Multi-positionable portable computer

A multi positionable portable computer is able to be set in a variety of form factors. A user display portion comprising a screen is movably coupled to a processing portion having processing circuitry by a hinge having two pivot points. The two pivot points allow for the portable computer to be placed upright for presentations and the like or flat on a surface with the user display angled toward a user for interfacing with the portable computer. A movable optics module is provided that is positionable on a top surface of the display portion whether the display portion is in a landscape position or a portrait position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable computers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi positionable portable computer providing greater ergonomics and convenience.

BACKGROUND

The portable computer, also referred to as a laptop computer, has become ubiquitous due to its convenience and portability. In general, portable computers offer a high degree of processing capability for creating documents, spreadsheets, and the like. The design of the standard “clamshell” portable computer, along with some variations, is generally useful only for working on one's lap or on a desk.FIG. 1Ashows a standard “clamshell” portable computer100. The clamshell portable computer100comprises an display portion110having a screen115. The display portion110is rotatably coupled to a processing, or base unit120. In general, the base unit120comprises a keyboard125and a trackpad127. The display portion110and the base unit120are rotatably coupled by a hinge130. The hinge130has one pivot point. In the example ofFIG. 1A, the hinge130allows the display portion110to open into a usable form factor and close, like a clamshell, into a traveling or portable form factor. The hinge130also allows the display portion110to swivel with respect to the base unit120. Some prior art portable computers are configured such that the entire display portion can be rotated 180° and then placed in a closed position so that the portable computer can be used as a tablet. However, these features do not address the desirability of ergonomics and other form factors that may be advantageous for a portable computer that hitherto have not been contemplated. For example, there is no provision to prop the portable computer100up on, either in a landscape view or a portrait view.

FIG. 1Bshows a standard tablet computer150, such as Apple®s popular iPad®. The tablet computer150does not come equipped with any means for supporting the device in an upright position, since most of the time the device is intended to be used in leisure on one's lap, such as when laying down. A cottage industry for making kickstands and cases for tablet computers has developed. For example, a case155encases the tablet computer150. The case comprises a swivel157so that a kickstand160can be positioned to put the tablet computer150at a desired angle. Optionally, a lid170is also connected by another swivel165so that the lid170can function as a base in an open, useful form factor or as a protective cover in a closed, or traveling form factor. Although such additional components can be simple, they add bulk and weight to the tablet computer150. Additional components also add cost to the tablet computer150. And since they are not integrated devices, i.e. they are not formed integrally with the tablet computer itself, they generally can come loose or fit poorly over time. Furthermore, tablet computers such as the iPad that have only an display unit housing additional processing generally lack features that most laptop users have come to rely on, such as multiple I/O such as USB ports, CD-ROM drives, or other conveniences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is provided is a portable computer that is positionable in a great variety of form factors without the use if additional components such as kickstands or protective cases. The portable computer is able to be positioned in a standard “working” form factor. In such a form factor, an display portion can be angled slightly toward the user and a support member can be positioned to hold the display portion steady. Also, the present invention can be propped up either in a landscape position or a portrait position for making presentations, live video teleconferencing, or the like. For teleconferencing purposes, a movable camera is provided. The camera can be positioned such that it is on the top edge of the display member whether the display member is in a portrait position or a landscape position.

In one aspect of the invention a portable computer comprises a user display member, a support member, and a hinge assembly for movably coupling the display layer to the support member. Preferably, the hinge comprises a first pivot point anchored to the display member, and a second pivot point anchored to the support member. The dual pivot points allow for the portable computer of the instant disclosure to be positioned in a great variety of form factors. In some embodiments, the support member comprises processing circuitry. The support member also comprises input/output ports for interfacing with external optional components, such as speakers, headphones, keyboards, and the like. In some embodiments, the user display member comprises a touch screen for interfacing with the portable computer. The user display member is settable in one of a portrait orientation and a landscape orientation, depending on the desired use of the portable computer. The support member is settable in a support position or a travel position. For the smallest possible form factor while traveling, the support member comprises a recessed area for receiving the hinge assembly in a travel position.

In some embodiments, the portable computer comprises a camera module. Preferably, the camera is mountable to the display member in a landscape orientation or a portrait orientation. Also, the portable computer has a socket for receiving the camera module in a travel position. This socket can be in any convenient location for stowage of the camera module. In some embodiments, a movable projector is provided. The projector is able to be mounted to the top side of the user display portion whether the user display is set in a landscape position or a portrait position. Preferably, the camera module also comprises a projector. Advantageously, the projector can be oriented to project an image in any direction from the user display module. Therefore, during a presentation, the user can sit anywhere relative to the audience and give a presentation, so that the user can face toward the audience simultaneously.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after reviewing the detailed description of the embodiments set forth below.

