Patent Description:
Recent large format computing devices have larger displays and allow input and viewing by more than one user at a time. Collaborative computing devices and other computing devices allow for communication between groups of users, for example, in a business meeting. The collaborative computing device allow for users to interact with other, remote users through the large format display.

However, interaction with other users and presentation and input to the computing device commonly use different orientations or formats for the display and/or computing device. Interacting with a remote user, for example, in a web-conference is more natural when the display is oriented vertically allowing a majority of the user's body to be present in the frame. Presenting information from a website or in an application presentation (e.g., a slideshow) to local users may be more intuitive and comfortable with the display is oriented horizontally allowing more information to be visible to the room.

Moving a large format display or other computing device between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation on a conventional display support may be cumbersome, hazardous, or require multiple adjustments to the display support that interrupts the user experience or limits functionality of the device.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some implementations described herein may be practiced. <CIT> describes an image processing method, comprising the following steps of detecting a screen rotation angle theta of an electronic device displaying a source image; generating a target image suitable for the screen in size according to the rotation angle theta, rotating the target image by the angle of theta relative to the source image, wherein the rotation direction is reverse to the screen rotation direction; and displaying the target image. The invention therein further provides a corresponding display device. The image processing method and the display device detect the screen inclination angle in real time, and keep the image generated after adjustment in horizontal display, thus, a user can view the images in different sizes through adjusting the inclination angle of the screen. <CIT> describes a self-orienting display that senses the characteristics of an object and automatically rotates and reformats a display image in accordance with those characteristics. In one embodiment, the object is the display device, such as a hand held device, that provides the display image. As the display device is rotated, the display image is automatically oriented to either a landscape orientation or a portrait orientation. The display image may also be oriented such that the orientation of the display image appears approximately constant regardless of the orientation of the object. <CIT> describes a controller that determines an orientation of a head of a user relative to a display adjusts an orientation of an image displayed on the display in response to the determined orientation. <CIT> describes an add-on module. The add-on module is comprised of an attachment mechanism, an orientation detection subsystem, and a communication subsystem. The attachment mechanism is adapted to be usable by an end user of a display device to directly attach the add-on module to the display device. The orientation detection subsystem detects the rotational orientation of the display device. The communication subsystem communicates to a video source from which the display device receives a video signal notifications of the rotational orientation of the display device detected by the orientation detection subsystem. This enables the video source to, upon receiving each notification of the rotational orientation of the display device detected by the orientation detection subsystem, conform to the notification's rotational orientation the rotational orientation of the video signal received from the video source. <CIT> describes a liquid crystal display apparatus which includes a display panel, a sensor, and a display control unit. The display panel is rotatable. The display panel includes a display unit for displaying data images. The sensor is for sensing a rotation of the display panel, and generating an analog signal including rotation direction information and rotation angle information. The display control unit is for controlling displaying orientation, brightness, and display ratio of the data images based on the rotation direction information and the rotation angle information.

In one aspect, a method of presenting visual information to a user is as defined in claim <NUM>.

In another aspect, a system for presenting visual information is as defined in claim <NUM>.

Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter.

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific implementations thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example implementations, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

This invention generally relates to computing devices, support devices, support systems, and methods of use. More particularly, this invention generally relates to displays supported by a stand having a movable connection. In implementations, a display of a computing device according to the present invention is rotatable relative to a support base. The display may translate relative to the support base during the rotation. For example, the movable connection may couple the rotational movement and the translational movement of the display such that a pivot point of the connection may translate during rotation of the display about the pivot point. In at least one example, a user rotating the display between a horizontal orientation (i.e., landscape orientation) and a vertical orientation (i.e., portrait orientation) may rotated the display through a <NUM>° rotation while the origin or centerpoint of the display mount translates at least <NUM>.

The rotation and translation of the display relative to the base is dampened during the movement. For example, the dampening may be a constant dampening through the range of motion of the connection mechanism. In other examples, the dampening may vary in the range of motion. In at least one example, the dampening may have a local maximum near a stable position (e.g., a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation) that limits and/or prevents sudden movement of the display, while allowing faster movement thereafter toward another stable position with greater dampening upon approaching the second stable position.

In some implementations, the rotation and translation of the display relative to the base may be counterbalanced during the movement. For example, the translation component of the movement between a first position and a second position may include moving the mass of the display and/or display mount relative to gravity. The counterbalance force may offset the weight of the display, allowing movement between the first position and the second position with the same application of force, irrespective of the direction of movement.

In some implementations, the connection mechanism may apply a torque and/or force between the base and the display. For example, a connection mechanism may have one or more devices that apply a force against the direction of movement to limit or prevent the display shifting from a stable position. In other examples, the connection mechanism may apply a force between two stable positions to urge the display toward one of the two stable positions. In other words, the display system may be bistable in a first position and a second position with any orientation of the display therebetween being unstable and migrating to one of the first position or second position.

In some implementations, the display and computing device may be combined, such that the computing device rotates as the display rotates. For example, the display supported by the base and connection mechanism may be an all-in-one computing device in which substantially all computing components of the computing device are contained within the movable housing. In other implementations, the display may rotate while the computing device remains stationary. For example, the display may be supported contained in a movable housing supported by the connection mechanism and base, while other components of the computing device may be located on the base or remotely while in data communication with the display.

In some implementations, the display may include an accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, or other device that measures the orientation and/or position of the display and may detect movement of the display. For example, an accelerometer may measure the direction of gravitational acceleration and provide the computing device with an orientation and/or position relative to gravity. In other examples, a gyroscope may measure deflection (i.e., rotation) from a known position and provide the computing device with an orientation and/or position relative to the known position. In yet other examples, a camera may identify one or more objects or features in a surrounding environment of the display and provide the computing device with an orientation and/or position relative to the environment. In at least one example, an orienting device may measure the position of the base relative to the display, allowing the computing device to extrapolate environmental references based on assumptions of the positioning of the base (such as the base being positioned on a horizontal floor).

Visual information shown on the display is oriented relative to a constant external reference frame and irrespective of the orientation of the display. For example, visual information on the display may be displayed according to a reference frame fixed relative to gravity. As the display rotates and/or translates, the virtual reference frame may rotate and translate such that the external reference frame (from a perspective of a user) may remain constant and the visual information may rotate and/or translate in real time relative to the display. The visual information may remain oriented in a constant external reference frame relative to a user, the base, the environment, gravity, or other reference objects or directions. The visual information that is located in a portion of the display that is present in both the first position and the second position may be displayed in substantially the same location relative to the user. Moving the display may "create" or "remove" additional display space that may be rendered in real time, such that the display appears to a user as a "window" into a virtual and/or remote environment.

<FIG> is a front view of an implementation of a display system <NUM> according to the present invention. The display system <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a base <NUM>, where the display <NUM> is movable relative to the base <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be in data communication with a computing device <NUM> that provides visual information to the display <NUM>, which the display <NUM>, in turn, presents to a user. In some implementations, the display <NUM> may be an all-in-one computing device <NUM> in which components of the computing device <NUM> are contained in a shared housing <NUM> with the display. For example, the display <NUM> may share a housing <NUM> with components including a microprocessor, such as a CPU, a GPU, a physics processor, or other general or dedicated microprocessor; system memory, such as RAM, graphics RAM, or other system memory; a hardware storage device (which may have instructions thereon that include one or more methods described herein), such as a platen-based storage device, a solid state storage device, or other non-transitory or long-term storage device; a communication device (e.g., communication by WIFI, BLUETOOTH, Ethernet, or other wired or wireless communication methods); input devices, such as a touch-sensing device, stylus, trackpad, trackball, gesture recognition device, cameras, or other input devices; one or more thermal management devices, such as fans, heat-transfer pipes or fins, liquid cooling conduits, or other thermal management devices; audio devices, such as speakers or audio output connections; power supplies, such as batteries, convertors, or wired power supply units that may be connected to a local electricity grid; or other components of the computing device <NUM>.

In at least one example, the display <NUM> may be a touch-sensing display that allows users to directly interact with the display <NUM> and/or visual information presented on the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, or other type of display.

