Collaborative tablet computer
US7170468B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S345/903
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A section of a housing on a portable computing device is removed or folded away, thereby exposing a free edge of an LCD screen as well as electrical (data and power) connectors and structural connectors. Connectors are placed symmetrically across the exposed edge whereby a male connector on one side mates with a female connector on the other device. Two such devices are physically pushed together, with locking catches securing the two devices together. Upon docking, the two devices recognize the new configuration and re-map the desktop area of the display into a single display for the combined device. In a preferred embodiment, either a top edge or a side edge is selectively exposed independently on the same device, to mate two devices in either a portrait or landscape orientation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.