Abstract:
A display apparatus for providing multi-sided viewing functionality to a portable computer system. In one embodiment, the display apparatus is comprised of a front cover which is electrically and mechanically coupled to the portable computer. A first display component is disposed on the front cover and includes a front display panel and a rear display panel. A second display component is coupled to the portable computer system. A display control circuit, coupled to the portable computer system, is adapted to activate and to deactivate display panels in direct response to the orientation of the front cover, and when portable computer system is so configured, to the orientation of a second cover, interposed between the front cover and the portable computer system. Electronic ink technology is used in the formation of the two sided display components.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing a multi-sided display for a portable computer system. More particularly, the present invention provides an apparatus for providing multiple electronic-display panel capabilities for a portable computer system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As the continuing advances in technology have enabled the miniaturization of the components required to build computer systems, new categories of computer systems have been created. One of the categories of computer systems has been the portable, hand held, or “palmtop” computer system, referred to as a personal digital assistant or PDA. Other examples of portable computer systems include electronic address books, electronic day planners, electronic schedulers and the like. 
     A palmtop computer system is a computer that is small enough to be held in the user&#39;s hand and as such is “palm-sized.” As a result, palmtops are readily carried about in the user&#39;s briefcase, purse, and in some instances, in the user&#39;s pocket. By virtue of its size, the palmtop computer, being inherently lightweight, is therefore exceptionally portable and convenient. 
     The continuing miniaturization of computer systems has enabled a user to now carry in their pocket very powerful computer systems. However, miniaturization has also reduced some of the functionality of the portable computer system compared to desktop systems. To support the form factor of the portable computer, smaller graphic display panels and reduced graphic resolution have been developed. By virtue of the reduction of the graphic display capabilities of the portable computer, less information is now visible to the user. 
     Another drawback to the portable computer system is its display panel. While the development of the liquid crystal display (LCD) has, in part, enabled the further development of the portable computer system, it is not without certain limitations. An LCD is constructed using glass, and as such, is thick, rigid, and relatively heavy for its size. Additionally, liquid crystal displays are usually visible from one position, and as such, the information displayed is often difficult to see. Another drawback is that some LCD&#39;s require backlighting for illumination of the display area which is a constant draw on the retained power within a portable computer. Further, for the LCD to hold the images or text on the display area for the user to see, a constant flow of power must be applied to the screen, which is a draw on the retained power within a portable computer. 
     With most portable computer systems operating on battery power, the continuous drain of power, as described, significantly reduces the usable time before recharging is required. Additionally, because increased quantities of battery power are required for the portable computer to operate longer without being recharged/replaced, power consumption directly impacts the size of the battery required. 
     Another computer system being developed and currently available is the electronic book computer, commonly referred to as an “e-book.” An e-book has the approximate physical properties associated with a laptop computer, but consists of two viewable areas, each facing the other, analogous to an open book. The e-book is utilized the same as when someone reads a book, but without pages to turn. Instead of turning the page, the two facing screens are refreshed, loading the new text to be read, in a fashion to simulate the turning of a book page. The text is not the printed text that is known in the printed form, but rather groups of pixels that are controlled electronically through the application of voltage or current to create the image of letters, and therefore words. Unfortunately, the e-book, while presenting text in a new manner is as large as a laptop computer, and therefore just as cumbersome. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Thus a need exists for a portable computer system with additional display panels. Another need exists for an apparatus that fills the above need and which provides multi-sided e.g., two-sided display into the front cover of a portable computer system. Another need exists for an apparatus that fills the above need and which further provides an additional display panel on a palmtop computer. Another need exists for an apparatus that fills the above need and which further provides a switching mechanism to control which of the display panels are activated by, e.g., a mechanism that responds to the position of the front cover of the portable computer. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the various drawing figures. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for providing multi-sided viewing functionality to a portable computer system. The present invention further provides, in one embodiment, an apparatus that achieves the above listed feature which further provides two-sided display capabilities to the front cover of the portable computer system. Furthermore, the present invention also provides an apparatus that provides the above listed features and which further provides an additional display panel to the portable computer system. Additionally, the present invention also provides an apparatus that provides the above listed features and which readily and transparently controls the activation of the display panels by the opening of the front cover of the portable computer system. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of a front cover. The front cover is electrically and mechanically coupled to the palmtop computer. In the present embodiment, a first display component is coupled to the front cover. The first display component is further comprising a front display panel and a rear display panel. In the present embodiment, a second display component is coupled to the portable computer system. In the present embodiment, a third display component may be present and coupled to the portable computer system. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the technology used in the display component is electronic ink display. Further, in the present embodiment, the display component is flexible. Furthermore, in the present invention, a display control circuit is coupled to the portable computer system. The display control circuit is adapted to activate the first display component and the second display component. The display control circuit is further adapted to provide that activation in direct response to the orientation of the front cover. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment including a portable computer system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of a portable computer system connected to other computer systems and the Internet via a cradle device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top side perspective view of a portable computer system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom side perspective view of the portable computer system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the components of the portable computer system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top side perspective view of a portable computer system configured a front cover in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom side perspective view of the palmtop computer system of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a portable computer system, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front facing illustrated perspective view of a portable computer system configured with a display component disposed on the front cover, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front facing illustrated perspective view of the portable computer system of  FIG. 8  with the front cover in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a front facing illustrated perspective view of a portable computer system configured with three display components, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a front facing illustrated perspective view of the portable computer system of  FIG. 10  with the front cover opened, exposing the second of three display components, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a front facing illustrated perspective view of the portable computer system of  FIG. 10  with the front and second covers opened, exposing three display panels, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the palmtop computer in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a display panel of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a display panel of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross section illustrated perspective view of a display panel of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is flowchart showing the steps in a process  1700  for utilizing the apparatus for providing multi-sided display functionality to the portable computer system in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is flowchart showing the steps in a process  1800  for utilizing the apparatus for providing multi-sided display functionality to the portable computer system in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An display apparatus having multi-sided display functionality for a portable computer system is described. In one embodiment, a flat panel technology is employed. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, component, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
     Notation and Nomenclature 
     Some portions of the detailed descriptions, which follow, are presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits that can be performed on computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, computer executed step, logic block, process, etc., is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. 
     It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention, discussions utilizing terms such as “activating” or “determining” or “indicating” or “indexing” or “receiving” or “performing” or “initiating” or “sending” or “implementing” or “disabling” or “enabling” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system&#39;s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are discussed primarily in the context of a portable computer system, such as a palmtop or personal digital assistant. However, it is appreciated that the present invention can be used with other types of devices that utilize a flat panel display device, including but not limited to palmtop computer systems, pagers, cell phones, remote web browsers, remote control devices, etc. 
     Exemplary Palmtop Platform 
       FIG. 1A  is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment  50  including a portable computer system  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Portable computer system  100  is also known as a palmtop or palm-sized computer system. In one embodiment, portable computer system  100  has the ability to transmit and receive data and information over a wireless communication interface (e.g., a radio interface). For purposes of the present application, the term “portable computer system” is not intended to be limited solely to conventional palmtop or portable computers. Instead, the term “portable computer” or “portable computer system” is also intended to include any mobile electronic device. Such mobile devices include but are not limited to pagers and paging systems, wireless and cellular telephones, electronic address books, and numerous other mobile devices which may have the ability to wirelessly communicate with a network. As such, for purposes of the present application, the terms “portable computer” and “mobile device” will be considered synonymous and will be used interchangeably. 
     Base station  32  can be both a transmitter and receiver base station, which can be implemented by coupling it into an existing public telephone network  34 . Implemented in this manner, base station  32  enables portable computer system  100  to communicate with a proxy server computer system  36 , which is coupled by wire to the existing public telephone network  34 . Furthermore, proxy server computer system  36  is coupled to the Internet  52 , thereby enabling portable computer system  100  to communicate with the Internet  52 . When communicating with a Web site over Internet  52 , protocols such as CTP (Compact Transport Protocol) and CML (Compact Markup Language) can be used by portable computer system  100  in the present embodiment. 
     It should be appreciated that one of the functions of proxy server  36  is to perform operations over the Internet  52  on behalf of portable computer system  100 . For example, proxy server  36  has a particular Internet address and acts as a proxy device for portable computer system  100  over the Internet  52 . 
     It should be further appreciated that other embodiments of a communications network, planned or envisioned, may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, a wireless connection may be made from portable computer system  100  directly to the Internet  52 . 
     The data and information which are communicated between base station  32  and portable computer system  100  are the same type of information and data that can conventionally be transferred and received over a public telephone wire network system. Additionally, in  FIG. 1A , the existing telephone network could also be a packet-based network, as is the Bellsouth wireless data network utilized by some conventional portable computer systems. However, a wireless communication interface is utilized to communicate data and information between portable computer system  100  and base station  32 . It should be appreciated that one embodiment of a wireless communication system in accordance with the present invention is the Mobitex wireless communication system. Furthermore, any wireless network, in addition to the Mobitex wireless network, can support the functionality to be disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates another embodiment of a system  51  that can be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present invention. System  51  comprises a host computer system  56  which can either be a desktop unit as shown, or, alternatively, can be a laptop system  58 . Optionally, one or more host computer systems can be used within system  51 . Host computer systems  58  and  56  are shown connected to a communication bus  54 , which in one embodiment can be a serial communication bus, but could be of any of a number of well known designs, e.g., a parallel bus, Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN), etc. Optionally, bus  54  can provide communication with the Internet  52  using a number of well-known protocols. 
