PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8890771-B2
Application Number: US-68341510-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Transparent electronic device

Abstract:
A method and system for displaying images on a transparent display of an electronic device. The display may include one or more display screens as well as a flexible circuit for connecting the display screens with internal circuitry of the electronic device. Furthermore, the display screens may allow for overlaying of images over real world viewable objects, as well as a visible window to be present on an otherwise opaque display screen. Additionally, the display may include active and passive display screens that may be utilized based on images to be displayed.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a display comprising at least two transparent display screens disposed within the housing; and 
 a processor disposed within the housing and configured to transmit signals representative of image data to a first transparent display screen of the at least two transparent display screens, wherein the electronic device includes a non-transparent portion that circumscribes the at least two transparent display screens, wherein the processor is disposed behind the non-transparent portion, wherein one of the at least two transparent display screens is a touch screen display, wherein the processor is configured to transmit signals representative of image data of a resolution below a threshold to a first transparent display screen of the at least two transparent display screens and transmit signals representative of image data of a resolution above the threshold to a second transparent display screen of the at least two transparent display screens, and wherein the threshold is stored in the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the non-transparent portion comprises a non-transparent frame of the housing. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device has first and second opposite sides, wherein a physical object on the second side of the electronic device is able to be viewed on the first side of the electronic device through the at least two transparent display screens and wherein the first transparent display screen is configured to display image data such that the image data at least partially overlays the physical object. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device includes at least one of a tablet computing device or a mobile phone. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second transparent display screens are aligned in a back-to-back arrangement in the electronic device. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein the first and second transparent display screens comprise at least one active display screen and at least one passive display screen. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two transparent display screens comprises a second transparent display screen disposed over the first transparent display screen, comprising:
 a flexible circuit provided around at least one edge of the first and second transparent display screens, wherein the flexible circuit couples the first and second transparent display screens with the processor; and 
 a structural bezel that wraps around the flexible circuit and the first and second transparent display screens, wherein the bezel comprises a flange portion that covers an exposed face of each of the first and second display screens. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , comprising a power source, wherein the flexible circuit couples the power source to the processor and the first and second transparent display screens. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the power source includes at least one battery disposed at least within one side of the bezel opposite the processor. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the first transparent display screen includes a liquid crystal display panel configured to selectively render the electronic device transparent. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first transparent display screen comprises a passive display screen comprising at least one row or column of pixels configured to be activated and supplied data as a group, wherein the second transparent display comprises an active display screen comprising an array of pixels, wherein each pixel in the array of pixels is configured to be individually activated and supplied data, wherein the second transparent display screen is a backlight for the first transparent display screen. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , comprising a third transparent display screen comprising an active display screen. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein an enclosure encloses the first and third transparent display screens with the second transparent display screen therebetween. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , comprising a motion sensing device configured to generate a signal indicative of the orientation of the electronic device, wherein the processor is configured to transmit signals representative of image data to the first, second, and third transparent display screens based on the signal generated by the motion sensing device. 
     
     
       15. An electronic device comprising:
 a handheld housing; 
 a display comprising at least two display screens disposed within the handheld housing; and 
 a processor disposed within the handheld housing and configured to transmit signals representative of image data to a first display screen of the at least two display screens, wherein the electronic device includes a non-transparent portion that circumscribes the at least two display screens, wherein the processor is disposed behind the non-transparent portion and is configured such that a moveable transparent window surrounded by an opaque region is generated on the first display screen, wherein the electronic device has first and second opposite sides, wherein a physical object on the second side of the electronic device is able to be viewed from the first side of the electronic device through the moveable transparent window and through the at least two display screens, and wherein one of the at least two display screens has a touch sensitive mechanism. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  15 , wherein the non-transparent portion comprises a non-transparent frame of the handheld housing. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  16 , wherein the electronic device includes at least one of a tablet computing device or a mobile phone. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  17 , wherein the display comprises a second display screen of the at least two display screens, wherein the first and second display screens are aligned in a back-to-back arrangement in an electronic device, and wherein the second display is transparent. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  18 , wherein the first display screen is disposed over the second display screen, comprising:
 a flexible circuit provided around at least one edge of the first and second display screens, wherein the flexible circuit couples the first and second display screens with the processor; and 
 a structural bezel that wraps around the flexible circuit and the first and second display screens, wherein the bezel comprises a flange portion that covers an exposed face of each of the first and second display screens. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  19 , wherein the flexible circuit couples a power source to the processor and the first and second display screens. 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 15  wherein the transparent window is moveable with respect to a periphery of the first display screen and wherein the processor is configured to control a position of the transparent window with respect to the periphery of the first display screen based on touch input from a user. 
