Patent Publication Number: US-2007115202-A1

Title: Electronic device with dual view displays

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates to an electronic device with a dual view display. The invention has a wide range of applications in portable electronic devices such as DVD players, laptop computers and similar devices where it is necessary or desirable for the images being displayed to be viewed simultaneously from different positions. For example, laptop computers are now commonly used in sales presentations, product demonstrations and in one-on-one training sessions. Unless the computer operator and the viewer are sitting next to each other, the operator must turn the computer to an oblique position where the viewer can see the screen. Viewing quality of most laptop displays is optimal from directly in front of the display, not at an oblique angle. Since the operator cannot turn the computer 180 degrees to his position and still operate the keyboard, presentations using laptop computers present problems that compromise other advantages inherent in the ability to use a small, portable, highly-adaptable laptop computer to present information in a sales, educational or other environment.  
      The present invention provides a solution that permits an operator and viewer to sit comfortably opposite each other with both having the ability to view an electronic device display from an ideal, generally perpendicular angle relative to their respective displays.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an electronic device that has two displays for being viewed from opposite positions.  
      It is another object of the invention to provide an electronic device that has two displays for being viewed from opposite positions and at an optimal viewing angle.  
      These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing an electronic device, comprising a case containing electronic components suitable for processing digital data and generating a visual representation of the digital data, a first flat panel display mounted on the case and operatively connected to the electronic components for receiving and visually displaying data for viewing, and a second flat panel display mounted for viewing from a position generally opposite the first display and operatively connected to the electronic components for receiving and visually displaying the data for being viewed simultaneously with the first display.  
      According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device comprises a laptop computer.  
      According to another embodiment of the invention, the electronic device comprises a laptop computer having a case cover mounted for pivotal movement to the case, and carrying the first display and second displays on opposite sides thereof.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device includes a switch for allowing an operator of the electronic device to selectively blank the second display.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the first display is pivotally mounted relative to the case and the second display is pivotally mounted relative to the first display.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the first display is pivotally mounted on the case and the second display is pivotally on the first display.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a display cover is pivotally mounted on the case or the case cover for selective movement between an open position exposing the second display and a closed position covering the second display.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, an electronic device is provided, comprising a case containing electronic components suitable for processing digital data and generating a visual representation of the digital data for display, a first flat panel display pivotally mounted on the case and operatively connected to the electronic components for receiving and visually displaying data for viewing on a first side thereof; and a second flat panel display mounted on a second side of the first display opposite the first side of the first display for viewing, and operatively connected to the electronic components for receiving and visually displaying the data for being viewed simultaneously with the first display.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the electronic components include first and second visual display pointers usable by first and second users of the electronic device to independently point to selected positions on the respective first and second displays.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a display cover is pivotally mounted on the case or the case cover for selective movement between an open position exposing the second display and a closed position covering the second display.  
      According to further embodiments of the invention, the display cover is transparent or opaque.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a laptop computer is provided, and comprises a case containing electronic components suitable for processing digital data and generating a visual representation of the digital data for display, a first flat panel display mounted on the case and operatively connected to the electronic components for receiving and visually displaying data for viewing on a first side thereof, and a second flat panel display mounted on a top edge of the first display for viewing, and operatively connected to the electronic components for receiving and visually displaying the data for being viewed simultaneously with the first display.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the first display is pivotally mounted and the second display is pivotally mounted.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the electronic components include first and second visual display pointers usable by first and second users of the electronic device to independently point to selected positions on the respective first and second displays.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a switch is provided for allowing an operator of the electronic device to selectively blank the second display.  
      According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the first display is mounted for pivotal movement between at least one viewing position and a storage position parallel to the case, and the second display is mounted for pivotal movement between at least one viewing position and a storage position parallel to the first display and the case. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a laptop computer having a dual view display;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the laptop computer of  FIG. 1 , showing the reverse side of the dual view display;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a laptop computer according to another embodiment of the invention, having a cover that protects the reverse side of the dual view display;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a laptop computer according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein two displays of pivotally-joined to permit the viewing angle to be optimized; and  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the laptop computer shown in  FIG. 4 , viewed from the opposite side. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE  
      Referring now specifically to the drawings, a laptop computer according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1  and shown generally at reference numeral  10 . While the invention is described with specific reference to a laptop computer, the invention has application to any small electronic device where it is necessary or desirable for the display to be viewed simultaneously from different positions.  