     Importantly, bus  54  is also coupled to a cradle  60  for receiving and initiating communication with portable computer system  100 . Cradle  60  provides an electrical and mechanical communication interface between bus  54  (and anything coupled to bus  54 ) and the computer system  100  for two-way communications. Portable computer system  100  may instead be coupled to host computer systems  56  and  58  via a wireless (radio) connection. Computer system  100  also contains a wireless infrared communication mechanism  64  for sending and receiving information from other devices. Additionally, in  FIG. 1B , the existing telephone network could also be a packet-based network, as is the Bellsouth wireless data network utilized by some conventional portable computer systems. 
     With reference to both  FIGS. 1A and 1B , it is appreciated that portable computer system  100  can be used in a network environment combining elements of networks  50  and  51 . That is, as will be seen below, portable computer system  100  can include both a wireless infrared communication mechanism and a signal (e.g., radio) receiver/transmitter device. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective illustration of the top face  100   a  of one embodiment of the palmtop computer system  100  of the present invention. The top face  100   a  contains a flat panel display screen  105  surrounded by a bezel or cover. A removable stylus  80  is also shown. The display screen  105  is a touch screen able to register contact between the screen and the tip of the stylus  80 . The stylus  80  can be of any material to make contact with the screen  105 . The top face  100   a  also contains one or more dedicated and/or programmable buttons  75  for selecting information and causing the computer system to implement functions. The on/off button  95  is also shown. Also shown is front cover  175 . As described further below, front cover  175  includes a display component having a rear display panel and a front display panel. 
       FIG. 2  also illustrates a handwriting recognition pad or “digitizer” containing two regions  106   a  and  106   b . Region  106   a  is for the drawing of alphabetic characters therein (and not for numeric characters) for automatic recognition, and region  106   b  is for the drawing of numeric characters therein (and not for alphabetic characters) for automatic recognition. The stylus  80  is used for stroking a character within one of the regions  106   a  and  106   b . The stroke information is then fed to an internal processor for automatic character recognition. Once characters are recognized, they are typically displayed on the screen  105  for verification and/or modification. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the bottom side  100   b  of one embodiment of the palmtop computer system that can be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. An extendible antenna  85  is shown, and also a battery storage compartment door  90  is shown. A communication interface  180  is also shown. Also shown is front cover  175 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication interface  180  is a serial communication port, but could also alternatively be of any of a number of well-known communication standards and protocols, e.g., parallel, SCSI (small computer system interface), Firewire (IEEE 1394), Ethernet, etc. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the palmtop computer system  100  in accordance with one implementation. It should be noted that front cover  175 , as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , is not shown so as to simplify the description of the exploded view of portable computer  100 . Computer system  100  contains a back cover  245 , and a front cover  210  having an outline of region  106  and holes  75   a  for receiving buttons  75   b . Flat panel display  105  is disposed on front cover  210 . A battery  215  provides electrical power. A contrast adjustment (potentiometer)  220  is also shown, as well as an on/off button  95 . A flex circuit  230  is shown along with a printed circuit (PC) board  225  containing electronics and logic (e.g., memory, communication bus, processor, etc.) for implementing computer system functionality. The digitizer pad is also included in PC board  225 . A midframe  235  is shown along with stylus  80 . Position-adjustable antenna  85  is shown. 
     Infrared communication mechanism  64  (e.g., an infrared emitter and detector device) is for sending and receiving information from other similarly equipped devices (see  FIG. 1B ). A signal (e.g., radio) receiver/transmitter device  108  is also shown. The receiver/transmitter device  108  is coupled to the antenna  85  and also coupled to communicate with the PC board  225 . In one implementation the Mobitex wireless communication system is used to provide two-way communication between computer system  100  and other networked computers and/or the Internet via a proxy server (see  FIG. 1A ). 
       FIG. 5  is a front angled perspective illustration of a portable computer system with an opened front cover. Portable computer system  100  is shown as equipped with front cover  175  removably coupled to portable computer  100 , which is adapted to provide protection against damage to display panel  105 . Cover  175  may rotate as shown by the arrow, about the axis, or hinge. Portable computer  100  as depicted in  FIG. 5  is analogous to the palmtop computer of  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4  including dedicated and/or programmable buttons  75  and on/off button  95 . 