The present invention is described relative to the several views of the drawings. Where appropriate and only where identical elements are disclosed and shown in more than one drawing, the same reference numeral will be used to represent such identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of a multi positionable portable computer, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments below, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments and examples. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to more fully illustrate the drawings. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the prior art that the teachings herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods and procedures, components and processes haven not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application and business related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 2Ashows a multi-positionable portable computer200. The multi-positionable portable computer200comprises an display portion210. The display portion210comprises a screen220. In some embodiments, the screen220is a touch-sensitive screen that functions as an interactive I/O for a user. For example, the screen220can be used as a keyboard to enter text or have a pointing device that is manipulated only by touching the screen220. The display portion210is movably coupled to a support member230. The support member230props up the display portion210in a great variety of form factors, as will be described in detail below. The display portion210is movably coupled to the support member230by a hinge assembly240. The hinge assembly240, described in detail below, allows for the multi-positionable portable computer200to be oriented in a great variety of form factors for performing a wide variety of tasks not previously possible by one computing device.

FIGS. 2B-2Dshow the multi-positionable portable computer200in a variety of form factors suitable for several different uses.FIG. 2Bshows the multi-positionable portable computer200in an upright position with the screen220of the display portion210at an angle of 10 degrees relative to a plane perpendicular to the ground. In such a form factor, the multi-positionable portable computer200can be used, for example, as a teleprompter for a speaker who is sitting at a table. The display portion210is propped up by the support member230. In this embodiment, the support member231is also a processing base, or a processing portion comprising processing circuitry (not shown) such as a processor, video and audio circuitry, memory, and the like. The support member231also has several I/O232, such as the typical I/O of a laptop computer: an audio jack, microphone jack, USB ports, LAN port, and the like. The support member231is movably coupled to the display portion210by the hinge assembly240. The hinge assembly has a first pivot point241anchored to the display portion210and a second pivot point242anchored to the support member231. The first pivot point241and the second pivot point242are movably coupled by a link member243. The hinge assembly240allow for the display portion210and the support member231to move independently of each other, thereby allowing a great variety of form factors. In some embodiments, the first pivot point241is anchored to the display portion210by on the pivot point241. The first pivot point241enables the display portion210to be rotated with respect to the support member231, so that the display portion210can be set in a landscape form factor or a portrait form factor.

FIG. 2Cshows the multi-positionable portable computer200in a form factor that is more useful for directly interfacing with the display portion210. The display portion210is set along a plane that is approximately 60 degrees relative to the support surface201. The display portion210has two points of support: a first intersection211of the display portion210and the support surface201on which the multi-positionable portable computer200is placed, such as a desk or table, and a second intersection212of the display portion210and the support member231. In such a form factor, pressure can be applied to the screen220on the display portion210without the multi-positionable portable computer200moving. The two intersections211and212provide a normal force against a user's hand touching and otherwise interfacing the screen220, for example to type on a touchpad or to use a pointing device such as a trackpad. Because of the approximately 45 degree angle of the display portion210relative to the ground, the user will be able to display with the multi-positionable portable computer200while, for example, standing to make a presentation. Also, the user can have, for example, a desktop computer, reference material, and the like on a desk that the user may have to reference simultaneously while using the multi-positionable portable computer200. Advantageously, the multi-positionable portable computer200consumes less surface area on the support surface201in such a form factor as shown inFIG. 2Cso that a user can reference and display with multiple items on a desk or workstation.

FIG. 2Dshows the multi-positionable portable computer200in an interface form factor. In such an orientation, the multi-positionable portable computer200is suited for interfacing with the display portion210via, for example, a touchscreen keyboard. The display portion210is positioned at an angle approximately 35 degrees from the support surface201. The display portion is held at that angle by a first intersection213and the hinge assembly240. A user can manipulate the screen220of the display portion210without disturbing the form factor. It is important to note that the above exemplary form factors, and many others not mentioned herein for the sake of clarity and brevity, are achieved in a monolithic device not requiring extra parts such as props, kickstands, or the like. In the embodiments shown above, the support member230is a processing unit. However, the person of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure will readily appreciate that several variations can be made within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, all processing circuitry and I/O can be within the display portion210, and the support member230can have other accessories, such as stereo speakers, a spare battery pack, or any other convenient accessory for a computing device.

FIGS. 3A-3Eshow the multi-positionable portable computer having additional features. In some embodiments, the multi-positionable portable computer further comprises an optics module300. Preferably, the optics module300comprises a camera310and a projector320. Alternatively a monolithic optical assembly capable of operating as both a camera and a projector is contemplated. The optics module300is mounted to a top surface215of the display portion210. The mounting location facilitates web based meetings, self portraits, and the like. Preferably, the camera310or projector320are rotatably mounted to the optics module300. Advantageously, the optics module300can be oriented toward a user facing the screen220of the display module210or away from the user, as shown inFIG. 3B. A user (not shown) is able to use the same device to access data, such as a presentation, and project the data without the use of a costly, external projector. In general, coupling a personal computer to a projector can be complicated and frustrating. The embodiments of the multi-positionable portable computer200disclosed herein allow for more easily facilitated and productive presentations.

FIGS. 3C and 3Dshow the optics module300on the top surfaces215or217whether the display portion210is oriented in a landscape or portrait orientation respectively. Preferably, the optics module300is detachably mountable to either surface. As discussed above, a first pivot point241(FIG. 2B) is provided to allow the display portion210to be oriented in a landscape or portrait orientation without disturbing an orientation of the support member230(FIG. 2A).

FIG. 3Eshows the optics module300docked in a storage receptacle350. Preferably, the stowage receptacle350comprises a latch355for mating with a groove357within the optical module300. The mating of the latch355and groove357function to secure the optical module in the receptacle350.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow the ergonomic benefits of the multi-positionable portable computer200.FIG. 4Ashows a user410sitting at a desk415. Most office desks have a height of 660-810 mm and are adjustable in that general range to conform to people of different heights, and generally an office chair417is also adjustable. In a sitting position, the user is able to adjust the multi-positionable portable computer200to a position recommended for optimum ergonomics. Similarly,FIG. 4Bshows a user430using the multi-positionable portable computer200in a standing position. For example, the user430may be at a lectern320or a desk addressing an audience. Advantageously, the multi-positionable portable computer200is able to be set such that the display portion210is facing the user430so that the user430may reference notes with minimal breaking of eye contact from the audience. It is important to note that the multi-positionable portable computer200can be brought by the same user410or430from a sitting position as inFIG. 4Ato a standing position as inFIG. 4Band positioned without the use of an additional and external prop member, support member, kickstand, or the like. As a result, the user410or430is able to quickly go from a sitting position in an office to a lectern in an auditorium without being encumbered by multiple items to carry.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow an alternative embodiment of a multi-positionable portable computer510. The multi-positionable portable computer510comprises an display member520hingedly coupled to a support member530. In the example ofFIG. 5A, the multi-positionable portable computer510is positioned in an upright, portrait position. The multi-positionable portable computer510further comprises an optical module540. As described above, the optical module540operates as a camera for facilitating video conferencing and/or a projector for making presentations. The support member530is hingedly coupled to the display member520by a double hinge mechanism550shown in the magnified view ofFIG. 5A. The double hinge mechanism550comprises a first pivot point552mounted to the display portion520. The first pivot point552enables both angular motion of a link member555relative to a plane defined by the back surface of the display module520along with rotational motion with respect to an axis at the first pivot point perpendicular to a plane defined by the back surface of the display module520. The link member555couples the first pivot point552to a second pivot point553mounted to the support member530. The second pivot point553enables an angular motion of the link member555with respect to a plane defined by the surface of the support member530. In some embodiments, the second pivot point553, rather than the first pivot point552, enables a rotational motion with respect to an axis at the second pivot point553perpendicular to a plane defined by the surface of the support member530for setting the multi-positionable portable computer510in one of a landscape position or a portrait position.

The support member530further comprises a first extending member537slidably mounted to the support member530. The first extending member537can be extended and retracted in order to enable a wide range of angles for propping or supporting the display member520and to effectuate several positions, such as described inFIGS. 4A and 4B. The support member530further comprises a second extending member535, also slidably mounted to the support member530. The second extending member enables the support member530to act as a prop or a kickstand for the display member520at any angle relative to a surface on which the multi-positionable portable computer510is placed. By extending and retracting the first support member537and second support member535, a user is able to quickly and easily set the multi-positionable portable computer510to any desired angle without the use of external or after market cases, props, kickstands, or the like. As a result, the user is able to use the multi-positionable portable computer510for a great variety of functions such as personal computing, as a prompter at a lectern, as a projector or as a video conferencing device without being encumbered by multiple items that must be accounted for. In some embodiments, the first pivot point552and the second pivot point553are implemented with a degree of friction sufficient to support the weight of the multi positionable portable computer510such that the user can adjust the display module520and support portion530as desired. A sufficient degree of friction in the pivot points552and553should be chosen such that a human user can easily overcome the friction, but sufficient to support the multi positionable portable computer510in any position. Alternative mechanisms and means for adjusting and locking in place the display module520and support member553will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 5Bshows the multi-positionable portable computer510with the second extending support member535extended and being used as a carrying handle for simplicity of transport. Furthermore, the display member520comprises a recessed portion554. The recessed portion554is of a sufficient size and form factor to receive the entirety of the hinge mechanism550so that the multi-positionable portable computer510can be set in a compact form factor having minimal features for stowage, travel, and the like.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. The specific configurations shown and the methodologies described in relation to the various modules and the interconnections therebetween are for exemplary purposes only. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Angles, positions, and uses of the multi positionable portable computer shown in the several drawings are merely exemplary and are not intended to be in any way limiting.