<FIG> is a side view of the implementation of the display system <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. The display system <NUM> may include a display mount <NUM> that connects the display <NUM> to a connection mechanism <NUM> positioned between the base <NUM> and the display <NUM>/display mount <NUM>. The connection mechanism <NUM> may include one or more devices that allow the rotation and/or translation of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, some implementations of the display system <NUM> may have a base <NUM> that is configured to support the display <NUM> above the ground, a floor, or other horizontal surface. For example, the display system <NUM> may be positioned on the floor of an office or positioned on an entertainment center. In other examples, the display system <NUM> may be positioned on a rolling cart to allow the display system <NUM> to be easily moved between rooms in an office. In other implementations, the base <NUM> may be a plate that is connectable to a vertical surface, such as a wall, inside a cabinet, to another vertical support (such as on a rolling cart) or other vertical surface that may support the mass of the display system <NUM>. In yet other implementations, the base <NUM> may support the display <NUM> in a non-vertical position. For example, the base <NUM> may be an easel that supports the display <NUM> at a non-perpendicular angle to the ground. In some examples, the base <NUM> may be adjustable.

<FIG> through <FIG> illustrate an implementation of moving the display system <NUM> between a first position and a second position. <FIG> is a front view of the display system <NUM> in a first position with the display <NUM> in a landscape orientation relative to the base <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an initial centerpoint <NUM> of the display <NUM> in the first position for reference coinciding with the pivot point <NUM> of the display <NUM> as the display <NUM> moves. While <FIG> illustrates the first position as being a horizontal, landscape orientation of the display <NUM>, it should be understood that the first position may be any orientation of the display <NUM> including horizontal, vertical, or any orientation therebetween.

<FIG> illustrates the display system <NUM> between the first position and a second position. The display <NUM> may rotate as a force or torque is applied to a portion of the display <NUM>. A user may rotate the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> by applying a force to the display <NUM> manually (e.g., with the user's hand) or by actuating one or more electric, mechanical, or another powered assist. In some implementations, at least a portion of the force may be pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, magnetic, or other mechanism.

During the rotation <NUM> of the display <NUM>, the display <NUM> may experience a translation <NUM>. For example, the pivot point <NUM> of the display <NUM> may translate relative to the initial centerpoint <NUM> of the display <NUM> in the first position. As shown in <FIG>, the pivot point <NUM> of the display <NUM> may continue to translate relative to the initial centerpoint <NUM> throughout the rotation of the display <NUM>. In other examples, the pivot point <NUM> may translate relative to the initial centerpoint <NUM> during only a portion of the rotation. In at least one example, the pivot point <NUM> may be stationary relative to the initial centerpoint <NUM> during a first <NUM>° of rotation and may translate relative to the initial centerpoint <NUM> during a second <NUM>° of rotation. <FIG> illustrates an example of a second position of the display system <NUM> in which the display <NUM> is oriented in a vertical position (i.e., portrait orientation) relative to the base <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates the second position as being a vertical, portrait orientation of the display <NUM>, it should be understood that the second position may be any orientation of the display <NUM> including horizontal, vertical, or any orientation therebetween that is different from the first position.

Similarly, while <FIG> through <FIG> illustrate approximately a <NUM>° rotation of the display <NUM> from the first position to the second position, the movement between the first position and second position may include any amount of rotation, such as <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or other orientations. For example, a display <NUM> that with a rectangular aspect ratio may offer different viewing modes when rotated <NUM>° between the first position and second position. However, a display <NUM> with a square aspect ratio, or a display that is non-orthogonal, may offer different or useful viewing modes when rotate at other angles relative to the base.

The pivot point <NUM> of the display <NUM> may translate relative to an initial centerpoint <NUM> during a first <NUM>° of rotation (i.e., between the first position and the second position) a translation distance <NUM> that may be vertical, horizontal, or any direction therebetween relative to the base <NUM>. In some implementations, the translation distance <NUM> may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of <NUM> millimeters (mm), <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or any values therebetween. For example, the translation distance <NUM> may be greater than <NUM>. In other examples, the translation distance <NUM> may be less than <NUM>. In yet other examples, the translation distance <NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In further examples, the translation distance <NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In yet further examples, the translation distance <NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In at least one example, the translation distance <NUM> may be about <NUM>.

Translating the display <NUM> during rotation may allow a user to access more of the display <NUM> in the portrait orientation. For example, a large format display may be positioned at eye-level for easy viewing in landscape mode. When rotated into portrait orientation, a portion of the display <NUM> may be positioned too high for a user to access or comfortably access to interact with a touch-sensing display or using a stylus. Additionally, video conferencing may be more natural to a user when a display <NUM> is oriented in portrait mode to show a larger proportion of a second user's body, as opposed to remaining positioned at eye-level of the user with a portion of the display <NUM> presenting the ceiling of the remote location. In other words, a greater proportion of the display <NUM> may be utilized for interaction in portrait orientation with translation than without translation.

In order to facilitate movement of the display between the first position and the second position in an efficient and safe manner, the connection mechanism that connects the display mount to the base may have one or more mechanical linkages, dampening device, counterbalance devices, or other components that assist and/or resist the rotation and/or translation of the display at different positions in the range of motion.

In some implementations, movement of the display system <NUM> between the first position and the second position may require a maximum torque in a range having an upper value or upper and lower values including any of <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, or any values therebetween. For example, the movement of the display system <NUM> between the first position and the second position may require a maximum torque less than <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters). In other examples, the movement of the display system <NUM> between the first position and the second position may require a maximum torque less than <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters). In yet other examples, the movement of the display system <NUM> between the first position and the second position may require a maximum torque less than <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters). In further examples, the movement of the display system <NUM> between the first position and the second position may require a maximum torque less than <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters). In at least one example, the movement of the display system <NUM> between the first position and the second position may be performed by an elderly user using only one hand.

<FIG> illustrate another implement of a display system <NUM> with a stationary pivot point that is offset (e.g., at an angle) from the centerpoint of the display <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a structure of an implementation of the display system <NUM>. As described herein, the display <NUM> may be in communication with a computing device <NUM> that is outside of the housing <NUM> of the display <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, the display <NUM> is movable relative to the computing device <NUM> by the connection mechanism <NUM> positioned therebetween. The computing device <NUM> may be fixed (e.g., rotationally fixed) to the base <NUM> and remain stationary while the display <NUM> moves between the first position and second position.

<FIG> is a is a front view of the display system <NUM> in a first position with the display <NUM> in a landscape orientation relative to the base <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an initial centerpoint <NUM> of the display <NUM> in the first position offset from a pivot point <NUM> of the display <NUM> as the display <NUM> moves. For example, as shown the pivot point <NUM> may be rotationally offset at an angle from the initial centerpoint <NUM>. The angle may be <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or any angle that provides the desired rotation and/or translation of the pivot point <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates the first position as being a horizontal, landscape orientation of the display <NUM>, it should be understood that the first position may be any orientation of the display <NUM> including horizontal, vertical, or any orientation therebetween.

<FIG> illustrates the display system <NUM> between the first position and a second position during rotation <NUM>. The display <NUM> may rotate as a force or torque is applied to a portion of the display <NUM>. A user may rotate the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> by applying a force to the display <NUM> manually (e.g., with the user's hand) or by actuating one or more electric, mechanical, or another powered assist. In some implementations, at least a portion of the force may be pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, magnetic, or other mechanism.

The display <NUM> may rotate about the pivot point <NUM> to translate the translated centerpoint <NUM>-<NUM> from the initial centerpoint <NUM>-<NUM>. The translation <NUM> may follow an arcuate path <NUM>. In some implementations, the arcuate path <NUM> may have a constant radius (e.g., may be a segment of a circular path). In other implementations, the arcuate path <NUM> may be a curved path that is non-circular. For example, the arcuate path <NUM> may be a portion of an ellipse or other exponential curve.

<FIG> shows the display system <NUM> in the second position. The pivot point <NUM> of the display <NUM> may remain stationary relative to the base <NUM> throughout the rotation of the display <NUM> while the translated centerpoint <NUM>-<NUM> of the display <NUM> moves in the arcuate path <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates the first position as being a vertical, portrait orientation of the display <NUM>, it should be understood that the second position may be any orientation of the display <NUM> including horizontal, vertical, or any orientation therebetween that is different from the first position.

The translated centerpoint <NUM>-<NUM> of the display <NUM> may translate relative to an initial centerpoint <NUM>-<NUM> during the rotation (i.e., between the first position and the second position) a translation distance <NUM> that may be vertical, horizontal, or any direction therebetween relative to the initial centerpoint <NUM>-<NUM> and/or base <NUM>. In some implementations, the translation distance <NUM> may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of <NUM> millimeters (mm), <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or any values therebetween. For example, the translation distance <NUM> may be greater than <NUM>. In other examples, the translation distance <NUM> may be less than <NUM>. In yet other examples, the translation distance <NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In further examples, the translation distance <NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In yet further examples, the translation distance <NUM> may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In at least one example, the translation distance may be about <NUM>.