       FIG. 6  is a rear angled perspective illustration of the back face and the back of front cover  175  of portable computer system  100  of  FIG. 5 . Portable computer system  100  is shown as having optional data storage device receptacle  140 , adapted to receive optional data storage devices, e.g., memory sticks, secure data cards, and the like. Portable computer  100  of  FIG. 6  is otherwise analogous to portable computer  100  of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates circuitry of computer system  100 , some of which can be implemented on PC board  225  ( FIG. 4 ). Computer system  100  includes an address/data bus  110  for communicating information, a central processor  101  coupled with the bus for processing information and instructions, a volatile memory  102  (e.g., random access memory, RAM) coupled with the bus  110  for storing information and instructions for the central processor  101  and a non-volatile memory  103  (e.g., read only memory, ROM) coupled with the bus  110  for storing static information and instructions for the processor  101 . Computer system  100  also includes an optional data storage device  104  (e.g., memory stick) coupled with the bus  110  for storing information and instructions. Device  104  can be removable. As described above, computer system  100  also contains a display device  105  coupled to the bus  110  for displaying information to the computer user. PC board  225  can contain the processor  101 , the bus  110 , the ROM  103  and the RAM  102 . 
     With reference still to  FIG. 7 , computer system  100  also includes a signal transmitter/receiver device  108 , which is coupled to bus  110  for providing a physical communication link between computer system  100 , and a network environment (e.g., network environments  50  and  51  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively). As such, signal transmitter/receiver device  108  enables central processor unit  101  to communicate wirelessly with other electronic systems coupled to the network. It should be appreciated that within the present embodiment, signal transmitter/receiver device  108  is coupled to antenna  85  ( FIG. 4 ) and provides the functionality to transmit and receive information over a wireless communication interface. It should be further appreciated that the present embodiment of signal transmitter/receiver device  108  is well suited to be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, signal transmitter/receiver device  108  could be implemented as a modem. 
     In one embodiment, computer system  100  includes a communication circuit  109  coupled to bus  110 . Communication circuit  109  includes an optional digital signal processor (DSP)  120  for processing data to be transmitted or data that are received via signal transmitter/receiver device  108 . Alternatively, processor  101  can perform some or all of the functions performed by DSP  120 . 
     Also included in computer system  100  of  FIG. 7  is an optional alphanumeric input device  106  that in one implementation is a handwriting recognition pad (“digitizer”) having regions  106   a  and  106   b  ( FIG. 2 ), for instance. Alphanumeric input device  106  can communicate information and command selections to processor  101 . Computer system  100  also includes an optional cursor control or directing device (on-screen cursor control  107 ) coupled to bus  110  for communicating user input information and command selections to processor  101 . In one implementation, on-screen cursor control device  107  is a touch screen device incorporated with display device  105 . On-screen cursor control device  107  is capable of registering a position on display device  105  where the stylus makes contact. Display device  105  is suitable for generating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to the user. In the preferred embodiment, display device  105  is a flat panel display. 
     Multi-Display Embodiment 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , portable computer system  100  is shown in a front facing illustrated perspective view with the front cover closed. This embodiment provides a display component as the cover and this display component has a front display panel and a rear display panel. In this embodiment, flat panel display technology is used. On/off button  95  is shown as being disposed on the top surface area of portable computer  100  and oriented on the right side. Region  550 , shown as disposed toward the bottom of front cover  300 , is adapted to provide access to dedicated and/or programmable buttons  75 . In one embodiment of the present invention, when front display panel  500 A is activated through the pressing of on/off button  95 , the information displayed may need to be manipulated, and therefore access to buttons  75  is most advantageous. Front display panel  500 A is shown as disposed integral with hinged front cover  300 . Front cover  300  may rotate, as shown by the arrow, about the axis. A display control circuit  200  ( FIG. 13 ) is included in portable computer  100  integral with the electronic circuitry within the portable computer, and is adapted to control the activation of the display panels, as described in more detail herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , when a user turns on/powers up palmtop computer  100 , display control circuit  200  determines the orientation of front cover  300 . If display control circuit  200  ( FIG. 13 ) determines that front cover  300  is in the closed (default) position, it activates front display panel  500 A such that information or data becomes viewable. In the example shown, the data viewed is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, as shown in  FIG. 8 . It should be appreciated that the data could be any data, e.g., a GUI (graphical user interface) or other information presented in a fashion associated with single panel displays. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the portable computer  100  of  FIG. 8  is shown as having front cover  300  in the open (non-default) position. Rear display panel  500 B, on the left, is now visible. Rear panel display  500 B is the other display panel contained within front cover  300 , and is functionally analogous to front display panel  500 A. Display screen  600  is shown on the right, coupled to palmtop computer  100 , and is also functionally analogous to either display panel  500 A or  500 B. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , by virtue of the orientation of front cover  300 , display control circuit  200  automatically deactivates originally activated front display panel  500 A, and activates rear panel  500 B of front cover  300 . Additionally, display control circuitry  200  activates now visible display screen  600 . When front cover  500 A is deactivated, the data or information previously viewable, e.g., the month of September as shown in  FIG. 8 , is reoriented so as to be identically viewable on rear display panel  500 B, as shown in  FIG. 9 . Additionally, display screen  600  is activated thereby providing another viewable panel on which new data or information may be displayed. In the current example, the information is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, and it shown on the right of  FIG. 9 . Of course, the user may display any information on either of the multiple display panels. 
