Portable flat display adaptor

• US 7,159,053 B1
• Filed: 10/08/2004
• Issued: 01/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Douglas Lakin
• Original Assignee: Douglas Lakin
• Inventors: Lakin, Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): SHIN, CHRISTOPHER B
• Application Number:
  US10/962,219
• Time in Patent Office: 816 Days
• Field of Search: 710 62- 63, 710 72- 74, 710300-303, 361681-682, 708/141, 345/501
• US Class Current: 710/62
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0204 Mounting supporting structures on the outside of casings

Abstract

This invention adapts a stationary flat display for use as a portable computing and media device. The adaptation takes advantage of the predetermined mounting arrangements of the stationary flat display by inserting external modules between the predetermined mounting arrangements. When stationary, the flat display can continue its intended use as the primary display connected to a desktop computer system. The combination of the flat display with attached external modules is quickly released from stationary use to enable portable use for other applications.

Claims

1. A portable flat display adaptor comprising:

an enclosed flat display to display output signals, said flat display having mounting apparatus means;

a core module external to said flat display, said core module enabling processing and controlling of inputs and outputs for said flat display;

a structural means for inserting or removing said core module to said flat display using said mounting apparatus means, whereby the integrity and functionality of said flat display remains intact, and mounting apparatus means is replicated allowing for further attachment.

2. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein said core module is further attached using said replicated mounting apparatus means to a plurality of expansion modules.

3. The adaptor of claim 2 wherein said modules include a plurality of electrical interfaces, the attachment of said modules to each other activates signals and transfers power between said modules using said electrical interfaces.

4. The adaptor of claim 3 wherein said core module enables processing and controlling inputs and outputs between said flat display and said modules via said electrical interfaces.

5. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein said core module is inserted into an enclosure, said enclosure is further attached using said replicated mounting apparatus means to one or more enclosures.

6. The adaptor of claim 5 wherein one or more expansion modules is inserted into said enclosures.

7. The adaptor of claim 6 wherein said enclosures include a plurality of electrical interfaces, the attachment of said enclosures to each other activates signals and transfers power between said inserted modules using said electrical interfaces.

8. The adaptor of claim 7 wherein said core module enables processing and controlling inputs and outputs between said flat display and said inserted modules via said electrical interfaces.

9. The adaptor of claim 1 wherein said core module enables processing and controlling inputs and outputs between said flat display and unattached devices via wireless means.

10. A smart display apparatus comprising:

an enclosed flat display to display output signals, said flat display having mounting apparatus means;

a mounting apparatus for providing stationary support of said flat display via said mounting apparatus means;

one or more devices, each device including a plurality of electrical interfaces to transfer signals, said devices including means for enabling processing and controlling of inputs and outputs for said flat display;

a structural means for inserting and removing said devices in combination to said flat display, whereby the integrity and functionality of said flat display remains intact, and said mounting apparatus means is replicated allowing for further attachment;

a docking means, joined to said mounting apparatus using said structural means;

said docking means allowing for insertion and removal of said devices, wherein said docking means supplies power and transfers signals to said devices attached to said flat display, and enables pass-through of signals from a standalone computer to said flat display.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said flat display joined with said devices is released from said docking means, enabling means for running remote terminal applications.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said flat display joined with said devices is released from said docking means, enabling means for running client applications in a client-server architecture.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said flat display joined with said devices is released from said docking means, enabling means for running operating system software.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said flat display joined with said devices is released from said docking means, enabling means for playing music and video.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said flat display joined with said devices is released from said docking means, enabling means for wireless communications.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said docking means has wireless means for bridging or routing of wireless network devices.

17. A method for adding smart display functions to a flat display with attached mounting apparatus, the method comprising:

an attached mode, wherein output signals from a separate standalone computer are displayed on said flat display, said flat display is attached to an external smart device module, said smart device module is inserted in a receptacle, and said receptacle is attached to said mounting apparatus;

a detached mode, wherein said external smart device module attached to said flat display is released from said receptacle, and said smart device module processes instructions and displays output signals for said flat display.