Patent Description:
The invention relates to display systems for portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to auxiliary display systems for use with such devices.

Mobile phones, tablets, laptop/desktop computers and other electronic devices have become mainstay consumer devices. In recent years the addition of Augmented Reality (AR) software development and implementation have allowed developers to create immersive and interactive environments. However, both general electronics usage as well as AR software, are dependent on 2D screen technology and camera control to create these environments, thus creating difficulty for developers and frustration for consumers.

Virtual Reality (VR) and AR goggle or headset systems have also been created in an attempt to further improve the electronic experience. However, many issues arise for developers of VR and AR systems such as, for example, difficulty of programming, heavy CPU usage, difficulty of manufacture, and the like. The use of AR and VR systems may also have negative consequences for consumers. For example, some users of VR and AR equipment experience eye strain, headaches, migraines, nausea, and may be simply generally uncomfortable when using such equipment.

With the increase in AR software sophistication and the mass user desire to enjoy augmented environments, a functional improvement of AR projection and experience is necessary to further improve the growth of enhanced reality systems. <CIT> relates to a system for representing in 3D an image displayed in 2D on a display screen of a mobile communication device, comprising a transparent screen hinged around the screen display of the communication device and capable of assuming at least: - a deployed position in which the transparent screen is oriented at an acute angle (α) with respect to said display screen of so that a virtual 3D image (I), corresponding to the image displayed in 2D, appears behind the transparent screen, and a folded position in which the transparent screen is parallel to the screen display, forming a protection for said display screen. The invention also relates to a protective shell for a communication device comprising this 3D representation system. <CIT> discloses a system for providing image or video to be displayed by a projective display system includes: an encoding subsystem and a packing subsystem. The encoding subsystem is configured to encode at least one image or video of a subject to generate encoded image data. The packing subsystem is coupled to the encoding subsystem, and configured to pack the encoded image data with projection configuration information regarding the projective display system to generate packed image data. The projective display system comprises a projection source device and a projection surface, the projection source device projects the image or video to the projection surface according to the packed image data. <CIT> relates to a personal hologram device combining with a portable terminal to provide hologram images, and comprises: a main body formed in a form of a case; a portable terminal outputting hologram image stored in a internal memory through a screen by having a hologram image application; a portable terminal mounting unit formed in a lower part of the main body in order to install the portable terminal; and a hologram window unit formed in an upper part of the portable terminal mounting unit in order to stamp the hologram image which is output from the screen of the portable terminal and display the same. <CIT> enables eye contact between conferees during a teleconference using a terminal equipped with a beam-splitter. The camera is positioned behind the viewing side of the beam-splitter to capture the conferee's image through the beam-splitter. The reflection of the video display appears to be positioned in a room environment with common room objects, serving to associate the position of the reflection in the room environment. The transparent quality of the beamsplitter is used not only for capturing eye contact images from one direction, but also revealing the room environment by enabling the conferee to see-through the beamsplitter. The invention can be configured to create the appearance that a life-size teleconference image of a remote conferee appears in the same room as the local conferee viewing the reflection and appears to be sitting on the other side of the desk or table. In <CIT>, a three-dimensional imaging device and/or an electronic device may comprise: a stand for supporting an electronic device including a display panel; a half mirror disposed on one surface of the stand in such a way as to slantingly face the display panel of the electronic device supported by the stand; and a retro-reflection member disposed on the stand in such a way as to incline toward the half mirror, wherein the half mirror reflects an image (hereinafter, "a first output image") output from the display panel to introduce the reflected image into the retro-reflection member, and allows the image reflected by the retro-reflection member to transmit therethrough, so as to form an image (hereinafter, "a first aerial image") corresponding to the first output image, on a space at another side of the half mirror. Such an electronic device may exist in various forms according to embodiments.

Disclosed herein is a collapsible holographic interaction display accessory device for use with a computing and/or communication device. The disclosed portable, collapsible, terminal display device may accept data input from, for example, a portable electronic device such
as a cellular phone, digital phone, PC, or tablet computer and project the received input into a holographic display field. When combined with Augmented Reality (AR) software, a holographic AR projection is created. This allows a user to perceive a holographic environment or object placed in the environment surrounding the user's portable computing device. The interactive display accessory device is configured with the capability to accept user input, such as through a touch screen disposed within or proximate the holographic display field. This allows for a multiplicity of high-level programming and user input functions to be received by the interactive display accessory and provided to an attached computing device (e.g., a user's digital phone). The device includes a holographic viewing field, utilizing a reflective transparent surface, the screen of the accessory can be positioned above the viewing space of the electronic device to create the holographic effect. The holographic display system implemented by the accessory may include a protective casing screen, foil or transparent reflective surface such as a beam splitter, touch screen, and a projector. The projector may be comprised of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) screen, image projector or other type of image projection device. The interactive display accessory device is preferably designed with collapsible hinges, thereby permitting the holographic view-field to be compressed into a convenient, user-friendly size, and subsequently reopened.