<FIG> are example implementations of a torque curve of a connection mechanism that is positioned between and connects the display mount to the base. The torque curve may reflect the resistance and/or assistance a user experiences while attempting to move the display between the first position and the second position relative to the base. In some implementations, the torque curve may be approximately the same moving from the first position to the second position and moving from the second position to the first position. In other words, the connection mechanism may provide the same amount of resistance and/or assistance in the same angular locations in either rotational direction. For example, the connection mechanism may include a counterbalance device that applies a force opposing the force of gravity of the display and display mount to assist translating the display and display mount vertically upward. The result of the counterbalance device may be an approximately equal amount of force needed to translate the display vertically upwards or downwards.

In other implementations, a connection mechanism may have a first torque curve moving from the first position to the second position and a different, second torque curve moving from the second position to the first position. For example, the connection mechanism may lack a counterbalance device, such that more force is needed to translate the display and display mount vertically upward than downward. In other examples, a connection mechanism with a first torque curve may resist counterclockwise rotation of the display through the first <NUM>° of rotation from the first position and may assist rotation (e.g., rotate on its own) after the first <NUM>° of rotation for a remaining <NUM>° of counterclockwise rotation to the second position. The connection mechanism with a second torque curve may resist clockwise rotation of the display through the first <NUM>° of rotation from the second position and may assist rotation (e.g., rotate on its own) after the first <NUM>° of rotation for a remaining <NUM>° of clockwise rotation when returning to the first position.

<FIG> illustrates a torque curve that is similar in either rotational direction (e.g., from a <NUM>° orientation toward a <NUM>° orientation, or from the <NUM>° orientation toward the <NUM>° orientation). In some implementations, the torque curve may exhibit similar but not identical behavior in either rotational direction due to differences in spring rates and/or orientation of the application of force to the connection mechanism in each rotational direction. For example, the torque curve of <FIG> includes similar zones or stages, while the magnitude of force applied in those zones or stages may be difference. In other implementations, the torque curve may be different in each rotational direction (e.g., from a <NUM>° orientation toward a <NUM>° orientation, and from the <NUM>° orientation toward the <NUM>° orientation). For example, the display system may have resist movement away from whichever position in which the display begins; the direction of the torque of the connection mechanism may be based upon the position of the display. In at least one example, the torque curve may resist movement from the landscape orientation (e.g., apply a force resisting the rotation and translation away from the landscape orientation) and may continue to resist that movement throughout the entire rotation to the portrait orientation. Upon reaching the portrait orientation, the torque curve of the connection mechanism may change, resisting movement from the portrait orientation (e.g., apply a force resisting the rotation and translation away from the portrait orientation) and may continue to resist that movement throughout the entire rotation back to the landscape orientation.

In some implementations, the torque curve may have different operating regions or stages, such that the connection mechanism applies a different torque or otherwise functions differently at different rotational positions between the first position and the second position. For example, <FIG> illustrates a torque curve with a discovery stage <NUM> immediately adjacent the first position at <NUM>° orientation. The connection mechanism may generate relatively little torque in the discovery stage <NUM>, such that a user may move the display easily within the discovery stage <NUM> to "discover" the movable nature of the display organically during interaction with the display. The discovery stage <NUM> may abut a hard stop of the rotation, such that the system "allows" rotation with little resistance in a first rotation direction and prevents rotation in the opposing second rotational direction. For example, the discovery stage <NUM> may have an angular width of less than <NUM>°, less than <NUM>°, less than <NUM>°, or less than <NUM>° from the end of the rotational range of motion. This allows a user to "discover" the rotational direction organically through interaction with the display system.

Following the discovery stage <NUM> as the display moves toward the second position, an initiation stage <NUM> of the torque curve may include the connection mechanism generating a higher level of torque to resist the display moving from the first position. The initiation stage <NUM> may limit or prevent a user accidentally or unintentionally moving the display from the first position during use. The initiation stage <NUM> may allow the display to be stable in the first position until the torque of the initiation stage <NUM> is overcome. In other words, a user may move the display through the discovery stage <NUM> and partially into the initiation stage <NUM> when, upon releasing the display in the initiation stage <NUM>, the torque applied by the connection mechanism may return the display to the first position.

In some implementations, the initiation stage <NUM> may have an angular width having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or any values therebetween. For example, the initiation stage <NUM> may have an angular width greater than <NUM>°. In other examples, the initiation stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In yet other examples, the initiation stage <NUM> may have an angular width between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In further examples, the initiation stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In yet further examples, the initiation stage <NUM> may have an angular width about <NUM>°. In at least one example, the initiation stage <NUM> may be within <NUM>° of the first position.

The initiation stage <NUM> may provide a local maximum of torque against the rotational movement of the display to ensure the rotation of the display by a user is intentional. Upon overcoming the relatively high torque of the initiation stage <NUM>, a resistance stage <NUM> may follow. The resistance stage <NUM> of the torque curve may apply a torque to the display to resist the rotational movement of the display. However, the torque of the resistance stage <NUM> may be less than that of the initiation stage <NUM>. For example, the user may experience the initiation stage <NUM> as a resistance to a movement of the display, but upon overcoming the initiation stage <NUM>, the lower torque of resistance stage <NUM> may communicate to a user that the display is designed to continue rotating. In other words, continued high resistance of the initiation stage <NUM> may be understood by a user to indicate that the user is "forcing the rotation" of the display, while a reduction in the torque through the resistance stage <NUM> may encourage a user to continue rotating the display.

Similar to the initiation stage <NUM>, the resistance stage <NUM> may allow the display to be stable in the first position until the torque of the resistance stage <NUM> is overcome. In other words, a user may move the display through the discovery stage <NUM>, the initiation stage <NUM>, and partially into the resistance stage <NUM> when, upon releasing the display in the resistance stage <NUM>, the torque applied by the connection mechanism may return the display to the first position through resistance stage <NUM>, the initiation stage <NUM>, and the discovery stage <NUM>.

In some implementations, the resistance stage <NUM> may have an angular width having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or any values therebetween. For example, the resistance stage <NUM> may have an angular width greater than <NUM>°. In other examples, the resistance stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In yet other examples, the resistance stage <NUM> may have an angular width between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In further examples, the resistance stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In at least one example, the resistance stage <NUM> may have an angular width about <NUM>°.

A balanced stage <NUM> of the torque curve may rotationally follow the resistance stage <NUM> (e.g., may occur after rotating the display through the resistance stage <NUM> toward the second position) and provide a location or range of locations in the torque curve in which the display system is balanced (i.e., torque is approximately zero). For example, the display and/or connection mechanism may remain stationary when a user force or other outside force is removed from the display system in the balanced stage <NUM>. In other words, when in the balanced stage <NUM>, the user can remove the user's hands from the display and the display will remain in the partially rotated position between the first position and the second position.

In some implementations, the balanced stage <NUM> may be an unstable equilibrium point, such that the display system is bistable in either the first position or the second position. In other implementations, such as that with the torque curve shown in <FIG>, the balanced stage <NUM> may have an angular width having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or any values therebetween. For example, the balanced stage <NUM> may have an angular width greater than <NUM>°. In other examples, the balanced stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In yet other examples, the balanced stage <NUM> may have an angular width between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In further examples, the balanced stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In at least one example, the balanced width may have an angular width about <NUM>°.

The torque curve may include additional stages with a torque in the opposite direction after the balanced stage <NUM>. For example, the torque curve may have at least one stage in which a torque is applied in the direction of the rotation to urge the rotation toward the second position. <FIG> illustrates an approach stage <NUM> and a homing stage <NUM>. The approach stage <NUM> and homing stage <NUM> may, collectively or individually, be a "pull-in" stage. The pull-in stage is any stage of the torque curve in which the rotation of the display is assisted by the connection mechanism to approach a destination position. In other words, when rotating the display from the first position to the second position, as shown in <FIG>, the connection mechanism may provide a torque against the user's force in the initiation <NUM> and resistance stage <NUM> and may provide a torque assisting the user's force in the approach stage <NUM> and homing stage <NUM> to urge the display toward the second position.