     
     
       22. The electronic device defined in  claim 21  wherein the first display screen of the at least two display screens and a second display screen of the at least two display screens each comprise an array of display pixels and wherein a subset of the array of display pixels of the first display screen are transmissive to form the transparent window.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device with a transparent display. 
     This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. 
     Electronic devices increasingly include display screens as part of the user interface of the device. As may be appreciated, display screens may be employed in a wide array of devices, including desktop computer systems, notebook computers, and handheld computing devices, as well as various consumer products, such as cellular phones and portable media players. As these devices have become more popular, there has been an increase in demand for the type and amount of functionality that displays in these devices supply. Thus, there is a need for displays that may provide increased functionality to a user. 
     SUMMARY 
     A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below. 
     The present disclosure generally relates to an electronic device that includes a display screen having a viewing area with a transparent portion enabling a user to view objects behind the electronic device by looking at the display screen. The electronic device may further include one or more electronic components, including a power source, processor, and circuitry for transmitting signals representative of image data to the display. In certain embodiments, the transparent portion may encompass the entire viewing area, or only a portion of the viewing area of the display. 
     The electronic device may also include a housing or enclosure that has an opaque frame which surrounds the display. The electronic components may be arranged behind the opaque frame, such that the electronic components are not visible by a user viewing the display. The electronic device may also or instead include a black mask disposed on a portion of the device, and the electronic components may be arranged behind the black mask. Thus, a user located on one side of the electronic device may see through the electronic device to view physical objects on the other side. In additional embodiments, the electronic device may include two or more of such display screens (each having respective viewing areas with transparent portions) arranged in an overlaid or back-to-back manner. 
     Furthermore, in additional embodiments, the electronic device may include two or more of such display screens whereby one display screen includes an opaque region, but also provides a movable transparent window. In another embodiment, the device may include one or more active and/or one or more passive display screens that may be utilized based on the resolution of an image to be displayed as well as the sensed rotation of the device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative configuration of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the display and other components of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a second perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the display of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a third perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a fourth perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a fifth perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a sixth perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a seventh perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an eighth perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a second flow diagram illustrating the operation of the display of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a ninth perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 15  is a tenth perspective view illustrating the display of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The application is generally directed to a method and system for displaying images on an electronic device and, in some embodiments, on a transparent electronic device. In certain embodiments, the transparent portion may encompass the entire viewing area, or only a portion of the viewing area of a device. The electronic device may also include a housing or enclosure that has an opaque frame which surrounds the display and electronic components may be arranged behind the opaque frame on, for example, one or more flexible circuits, such that the electronic components are not visible by a user viewing the display. Electronic components may also or instead be arranged behind a black mask of the display. 
     In additional embodiments, the electronic device may include two or more of such display screens (each having respective viewing areas with transparent portions) arranged in an overlaid or back-to-back manner. Furthermore, in additional embodiments, the electronic device may include two or more of such display screens whereby one display screen is partially opaque, but displays a movable transparent window thereon. The moveable window may, in one embodiment, be moved based on user input in the form of touching of a touch screen. 
     In another embodiment, the device may include one or more active and/or one or more passive display screens. These screens may be utilized based on a comparison of the resolution of an image to be displayed with a threshold level. Furthermore, the utilization of the display screens may be based on sensed rotation of the device. 
     An electronic device  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, including the presently illustrated embodiment, the device  10  may be a portable electronic device, such as a tablet computer. Other electronic devices may also include a viewable media player, a cellular phone, a personal data organizer, another computer, or the like. Indeed, in such embodiments, a portable electronic device may include a combination of the functionalities of such devices. In addition, the electronic device  10  may allow a user to connect to and communicate through the Internet or through other networks, such as local or wide area networks. For example, the portable electronic device  10  may allow a user to access the Internet and to communicate using e-mail, text messaging, or other forms of electronic communication. By way of example, the electronic device  10  may be a model of a MacBook®, MacBook® Pro, MacBook Air®, iMac®, Mac Pro®, iPhone®, or iPod® available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. In other embodiments, the electronic device  10  may include other models and/or types of electronic devices employing a display, available from any manufacturer. Further, the electronic device  10  may include handheld devices (e.g., tablet computers and portable media players), other portable devices (e.g., notebook computers), or generally stationary devices (e.g., desktop computers and monitors). 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic device  10  may be powered by one or more rechargeable and/or replaceable batteries. Such embodiments may be highly portable, allowing a user to carry the electronic device  10  while traveling, working, and so forth. While certain embodiments of the present invention are described with respect to a portable electronic device, it should be noted that the presently disclosed techniques may be applicable to a wide array of other electronic devices and systems that are configured to render graphical data, such as a desktop computer. 