     It should be appreciated that by providing a second display panel to the functionality of a portable computer system, the amount of viewable surface area has been effectively doubled, therefore providing increased functionality to the portable computer system. For example, a user may display a calendar on one panel, and notes regarding the calendar on the other. In another example, a user may display a schedule on one panel and information regarding the calendar on the other. In yet another example, a user may display the GUI (graphical user interface) on one panel, and have the selected icon&#39;s associated application appear on the other screen, reducing the time required to switch back and forth from the GUI to associated applications as is customary when using a conventional portable computer system. In fact, a two-sided display, as one embodiment of the present invention, provides an almost endless array of functional configurations. 
       FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12  are front facing illustrated perspective views of portable computer  100  configured with three display panels, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 10 , portable computer system  100  has two flip covers and is shown in a front facing illustrated perspective view, one embodiment of the present invention. The example of  FIG. 10  illustrates front cover  300  closed. Front cover  300  is a display component having a front display panel and a rear display panel. Region  550 , shown as disposed toward the bottom of front cover  300 , is adapted to provide access to dedicated and/or programmable buttons  75 . Front display panel  500 A is shown as disposed integral with hinged front cover  300 . Front cover  300  may rotate, as shown by the arrow, about the axis. Like  FIG. 8 , display control circuit  200 , ( FIG. 13 ), is included within palmtop computer  100  integral with the electronic circuitry within the palmtop computer, and is adapted to control the activation of the display panels. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , when a user turns on/powers up palmtop computer  100 , display control circuit  200  determines the orientation of front cover  300 . If display control circuit  200  determines that front cover  300  is in the closed (default) position, it activates front display panel  500 A such that information or data becomes viewable. In one example, the data viewed is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, as shown in  FIG. 10 . It should be appreciated that the data viewed, in another example, could be a GUI (graphical user interface) or other information presented in a fashion associated with a single panel display. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the portable computer  100  of  FIG. 8  is shown as having front cover  300  in the open (non-default) position. Rear display panel  500 B, on the left, is now visible. Also now visible is second cover  301 , on the right, and is adapted to rotate, as shown by the arrow, about the axis. Incorporated into second cover  301  is a two-sided display component analogous to the two-sided display component disposed within front cover  300 . Front cover  301  also contains a front display panel and a rear display panel. Rear panel display  500 B, the other display panel contained within front cover  300 , is functionally analogous to front panel display  500 A. Front display panel  600 A, on the right, is disposed on the now visible second cover  301 . Front display panel  600 A is also functionally analogous to front display panel  500 A. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , by virtue of the orientation of front cover  300 , display control circuit  200  automatically deactivates originally activated front display panel  500 A, and activates rear panel  500 B of front cover  300 . Additionally, display control circuitry  200  automatically activates now visible front display panel  600 A of second cover  301 . When front panel display  500 A of front cover  300  is deactivated, the data or information previously viewable, e.g., the month of September as shown in  FIG. 10 , is reoriented so as to be identically viewable on rear display panel  500 B, as shown in  FIG. 11 . Additionally, front display panel  600 A is activated thereby providing another new viewable panel on which data or information may be displayed. In the current example, the information is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, and is shown as viewable on rear display panel  600 B of  FIG. 11 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 12 , the portable computer system  100  of  FIGS. 10 and 11  is now shown with three display panels visible. Front cover  300  is shown in the open position, which therefore has activated visible display panel  500 B. Second cover  301  is also shown as being in the open (non-default) position. By opening second cover  301 , the previously visible front display panel  600 A is deactivated, and the now visible display panel  600 B is activated by display control circuit  200 . Further activated by display control circuit  200  is display screen  700 , which can be mounted in palmtop computer  100 , and functionally analogous to display screen  600  in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , when rear display panel  600 B and display screen  700  are activated, the information or data viewable in the deactivated front display panel  600 A of  FIG. 11  is reoriented so as to be identically viewable on a visible display panel. For instance, the information contained in front display panel  600 A was a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, as shown in  FIG. 11 . Instructions provided enable display control circuit  200  to reorient October to be viewable in display screen  700 . Additionally, rear display panel  600 B is activated thereby providing another viewable panel on which data or information may be displayed. In the current example, the information is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of November, and is shown as viewable on rear display panel  600 B of  FIG. 12 . 
     It should be appreciated that in another example of the present invention, the data or information being displayed, as previously described, may or may not require the exemplary configuration as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , or in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 . It should be further appreciated that configuration of the data or information displayed is generally defined by the user or by the application with which the user is interacting. 
     It should be appreciated that while the portable computer  100  of  FIGS. 8 and 9  is shown as having two distinct display panels, it can be configured analogous to the depicted portable computer  100  of  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 , which is shown to have three panels seamlessly connected. This is enabled by the virtue of the thinness, strength, and flexibility of the material used to construct the two-sided display. It should be conversely appreciated that while the palmtop computer  100  of  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12  is shown as a seamless panel, it can be adapted to have three distinct display panels. 
     Including three display panels in palmtop computer  100  enables a user to now see much more information, e.g., a user can view complete spreadsheets without having to switch back and forth from one section to another. In one example, a user would be able to view a graphic e.g., elongated pictures, wide diagrams, complex and expansive formulas, and the like, in their entirety, no longer having to scroll or switch from one section or screen to another. In another example, a user may wish to have multiple daily schedules, or multiple weekly, monthly, or yearly calendars displayed, thereby reducing the switching of screens normally associated with portable computers not configured with the present invention. In yet another example, a user may wish to view multiple financial documents, e.g., annual income statements from various years. In yet another example, a user may wish to view multiple web pages. In still another example, and by utilizing the networking functionalities contained within the portable computer, a user connected and communicating with other individuals via a network, could have information from other portable computers displayed on one or more panels and compared with or integrated into information contained within the other panels. A virtually endless array of viewing configurations and functionalities are now available to a user. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the circuitry of the palmtop computer  100  in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in one embodiment of the present invention. The circuitry depicted is analogous to the described circuitry of  FIG. 7 , with the following additions. Display control circuit  200  is added for activating the appropriate display panel, as previously described, is shown as coupled to bus  110 . Display component  105 -A, with coupled front display panel A- 1  and rear display panel A- 2 , shown as coupled to bus  110  in this embodiment of the present invention, is representative of display panel  500 A and display panel  500 B disposed upon front cover  300 . Display component  105 -B, shown as coupled to bus  110 , is representative of the display component  600  coupled to palmtop computer  100 , in one embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , it should be appreciated that, in another embodiment of the present invention, e.g., the palmtop computer  100  of  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 , display component  105 -B would be shown to include front panel B- 1  and rear panel B- 2 , representing display panel  600 A and display panel  600 B of the palmtop computer  100  in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 . It should be further appreciated that display component  105 -C, a third display component representing the display component coupled to palmtop computer  100  would be present in  FIG. 13  and would be shown as coupled to bus  110 , with the provision that  FIG. 13  was a block diagram representation of the palmtop computer  100  of  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 . 
     In one embodiment, electronic ink technology is used in the formation of the two sided display component discussed above. It should be appreciated that the following drawings in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16  are, while discussed in the context of a two-sided display component  500  having a front display panel  500 A and a rear display panel  500 B, analogous to the two-sided display panels previously described herein.  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16  are cross-section illustrated perspectives of a two-sided display panel with a front display panel and a rear display panel, in one embodiment of the present invention. The cross-section shown is such that that front display panel  500 A is oriented facing upward and rear display panel  500 B is facing downward. 
     In  FIG. 14 , flexible transparent material  1520  is shown as being disposed upon the uppermost surface of component  500  and is also shown as being disposed upon the lowermost surface of component  500 . Transparent material  1520  is depicted as having been sealed so as to create a sealed chamber  1500 . In one embodiment of the present invention, flexible transparent material  1520  is mylar. Transparent conductor  1510 A, oriented below the transparent material  1520  associated with panel  500 A is disposed within sealed chamber  1500 . Transparent conductor  1510 B, oriented above the transparent material  1520  associated with panel  500 B is also disposed within sealed chamber  1500 . Also disposed within sealed chamber  1500  is ink fluid  1530 , which is indicated by a “w.” In one embodiment of the present invention, ink fluid  1530  is white in color and comprises the majority of the fluid contained within sealed chamber  1500 . Additionally disposed within sealed chamber  1500  are encapsulated ink droplets  1540 . Encapsulated ink droplets  1540  are electrostatically charged, making them reactive to a more positive voltage, so as to be drawn to the more positive voltage. In one embodiment of the present invention, encapsulated ink droplets  1540  are black in color. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , transparent conductor  1510 A, associated with display panel  500 A, is adapted to conduct voltage such that when a more positive voltage is present, through an activation provided by display control circuit  200 , electrostatically charged and encapsulated, in one embodiment, black ink droplets  1540  are drawn to transparent conductor  1510 A, thereby displacing ink fluid  1530 , and forming into shapes that take the form of graphics or letters. By virtue of the white ink fluid  1530  contrasting with the black ink droplets  1540 , a virtual printed paper is displayed through transparent material  1520 . It should be appreciated that transparent conductor  1510 B, associated with display panel  500 B, is analogous in form and function to transparent conductor  1510 A, associated with display panel  500 A. In one embodiment, transparent conductors  1510 A and  1510 B are indium tin oxide. 
       FIG. 14  is a depiction of the display panel in a non powered state, and as such, a more positive voltage is not being applied to either transparent conductor  1510 A or  1510 B. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, electrostatically charged encapsulated ink droplets  1540  are free floating and are randomly floating about within sealed chamber  1500  and are thusly depicted in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-section illustrated perspective of the display panel when in the default state, analogous to portable computer  100  of  FIG. 8 , one embodiment of the present invention. When power is applied to portable computer  100  with front cover  300  in the closed or default position, display control circuit  200  automatically activates transparent conductors  1510 A, such that it has a more positive voltage. This is shown as positive (+) signs within depicted transparent conductor  1510 A and as negative (−) signs within depicted transparent conductor  1510 B. Accordingly, this attracts electrostatically charged encapsulated ink droplets  1540  to transparent conductors  1510 A associated with display panel  500 A. Ink droplets  1540 , by virtue of the voltage applied, displace ink fluid  1530 , and form letters or graphics viewable from display panel  500 A. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ink droplets  1540  take the form of information, e.g., a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-section illustrated perspective of the display panel when front cover  300  is in the open position, analogous to portable computer  100  of  FIG. 9 . When power has been applied to portable computer  100 , such that it is turned on, and a user subsequently opens front cover  300 , display control circuit  200  deactivates transparent conductor  1510 A. Simultaneously, display control circuit  200  activates transparent conductor  1510 B, such that it has a more positive voltage. This is shown as positive (+) signs within depicted transparent conductors  1510 B and negative (−) signs within transparent conductors  1510 A. Accordingly, this attracts electrostatically charged encapsulated ink droplets  1540  to transparent conductors  1510 B associated with display panel  500 B. Ink droplets  1540 , by virtue of the voltage applied, displace ink fluid  1530 , and form letters or graphics viewable from display panel  500 B. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ink droplets  1540  take the form of a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , it should be appreciated that subsequent to the opening of front cover  300 , the image viewable in display panel  500 A, which in one embodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, display control circuit  200  deactivates the viewable image in panel  500 A, and activates panel  500 B, thereby reorienting the September calendar, such that it is now viewable in panel  500 B. This embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 9 . It should be further appreciated that when display control circuit  200  activated display panel  500 B, it also activated display screen  600  coupled to portable computer, such that in one embodiment it could be a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, also shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     It should be appreciated that many of encapsulated ink droplets are contained within the sealed chamber of a two-sided display panel. It should further be appreciated that each two-sided display panel is approximately 1 mm thick, about one seventh the thickness of an LCD. It should also be appreciated that the transparent conductors are configured in numerous grids, such that the text or graphics displayed in a display panel has the appearance of printed paper. It is even further appreciated that the viewable image on the display is visually persistent, meaning that until an additional display panel is activated, in one embodiment of the present invention, or the information/data being displayed is changed, the contents and quality of the display remains constant without using power. 
     Additionally, it should be appreciated that while the present invention is discussed primarily in the context of having two colors, those colors being black and white, other colors may be used, either as a replacement color for either black or white, but also as an additional color within the sealed chamber. Further, while a more positive voltage applied to transparent conductors attracts the encapsulated ink droplets, colored ink droplets may be responsive to varying amount of voltage conducted through the transparent conductor. In the present embodiment of the present invention, when the transparent conductor associated with one of the display panels has a voltage more positive than that of the opposite side, the encapsulated ink droplets are attracted to the more positive side. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, each additional color, as an encapsulated ink droplet, could be electrostatically charged so as to make it responsive to a specific voltage. In one embodiment, red colored ink droplets could be configured to be responsive to 4.35 micro-volts. In one embodiment, green colored ink droplets could be configured to be responsive to 4.30 micro-volts. In one embodiment, blue colored ink droplets could be configured to be responsive to 4.40 micro-volts, and so forth. It should be appreciated that while micro-volts may be utilized to attract the colored ink droplets, other types of electrical energy could also be implemented. 
     With reference to  FIG. 17 , a flow chart depicting the steps of a process  1700  utilizing the portable computer  100  in  FIGS. 8 and 9  is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In step  1702 , a user turns on (powers up) portable computer  100  equipped with two-sided display panels, one embodiment of the present invention. When power is applied, display control circuit  200  is responsive to the position of front cover  300 . 
     In step  1703 , if front cover  300  remains in the closed (default) position, as determined by display control circuit  200  in step  1705 , display control circuit  200  then, in step  1706 , activates display panel  500 A, the flexible front panel display disposed in front cover  300 , thereby utilizing one display panel to viewably convey information or data to the user, which in one embodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September. This current embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
     In step  1703 , if front cover  300  is not closed, as determined by display control circuit  200  in step  1704 , display control circuit  200  then deactivates display panel  500 A, the flexible front display panel of front cover  300 , and activates both rear display panel  500 B and display screen  600 , coupled to palmtop computer  100 , thereby utilizing two display panels to viewably convey information or data to the user, as depicted in  FIG. 9 , one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In step  1707 , it should be appreciated that, in one embodiment of the present invention, when display control circuit  200  deactivates front display panel  500 A in preparation to activate rear display panel  500 B, the viewable information or data displayed within front display panel  500 A, which in the example is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, is reoriented automatically so as to be redisplayed on rear display panel  500 B in such a way as to become identically viewable as it was previously on front display panel  500 A. Concurrently, display control circuit  200  also activates display screen  600 , coupled to palmtop computer  100 , enabling a second display panel for the viewing of information or data, which in one example is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October. This current example of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 18 , a flow chart depicting the steps of a process  1800  utilizing the multi-sided display capabilities of the portable computer  100  in  FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12  is shown, in one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In step  1802 , a user turns on (powers up) portable computer  100  equipped with two-sided display panels, one embodiment of the present invention. When power is applied, display control circuit  200  is responsive to the position of front cover  300 . 
     Regarding step  1803 , if front cover  300  remains in the closed (default) position, display control circuit  200  then activates display panel  500 A, the flexible front panel display disposed in front cover  300 , thereby utilizing one display panel to viewably convey information or data to the user, as represented by step  1804 , and depicted in  FIG. 10 , one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In Step  1803 , if front cover  300  is not in the closed position, display control circuit  200  then further determines whether second cover  301  is in the open position or closed (default) position, as represented by Step  1805 . 
     In Step  1805 , if display control circuit  200  determines that second cover  301  is in the closed (default) position, display control circuit  200  deactivates front panel  500 A of front cover  300 , and activates both flexible rear display panel  500 B of front cover  300  and flexible front display panel  600 A of second cover  301  as in step  1806 . It should be appreciated that when front panel  500 A was deactivated, the information or data viewable therein, initially depicted in  FIG. 10 , was reoriented automatically so as to be redisplayed on rear display panel  500 B such that it is identically viewable as it was previously on front display panel  500 A, and is now depicted in  FIG. 11 . It should be further appreciated that display panel  600 A, by virtue of activation, is capable of displaying viewable information or data, also shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     In step  1805 , if display control circuit  200  determines that second cover  301  is not in the closed position, display control circuit  200  deactivates display panel  500 A, the flexible front display panel of front cover  300 . Further, display control circuit  200  then activates rear display panel  500 B of front cover  300 . Concurrently, display control circuit  200  deactivates display panel  600 A, the flexible front display panel of second cover  301 , and simultaneously activates flexible rear display panel  600 B of second cover  301 . Additionally, display control circuit  200  also activates display screen  700 , coupled to palmtop computer  100 , as in step  1807 . 
     In step  1807 , it should be appreciated that the information or data originally viewable on front display panel  500 A, which in one embodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of September, was reoriented by display control circuit  200  and enabled to be viewable on rear display panel  500 B. It should be further appreciated that the information or data originally viewable on front display panel  600 A, which in one embodiment is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of October, was reoriented by display control circuit  200  and enabled to be viewable on display screen  700 . It should be additionally appreciated that display control circuit  200  activated rear display panel  600 B to viewably display additional information or data, which in one example is a monthly calendar, e.g., the month of November. This current embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 12 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.