The approach stage <NUM> may assist the rotation of the display toward the destination position (i.e., the second position in <FIG>) in a controlled manner. For example, the connection mechanism may provide a torque in the direction of the rotation approach stage <NUM> such that a user may stop applying a force to the display, and the display may continue to rotate toward the second position. In some implementations, the approach stage <NUM> may have an angular width having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or any values therebetween. For example, the approach stage <NUM> may have an angular width greater than <NUM>°. In other examples, the approach stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In yet other examples, the approach stage <NUM> may have an angular width between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In further examples, the approach stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In at least one example, the approach stage <NUM> may have an angular width about <NUM>°.

The homing stage <NUM> may have a greater torque than the approach stage <NUM>. In some implementations, the homing stage <NUM> may assist the rotation of the display toward the destination position (i.e., the second position in <FIG>) by urging the display toward the destination position with additional torque relative to the approach stage <NUM>. For example, the connection mechanism may provide a torque in the direction of the rotation in the approach stage <NUM> to continue rotating the display toward the second position, and the homing stage <NUM> may urge the display with additional torque in the direction of the destination to provide feedback to the user (tactilely and visually), that the display has completed rotation to the second position. In some implementations, the homing stage <NUM> may have an angular width having an upper value, a lower value, or an upper and lower value including any of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or any values therebetween. For example, the homing stage <NUM> may have an angular width greater than <NUM>°. In other examples, the homing stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In yet other examples, the homing stage <NUM> may have an angular width between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In further examples, the homing stage <NUM> may have an angular width less than <NUM>°. In at least one example, the homing stage <NUM> may have an angular width about <NUM>°.

The approach stage <NUM> and homing stage <NUM> may be the opposing direction counterparts to the resistance stage <NUM> and initiation stage <NUM>, respectively. For example, the torque curve of <FIG> is described from the perspective of the display rotating from the first position to the second position. When rotating the display from the second position to the first position (i.e., experiencing the torque curve of <FIG> from the right to the left), the homing stage <NUM> may function as and/or may be an initiation stage in the direction of the first position and the approach stage <NUM> may function as and/or may be a resistance stage. As a user rotates the display through the balanced stage <NUM> toward the first position (moving along the torque curve to the left), the resistance stage <NUM> and initiation stage <NUM> may function as pull-in stages to assist rotating the display to the first position. As such, the resistance stage <NUM> may function as and/or may be an approach stage in the direction of the first position and the initiation stage <NUM> may function as and/or may be a homing stage.

<FIG> illustrates another implementation of a torque curve of a connection mechanism. The torque curve may include a discovery stage <NUM> and initiation stage <NUM>, similar to the torque curve described in relation to <FIG>. In some implementations, the transitions between the stages of the torque curves may be discontinuous, such as shown in <FIG> and between the initiation stage <NUM> and resistance stage <NUM> of the torque curve of <FIG>.

In other implementations, the transitions between the stages of the torque curves may be continuous such that the torque curve is continous. For example, the resistance stage <NUM> and approach stage <NUM> may have a continuous and/or linear relationship such that the balanced stage <NUM> of the torque curve may be a single point.

<FIG> further illustrates an example of a torque curve that is symmetrical. For example, the torque curve of the connection mechanism is identical whether the user is moving the display from the first position to the second position or the second position to the first position. In other words, a homing stage <NUM> is symmetrical with the initiation stage <NUM>.

In yet other implementations, at least one of the stages of the torque curve may include a discrete non-zero torque value through the stage. For example, <FIG> illustrates and an implementation of a torque curve with a constant torque provided by the connection mechanism in each of the stages. The discovery stage <NUM>, for example, may have a constant zero torque until the initiation stage <NUM> that has a maximum torque of the torque curve. The initiation stage <NUM> may be followed by a resistance stage <NUM> that may have a constant torque that is less than a maximum torque of the initiation stage <NUM>. A balanced stage <NUM> may divide the resistance stage <NUM> from an approach stage <NUM>. The approach stage <NUM> may be rotationally followed by a homing stage <NUM> that has a greater magnitude torque than the approach stage <NUM> to urge the display toward the second position.

In some implementations, the torque curve of the connection mechanism alone may be insufficient to provide a smooth and/or "weightless" feel to the display rotation for a user. For example, a torque curve that is symmetrical between the first position and the second position may produce an asymmetric performance due to the effect of gravity on the display system rotation. For example, the rotation of the display relative to the base may be linked to a translation distance through which the mass of the display moves. Therefore, the force of gravity may apply a torque to the display in a static condition.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating example curves of the gravitational force to be counteracted in order to produce a final torque curve as described in relation to <FIG>. The first curve <NUM> represents the effect of gravity on an implementation with an arcuate translational path, such as the implementation described in relation to <FIG> through <FIG>. The second curve <NUM> and third curve <NUM> represent the effect of gravity on a system with a linear, vertical translational path, such as the implementation described in relation to <FIG> through <FIG>.

More specifically, the second curve <NUM> illustrates a force curve of a simulated rack-and-pinion connection mechanism (which will be described in more detail in relation to <FIG> through <FIG>). The rack-and-pinion connection mechanism directly converts translation and rotation, resulting in the constant, flat curve of the second curve <NUM>. Irrespective of location between the first position and the second position, gravity may apply the same torque to the rack-and-pinion connection mechanism. The third curve <NUM> illustrates a force curve of a simulated drag link connection mechanism (which will be described in more detail in relation to <FIG>). The drag link implementation converts rotation to translation non-linearly, resulting in the non-linear and increasing force needed to balance the force of gravity represented in the third curve <NUM>.

In some implementations, a counterbalance device may be used in conjunction with the connection mechanism to approach a net-zero moment on the device. For example, <FIG> illustrates an example of a spring counterbalance device in an offset pivot point connection mechanism implementation. The first curve <NUM> is the gravitational moment curve of the display as the display pivots about the offset pivot point. For example, the gravitational moment is greatest when the rotation is <NUM>°, resulting in the center of mass of the display being positioned directly horizontally to the pivot point (i.e., the lever arm is perpendicular to gravity).

The second curve <NUM> is the spring moment of the counterbalance device. The counterbalance device may include two springs, such that the combined spring moment of the two springs produce a counterbalance moment that sums with the gravitational moment to produce a net moment of the display that is less than <NUM>% of the gravitational moment throughout the net moment curve <NUM>. In other implementations, the counterbalance device may produce a counterbalance moment that sums with the gravitational moment to produce a net moment of the display that is less than <NUM>% of the gravitational moment throughout the net moment curve <NUM>. In yet other implementations, the counterbalance device may produce a counterbalance moment that sums with the gravitational moment to produce a net moment of the display that is less than <NUM>% of the gravitational moment throughout the net moment curve <NUM>.

Various implementation of a display system and/or connection mechanism may exhibit the force curves and/or performance described herein. <FIG> may illustrate example implementations of connection mechanisms according to the present invention. <FIG> illustrates an implementation of a drag link connection mechanism <NUM>, according to the present invention. The display <NUM> is shown in a landscape orientation relative to the base <NUM>. As described herein, the base <NUM> may be a plate that is configured to attach to a wall or other stand.

The connection mechanism <NUM> may have a curved track <NUM> that may interact with the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> to allow the rotation of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. The display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> may be translatable vertically relative to the base <NUM> through one or more posts <NUM> that interact with one or more complementary linear slots or grooves <NUM> in an intermediate member <NUM>. The intermediate member <NUM> may include the curved track <NUM> and the linear slots or grooves <NUM>, allowing the rotation of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> relative to the intermediate member <NUM> and the linear translation of the intermediate member <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. Therefore, the connection mechanism <NUM> may allow the rotation and the linear translation of the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

The connection mechanism <NUM> may include a mechanical linkage that links the rotation of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> to the translation of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> relative to base <NUM>. The mechanical linkage may include a drag link <NUM> that is connected to the base <NUM> at a first end <NUM> and to the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> at a second end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> may be offset from the pivot point <NUM> of the rotation of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM>. The drag link <NUM> may vertically support the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, as the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> rotates toward the second position, the offset of the connection location of the second end <NUM> may cause the connection location of the second end <NUM> to rotate about the pivot point <NUM> as the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> rotates about the pivot point <NUM>. Because the drag link <NUM> supports the vertical position of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>, moving the connection location of the second end <NUM> around the pivot point <NUM> may translate the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> vertically as the one or more grooves <NUM> of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> slide past the one or more posts <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

In other implementations, the mechanical linkage that converts rotational movement to translational movement may be integrated into one or more non-circular curved tracks. For example, <FIG> illustrate an implementation of a connection mechanism <NUM> with a plurality of non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that function as the mechanical linkage <NUM> between the base <NUM> and the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM>. In some implementations the connection mechanism <NUM> may include non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that, when engaged with a display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM>, may allow the display and/or display mount <NUM> to rotate relative to the base <NUM>.

Circular curved tracks (such as curved track <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>), may allow rotation of the display and/or display mount around a pivot point that is fixed relative to the curved tracks. In other embodiments, circular curved tracks where each has a different radius of curvature, such as circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, may allow simultaneous rotation and translation of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM>. For example, the implementation of a connection mechanism <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> has a display mount <NUM> that engages with each of the three non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. As the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> rotates, the three engagement points of the display mount <NUM> follow the different curves of the circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. These engagement points may facilitate simultaneous rotation and translation of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the display <NUM> and display mount <NUM> in a second position with the engagement points at an opposite end of the circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> from the position shown in <FIG>. The <NUM>° rotation of the display <NUM> and display mount <NUM> relative to the circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may produce a translation <NUM> of the display <NUM> and display mount <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of an implementation of a cycloid connection member <NUM> with four non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. A plurality of posts <NUM> may engage with the non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> to allow the rotation and translation of the display mount <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates the non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> positioned in the base <NUM> and the posts <NUM> fixed to the display mount <NUM>, it should be understood that the connection mechanism <NUM> may be reversed such that the non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> are positioned in the display and/or display mount <NUM> and the posts <NUM> are fixed relative to the base <NUM>.

The non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to retain a constant special relationship of the posts <NUM>. For example, the posts <NUM> may be fixed to the display mount <NUM> in a square. In other implementations, the posts <NUM> may be fixes to the display and/or display mount <NUM> in any arrangement capable of supporting the display and/or display mount <NUM>. For example, the posts <NUM> may be arranged according to a standard (Video Electronics Standards Association) VESA Mounting Interface Standard positioning for a computer monitor or television. For example, the posts <NUM> may be arranged according to VESA MIS-B, -C, -D, -D <NUM>, -E, -F M6, -F M8, or other industry display mounting standards.

The translation <NUM> of the display and/or display mount <NUM> may occur by the lower relative positions of the opposite ends of each of the non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the first non-circular curved track <NUM>-<NUM> is opposite the third non-circular curved track <NUM>-<NUM> and shorter than the third non-circular curved track <NUM>-<NUM>. Through a <NUM>° rotation of the display mount <NUM> and posts <NUM>, the display mount <NUM> ends in a vertically lower position than the first position shown in <FIG>. Similarly, the second non-circular curved track <NUM>-<NUM> and fourth non-circular curved track <NUM>-<NUM> are positioned opposite one another. Both the second non-circular curved track <NUM>-<NUM> and fourth non-circular curved track <NUM>-<NUM> have a net decrease in vertical position from the first position to the second position. Therefore, a <NUM>° of the display mount <NUM> and posts <NUM> may include a net downward translation <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of an implementation of an offset pivot point connection mechanism <NUM> connecting a display <NUM> and display mount <NUM> to a base <NUM>. The connection mechanism <NUM> may include a curved track <NUM> that engages with a plurality of posts <NUM> to allow rotation around the pivot point <NUM>. In other implementations, the curved track <NUM> and posts <NUM> may be a single post <NUM> at the pivot point <NUM> that engages with a receiver to allow the connection mechanism to rotate about the pivot point <NUM>. The curved track <NUM> and posts <NUM> may allow for greater torque, counterbalancing force, dampening force, or combinations thereof to be generated by the connection mechanism <NUM> in response to the movement of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

In some implementations, the offset pivot point <NUM> may be offset from an origin <NUM> of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> at a <NUM>° angle (relative to a vertical direction of the connection mechanism <NUM>). While the offset pivot point <NUM> may be offset from an origin <NUM> of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> at other angles, a <NUM>° angle for the offset allows a <NUM>° rotation around the pivot point <NUM> with the origin <NUM> returning to a <NUM>° relationship with the pivot point <NUM>. At a <NUM>° offset angle, the horizontal component of the offset may be the same after a <NUM>° rotation, so that the first position and second position of the display <NUM> and/or display mount <NUM> are vertically aligned. Further, at a <NUM>° offset angle, the translation distance (such as the translation distance <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>) may be double the vertical component of the offset.

As described herein, some implementations of a connection mechanism may include a counterbalance device to apply a counterbalance force to counterbalance the vertical translation of the display and/or display mount relative to gravity. Some implementations of a connection mechanism may include a counterbalance device to apply a counterbalance force to counterbalance the vertical translation of the display and/or display mount relative to gravity. In some implementations, the counterbalance device may provide a counterbalance force that counterbalances at least <NUM>% of a gravitational weight of the display and/or display mount. In other implementations, the counterbalance device may provide a counterbalance force that counterbalances at least <NUM>% of a gravitational weight of the display and/or display mount. In yet other implementations, the counterbalance device may provide a counterbalance force that counterbalances at least <NUM>% of a gravitational weight of the display and/or display mount. In yet other implementations, the counterbalance device may provide a counterbalance force that counterbalances at least <NUM>% of a gravitational weight of the display and/or display mount.

In some implementations, the counterbalance device may apply a first counterbalance force when moving the display and display mount from the first position to the second position and an equal counterbalance force when moving the display and display mount from the second position to the first position. In other implementations, the counterbalance device may apply a first counterbalance force when moving the display and display mount from the first position to the second position and a second counterbalance force when moving the display and display mount from the second position to the first position, where the first counterbalance force and second counterbalance force are different.

<FIG> through <FIG> illustrates a connection mechanism <NUM> with a counterbalance device <NUM> to provide a counterbalance force (such as described in relation to <FIG>), a ramp profile <NUM> to create a torque curve (such as those described in relation to <FIG>), and a dampening device <NUM> to limit the rotational rate of the connection mechanism <NUM> to increase safety and reliability of a display system.

<FIG> is a front view of an implementation of a connection mechanism <NUM> according to the present invention. The connection mechanism <NUM> may connect the display mount <NUM> or display to the base <NUM>. The connection mechanism <NUM> includes a plurality of non-circular curved tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that engage with posts <NUM> to allow rotational and translational movement of the display mount <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>, such as described in relation to <FIG> through <FIG>.

The connection mechanism <NUM> may include a counterbalance device <NUM> that may apply a counterbalance force to the connection mechanism <NUM> to account for the gravitation weight of the display and display mount <NUM> such that the display and display mount <NUM> do not simply fall downward and rotate unintentionally. The counterbalance device <NUM> may include one or more springs, gears, resilient members, mechanical linkages, electric motors, levers, or other devices capable of providing a force in the connection mechanism <NUM> to limit the downward translation of a portion of the connection mechanism due to gravity. For example, the counterbalance device <NUM> may include one or more springs that may change in length due to relative rotation of a component of the connection mechanism relative to another component of the connection mechanism. A counterbalance device <NUM> including one spring may behave according to Hooke's Law, increasing the counterbalance force as the spring changes in length. A counterbalance device <NUM> including a plurality of springs, such as the implementation of <FIG>, may have a more constant counterbalance force, as the plurality of springs may be staggered to change length at different rates as the connection mechanism <NUM> rotates.

In other implementations, the counterbalance device <NUM> may be an electric motor that resists rotation of the connection mechanism due to a translation force. For example, the electric motor may be actuated only by a pressure switch that is closed upon a user applying a torque to the display and/or display mount. In yet other implementations, the counterbalance device <NUM> may include one or more levers, gears or linkages to alter the rate at which the counterbalance force is applied to the connection mechanism.

In some implementations, a connection mechanism <NUM> may include a ramp profile <NUM> and bearing <NUM> that rolls along the ramp profile <NUM>. The ramp profile <NUM> may define a profile relative to a pivot point <NUM> of the connection mechanism <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> may roll along the ramp profile <NUM> under compression by a compression element <NUM>, such as springs, pistons-and-cylinders, bushings, or other resilient and/or compressible members that apply a compressive force to the bearing <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> may roll "down" the slope of the ramp profile <NUM> in different rotational directions and/or toward different ends of the ramp profile <NUM> depending upon the position of the bearing <NUM> on the ramp profile <NUM>. For example, the ramp profile <NUM> may have a peak or plateau near or at the center that creates a balanced stage, such as that described in relation to the torque curves of <FIG>. In other examples, the ramp profile <NUM> may have regions of greater slope near or at the ends of the ramp profile <NUM> such that the bearing <NUM> applies a greater torque to the connection mechanism <NUM>, providing the initiation stage and/or homing stage of a torque curve. In yet other examples, the ramp profile <NUM> may be removable and/or interchangeable to allow different torque curves to be implemented using the same connection mechanism <NUM>.

The connection mechanism <NUM> further includes a dampening device <NUM> that provides a dampening torque that is relative to the rate of movement of the connection mechanism <NUM>. A dampening device <NUM> may increase the safety and/or reliability of a display system by limiting and/or preventing rotation and/or translation that is too fast.

In some implementations, the dampening device <NUM> may be a layer of grease positioned between components of the connection mechanism. In other implementations, the dampening device <NUM> may be a dampening motor that rotates as the connection mechanism <NUM> rotates. The dampening motor may have an internal friction that increases as the rotational rate of the dampening motor increases. While the response of the dampening motor may be constant relative to a constant rotational rate of the dampening motor, in some implementations, the rotational rate of the dampening motor may change even when the rotational rate of the connection mechanism is constant.

For example, the dampening device <NUM> may have a non-circular gear, or a circular gear with an offset rotational axis, that engages with a track <NUM> to turn the dampening motor at different rotational rates as the connection mechanism <NUM> rotates from a first position to the second position. The dampening device <NUM>, therefore, may have a variable dampening curve through the rotational range of motion of the connection mechanism <NUM>. For example, the dampening device <NUM> may provide additional dampening in the final <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or <NUM>° of either end of the rotational range of motion of the connection mechanism <NUM>. The increased dampening may reduce impact forces of the connection mechanism against a hard stop, increasing the operation lifetime of the connection mechanism and/or other components of a display system (such as the display or the computing device). The increased dampening may increase the safety of the display system by applying a greater dampening force to more aggressively limit the speed of the movement of the display system at the start of the rotation. Slower movement at the start of the rotation may make impacts of the display to the user or other users nearby less likely or less injurious.

In some implementations, the dampening device <NUM> may resist movement such that a maximum rotational rate of the connection mechanism without external force applied is less than <NUM>° per second. In other implementations, the dampening device <NUM> may resist movement such that a maximum rotational rate of the connection mechanism without external force applied is less than <NUM>° per second. In yet other implementations, the dampening device <NUM> may resist movement such that a maximum rotational rate of the connection mechanism without external force applied is less than <NUM>° per second. In further implementations, the dampening device <NUM> may resist movement such that a maximum rotational rate of the connection mechanism without external force applied is less than <NUM>° per second. In at least one implementation, the dampening device <NUM> may resist movement such that a maximum rotational rate of the connection mechanism without external force applied is less than <NUM>° per second.

<FIG> illustrates the connection mechanism <NUM> of <FIG> in a first position. The counterbalance device <NUM> may be in a lowest energy state in the first position. In other words, the counterbalance device <NUM> may be applying the least amount of force to the connection mechanism <NUM> in the first position than in any position between the first position and the second position. The counterbalance device <NUM> may apply increasing amounts of counterbalance force as the connection mechanism <NUM> moves toward the second position and at least a portion of the connection mechanism and/or display translates downward.

In the first position, the bearing <NUM> may be positioned at a first end of the ramp profile <NUM>, representing the initiation stage of the torque curve of the connection mechanism <NUM>. The compression element <NUM> may be compressing the bearing <NUM> against the ramp profile <NUM>. The bearing <NUM> may thereby resist rolling "up" the slope of the ramp profile <NUM>, resisting the rotation of the connection mechanism <NUM> away from the stable first position.

<FIG> illustrates the connection mechanism <NUM> midway between the first position and the second position. The counterbalance device <NUM> is in a tensioned state and may be applying a greater counterbalance force to the connection mechanism <NUM> in <FIG> than in the lower energy state of the first position illustrated in <FIG>. The bearing <NUM> is positioned in the center of the ramp profile <NUM> at a peak in the ramp profile <NUM>; the bearing <NUM> is at an unstable equilibrium point, such as the balanced stage of the torque curve described in relation to <FIG>. The connection mechanism <NUM> and the bearing <NUM> compressed against the ramp profile <NUM> by the compression element <NUM> may have been applying a torque to the connection mechanism <NUM> opposing the rotation of the display by the user through the first half of the ramp profile <NUM>. Beyond the position shown in <FIG>, the bearing <NUM> may apply a torque in the direction of rotation and toward the second end of the ramp profile. The bearing <NUM> may apply a pull-in force to the display after the position shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the connection mechanism <NUM> approaching the second position where the bearing <NUM> will be in a stable position at the second end of the ramp profile <NUM>. The counterbalance device <NUM> may apply a greater force at or near the second position than at the first position to counterbalance the force of gravity during translation.

<FIG> illustrate yet another implementation of a display system with a connection mechanism <NUM> that coupled rotational and translation movement of a display <NUM> relative to a base <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of a connection mechanism <NUM> including a rack-and-pinion engagement to translate the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> during rotation of the display <NUM>. In some implementations, a portion of the rack-and-pinion may be fixed relative to the display <NUM>. In such implementations, rotation of the display <NUM> may provide a rotation of a portion of the pinion <NUM> relative to the rack <NUM>, such that the display <NUM> translates linearly relative to the rack <NUM>.

In some implementations, a counterbalance device <NUM> may be fixed between the display <NUM> and/or display mount and connection mechanism <NUM> and/or base <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the display system <NUM> in a portrait orientation. In the present implementation, the counterbalance device <NUM> may be compression spring that applies a compression or expansion force to urge the pinion <NUM> upward on the rack <NUM>. In other implementations, the portrait orientation may be configured with the pinion <NUM> at the top of the rack <NUM>, and the counterbalance device <NUM> may be configured to support the display from "falling" into the landscape orientation.

In some implementations, the connection mechanism <NUM> may include a dampening device <NUM> that is a piston and cylinder, such as a shock absorber. The piston and cylinder may limit the rotational and/or translational speed of the connection mechanism <NUM> by different amounts at different positions. For example, the curved surface <NUM> that the dampening device <NUM> follows as the connection mechanism moves from the first position shown in <FIG> to the second position shown in <FIG> may cause a faster linear displacement of the dampening device <NUM> at the ends of the curved surface <NUM> than in the center, resulting in greater dampening and speed limiting. In other words, because the dampening device <NUM> resists motion based on the rate of change of the length of the dampening device <NUM>, the curved surface <NUM> further increases the rate of change of the length of the dampening device <NUM> at either end of the curved surface <NUM>, where the ends of the curved surface <NUM> correspond to the first position and the second position of the display system <NUM>.

As described herein, the translation and the rotation of the connection mechanism are coupled, such that when the display and/or display mount rotates relative to a base, the display and/or display mount translates relative to the base, as well. In some implementations, the rotation and the translation may have a linear relationship, such as illustrated in <FIG>. The z-position (or other direction of the translation) may change linearly and constantly throughout the rotation of the connection mechanism. In other words, the connection mechanism may convert rotation of the display and/or display mount to translation of the display and/or display mount with a fixed coefficient or ratio.

<FIG> illustrates a linear relationship from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, but in other implementations, the rotational range may be more or less than <NUM>°. In other implementations, the rotational range of the connection mechanism may be <NUM>°, but the coupling of the rotation and translation may be linear for less than the full <NUM>°. In yet other implementations, the coupling of the rotation and translation may be non-linear.

For example, <FIG> illustrates another implementation of a conversion of rotation to translation. In the graph shown in <FIG>, the rotation to translation conversion relationship is non-linear. In some implementations, the conversion relationship of the connection mechanism may be logarithmic, exponential, discontinuous, or another non-linear relationship. <FIG> further illustrates a conversion relationship that is asymmetrical. For example, a majority of the translation occurs prior to the <NUM>° midpoint of the rotation. In such implementations, the translation may occur at different rates depending upon the direction of the rotation and the orientation of the display in the rotational range. For example, an offset pivot connection mechanism, such as described in relation to <FIG> may have a conversion relationship with lower translation ratios at or near the ends of the rotational range and a higher translation ratio at the center of the rotational range.

In some implementations, the connection mechanism may be bistable with a higher potential energy in the center of the rotational range. The stable positions at either end of the rotational range may be lower energy states that cause the system to remain in the first position or the second position until a user imparts energy to move the system. In some implementations, the energy curve of the connection mechanism may have a plateau, such that the system may remain stationary in a range of orientations between the first position (<NUM>° orientation) and the second position (<NUM>° orientation). For example, <FIG> illustrates an energy curve of an implementation of a connection mechanism that is flat from <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In other words, the connection mechanism and/or display system may be stable in orientations between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

In other implementations, it may be beneficial to have the display system be stable only in specific user modes. For example, an implementation of the display system may only be stable in the portrait orientation and the landscape orientation. <FIG> illustrates an energy curve with no plateau or flat portion. Any orientation in which the display is between the <NUM>° or the <NUM>° position, the connection mechanism will rotate the display toward the lower energy states of the <NUM>° position or the <NUM>° position. In some implementations, the energy curve may be discontinuous, as shown in <FIG>, while in other implementations, the energy curve may be continuous and lack a plateau or flat portion.

When the torque curve of the connection mechanism, the dampening device, the counterbalance device, and the gravitational moment are considered together, a display system may have two different force curves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that may control the rotation and translation of a display supported by a base. <FIG> illustrates a first force curve <NUM>-<NUM> of a display system. The first force curve <NUM>-<NUM> is similar to the torque curve described in relation to <FIG> with additional counterbalance force and dampening force as the display system moves from the first position to the second position. The second force curve <NUM>-<NUM> is similar to the torque curve described in relation to <FIG> with additional counterbalance force and dampening force as the display system moves from the second position to the first position. The second force curve <NUM>-<NUM> is the same curve as the first force curve <NUM>-<NUM> with the dampening device applying the dampening force in the opposite direction (due to the rotation and translation being oriented in the opposite direction). The dampening may be greater near the first position and/or second position causing a greater end displacement <NUM>-<NUM> between the force curves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> near the ends of the force curves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> than a center displacement <NUM>-<NUM> in the center of the force curves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The dampening device may impart a hysteresis to the force curves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, both slowing the rotation and dissipating energy of the system.

A display system according to the present invention allows for the display of visual information or virtual environments in a plurality of orientations. For example, the display system presents visual information and/or virtual environments according to a fixed reference frame irrespective of rotation, translation, or other movement of the display in real time. In other words, movement of the display may alter the "frame" through which a user views the visual information and/or virtual environment without moving the visual information and/or virtual environment relative to an initial position. In at least one example, a virtual element may remain stationary on the display relative to a base of the display system during rotation and/or translation of the display relative to the base.

Referring now to <FIG>, in implementations, a method <NUM> includes detecting a position of the display relative to the surrounding environment at <NUM>. The presentation of the visual information and/or virtual environments is rotated and may be translated relative to the display as the display rotates and translates relative to the environment and/or user. In some implementations, detecting the position of the display may include measuring a direction of gravity using an accelerometer. For example, the display may include an accelerometer in the housing of the display to measure a gravitational direction relative to the display. In some examples, a display system according to the present invention may be used in a moving vehicle or other moving environment, such that an accelerometer may receive readings related to gross movement of the display system. In such applications, the display system may include an accelerometer positioned in the housing and in the base, allowing the display system to measure relative changes between the display and base.

In other implementations, detecting the position of the display may include measuring a rotation of a gyroscope positioned in the housing of the display. The gyroscope may measure rotation and other movement of the display relative to an initial position. In some examples, a display system may include a gyroscope in each of the display and the base, such that relative movement of the display and base may be measured.

In yet other implementations, a camera positioned in the display housing may capture images of the surrounding environment of the display. The camera may compare images of the surrounding environment to recognize rotation and translation of the display relative to the surrounding environment. In at least one implementation, the display system may present visual information and/or virtual environments to a user in a zero-gravity or other dynamically moving environment in which a gravitational direction is irrelevant to the orientation of the visual information and/or virtual environments on the display. For example, a display system may be used on the International Space Station or in an airliner, in which the forces and the inertial reference frame of the display system may be unrepresentative of the position of users interacting with the display system. In such implementations, a camera of the display system may identify the orientation of user faces and detect the position of the display relative to the users in the surrounding environment.

In at least one example, detecting the position of the display relative to the environment may include detecting the position of the display relative to the base. For example, the base may be assumed to be oriented at a fixed relationship to gravity, users, or other relevant aspects of the environment. Detecting the position of the display may, therefore, be extrapolated to a position of the display relative to the environment.

The method <NUM> may further include detecting movement of the display relative to the surrounding environment at <NUM>. Detecting the movement of the display relative to the environment may include measuring the amount of rotation of the display, the amount of translation of the display, the rate of rotation of the display, the rate of translation of the display, or combinations thereof. For example, detecting movement of the display relative to the environment may include detecting the position of the display relative to the environment and comparing the current position against a previous position or against a known origin position.

Detecting movement of the display relative to the environment may include detecting a position of the display relative to the environment in real time. For example, detecting the movement in real time may include detecting the position of the display relative to the environment with a detection frequency of at least <NUM> (i.e., the display position may be measured at least ten time per second). In other examples, the display system may detect the position of the display relative to the environment with a detection frequency of at least <NUM>. In other words, the detection frequency may be that of a conventional cinemagraphic image refresh rate. The detection frequency may also utilize other standard refresh rates and/or the refresh rate of the display. In yet other examples, the display system may detect the position of the display relative to the environment with a detection frequency of at least <NUM>. In further examples, the display system may detect the position of the display relative to the environment with a detection frequency of at least <NUM>. In yet further examples, the display system may detect the position of the display relative to the environment with a detection frequency of at least <NUM>. In still further examples, the display system may detect the position of the display relative to the environment with a detection frequency of at least <NUM>.

The method <NUM> further includes updating the visual display of the virtual environment based upon the detected movement in real time at <NUM>. In implementations, the visual information and/or virtual environments may be translated and rotated on the display an equal and opposite amount of translation and rotation detected of the display. For example, in an implementation in which a <NUM>° clockwise rotation and <NUM>-millimeter downward translation is detected by the display system, a reference frame of the visual information and/or virtual environments may be rotated <NUM>° counterclockwise and translated <NUM> millimeters upward. In other implementations, the visual information and/or virtual environments may be translated and rotated on the display an equal and opposite amount of rotation detected of the display and a different amount of translation detected of the display. In yet other implementations, the visual information and/or virtual environments may be translated and/or rotated on the display an equal and opposite amount of translation detected of the display and a different amount of rotation detected of the display. In other examples, the system may update a reference frame of the visual information and/or virtual environments in real time, such that the reference frame of the visual information and/or virtual environments is rotated and/or translated <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more times per second.

In some implementations, updating the presentation of visual information may include changing a height of a window of the visual information and a width of the window of the visual information. In other implementations, updating a presentation of visual information may include moving or resizing at least one virtual element based on a change to the height or the width of the window.

For example, <FIG> illustrates the implementation of a display system <NUM> described in relation to <FIG>. In some implementations, the display system <NUM> may display a virtual environment <NUM>. In at least one implementation, the virtual environment may include a remote environment (such as during a video conference) imaged by a camera of a remote computing device. In some implementations, the virtual environment <NUM> may include at least one virtual element <NUM>. The virtual environment <NUM> and/or virtual element <NUM> may have an origin <NUM> or other reference frame location that may remain substantially stationary during movement of the display <NUM> relative to the surrounding environment or relative to the base <NUM>.

In some implementations, the display <NUM> may present to a user a "window" of the virtual environment <NUM> with a first height <NUM>-<NUM> and a first width <NUM>-<NUM>. During rotation of the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>, the height and width of the window may change in real time based on the position of the display <NUM> relative to the surrounding environment and/or base <NUM>. For the purposes of illustration, the origin <NUM> of the virtual environment <NUM> is shown to coincide with the pivot point <NUM> of the display system <NUM> in the first position (e.g., landscape orientation).

For example, <FIG> illustrates the display system <NUM> of <FIG> between a first position of the display <NUM> and a second position. The rotation <NUM>+ of the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> may produce a coupled translation <NUM> of the display <NUM> and/or the pivot point <NUM>. The origin <NUM> of the virtual environment <NUM> and/or the virtual element <NUM> may translate and rotate an equal and opposite amount to the rotation <NUM> and translation <NUM> of the display <NUM>. The origin <NUM> may, therefore, remain stationary relative to the base <NUM> and/or surrounding environment.

<FIG> illustrates the display system <NUM> of <FIG> in a second position. The display <NUM> may present a "window" to the virtual environment <NUM> with a second height <NUM>-<NUM> and a second width <NUM>-<NUM>. The second height <NUM>-<NUM> may be equivalent to the first width <NUM>-<NUM> and the second width <NUM>-<NUM> may be equivalent to the first height <NUM>-<NUM>. The origin <NUM> may be in the same position relative to the base <NUM> in the second position relative as in the first position, while the portion of the virtual environment <NUM> and/or virtual element <NUM> presented within the window of the display <NUM> may be different.

In some implementations, the virtual environment <NUM> and/or virtual elements <NUM> may remain fixed relative to the origin <NUM>. In implementations that are not claimed, the virtual environment <NUM> and/or virtual elements <NUM> may move or resize relative to the origin <NUM> when the display system <NUM> moves between the first position and the second position. For example, at least one of the virtual elements <NUM> may move and/or resize to remain with the second height <NUM>-<NUM> and second width <NUM>-<NUM> of the window. In at least one example, some virtual elements <NUM> may remain stationary, such as a three-dimensional model of an object, while other virtual element <NUM>, such as virtual elements of a user interface or other control elements of software may move when the display system <NUM> moves between the first position and the second position.

<FIG> illustrates another implementation of a display system <NUM> including a display <NUM> in communication with a computing device <NUM>. The display <NUM> is configured to display visual information provided to the display by the computing device <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may further be in data communication with one or more orienting devices that may detect or measure the orientation and/or position of the display <NUM> relative to the surrounding environment and/or the base <NUM> of the display system <NUM>.

In some implementations, the display system <NUM> may include one or more cameras <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> fixed to the display <NUM>. The cameras <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may image the surrounding environment and provide information to the computing device <NUM> regarding relative movement between frames captured by the cameras <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. In some implementations, at least one camera <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be a visible light camera that enables image recognition. In other implementations, at least one camera <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be a depth sensing camera that enables three-dimensional imaging of the surrounding environment. For example, the depth sensing camera may be a time-of-flight camera. In other examples, the depth sensing camera may be a structured light camera. In yet further examples, the depth sensing camera may include an illuminator, such as an infrared light illuminator, that may allow the camera to image the surrounding environment in low ambient light situations. In other examples, the cameras <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may provide information to the computing device <NUM> that may be used to detect and/or identify users positioned in the field of view of the cameras. The user identification may be used to detect the orientation and/or position of the cameras <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The user identification may further be used for biometric authentication purposed to use to the display system <NUM>.

In some implementations, the display system <NUM> may have a first camera <NUM>-<NUM> that is positioned at a top edge of the display <NUM> in the first position, and a second camera <NUM>-<NUM> that is positioned at a side edge of the display <NUM> in the first position. The second camera <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned at a top edge of the display <NUM> upon rotation and translation of the display <NUM> to the second position (such as shown in <FIG>).

In some implementations, the display system <NUM> may include a plurality of contacts positioned between components of the connection mechanism <NUM> or between the base <NUM> and the display <NUM>. The contacts may be electrical contacts that communicate to the computing device <NUM> the rotational and/or translational position of the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. In other examples, the contacts may be surface features, such as detents, ridges, bumps, or other relief features that engage with an accelerometer, a pressure switch, or other contact detection device that may detect when the contact detection device moves past the surface features. For example, ridges may oscillate an accelerometer, indicating motion of the display <NUM> relative to the based <NUM>.

In some implementations, the computing device <NUM> may be in data communication with a gyroscope <NUM> that may measure the rotation <NUM> of the display <NUM> relative to the environment or relative to a known orientation. The display system <NUM> may further include an accelerometer <NUM> configured to measure a gravitational direction <NUM> relative to the display <NUM>. For example, the accelerometer may detect movement of the display by measuring changes in a direction of gravity with an accelerometer. Referring now to <FIG>, the second position of the display system <NUM> may position the second camera <NUM>-<NUM> at the top edge of the display <NUM>. The cameras <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, gyroscope <NUM>, accelerometer <NUM>, or combinations thereof may measure the translation <NUM> of the display <NUM> and provide rotation and/or translation information to the computing device <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> may then receive the rotation and/or translation information and calculate a translation and rotation of the reference frame for the virtual environment to render the window of the virtual environment and/or virtual elements based upon the rotated and translated virtual reference frame, as described in relation to <FIG>.

For example, the computing device <NUM> may receive rotation information and calculate a reference frame translation and rotation of a virtual environment. The computing device <NUM> may then rotate and translate a reference frame of the virtual environment according to the calculated reference frame translation and rotation.

In some implementations, the computing device may provide visual information to the display to translate the origin of the virtual environment and/or virtual elements to move the window and better utilize the available display area of the display. <FIG> illustrates another implementation of a display system <NUM> including a display <NUM> in communication with a computing device <NUM>. The display <NUM> is configured to display visual information provided to the display by the computing device <NUM>. In some implementations, the display system <NUM> may display a virtual environment <NUM> or a remote environment (such as during a video conference). In some implementations, the virtual environment <NUM> may include at least one virtual element <NUM>. The virtual environment <NUM> and/or virtual element <NUM> may have an origin <NUM> or other reference frame location that may translate during movement of the display <NUM> relative to the surrounding environment or relative to the base <NUM>.

In some implementations, the display <NUM> may present to a user a "window" of the virtual environment <NUM> with a first height <NUM>-<NUM> and a first width <NUM>-<NUM>. During rotation of the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>, the height and width of the window may change in real time based on the position of the display <NUM> relative to the surrounding environment and/or base <NUM>.

For example, <FIG> illustrates the display system <NUM> of <FIG> between a first position of the display <NUM> and a second position. The rotation <NUM> of the display <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> around the pivot point <NUM> may be measured by one or more orienting device (such as those described in relation to <FIG>. The origin <NUM> of the virtual environment <NUM> and/or the virtual element <NUM> may rotate an equal and opposite amount to the rotation <NUM> of the display <NUM>. A translation <NUM> of the origin <NUM> may be couple to the rotation <NUM> of the display1402. The origin <NUM> may, therefore, move "upward" relative to the base <NUM> and/or surrounding environment.

<FIG> illustrates the display system <NUM> of <FIG> in a second position. The display <NUM> may present a "window" to the virtual environment <NUM> with a second height <NUM>-<NUM> and a second width <NUM>-<NUM>. The second height <NUM>-<NUM> may be equivalent to the first width <NUM>-<NUM> and the second width <NUM>-<NUM> may be equivalent to the first height <NUM>-<NUM>. The origin <NUM> may have translated upward relative to the base <NUM> in the second position relative as in the first position, while the portion of the virtual environment <NUM> and/or virtual element <NUM> presented within the window of the display <NUM> may be different.

In some implementations, the virtual environment <NUM> and/or virtual elements <NUM> may remain fixed relative to the origin <NUM>. In implementations that are not claimed, the virtual environment <NUM> and/or virtual elements <NUM> may move or resize relative to the origin <NUM> when the display system <NUM> moves between the first position and the second position. For example, at least one of the virtual elements <NUM> may move or resize to remain with the second height <NUM>-<NUM> and second width <NUM>-<NUM> of the window. In at least one example, some virtual elements <NUM> may remain stationary, such as a three-dimensional model of an object, while other virtual element <NUM>, such as virtual elements of a user interface or other control elements of software may move when the display system <NUM> moves between the first position and the second position.

In some implementations, a display system according to the present invention may allow a user to rotate a display of a computing device with a virtual environment that updates in real time to keep the virtual environment stationary as the display rotates and translates. In at least one implementation, a display system according to the present invention may allow a user to rotate and translate a large format display with less than <NUM> pound-feet (<NUM> Newton-meters) of torque, and the display system may "pull in" to one or more stable positions without user intervention.

Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one implementation" or "an implementation" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an implementation herein may be combinable with any element of any other implementation described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are "about" or "approximately" the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by implementations of the present invention. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within <NUM>%, within <NUM>%, within <NUM>%, or within <NUM>% of a stated value.

A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present invention that equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the present invention, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to implementations disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
A method of presenting visual information to a user, the method comprising:
detecting (<NUM>) a first position of a display relative to a surrounding environment;
detecting (<NUM>) in real time rotation of the display about a fixed base from the first position toward a second position, the detected rotation relative to the surrounding environment, wherein the first position and the second position respectively comprise any orientation of the display including horizontal, vertical or any orientation therebetween relative to the fixed base; and
based upon the rotation of the display relative to the surrounding environment, updating (<NUM>) a presentation of visual information on the display in real time, wherein the visual information is oriented relative to a virtual reference frame irrespective of the orientation of the display, such that the display appears to the user as a window into a virtual or remote environment and movement of the display alters the window through which the user views the visual information without moving the visual information relative to an initial position; and
during the detected rotation, providing a torque in a direction of the rotation at a first stage, and providing a dampening torque with a dampening device against the direction of the rotation at a second stage, the dampening torque being relative to a rate of movement of the display.