Implementations of the accessory device are adaptable, with minor dimensional changes, and capable of being applied to a litany of devices: mobile phones, tablets, personal computers (PC), any computation device capable of sending an external video signal. Video signal can be sent via the standard electronic signal input port per device, Universal Serial Bus (USB), USB-C, Lightning connector, HDMI, and translated by the accessory into a holographic display.

The accessory device can be used to provide a comfortable viewing field for any current mobile phone, tablet, or PC function such as gaming, messaging, video conferencing, software development, viewing and developing web pages, social media interaction. The accessory includes a "floating" touch screen, held in place by a single base hinge, which provides users with touch control, which when sent back to the operating system of the attached device, allows for control of the holographically projected environment.

In certain embodiments, the accessory device includes an internal battery to power both the projection accessory and the electronic device to which the accessory device is connected. When the holographic display hinges are opened to their full viewing angles they also serve as an ideal position stand for mobile phones to improve both the normal screen viewing and holographic viewing experience when utilizing phone functions.

In one implementation a holographic display assembly of the accessory includes a holographic projection foil backed by a protective polymer sheet with a curvature at an upper axis point. In certain embodiments a high-index reflective coating can be added to the protective polymer to create a second holographic projection behind the initial holographic foil, thus adding more depth to the projected imagery. In another embodiment an antireflective layer can be added to remove all projected light and revert the system back to a single image projection. The angled foil and backing protective polymer are connected, via a second hinge, to the image projector, subsequently, the projector is connected on its opposite side to the casing unit itself.

When utilizing an LCD, OLED, or other display type projector, a horizontal polarizing glass may be placed above the screen to prevent the user from viewing the projection from its initial source, thus improving the overall experience of the hologram projection.

In certain embodiments the holographic projection is displayed using one or more magnification lenses or on multiple reflection screens at varying angles to display the projected light. Thus, creating a larger view field and changing or manipulating the projected images to create different viewing systems.

When the collapsed holographic space is opened from its collapsed position, the second hinge connecting the OLED or LCD projector panel to the holographic foil and protective casing the phone can be places in a horizontal setting for viewing, or vertical as a kick-stand function to improve viewing.

In one aspect the disclosure relates to a holographic display system for a portable electronic device. The display system includes a case configured to receive the portable electronic device and a projector coupled to the case by a first hinge element. The projector includes a projector screen for generating images. A reflective element is coupled to the projector by a second hinge element. The reflective element is oriented to reflect light from the images in order to create holographic images perceptible to a user of the portable electronic device The case may include a connector for receiving, from the portable electronic device, a video signal defining the images.

The holographic display system may further include a substantially transparent touch screen attached to the first hinge element. The substantially transparent touch screen may be movable between an extended state in optical alignment with the holographic images and a collapsed state substantially parallel to a surface of the projector screen. The projector screen may be movable between an extended state substantially perpendicular to a display screen of the portable electronic device and a collapsed state substantially parallel to a rear surface of the portable electronic device. The reflective element may be movable between an extended state at an acute angle to the projector screen and a collapsed state substantially parallel to the projector screen. The reflective element may be substantially transparent In one implementation the reflective element may include a holographic foil backed by a protective casing.

For a better understanding of the nature and objects of various embodiments of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

While various embodiments are described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Indeed, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the teachings herein. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the described systems and methods and their practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the described systems and methods and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Embodiments of the present system are discussed below with reference to <FIG>. Note that the illustrations in the figures are representative only, and are not drawn to scale, the emphasis having instead been placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention and its disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the detailed description provided herein regarding these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide a holographic display system including a protective case for a portable electronic device. A collapsible holographic projector assembly attached to the case may include a reflective or partially reflective screen for projecting virtual (e.g., free floating) images from an externally attached display screen or projector. The use of screens with varying degrees of reflection is to increase the degree of light reflected and thus increase the user's perceived brightness or strength of the perceived image. The reflective screen is also housed in a collapsible hinge system for compression and portability to improve the user experience and function. For added benefit, the holographic display system not only includes a case for providing a protective, ornamental, or textured covering for an electronic device, the holographic display capability of the system can also augment and improve the users viewing experience. The disclosed system also includes an internal, rechargeable battery capable of both powering the holographic display function while also serving as an extended battery for the attached electronic devices. The disclosed system is well suited for stationary powered electronic devices (desktop computers), and, more particularly, battery-powered, handheld, portable electronic devices such as laptops or tablet computers (PC, Mac, linux, Chromebook, etc.), portable media players, smart phones, tablet-smartphone hybrids, and portable game players.