      The computer  10  includes a case  11  that contains a microprocessor, memory, input-output devices, power supply and the like, a keyboard  12  and a touch-pad  13 . A case cover  15  is mounted to the case  11  for adjustable pivotal movement between a closed position, not shown, and an open position for viewing a display screen  17  housed in the case cover  15 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the case cover  15  also includes on a side opposite the display screen  17  a second display screen  19  which can be viewed from the opposite direction. In other words, a person , referred to as a “viewer”, sitting directly opposite the operator of the computer  10  can view exactly the same material being viewed by the operator at the same time. This permits the operator to maintain eye contact as necessary with the viewer in a manner not easily accomplished if the operator and the viewer are sitting next to each other.  
      Preferably, the computer  10  includes a key  21  that permits the operator to “blank”the display screen  19  when desired. This is particularly useful if the computer  10  is being used for testing, training, or other uses where the viewer should not see the display screen  19  at all times. Image signals to the display screen  19  are left-to-right reversed, i.e., both the operator and viewer are viewing the same image, including its left-to-right orientation. Thus, if the operator, viewing the display screen  17 , directs the viewer&#39;s attention to material on the left side of the image, the viewer will see the desired material on the left side of the display screen  19 .  
      The display screen  19  comprises a thin LCD or plasma display similar or identical to the display screen  17 , with a suitable power supply and battery system to accommodate the increased power required to operate the second display screen  19 . Of course, the thickness and weight of the case cover  15  are correspondingly increased. LCD or plasma displays are typically referred to as “flat panel” and used herein, the term “flat panel” display is intended to include, but not be limited to LCD and plasma displays, and excludes CRT and projection -type displays. Image signals and current are provided to the display screen  19  in the same manner as supplied to the display screen  17 .  
      The display screen  19  may be protected by a thin plastic sheet that, if transparent, can remain in place during use, or be removed, as desired. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the computer  10  may be provided with a protective display screen cover  22  that may be removed when the display screen  19  is to be viewed, and left in place when only the display screen  17  is to be viewed. The display screen cover  22  may be metal, plastic or any other suitable material and is pivotally-mounted to the case  11 .  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , an alternative embodiment of the laptop computer is shown and broadly indicated at reference numeral  30 . The computer  30  includes a case  31  that contains a microprocessor, memory, input-output devices, power supply and the like, a keyboard  32  and a touch-pad  33 . A case cover  35  is mounted to the case  31  for adjustable pivotal movement between a closed position, not shown, and an open position for viewing a display screen  37 .  
      The computer  30  includes a second display screen  39  which can be viewed from the opposite direction. The display screen  39  is contained in a housing  40  that is preferably mounted by a hinge  41  to the top edge of case cover  35 , and is pivotally moveable into a position where the display screen  39  is angled upwardly as desired for optimal viewing. Both the display screen  37  and the display screen  39  may be independently tilted by the respective operator and viewer to an optimal viewing position. The bottom edge of the housing  40  sits on a surface, such as a table or desk, and provides a stable support for the display screen  39 . The necessary cables and wires may be routed through the cover  35  to the display screen  39 , or along the back side of the cover  35 .  
      When not in use the frame  40  and display screen  39  are folded up against the back side of the cover  35 . The cover  35  is opened and closed as normal.  
      Preferably, the computer  30  includes a key  43  that permits the operator to “blank”the display screen  39  when desired. Image signals to the display screen  39  are left-to-right reversed, i.e., both the operator and viewer view the same image, including its left-to-right orientation. Thus, if the operator, as described above, directs the viewer&#39;s attention to the left side of the image, the viewer will see the desired material on the left side of the display screen  39 .  
      The display screen  39  is preferably a thin LCD or plasma display similar or identical to the display screen  37 , with a suitable power supply and battery system to accommodate the increased power required to operate the second display screen  39 .  
      The computer is preferably provided with at least two USB or other accessory ports whereby both the operator and viewer have access to a mouse and can under appropriate circumstances independently use the mouse to navigate the display screens  37  and  39 , respectively. Ideally, each mouse has a different appearance so that they are distinguishable by the operator and viewer.  
      The display screen  39  may be protected by a thin plastic sheet that, if transparent, can remain in place during use, or be removed, as desired. Alternatively, the laptop computer  30  may be provided with a protective cover, not shown, that may be removed when the display screen  39  is to be viewed, and left in place when only the display screen  37  is to be viewed. The cover may be metal, plastic or any other suitable material. Both laptop computers  10  and  30  will include a power supply that permits them to be powered by AC current in the usual manner.  
      An electronic device with dual view displays is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.