     In the presently illustrated embodiment, the electronic device  10  includes an enclosure or housing  12 , a display  14 , input structures  16 , and input/output (I/O) ports or connectors  18 . The enclosure  12  may be formed from plastic, metal, composite materials, or other suitable materials, or any combination thereof. The enclosure  12  may be, for example, a handheld housing for a handheld device. The enclosure  12  may protect the interior components of the electronic device  10 , such as processors, circuitry, and controllers, among others, from physical damage, and may also shield the interior components from electromagnetic interference (EMI). In one embodiment, the enclosure  12  may include one or more bezels that may support multiple display screens. The enclosure  12  may be formed in such a way as to provide a support structure for the remaining elements illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, some or all of the enclosure may be made of transparent or translucent material to allow a user to see through the electronic device  10 . 
     As noted above, the device may include a display  14 . The display  14  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), which may be a light emitting diode (LED) based display or some other suitable display. For example, the LCD may be an organic light emitting diode display (OLED display). Furthermore, as will be further discussed below, the display  14  may include multiple display screens positioned in an overlaid manner such that images displayed on each of the display screens may be concurrently visible on the display  14 . In other embodiments, however, the display  14  may include a single display screen. Additionally, the display  14  may be a touch screen display that allows a user to navigate a displayed user interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), and/or other applications running on the electronic device  10  through, for example, contact with the display  14 . For example, a user may make selections and move a cursor by simply touching the display  14  via a finger or stylus, which may be interpreted by the device  10  to perform an action based on the touch event. 
     The display  14  may be used to display one or more images, for example, through the use of a liquid crystal substance typically disposed between two substrates (in the case of an LCD) or organic layers that operate to emit light (in the case of an OLED display). Furthermore, it should be noted that the display  14  may be transparent. That is, light may pass through the display  14  such that actual images behind the electronic device  10  may be seen through the display  14 . In one embodiment, actual objects may be seen through the display  14  and graphical overlays may be viewed on the display  14 . In other words, both real-world objects and graphical images rendered by electronic device  10  may be visible on the display  14  simultaneously. In one embodiment, the entire surface area of the display  14  may be transparent, allowing a user to view real-world objects through the display  14 . In another embodiment, one or more portions of the display  14  may be transparent, while the remainder of the display  14  may be opaque. In another embodiment, the electronic device  10  may be virtually transparent. That is, the electronic device  10  may include one or more cameras  19  for capturing an image behind the electronic device  10  as well as internal components that may be utilized to generate a graphical representation of the image behind the electronic device  10  on the display  14 . 
     As noted above, the electronic device  10  may also include input structures  16 . In one embodiment, one or more of the input structures  16  are configured to control the device  10 , such as by controlling a mode of operation, an output level, an output type, etc. For instance, the input structures  16  may include a button to turn the device  10  on or off. Further the input structures  16  may allow a user increase or decrease the brightness of the display  14 . Embodiments of the portable electronic device  10  may include any number of input structures  16 , including buttons, switches, rocker arms, or any other suitable input structures that may be used to interact with electronic device  10 . These input structures  16  may operate to control functions of the electronic device  10  and/or any interfaces or devices connected to or used by the electronic device  10 . 
     The device  10  may also include various I/O ports  18  to allow connection of additional devices. For example, the device  10  may include any number of input and/or output ports  18 , such as headphone and headset jacks, universal serial bus (USB) ports, IEEE-1394 ports, Ethernet and modem ports, and AC and/or DC power connectors. Further, the electronic device  10  may use the I/O ports  18  to connect to and send or receive data with any other device, such as a modem, networked computers, printers, displays, or the like. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic device  10  may connect to an iPod® via a USB connection to send and receive data files, such as media files. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the display  14  in the electronic device  10  may be centrally aligned. That is, the display  14  may be positioned such that the enclosure  12  surrounds the display  14  equally on all sides. Alternatively, the display  14  may be offset with respect to the enclosure  12 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of the electronic device whereby the display  14  is more closely aligned with the top portion  20  of the enclosure  12  than the bottom portion  22  of the enclosure  12 . This may allow for a bottom portion  22  of the enclosure  12  that is at least approximately two, four, six, eight, ten times or more as wide as the top portion  20 . The extra width may allow for a larger contiguous area in which internal components of the device  10  (such as batteries) may be located without impacting the size and transparency of the display  14 . 
     The internal components of electronic device  10  may be used to provide various functionalities for the electronic device  10 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram illustrating various components that may be utilized in conjunction with the electronic device  10 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various functional blocks shown in  FIG. 3  may include hardware elements (including circuitry), software elements (including computer code stored on a machine-readable medium) or a combination of both hardware and software elements. It should further be noted that  FIG. 3  is merely one example of a particular implementation, other examples could include components used in Apple Inc. products such as an iPod®, MacBook®, MacBook® Pro, MacBook Air®, iMac®, or Mac Pro®, iPhone®, or another electronic device  10  utilizing a display  14 . 
     In the presently illustrated embodiment of the electronic device  10 , the components may include the display  14 , input structures  16 , I/O ports  18 , one or more cameras  19 , a motion sensing device  23 , one or more processors  24 , sensor(s)  25 , a memory device  26 , non-volatile storage  28 , expansion card(s)  30 , a networking device  32 , and a power source  34 . With regard to each of these components, it is first noted that the display  14  may be used to display various images generated by the device  10  and may be provided in conjunction with a touch-sensitive element, such as a touch screen, that may be used as part of the control interface for the device  10 . 
     Thus, user interaction with the display  14 , such as to interact with a user or application interface displayed on the display  14 , may generate electrical signals indicative of user input. These input signals may be routed via suitable pathways, such as an input hub or bus, to the processor(s)  24  for further processing. That is, the display  14  may operate as a touch screen, in which a touch sensitive mechanism is provided in conjunction with the display  14 . In such embodiments, the user may select or interact with displayed interface elements via the touch sensitive mechanism. In this way, the displayed interface may provide interactive functionality, allowing a user to navigate the displayed interface by touching the display  14 . 
     The electronic device may also include input structures  16 , which may include the various devices, circuitry, and pathways by which user input or feedback is provided to the processor(s)  24 . Such input structures  16  may be configured to control a function of the electronic device  10 , applications running on the device  10 , and/or any interfaces or devices connected to or used by the device  10 . For example, the input structures  16  may allow a user to activate or deactivate the electronic device  10  and/or adjust the brightness of the display  14 . Non-limiting examples of the input structures  16  include buttons, sliders, switches, control pads, keys, knobs, scroll wheels, keyboards, mice, touchpads, and so forth. 
     As noted above, the I/O ports  18  may include ports configured to connect to a variety of external devices, such as a power source, headset or headphones, or other electronic devices (such as handheld devices and/or computers, printers, projectors, external displays, modems, docking stations, and so forth). The I/O ports  18  may support any interface type, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, a video port, a serial connection port, an IEEE-1394 port, an Ethernet or modem port, and/or an AC/DC power connection port. 
     The electronic device  10  may include one or more cameras  19 . In one embodiment, the electronic device may include a front facing camera  19 . This front facing camera  19  may be utilized to facilitate a video conferencing, video calls, or other applications in which it may be beneficial to capture images of the user. Additionally and/or alternatively, the electronic device  10  may include one or more rear facing cameras  19 . The rear facing cameras  19  may be utilized to capture images for viewing on the display  14 . In one embodiment, through the use of two rear facing cameras  19 , images of a viewable real-world object may be captured and rendered on the display  14  in a three dimensional manner. 
     Motion sensing device  23  may be any device configured to measure motion or acceleration experienced by device  10 , such as an accelerometer or a gyroscope. In one embodiment, motion sensing device  23  may be a three-axis accelerometer that includes a sensing element and an integrated circuit interface for providing the measured acceleration and/or motion data to processor(s)  24 . Motion sensing device  23  may be configured to sense and measure various types of motion including, but not limited to, velocity, acceleration, rotation, and direction, any or all of which may be used as a basis for altering the manner in which the display  14  outputs images. Additionally, in other embodiments, the electronic device  10  may include various sensors such as proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, capacitive touch sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and/or other sensors that may facilitate operation of the device  10 , interaction between the device  10  and a user, or the like. 
     The processor(s)  24  may provide the processing capability to execute the operating system, programs, user and application interfaces, and any other functions of the electronic device  10 . The processor(s)  24  may include one or more microprocessors, such as one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors and/or application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination of such processing components. For example, the processor(s)  24  may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors, as well as graphics processors, video processors, audio processors, and the like. As will be appreciated, the processor(s)  24  may be communicatively coupled to one or more data buses or chipsets for transferring data and instructions between various components of the electronic device  10 . 
     Programs or instructions executed by the processor(s)  24  may be stored in any suitable manufacture that includes one or more tangible, computer-readable media at least collectively storing the executed instructions or routines, such as, but not limited to, the memory devices and storage devices described below. Also, these programs (e.g., an operating system) encoded on such a computer program product may also include instructions that may be executed by the processor(s)  24  to enable the device  10  to provide various functionalities, including those described herein. 
     The instructions or data to be processed by the processor(s)  24  may be stored in a computer-readable medium, such as memory  26 . The memory  26  may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory  26  may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory  26  may store firmware for the electronic device  10  (such as basic input/output system (BIOS)), an operating system, and various other programs, applications, or routines that may be executed on the electronic device  10 . In addition, the memory  26  may be used for buffering or caching during operation of the electronic device  10 . 
     The components of device  10  may further include other forms of computer-readable media, such as non-volatile storage  28  for persistent storage of data and/or instructions. The non-volatile storage  28  may include, for example, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other optical, magnetic, and/or solid-state storage media. The non-volatile storage  28  may also be used to store firmware, data files, software programs, wireless connection information, and any other suitable data. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  may also include one or more card or expansion slots. The card slots may be configured to receive one or more expansion cards  30  that may be used to add functionality, such as additional memory, I/O functionality, or networking capability, to electronic device  10 . Such expansion cards  30  may connect to device  10  through any type of suitable connector, and may be accessed internally or external to the housing of electronic device  10 . For example, in one embodiment, the expansion cards  30  may include a flash memory card, such as a SecureDigital (SD) card, mini- or microSD, CompactFlash card, Multimedia card (MMC), or the like. Additionally, the expansion cards  30  may include one or more processor(s)  24  of the device  10 , such as a video graphics card having a GPU for facilitating graphical rendering by device  10 . 
     The components depicted in  FIG. 3  also include a network device  32 , such as a network controller or a network interface card (NIC), internal to the device  10 . In one embodiment, the network device  32  may be a wireless NIC providing wireless connectivity over any 802.11 standard or any other suitable wireless networking standard. The network device  32  may allow electronic device  10  to communicate over a network, such as a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet. Further, electronic device  10  may connect to and send or receive data with any device on the network, such as portable electronic devices, personal computers, printers, and so forth via the network device  32 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, electronic device  10  may not include an internal network device  32 . In such an embodiment, an NIC may be added as an expansion card  30  to provide similar networking capability as described above. 
     Further, the device  10  may also include a power source  34 . In one embodiment, the power source  34  may be one or more batteries, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery or other type of suitable battery. The battery may be user-removable or may be secured within the housing of the electronic device  10 , and may be rechargeable. Additionally, the power source  34  may include AC power, such as provided by an electrical outlet, and the electronic device  10  may be connected to the power source  34  via a power adapter. This power adapter may also be used to recharge one or more batteries of the device  10 . In another embodiment, the power source  34  may include an inductively or wirelessly charged power source. 
     In one embodiment, the processor(s)  24 , memory  26 , storage  28 , network device  32 , and/or the power source  34  may, for example, be physically located around the display  14  and/or inside of the enclosure  12 . For example, the power source  34  may include batteries coupled in parallel and stored in the bottom portion  22  of the electronic device  10 . Alternatively, the power source  34  may include batteries connected in parallel and sized to surround the display  14  in the enclosure. Furthermore, it is envisioned that components of the device  10 , such as the processor(s)  24 , memory  26 , storage  28 , and/or network device  32  may be mounted via one or more flexible circuits (or flex boards) for surrounding the display  14 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the display  14  that includes a flexible circuit  36  thereon. The flexible circuit  36  may be mounted directly onto the display  14 . The flexible circuit  36  may include a plastic substrate, such as a polyimide material, that is malleable, allowing for the flexible circuit  36  to be positioned on one or more edges  38  and  40  of the display  14 . As illustrated, the flexible circuit  36  may be positioned along both the top edge  38  and the side edge  40  of the display  14 . Moreover, each of the processor(s)  24 , memory  26 , and storage  28  may be positioned on the flexible circuit  36 . The processor(s)  24 , memory  26 , and storage  28  may be electrically coupled via the flexible circuit  36  and, furthermore, the processor(s)  24  may be, for example, also electrically coupled to the display  14 . Additionally, the power source  34  (in the form of parallel connected batteries) may by electrically and physically coupled to the flexible circuit  36  (as well as to the illustrated processor(s)  24 , memory  26 , and storage  28 ), as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this manner, the internal components of the electronic device  10  may be provided around the display  14  so as to minimize overall surface area utilized by the device  10 . It should also be noted that the flexible circuit may alternatively or additionally be physically coupled to the enclosure  12 , while electrically coupled to the display  14 . 
     In another embodiment, the flexible circuit  36  may be sequentially stacked. For example, the flexible circuit  36  may be of a uniform size in the x-direction  42  as well as in the y-direction  44 . Moreover, in one embodiment, multiple flexible circuits  36  may be utilized when multiple display screens are overlaid in the z-direction  46 . This may be accomplished by affixing a single (or multiple) flexible circuits  36  to each of a group of overlaid display screens in the display  14 . Thus, in one embodiment, each of the flexible circuits  36  affixed to a given display screen may be of an equal width of the display screen to which the flexible circuit  36  is affixed. Additionally, a single flexible circuit  36  may be affixed to the multiple display screens such that the single flexible circuit  36  may be approximately equivalent to the combined width of the multiple display screens. Furthermore, each of these display screens may be enclosed by the enclosure  12 , for example, by a bezel that encloses each of the multiple display screens, with, for example, a flange that covers the outer exposed faces of the display screens. Techniques utilizing multiple display screens in conjunction with the electronic device  10  are discussed below. Although some of the following examples include two display screens within the electronic device  10 , it is noted that other embodiments may include only a single display screen or may include more than two display screens. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a display  14  that includes two display screens  48  and  50 . It should be noted that  FIG. 5  (as well as some subsequent figures) shows an exploded perspective view of the display  14  without the enclosure  12 , or other elements of the electronic device  10 , for the sake of explanation. Furthermore, the display screens  48  and  50  may contact one another in the device  10  or may be spaced apart at one or more various distances. In one embodiment, each of the display screens  48  and  50  may both be OLED type display screens. In other embodiments, one display screen  48  may be, for example, an LCD type display screen while the other display screen  50  may be, for example, an OLED type display screen. However, regardless of the type of screen which display screens  48  and  50  include, both display screen  48  and display screen  50  may be transparent in one embodiment. 
     Furthermore, each of display screens  48  and  50  may be sized such that the display screens  48  and  50  overlap one another. It is envisioned that each of the display screens  48  and  50  may receive signals from the processor(s)  24  for generation of at least one image thereon. Moreover, it is envisioned that each of the display screens  48  and  50  may generate differing images simultaneously. In one embodiment, each of the display screens  48  and  50  may generate images that when viewed together by a user, will appear to generate a three dimensional image on the display. 
     Additionally, each of the display screens  48  and  50  may generate images that may be viewed together by a user, such that the images will appear to be overlaid. That is, an image generated on display screen  48 , for example, may appear to the user to be in front of an image generated on the display screen  50 . For example, a cursor or other interface indicator  52  may be generated on display screen  48  while a series of images in the form of a video is generated on display screen  50 . In this manner, a user may be able to view an interface indicator  52  while simultaneously viewing a video. In one embodiment, an image may be generated by the processor(s)  24  for display on display screen  48  and display screen  50  such that the processor(s)  24  may generate the image for display on display screen  48  while simultaneously generating an inverse of the image for display on the display screen  50 . In this manner, user on opposite sides of the electronic device  10  may view an image in the same orientation. 
     Moreover, by utilizing a touch screen in conjunction with the display screens  48  and  50 , a user may be able to interface with the electronic device  10  by touching portions of the display  14 , which may correspondingly move the location of the interface indicator  52  generated on display screen  48 . Indeed, the generation of this indicator  52  on a display screen  48  may be useful for interfacing with the electronic device  10  in other manners as well. Other overlays in addition to or instead of the interface indicator  52  may be generated on the display screen  48 . For example, overlays that include icons, text, graphics, or other generated images may be generated on the display screen  48 . 
     These overlays whether in handheld or other electronic devices  10 , may provide an “augmented reality” interface in which the overlays virtually interact with real-world objects. For example, the overlays may be transmitted onto a display screen that overlays a museum exhibit, such as a painting. The overlay may include information relating to the painting that may be useful or interesting to viewers of the exhibit. Additionally, overlays may be utilized on displays in front of, for example, landmarks, historic sites, or other scenic locations. The overlays may again provide information relating to real-world objects as they are being viewed by a user. These overlays may additionally be utilized on, for example, vehicles utilized by tourists. For example, a tour bus may include one or more displays as windows for users. These displays may present overlays that impart information about locations viewable from the bus. Various additional augmented reality applications that may be provided via electronic device  10  are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/652,725, filed Jan. 5, 2010, and entitled “SYNCHRONIZED, INTERACTIVE AUGMENTED REALITY DISPLAYS FOR MULTIFUNCTION DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIGS. 6-8 , illustrate a technique for utilization of multiple display screens  48  and  50  in conjunction with an embodiment.  FIG. 6  illustrates a flow chart  54  detailing a viewing program or routine that allows a user to view both images and real world events simultaneously via the display  14  in conjunction with one embodiment. As shown in step  56  of flow chart  54 , a viewing program or routine may be selected. This program may be an executable program stored in, for example, memory  26  and accessible by processor(s)  24 . The viewing program may allow for a portion of the display  14 , such as display screen  50 , to be selectively transparent while the remainder of the area of the display screen  50  is opaque, as generally depicted in  FIG. 7 . For example, display screen  50  may include an in-plane switching LCD screen in which pixels of the screen default to an “off” state that inhibits light transmission through the screen  50 . This may be accomplished by driving a voltage to zero (i.e., providing no voltage) to the pixels in an “off” state (i.e., the pixels in an opaque region). Furthermore, voltage could then be applied to pixels of the display screen  50  to enable light transmission through such pixels (when desired), allowing a user to view real-world objects through the activated pixels of display screen  50 , thus generating a window in the opaque region. 
     In other embodiments, the display screen  50  may include an LCD having pixels that default to an “on” state allowing light transmission and which can be activated to render some or all of the pixels opaque. In still another embodiment, each of display screens  48  and  50  may include an OLED display. In this embodiment, the display screen  50  may selectively deactivate pixels to form a window  70  ( FIG. 7 ), and display screen  48  may output information over any image generated by the display screen  50 , over any real-world object viewable by a user through the window  70 , or both. Moreover, display screen  48  may be generally transparent, and may be used to overlay the interface indicator  52  or other graphical elements (e.g., text or icons) over the output of display screen  50 . 
     In step  58 , a user may move the interface indicator  52  over a desired region of overlaid display screens  48  and  50  by, for example, dragging a finger across the display  14  to a desired area. This movement will be registered as one or more input signals in step  58  such that the processor(s)  24  may cause the interface indicator  52  to update the location of the interface indicator  52  to a new location on imaging display  48  corresponding to the position of the touch by the user. Additionally, an input, such as a tap or a double tap of the display in a desired area may be received by the processor(s)  24 . 
     This tap or double tap input by a user may cause the processor(s)  24  to change the voltage driven to an area of the display screen  50  corresponding to the location of the tap or double tap by the user such that the pixels in the area are driven to voltages that cause the area to be transparent. This generation of a transparent area, or window  70 , is illustrated in step  60  of  FIG. 6 . As may be seen in  FIG. 7 , the window  70  may occupy a location on display screen  50  that corresponds to the location of the interface indicator  52 . The size of the window may be fixed or, alternatively, the size of the window may be adjustable by the user. 
     In step  62 , an overlay, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8  may be generated by the processor(s)  24 . This overlay  71  may be generated on display  48  and may be overlaid over the location of window  70  on display screen  50 . The overlay  71  may include, for example, images, text, and/or other graphic elements. Furthermore, generation of this overlay, when accomplished simultaneously with generation of the window  70 , may allow a user to view real-world objects through display screens  48  and  50  with informational overlays over the real-world objects. The overlay  71  may also or instead be provided over other portions of the display screen  50 . 
     In step  64 , the processor(s)  24  may determine if any further movement input signals have been received regarding the window  70 . That is, in step  64 , the processor may determine if the area above the interface indicator  52  has been touched by a user. If the area has not been touched, in step  65 , the processor(s)  24  may continue to generate the window  70  at the current location on display screen  50 . If, however, the processor(s)  24  have detected input movement across display screen  48  in step  66 , then the processor(s)  24  may change the location for generation of the transparent window  70  in step  68 . 
     That is, when a user is determined to have touched a region on the display  14  corresponding to the window  70  location on display screen  50 , the processor may change the location of where the window  70  is generated on the display screen  50  to a location corresponding to the final location of the display  14  touched by the user. For example, in  FIG. 8 , if a user moves the interface indicator  52  in the x-direction  42  with respect to  FIG. 7 , then the processor(s)  24  may operate to generate the window  70  at the location corresponding to the final location of the display  14  touched by the user. In other embodiments, similar functionality with respect to movement of the window  70  may be accomplished without using an interface indicator, for example, directly through touch by a user. Subsequent to this movement of the window  70 , the process may return to step  62 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In this manner, a user may be able to generate a window of transparency in the display, while allowing for the remainder of the display  14  to remain opaque. 
     Moreover, it is envisioned that a motion sensing device  23  may be utilized in the device  10  to allow for a window  70  to be viewable at a specific location with respect to the user regardless of the orientation of the electronic device  10 . For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates the window  70  as present on display screen  50 , similar to the display window  70  of  FIG. 7 . However, if a user rotates the electronic device  10  ninety degrees from the illustrated placement in  FIG. 9 , the display screens  48  and  50  may be oriented as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . As this rotation occurs, the motion sensing device  23  may operate to transmit data to the processor(s)  24  indicating the amount of rotation that has occurred. This data may allow for the processor(s)  24  to change the location of the window  70 . Accordingly, the processor(s) may cause the window  70  to be repositioned as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     In another embodiment, a user may rotate the device  10  one hundred and eighty degrees relative to the illustrated device  10  in  FIG. 9 , such that display screen  50  is facing the user and the display screen  48  is away from the user, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, the motion sensing device  23  may transmit data to the processors(s)  24  indicating the amount of rotation that has occurred. The processor(s) may utilize this data to change the location of the window  70  from being generated on display screen  50  to display screen  48 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Furthermore, the operation of the motion sensing device  23  described above may provide movement signals to the processor(s)  24  (block  64 ), which may be processed to alter the position of the window  70  as discussed above. 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , display screen  48  may be a passive display screen while display screen  50  may be an active display screen. With a passive display screen, activation of an entire row or column of pixels may allow for generation of an image of a particular shape and/or color. However, fine adjustments to individual pixels may be difficult on a passive display screen. Accordingly, the display screen  48 , as a passive display screen, may be utilized for generation of predetermined shapes such as keyboard  72 , icons, and/or other predetermined images. In one embodiment, the display screen  48  may not be fully pixilated; rather, the display screen  48  may only include pixels for generating the predetermined shapes (e.g., the keyboard  72 ). 
     In contrast, with an active display screen, activation of any specific pixel independent from all other pixels in its corresponding row and column is controllable. Accordingly, fine adjustments to individual pixels may be made when utilizing an active display screen, such as display screen  50  of  FIG. 12 . Thus, display screen may be utilized for intricate image generation, such as generation of pictures, video images, or other fine resolution images. Also, display screen  50  may illuminate a region  73  to serve as a backlight for the keyboard  72  or other icons of the display screen  48 . Determination of which display screen  48  or  50  an image may be transmitted to may be made by the electronic device according to the flow chart illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a flow chart  74 . In step  76 , the processor(s)  24  may receive a request for an image to be generated on the display  14 . This request may issue from, for example, a user interfacing with the device  10  via a touch screen. In step  78 , the processor(s)  24  may determine if the resolution of the image to be generated on the display  14  is above a threshold. Based on this determination, the processor(s)  24  may operate to generate the image on one of either the display screen  48  as a passive display screen or the display screen  50  as an active display screen. 
     That is, if the resolution of the image to be generated is determined in step  78  to be below a threshold, the processor(s)  24  may transmit one or more signals to display screen  48  as the passive display screen in step  80 . Alternatively, if the resolution of the image to be generated is determined in step  78  to be above a threshold, the processor(s)  24  may transmit one or more signals to display screen  50  as the active display screen in step  82 . In this manner, the processor(s)  24  may operate to direct images to a display screen  48  or  50  that may be suited to the type of image to be displayed. It should be noted that the threshold may be initially programmed and stored in the memory  26  or storage  28 . Additionally and/or alternatively, the threshold may be determined and/or modified by the user via, for example, user input. 
     Subsequent to both steps  80  and  82 , the processor(s)  24  may determine whether more images are to be generated on the display in step  84 . If more images are to be received, the processor(s)  24  may repeat the above beginning at step  78 . If, however, no further requests for image generation are received by the processor(s)  24  in step  84 , then process will terminate in step  86 . Accordingly, the display  14  may be produced with one active display screen and one passive display screen, which may reduce costs of production of the device  10 , without a decrease in image quality viewed by a user. 
     Another embodiment of the display  14  is illustrated in  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 14  illustrates the display  14  as including three display screens  48 ,  50 , and  88 . As illustrated, display screens  48  and  88  may be active display screens while display screen  50  may be a passive display screen. As such, the display  14 , via the processor(s)  24 , may operate such that display screens  48  and  50  are available for generating images when the electronic device  10  a forward facing position, while display screen  88  is either opaque or transparent. Furthermore, when, for example, an accelerometer of the electronic device detects that the device has been rotated 180 degrees such that display screen  48  is facing away from a user, the processor(s)  24  may operate such that display screens  88  and  50  are available for generating images, while display screen  48  is either opaque or transparent. In this manner, the device  10  may operate independent of the manner in which a user flips the device about its x-direction  42  or y-direction  44 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a back-to-back configuration of the display  14  that includes display screens  48  and  50  surrounding an opaque layer  90 . The opaque layer  90  may be switchable glass (smart glass) that allows for the opaque layer to switch from opaque to transparent. Alternatively, the opaque layer  90  may include a one-way minor such that a user may see through the opaque layer  90  while preventing images from being viewed on an opposite side from the user. 
     In one embodiment, the opaque layer  90  may prevent light from passing from display screen  48  to display screen  50 . As such, an image  92  generated on display screen  48  may not be visible on display screen  50 . Instead, the processor(s)  24  may reverse (i.e., invert) the image  92  on display screen  48  as image  94  for a secondary user. In another embodiment, the opaque layer  90  may be switched to transparent such that the image  92  may be viewed by a secondary user through display screen  50 . 
     The specific embodiments described above have been shown by way of example, and it should be understood that these embodiments may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be further understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100106
Publication Date: 20141118
Grant Date: 20141118
Priority Date: 20100106
Inventors: PANCE ALEKSANDAR
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/1431", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1647", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/1431", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/003", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G5/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2300/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2300/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2340/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1647", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/003", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/1431", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/13", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1647", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/01", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G5/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2340/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/16", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2300/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/1431", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2354/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2300/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1647", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2340/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/1313", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2300/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/1431", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1647", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G3/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2340/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 43769136