<FIG> illustrate a holographic display system <NUM> for a portable electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a smartphone) in accordance with the disclosure. As is discussed herein, the holographic display system <NUM> includes a case body <NUM> for holding the electronic device <NUM> and a holographic display assembly <NUM>. The holographic display assembly <NUM> includes a collapsible hinge system for positioning an external video projector such as a display screen <NUM> relative to a reflective or partially reflective screen <NUM>. The case body <NUM> is designed and configured to fit and securely hold the portable electronic device <NUM>.

Attention is now directed specifically to <FIG>, which is a front perspective depiction of the holographic display system <NUM> attached to an electronic device <NUM>. In <FIG>, the holographic display assembly <NUM> is in a fully deployed and powered on state. During operation, a video signal is sent to the holographic display system <NUM> from the external plug-in port of the attached electronic device <NUM> via a USB, USB-C, Lightning, or other commonly used plug in cable that can both supply a transfer of power and send / receive information signals. In certain embodiments this cabling is adapted based upon the cable/plug interface characteristics of the device <NUM> to which the display system <NUM> is to be applied to at time of manufacturing. When collapsed, the holographic hinge system fits evenly into the back of the case device <NUM> for convenience and user-friendliness. The collapsible hinge system of the holographic display assembly <NUM> is attached to the case body <NUM> via an attached, raised hinge base <NUM>a that is structured onto the case material itself and subsequently connects via the display panel <NUM> to the second, floating hinge <NUM>a with a central division 113b on which the protective panel <NUM> and reflective screen <NUM> are attached for rotation.

As shown in <FIG>, in a fully deployed state the video projector in the form of display screen <NUM> is suspended at a <NUM>° angle from the attached hinge <NUM>a of the case <NUM>. When visual content <NUM> is displayed on the display screen <NUM> in response to the video signal from the electronic device <NUM>, light projected by the display screen <NUM> is reflected forward from the reflective or partially reflective screen <NUM> in such a way as to form a virtual image <NUM> (i.e., a hologram) corresponding to the content <NUM>. A user of the device <NUM> will perceive the virtual image <NUM> to be hovering or floating above the electronic device <NUM>. In one embodiment the virtual image <NUM> comprises a Pepper's Ghost hologram established by orienting the reflective screen <NUM> at approximately a <NUM>-degree angle relative to the display screen <NUM>. The screen <NUM> preferably is substantially transparent and thus not visible to a human observer.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an embodiment of the holographic display system <NUM> in which the holographic display assembly <NUM> is in a closed position, with a phone or other portable electronic device <NUM> inserted in the case body <NUM> of the display system. So as not to impede the use of any cameras and sensors of the device <NUM>, indentations in an external case housing <NUM> of the case body <NUM> are positioned to provide the cameras with enough space for their full viewable function. A cut out space <NUM> sufficiently large to allow space for any lens or sensor positions of the device <NUM> is also provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate the case housing <NUM> may be adapted to include indentations, cutouts and the like to accommodate the cameras and sensors of various types and models of portable electronic devices. The sides <NUM> of the case <NUM> may be designed and dimensioned for an even, seamless fit around the electronic device <NUM> by using a soft silicone or rubber texture to fit over the corner edges of the device <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the position V of a user of the device <NUM> relative to the reflective or partially reflective screen <NUM>. With the reflective screen <NUM> and the protective casing <NUM> held at a <NUM>° angle, the ideal viewing angle is between <NUM>° to <NUM>° when the holographic display assembly <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> are front facing the viewer. The reflective or partially reflective screen <NUM> can be glass, mesh, acrylic, fabric, gloss coated, or similar. Multiple layers can also be used (e.g., laminated). In some embodiments mirrored glass or metal sheeting can be used to implement the reflective or partially reflective screen <NUM>. In one embodiment the screen <NUM> is implemented using a beam splitter comprised of a variety of optically transparent materials such as, for example, plastic, polymer, acrylic resin, or other acrylic materials (such as polyamide acrylics, polymathy methacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, methyl methacrylate styrene, styrene acrylonitrile. acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), or other compounds within the similar sub-groups. In certain embodiments, the screen <NUM> includes an acrylic polymer such as one sold under the trademark PLEXIGLASS or LEXAN. The refractive index of the reflective polymer is preferably above <NUM>. In some embodiments, high refractive index polymer coatings or gloss coatings may be added to increase light refraction or increase the strength of light projected into the field of view. In some embodiments, the optically transparent material can be adapted and or coated with a variety of optical coatings.

<FIG> illustrate a series of bottom views of the holographic display system <NUM> in which the holographic display assembly <NUM> is transitioned from a fully collapsed state to partially and fully deployed states. As shown, <FIG> and <FIG> depict the holographic display system <NUM> with the holographic display assembly <NUM> is in a fully collapsed state.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, in order to open the collapsed holographic viewing space the connected base hinge <NUM>a rotates to a <NUM>° angle from the case <NUM>. In so doing the second hinge <NUM>a is set in its floating position, connected by a small extension piece <NUM> extended from its sliding cover <NUM> which is fixed to the bottom of the display panel <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG> the floating hinge <NUM>a is subsequently rotated to adjust the protective screen <NUM> and the reflective screen <NUM> to set the reflective screen at a <NUM>° angle to the display screen <NUM>. Preferably the floating hinge <NUM>a contains a stop position that allow the reflective screen to be pivoted only between a <NUM>° and <NUM>° angle relative to the display screen <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, after the reflective screen <NUM> is opened to its <NUM>° angled position, a glass or similar touch screen (e.g., a capacitance touch screen) <NUM> which is attached to a central division 112b of the base hinge <NUM>a, is rotated into its opened position at an angle of <NUM>° relative to the display screen <NUM>. The touch screen <NUM> is optional and other embodiments may not include a touch screen. In embodiments when no touch screen is used, the holographic reflective screen <NUM> may reach its optimal viewing angle via a supporting spring loaded hinge, or it may be set manually into its <NUM>° locked position. Alternatively, other embodiments may include "glassless" touch screens, such as a glassless touch field implemented using an infra-red (IR) source.

After the touch screen <NUM> is rotated to its opened position, the floating hinge 113a and its connected extension piece <NUM> is compressed inward to fit inside the sliding cover <NUM> fixed under the bottom of the display screen <NUM>. The sliding motion is secured using braces on the sides of the display screen <NUM> to secure the position of all angles in place. A curvature <NUM> at the upper portion of the protective screen <NUM> with a joining point of the reflective screen <NUM> with the protective screen <NUM> creates a clasping point for the touch screen <NUM> thus locking all necessary angled planes into position. When the display is no longer desired for use, all planes within the holographic system <NUM> can be compressed in the reverse order as the screens opening motions to return to its collapsed state behind the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a top view of the holographic display system of <FIG> with the holographic display assembly in a fully opened state. In certain embodiments, a black screen or darkened background is placed behind the hologram apparatus to increase the visibility of the optical reflection, thus improving the hologram. In such embodiments a darkened background panel (not shown) may be attached to the floating hinge <NUM>a and positioned behind the reflective screen <NUM>. That is, such a background panel could be rotated by hinge <NUM>a to, for example, an angle of approximately <NUM>° relative to the display screen <NUM> (approximately <NUM>° relative to the reflective screen <NUM> when deployed).

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary set of components included within an embodiment of a holographic display system <NUM> for a portable electronic device <NUM> in accordance with the disclosure. As shown, the holographic display system <NUM> includes a holographic display assembly <NUM> including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display <NUM> and a touch screen <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> the reflective surface and collapsible hinge arrangement of the holographic display assembly <NUM> are not electronic components and are thus not shown. A hub and display driver element <NUM> conventionally drives the OLED display <NUM> in accordance with an image or video signal provided by the portable electronic device <NUM>. In alternate embodiments the holographic display system <NUM> may include a memory (not shown) for caching image or video data provided to the OLDED display <NUM>. The hub and display driver element <NUM> also receives touch-related data from a touch controller <NUM> operably connected to the touch screen <NUM>. In some embodiments the hub and display driver element <NUM> may provide this touch-related data to the portable electronic device <NUM> which may be configured to, for example, adjust or modify the image or video signal which it provides to the hub and display driver element <NUM>. In other embodiments the hub and display driver element <NUM> may be configured to otherwise alter the image produced by the OLED display <NUM> in response to the touch-related information by, for example, providing an overlay image of video signal to the OLED display <NUM>. In one embodiment the holographic display system <NUM> further includes an external battery <NUM> for providing power to its electronic components.

<FIG> illustrate exemplary deployment and use of an embodiment of a holographic display system <NUM> of the present disclosure in conjunction with a portable electronic device <NUM>. As shown, the portable electronic device <NUM> may be inserted into a flexible case <NUM> of the display system <NUM> by sliding a bottom end <NUM> of the portable electronic device along a longitudinal direction L until it is seated in a lower lip <NUM> of the case <NUM>. In one embodiment holographic images produced by the display system <NUM> may occupy a holographic viewing area <NUM> having two-dimensional cross section of an area comparable to an area of a display screen <NUM> of the portable electronic device <NUM>. In <FIG>, an outline of a holographic viewing area <NUM> is depicted to show the useable hologram screen space relative display screen <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates that the viewing area <NUM> may be utilized together with the display screen <NUM> to present images and/or selectable user interface elements (e.g., app icons). For example, images rendered by the display screen <NUM> may be extended into the viewing area <NUM> (so that such images are rendered cooperatively through the display screen <NUM> and viewing area <NUM>). Alternatively, the display screen <NUM> may display certain images while other holographic images may be separately and independently rendered through the viewing area <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary prototype embodiment of a holographic display system <NUM> for use with a portable electronic device <NUM> in accordance with the disclosure. The display system includes a case <NUM> collapsible holographic display assembly <NUM> having a display screen <NUM>, a reflector <NUM> and a substantially transparent touch screen <NUM>. The case <NUM> securely retains the portable electronic device <NUM> and is coupled to the collapsible holographic display assembly <NUM> by one or more hinges of the type described herein. <FIG> provides a front view of the holographic display system <NUM> and portable electronic device <NUM> with the holographic display assembly <NUM> configured in an open, i.e., non-collapsed, state. <FIG> is a front view of the holographic display system <NUM> and portable electronic device <NUM> with the holographic display assembly <NUM> configured in a collapsed, closed state. <FIG> illustrates an isometric view of the holographic display system <NUM> and portable electronic device <NUM> with the holographic display assembly <NUM> configured in an open, i.e., non-collapsed, state. <FIG> illustrates an isometric view of the holographic display system <NUM> and portable electronic device <NUM> with the holographic display assembly <NUM> configured in a collapsed, closed state.

Attention is directed to <FIG>, which is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for deploying a holographic display assembly in accordance with an embodiment. The procedure includes providing a holographic display system including a holographic display assembly having a projector screen coupled to a case by a first hinge element, a reflective element coupled to the projector by a second hinge element, and a transparent touch screen hinged to the case (stage <NUM>). The first hinge element is rotated to position the projector screen at a first predefined angle relative to a surface of the case (stage <NUM>). The procedure includes rotating the second hinge element to set the reflective element at a second predefined angle relative to the projector screen (stage <NUM>). A transparent touch screen hinged to the case is rotated to a third predefined angle relative to the projector screen (stage <NUM>). The procedure further includes sliding a floating hinge and an extension piece of the second hinge element into a sliding cover disposed under a bottom of the projector screen (stage <NUM>).

Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. Although various modules in the different devices are shown to be located in the processors of the device, they can also be located /stored in the memory of the device (e.g., software modules) and can be accessed and executed by the processors. Accordingly, the specification is intended to embrace all such modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed systems and methods. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the systems and methods described herein. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the described systems and methods are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the described systems and methods and their practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the described systems and methods and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the systems and methods described herein.

The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as software that is executable on one or more processors that employ any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms. Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and/or programming or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as executable machine language code or intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine.

Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code or micro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by a compiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containing higher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented using imperative programming languages (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), functional programming languages (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), logical programming languages (e.g., Prolog), object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, etc.) or other suitable programming languages and/or development tools. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a computer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs, optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other non-transitory medium or tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement the various embodiments of the invention discussed above. The computer readable medium or media can be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded into one or more different computers or other processors to implement various aspects of the present invention as discussed above.

The terms "program" or "software" are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects of embodiments as discussed above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present invention need not reside on a single computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present invention.

Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

Claim 1:
A holographic display system for a portable electronic device (<NUM>), the display system (<NUM>) comprising:
a case (<NUM>) configured to receive the portable electronic device (<NUM>);
a projector coupled to the case (<NUM>) by a first hinge element (112a), the projector including a projector screen (<NUM>) for generating images; and
a reflective element (<NUM>) coupled to the projector by a second hinge element (113a), the reflective element (<NUM>) being oriented to reflect light from the images in order to create holographic images perceptible to a user of the portable electronic device (<NUM>).