention and
FIG. 11B gives a back view of a device of the invention. As can be
seen in FIGS. 11A and 11B, device 900 includes screen 911 attached
to base 910. Base 910 includes a tray area 905 to receive an
electronic device 10 (not pictured). Device 900 includes kickstand
909 that optionally folds into a recess in the underside of base
910 to allow device 900 to sit flat.
[0090] Projector accessory 300 was built and appears as depicted in
FIG. 12. FIG. 12 gives a front perspective view of accessory 300
showing screen 311 disposed at a 45.degree. angle above a screen of
electronic device 10 (here, a tablet computer sold under the
trademark IPAD by Apple (Cupertino, Calif.)). Device 10 is housed
in base 310.
[0091] In certain aspects, the invention provides a
projector/reflector accessory for use with an electronic device in
which the accessory has a spare or minimalistic structure. For
example, FIG. 13A shows a foldable accessory according to certain
embodiments. As can be seen in FIG. 13A, accessory 700 can be used
without reference to any cover for a device (although one may
optionally be provided with device 700). Referencing FIG. 13A and
13B, it can be seen that accessory 700 has a collapsing leg portion
710 that couples to armature 730 to hold screen 711 above an
electronic device (not shown). Looking particularly at FIG. 13A, it
can be seen that a tablet computer or other electronic device may
be seated on accessory 700, particularly on the extendable
protruding struts of leg portion 710.
[0092] A foldable accessory such as that shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B,
and 13C may include a hinged or flexible armature 730 or a
removable/swappable armature 730. For example, armature 730 (FIG.
13A) can be swapped for armature 731 (FIG. 13C) or each can
represent a single piece folded between different
configurations.
[0093] FIG. 13C shows accessory 700 in an alternative disposition.
As can be seen in FIG. 13C, an electronic device would sit close
to, but off of, a flat surface, supported by four feet. Foldable
accessory 700 is particularly useful where it is desirable to keep
an electronic device off of a surface for example, for heat
management purposes. Device 700 also offers a particularly
attractive and visually interesting display for a retail or public
setting. An electronic device can be seated on leg portion 710 and
a display of the device can be seen by passerby as well as a
re-display, or holographic projection of the display, in screen
711.
[0094] In certain embodiments, device 700 includes components
provided by a mobile stand for electronic devices such as the
mobile stand sold under the trademark COMPASS by Twelve South LLC
(Mount Pleasant, S.C.) (i.e., the "Compass Mobile stand for iPad").
Device 700 can further include any combination of base legs for leg
portion 710 and screen 711 with optional armature 730 to hold
screen 711 spaced away from leg portion 710. The legs, the
armature, or both can include metal, plastic, reinforced
fiberboard, a polymer, leather, or any other material known in the
art.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0095] References and citations to other documents, such as
patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books,
papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure.
All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
EQUIVALENTS
[0096] Various modifications of the invention and many further
embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described
herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
full contents of this document, including references to the
scientific and patent literature cited herein. The subject matter
herein contains important information, exemplification and guidance
that can be adapted to the practice of this invention in its
various embodiments and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *