Dual Portable Displays and Portable Hub System

There is provided a portable system that includes two (2) display monitors, single or dual-rotation axis video-camara, speakers, microphone, memory, rechargeable battery, and USB ports which incorporates the flexibility to use is at home or office and easily take it on the go. The present invention can interact mechanically, electronically, visually and/or orally with the user or third parties and be used in different applications. Internal and external structures house additional and/or extended electronic boards, wireless connectivity, and connectors which manage, interface and/or detect the signals obtained from a computer or other type host, and receive and/or send signals to another external devices such as a computer, PC tablets, consoles, smartphones, among others.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a technological portable monitor hub system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hub with multi-functional capabilities for a dual auxiliary portable monitors with rotative video-camera, microphone, speakers, data storage, power bank, wireless and wired connectivity, and auxiliary USB ports for data and power charge transmission support.

BACKGROUND

There are portable monitors that include one (1) display, other peripherals and USB ports in the same chassis. There is a need to have a new portable solution that now includes in the same case two (2) displays, peripherals and USB ports that allow to further improve performance and multi-tasking capabilities when leaving home or the office, that is lightweight, plug-and-play, that only requires one (1) connection cable to the computer or host, and that can be carried in the hand, a backpack or briefcase when the user wants it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides the user with a new type of dual portable display with a hub system that includes connectivity and capabilities for enhanced performance and entertainment in any place and especially when traveling. With the present invention, this new dual portable display and peripheral hub system has extended functionality within the apparatus as a unitary system or with attachments. This invention exchanges data wired or wirelessly with the computer and different apparatuses and accessories such as a touch-screen, sensors, among others, and it can be used in different applications such as personal use, entertainment, office, home and for marketing applications.

The dual portable display and peripheral hub system of this invention includes in one frame different features such as a primary monitor with display or screen of between 13″ to 22″ having 15.6″ as a preferred size, a secondary monitor with display or screen of between 7″ to 17″ having 10.1″ as a preferred size, a single or dual-axis rotative video-camera, microphone, speakers, internal memory, power bank, wireless and wired connectivity, auxiliary USB ports, among others.

The internal structure of this invention is designed to house electronic boards and connectors of the latest technology that manage, interface and/or detect the signals obtained from computers, cellphones or other devices connected, and receive and/or send signals to internal components such as two (2) displays, microphone, speakers, video camera, USB data/power ports, among others.

Some of the uses of this invention would be the following: a portable secondary and tertiary monitors system: to extend or duplicate the computer screen in other two displays to enhance performance and multitasking when traveling or working at home or office; a rotative video-camera: to take videos or photos easily and in any direction without moving the computer; independent audio peripherals: to alternatively use a secondary microphone or speaker in case any of the computer ones fails; and a USB hub: to connect other apparatuses in the USB Ports to transmit data and/or power;

The present invention is a dual portable display and peripheral hub system with enhanced functionality, including a set of electronics for internet and electronic communication with a computer and other apparatuses. The usage of this invention is explained later herein. The present invention comprises a primary display monitor with the unitary device housing a set of electronics for wireless and wired communications with a computer and other apparatuses. A secondary medium size display monitor joined to the top edge of the primary monitor, and a support base joined to the bottom edge of the primary monitor, both are joined to the primary monitor by means some friction hinges that allows 360° of rotation. The dual portable monitor has input buttons to configure the settings of the portable monitors and peripherals included in this invention, and alternatively can be programmed by software housed in a connected host. The invention includes a USB hub that permit the connections of other apparatuses via a USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Micro HDMI, and/or Audio Jack ports, among others, that send or receive the signal of power, data and video from/to the computer or other apparatuses. These ports that can be located on the lateral face of the primary monitor or can be included in the support base of this invention.

In an embodiment, there is provided a portable hub system which comprises a primary display device and a secondary display device which is pivotally and rotatably connected at an edge of the primary display device. A support base is pivotally and rotatably connected to a second edge of the primary display device and the support base has a pair of arms and a bottom area which form a U-shape to define an opening which receives the secondary display device in a closed position. The support base acts as a stand when folded into an open position. A built-in rotatable camera is attached to the primary display device which unfolds upwards by means of a frictional hinge. The portable hub system includes the secondary display device as smaller in size relative to the primary display device.

In an embodiment, there is a portable monitor system which includes a first display device and a second display device pivotally and rotatably connected at a first edge of the first display device; the first and the second display devices are of the same size and deploy vertically. A support base pivotally and rotatably connected to a second edge of the first display device is included where the support base has a pair of arms, preferably parallel to each other, which are connected by a cross piece, preferably perpendicular to the arms but other shapes and angles are include within the scope. The pair of arms are attached to the first display device. The pair of arms and the cross piece define an opening and the support base is received on a back side of the first display device when folded into a closed position and the support base acts as a stand for the portable monitor system when placed in an open position. A built-in rotatable camera is attached to the first display device which unfolds upwards by means of a frictional hinge. Although a pair of arms is noted by the drawings, any number of arms may be used to provide the support for the weight of the monitor systems. The portable monitor system in an embodiment requires only a single wired connection to transfer power and data to and from a host computer. The portable monitor system includes an embodiment where the second display device is rotated 90 degrees relative to the first display device. The portable monitor system includes an embodiment where the built in rotatable camera has two rotation axes and is raised to a height of more than 15″ above the support base.

For each of the embodiments included herein, the portable hub system includes features that the unitary hub device operates with or without an internal power source and has the housing of two monitors. There is housed a set of electronics for wireless and wired communications with a computer and other apparatuses and the devices have input buttons to activate internal components and software to transfer power and data with a computer or other apparatuses simultaneously. The present invention is a foldable structure to house all the components and there is at least two portable monitors to be connected in the present invention and which can act as a secondary and tertiary extended screens of a computer of other apparatuses. The present invention has a built-in single-rotation axis video-camera, or alternatively a built-in dual-rotation axis video-camera. A built-in speaker, microphone, and memory are included in the display devices. The present invention also has a compact design for easy transport and portability. The present invention includes software and hardware to be used as a simple plug-and-play system in connection with the system, along with printed circuit boards to include an operational system to act as a computer. These and other features of the present invention and embodiments will be further described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

TheFIG.1Ashows a top isometric view of this invention10, which is made up of a primary display monitor20of between 13″ to 22″ having 15.6″ as a preferred display size, with the possibility of having a touch function60, the chassis of the primary monitor20contains the electronic components that allow the operation of the primary monitor, and alternatively the boards to provide data and power to the camera40, microphone50and speakers45. As used herein, the words display and monitor can mean the same, except if otherwise specified. The boards to control some or all the peripherals included in this invention would be also located in the support base25or in the secondary monitor25. Attached to the upper part of the primary monitor20by means of the hinge upper35, there is the secondary monitor25which includes a panel that can be of between 7″ to 17″ having 10.1″ as a preferred size 7″ and that can include a touch function65. Likewise, on the lower edge of the chassis of the primary monitor20and joined by the lower hinge30is the support base15, which supports this invention in different unfolded positions. Inside the support base15are included some of the electronic components that allow the operation of this invention, such as the different connection ports with their respective PCB boards and the option of including a rechargeable battery or other additional options for this invention.FIG.1Bshows a rear isometric view of this invention10where the possibility of rotating the secondary monitor25at an angle of 360° is shown, which allows the display65of this monitor to be seen from behind of the primary monitor20, this function is especially useful for sharing images and information or make presentations more confidentially to a user on the opposite side. Also seen are the non-slip pads55included on the back of the primary monitor20that protect it and give it greater stability when this device is placed closed on a surface.

InFIG.2Aincludes a bottom isometric view of this invention70, the non-slip pads75placed in the lower part of the support base80are observed, which improve the adherence of this invention70on a surface when it is unfolded and in use.FIG.2Bshows detail A where the connection ports of this invention70are observed, located on the left side82of the support base80, in another configuration it is possible to integrate these ports in the chassis of the primary monitor85, unifying all the electrical components in this area for easy connection to a host. Among the ports included in this invention70are an audio jack90output port for connecting auxiliary peripherals such as hands-free headsets, microphones and/or speakers, a micro HDMI or HDMI input port95to transmit data from another device and be displayed on one or both monitors included in this invention, a USB-C port100to receive data and power to this invention, either from another host device or with an A/C power adapter, a USB-C data and power port105which allows this invention to be connected to another device using a single cable to transmit data and power at the same time, two or more USB-A 2.0 or 3.0 ports110, which allows the connection of other devices to this invention70, to transmit data or power charging to said devices. This view also shows the position of the speaker115on the front just below the panel of the primary monitor85.

FIG.3Aincludes a bottom isometric view of this invention120, showing the primary monitor135and the secondary monitor140unfolded to the back, and where the non-slip pads125placed on the support base130are observed.FIG.3Brefers detail B that shows the speaker145, the microphone150, and the configuration buttons located on the right side of the chassis155of the primary monitor135on the front of this invention120. The on/off-Menu button160, can be seen in the detail. By pressing this button for about2seconds will turn on and off the primary monitor, and by pressing slightly the Menu functions will be available on the display of the primary monitor135to configure as the level of brightness, contrast, sharpness, among other features. This detail also shows the (+) button165and the (−) button170with which the values of each item in the configuration menu are controlled, including the control of volume of this invention. If required, this invention can include a greater or lesser number of buttons as needed. The secondary monitor140would include just one button for on/off. Another alternative to set up the features of both displays included the primary135and secondary140monitors, is by means of an application software that would be embedded in this invention and downloaded automatically in the computer or another host once it is connected, or that is available in the internet for downloading.

InFIG.4Aan isometric view of this invention175fully closed is shown. In this position, the chassis of the primary monitor180works as a base, and the panel is covered by the support base185that folds over the chassis of the primary monitor180by means of the lower hinge190, and subsequently the secondary monitor195folds on the support base185using the upper hinge200and resting on the stop tab (see250ofFIG.5A), in this way, the monitor panels are facing each other but without contact between them, being protected from any blow or damage during transport. The support base185includes an opening slot205that facilitates the deployment of the secondary monitor195by inserting the fingers and pulling upwards.FIG.4Bis the bottom isometric view of this invention185showing the chassis of the primary monitor180and the non-slip pads210that help this invention maintain its position on a surface. This figure shows the rotating camera215stored in the chassis of the primary monitor180.

FIG.5Ais an isometric view of this invention220showing step1of deploying this device for use. The secondary monitor240is unfolded by inserting the fingers into the opening slot230of the support base235and holding the upper edge of secondary monitor240to find upwards, in this way, the upper hinge245, which is a friction hinge or similar accessory that maintains its position, will direct the opening of the secondary display225to place it at the angle that the user prefers. In this way it is possible to use only the secondary monitor240, without the need to unfold the entire invention220. The secondary monitor240rests on the stop tab250of the support base235when it is folded and prevents any contact between the primary display panel255and the secondary display panel225(ofFIG.5B) of the primary252and secondary240monitors included in this invention220.FIG.5Bshows the second step of the deployment sequence of this invention220, with the support base235start to be unfolded, which rotates by means of the lower hinge265which, like the upper hinge245, are friction hinges that maintain the position of the sections as required, in this step the primary display panel255is uncovered.

FIG.6Ashows the third step of the deployment of this invention270. The support base275is rotated at a total of approximately 295°280which allows that, when supporting this invention on the support base275, the viewing angle of the primary monitor285is about 65° versus the horizontal, remaining in a more comfortable position for viewing by the user. The tilt angle of both the primary monitor270and the secondary monitor290may be adjusted by the user to facilitate the desired viewing. Depending on the inclination of the surface where the support base275is placed, it will then depend on adjusting the positions of each monitor so that this invention remains stable, which the user can do intuitively. The friction hinges295and300will maintain the set angles under minor movements of the invention, as do most commercially available laptops on the market.FIG.6Bshows a deployment configuration of this invention270, where the secondary monitor290is rotated about 245° with respect to the horizontal, allowing the secondary monitor290to be viewed from the rear of the primary monitor285. This invention270includes a rotation sensor (G sensor or similar) that which allows auto-rotate the image of the secondary monitor290when exceeding a certain angle of rotation. This deployment configuration is especially useful for making presentations or sharing information in a more controlled way to other viewers.

FIG.7shows a dual-axis rotating secondary monitor320version of this invention305, where the upper hinge310that joins the primary monitor315with the secondary monitor320and that allows their vertical deployment, includes a rotation hinge horizontal325that allows the secondary monitor320to rotate about 360°330about a horizontal axis335on the primary monitor315, increasing the viewing angle possibilities of both monitors.

FIG.8Ashows an isometric view of this invention340unfolded and supported by the support base345where the connection ports350are located. Attached to the support base is the primary monitor355that contains peripherals such as speakers360, microphone365, and a rotating single-angle camera370, and in turn attached to the primary monitor355, is the secondary monitor375deployed with a view to the rear.FIG.8Bshows detail C that corresponds to the rotating function of the camera370. The rotating camera370rotates on a single axis375in a range of about 180° which allows to adjust the viewing angle, either directed towards the user in front of the primary monitor355or view the opposite area or the primary monitor355, very useful to use it in video conference calls as an alternative camera of the laptops, among other potential usages.

FIG.9Ashows an isometric view of this invention380unfolded, supported by the support base385, with the primary monitor390unfolded and the secondary monitor395rotated back.FIG.9Bshows detail D, which corresponds to the single-axis rotating camera400. This view shows how camera400can rotate around axis405, pointing the camera towards the opposite side of the principal monitor390of this invention.

FIG.10Ashows an isometric view of this invention410in which the secondary monitor415and the support base420are joined to the primary monitor425by means of the hinges430and the hinges435. The support base420includes the connection ports440on the left side445, the speakers450on each side, and the dual-rotation axis camera455in the upper left corner.FIG.10Bis detail E of the dual-rotation axis camera455which is located in the upper left part of the primary monitor425and is stored in the cavity460located in the left -or right- corner of the support base420when this invention410is folded.

FIG.11Ashows detail F of how the dual-rotation axis camera465included in this invention470, unfolds upwards by means of a friction hinge475with double axis480and485that allows it to rotate about 180° on each axis, giving it a range total about 360°500swivels. This friction hinge475attaches the dual-rotation axis camera465to the chassis of the primary monitor490and allows to put and fix the camera465at any angle the user requires. The camera465includes an LED and/or sensor type of indicator495that activate recording or other action, and/or shows when the camera is in use.FIG.11Bshows the detail G of the dual-rotation axis camera505where it is observed how the lens module465can rotate 360°510on a Y axis515that allows to adjust the lateral angle of view of the lens module465as required by the user.

FIG.12Ashows this invention520with a single-rotation axis camera525connected to a laptop530through a USB-C type535or similar type of cable and thus be able to transmit power and video to the USB hub, and through an interface controller, power a rechargeable battery and/or the primary monitor540, and/or the secondary monitor545at the same time and independently. In this configuration, the primary monitor540and the secondary monitor545are in the direction of the user's view having access to 3 displays at the same time, including the laptop screen532.FIG.12Bshows a version of this invention550with the dual-rotation axis camera555, connected to a laptop530using a USB-C type cable535. In this case the user has access to the laptop screen532and the primary monitor565, and the secondary monitor560is rotated -or not- to the opposite side to make a presentation to others while keeping the information on displays1and2confidentially.

FIG.13shows an option of power delivery and control of this invention. This invention is designed so that when receiving power and data from the host, they enter a controller and this provides energy to a rechargeable battery which provides power to the secondary monitor and peripherals; while the controller provides parallel power to the principal monitor. The controller measures the voltage and/or energy available in the rechargeable battery of this invention, and in case the battery decreases its capacity below a predetermined limit, then the controller would deactivate some or all the peripherals, later the secondary monitor, as programmed by the firmware. All programming could be preset via firmware from factory, or via buttons or by an application software adjustable by the user. This invention can house additional PCB boards in the primary and/or secondary monitors for the invention to operate as a laptop with 2 displays and connect a wired or wireless keyboard for data entry.

FIG.14Ashows a version of this invention600with two displays of the same size in the closed position and in top view. This version has the power and data ports section625, and the power port617. This invention can include a rechargeable battery and/or a wireless module for connection to the host or computer without a cable. It includes the lower display610, the upper display605, and the two hinges635that join such displays.

FIG.14Bshows the bottom view ofFIG.14Ain which this invention600is observed with its two hinges635that connect the lower display610with the upper display605. The displays controls630are shown in the side area and they allow changing the configuration of each display, volume, and other features of this invention. Stand615is shown folded and connected to the lower display610via two hinges612. The dual-axis rotary video-camera620, previously described in greater detail inFIG.11AandFIG.11B, is folded and inserted into the lower monitor housing610.

FIG.15Ashows this invention640in the unfolded position and in front view, in which the lower display650and the upper display645can be seen arranged one above the other by means of the hinges652. The speakers660are in the lower display chassis, although they can be located elsewhere in this invention640. The dual-axis rotary camera655is deployed, and at the time of closing the invention640, the camera chassis655enters the cavity657of the lower monitor chassis650.

FIG.15Bshows the right-side view in the deployed position of this invention640. Stand665supports the lower display650at different angles A ranging from 1-degree to 180 degrees, with a 60-degree angle being preferred. The hinges652ofFIG.15Acan support different angles B between1-degree and 180 degrees, between the lower display650and the upper display645, with a preferred angle of 150-degrees for when both displays are facing the same side. The balance point of this version of invention640depends on the angles A and B. This invention can also include an additional similar stand attached to the upper display, in the opposite position and mirror to the stand665, to achieve a U-shaped support and greater stability in different positions, such as placing the two monitors facing the sky supported by the two U-stands, and with a mechanical wedge that keeps the two monitors aligned with each other.

FIG.16Ashows an unfolded right isometric view of this invention670, with lower display680, upper display675, dual axis rotary video-camera690, and the hinges697of stand685.

FIG.16Bshows the rear view ofFIG.16Ashowing the lower display680, the upper display675, the dual axis rotary video-camera690, the two hinges695connecting the two displays, and the two hinges697that sustain this invention in a stable manner. Stand685enters slot687of display680upon closing of this invention.

FIG.17Ashows this version of the invention700in the deployed position with the upper display710and the lower display705in opposite positions, supported by hinges725. Stand715provides stability to the invention in the horizontal position. The data and/or charging ports720are located on the left side of the lower display705. The dual axis rotary video-camera712in undeployed position to permit the upper display710to deploy at any angle of the back side of the lower display705. The dual axis rotating camera is housed in cavity717of the lower display705when this invention is folded.

FIG.17Bshows the rear position ofFIG.17Ain which the lower display705is now seen with the control buttons of both displays730on the right side of the lower display710, the stand715deployed, the upper display710unfolded to the rear, the hinges725, and the video-camera712in undeployed position.

FIG.18Ashows this invention735in a position rotated 90 degrees to the right, in which the stand750supports this invention735with its lower display745and upper display740, each in a vertical position, but positioned horizontally next to each other allowing to use this invention735in different applications of use. The electronics included in this invention allow the host to recognize the auto-rotation feature of the invention and reconfigure the distribution of the images on the displays.

FIG.18Bshows the rear view ofFIG.18Ain which the upper display740and the lower display745can be seen connected linearly, with the video-camera737and all supported by stand750.

FIG.19Ashows the connection of this invention755with a host or computer760, using a single cable775connected to port785of the host or computer and to port780of this invention755, to transmit power and/or data between both units. That is, in a version of this invention, this invention could also work as a power bank and provide power charging to the computer or host and other peripherals. In this arrangement, the computer display1can act as the main display, the lower display765of the invention as number2, and the upper display770as number3. This invention can include a rechargeable battery and wireless connectivity in such a way that one of its versions can work linked to the host or computer without the need for an interconnection cable.

FIG.19Bshows the rear view ofFIG.19Abut with the upper display770of this invention755rotated rearward. In this configuration, the host or computer760is connected to the power and/or data input port780of this invention through cable775located on the left side of the lower display765. The displays and electronics included in this invention are low power consumption, in such a way that the total power consumption can be transmitted from a computer by a single USB-C cable or similar that carries power and data, and a separate AC/DC adapter is not required to provide power to this invention.

FIG.19Cshows this invention790rotated 90 degrees to the right, connected from its port825by a single cable815to port820of the host or computer795to transmit power and data wired to displays800and805of this invention790.

Usage Options of the Dual Portable Display and Peripherals Hub System

The present invention is the first generation of a two (2) portable displays and peripheral hub system that incorporates the flexibility to transport and use different types of apparatuses combining with IoT capabilities, such as a secondary and tertiary monitor, dual-rotative axis video-camera, microphone, speakers, among others, all-in-one portable lightweight and one-cable system.

The internal and external structures are designed to house electronic boards and connectors of the latest technology that can manage, interface, detect, receive and/or send the signals to a computer and/or other apparatuses.

Some of uses of this invention are the following:1. Use two (2) portable displays on the go: connected to a computer or other host, the dual displays will act as a second and third monitor of the host and the user can duplicate and/or extend other screens for enhanced performance and multitasking;2. To take photos and videos with a single-rotation or dual-rotation axis camera: when this invention is connected to the computer, in a wired or wireless connection. Users can easily take photos of documents or places looking those at the computer screen or any of the 2 additional displays and then take the photos or video with the computer application, and all photos will be downloaded directly to the computer or this invention. Take photos with the laptops' camera is not easy or maybe impossible in many cases, or it takes longer time to do it with a smartphone because it requires to send the file to the computer via e-mail consuming unnecessary time and data plans.3. Use microphone, speaker and memory built-in features: in case that the computer ones do not work properly, or the specific situation requires it, or because it is easier to just pushing a button of this invention to select any peripheral -in case this option is available, and not by software-, instead trying to be finding the right option in the configuration section of the computer's software, which sometimes is very difficult and consume time. Therefore, this invention acts as portable redundant system of the connected host's microphone, speaker, memory and video-cam;4. Use it as a USB hub: to connect other apparatuses in the invention's USB ports such as external memory, chargers, etc. The connection with the computer would be wired or wireless by using the wifi, Bluetooth or other similar feature connectivity.5. Use it as a power bank: this invention can transfer power to its USB ports in different ways: i) when this invention is wired connected to a host through a USB-C cable or similar, or ii) when this invention is connected to an external A/C adapter (110/220 volts), or iii) when the rechargeable battery installed inside this invention acts as a power bank.6. The use of this invention in a version of two monitors of approximately the same size will allow users to save space in the workplace, since they only require the area of a single monitor, but they are able to use two equal monitors vertically or horizontally. In this way, their desks will have more space to place other things or use smaller workspaces.7. The use of a camera placed on two extended displays connected vertically to a host of computer, and at a height between 15″ to 25″ above the base allows users to have standing conferences, or make videos, or take photos without having to both ducking their heads to see their laptops or desktops and having access to the information provided by the two extended screens. For example, business executives, influencers, and other users who require or like multitasking and want to hold lectures standing up or show other angles of a rotating camera that is not available with regular computers.

DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTION

The multiple pieces of the outer shell of this invention are made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic that has been injection molded. Sections of the outer shell may also have an additional material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone. The power, data and video transfer options would be done by using USB type C, USB2.0, HDMI among other available wired and wireless technologies. All buttons, switches, electrical micro-switches (made of plastic and metal) are also commodity components that have been manufactured and/or sourced from other suppliers. Integrated circuits, chipsets and printed circuit boards (PCB) are also standard items, although different proposed functions of the hub may have proprietary chipsets designed, printed and programmed to fit the requirements of each peripheral function that is to be added to the hub.

The printed circuit board (PCB) on which the electrical and mechanical components are mounted is custom-made for the functional design of the hub peripherals. It is a flat, resin-coated sheet. Electrical resistors, capacitors, oscillators, integrated circuits (ICs), and other components are made of various types of metal, plastic, and silicon, also sourced from manufacturers that produce in mass.

The general shape falls within the range of a top-end industrial design product that is available in the current market but may be produced slightly larger to accommodate for the added internal components that are built into the hub. The overall layout is similar as well, its orientation is symmetrical along a line that runs from the front to the back of the body of the hub along the top face. The hub has been detailed designed to obtain the smallest and carry-on size to allow for the addition of the proposed peripherals. On this hub, there are holes molded in the shell to allow for sounds to leave the device via internally mounted drivers. On the front there are activation buttons to accommodate the functions of the added devices that become mounted into the hub.