US008624844B2
`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 8,624,844 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`*Jan. 7, 2014
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Beharet al.
`
`(54) PORTABLE COMPUTER WITH MULTIPLE
`DISPLAY CONFIGURATIONS
`
`(56)
`
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`AS
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`(75)
`
`Inventors: Yves Behar, Oakland, CA (US); Joshua
`Morenstein, San Francisco, CA (US);
`Christopher Hibmacronan, Oakland,
`CA (US); Naoya Edahiro, San
`Francisco, CA (US); Matthew David
`Day, San Francisco, CA (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: LITL LLC, Boston, MA (US)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 494 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`CN
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`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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`(21) Appl. No.: 12/170,951
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 10, 2008
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2009/0244012 Al
`
`Oct. 1, 2009
`
`http://laptop.org/en/laptop/start/ebook.shtml accessed on Sep. 29,
`2008.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Lun-Yi Lao
`Assistant Examiner — Sosina Abebe
`
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Lando & Anastasi, LLP
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(60)
`
`Provisional application No. 61/041,365, filed on Apr.
`1, 2008.
`
`(51)
`
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. CL.
`GO06F 3/02
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`USPC.
`........... 345/169; 345/168; 345/173; 345/184;
`361/679.27; 455/575.3
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC cecccccccsssseesssssseeee 345/184, 168-169, 156, 173;
`361/679.3, 679.21, 679.26-679.27;
`455/575.3
`
`A portable computer that is configurable between a laptop
`mode (in which the portable computer has a conventional
`laptop appearance) and aneasel modein whichthe baseofthe
`computer andits display componentstandvertically forming
`an inverted “V”” The portable computer includes a hinge
`assembly that couples the display componentto the base of
`the computer, and allows the display componentto be rotated
`about an axis along aninterface betweenthe display compo-
`nent and the base to configure the portable computer between
`a closed position, the laptop mode and the easel mode. The
`portable computer further comprises a scroll wheel and
`optional navigation buttons.
`
`See applicationfile for complete search history.
`
`22 Claims, 25 Drawing Sheets
`
`102
`
`Screen facing out
`
`
`
`Keyboard facing down
`into surface
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 1
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 1
`
`

`

`US 8,624,844 B2
`Page 2
`
`D528,993
`7,138,962
`D534,531
`D535,292
`D544,846
`7,239,508
`7,250,207
`7,366,994
`7,428,142
`DS581,371
`7,467,356
`7,522,946
`D593,085
`D593,086
`D593,091
`D605,635
`7,698,407
`7,756,928
`7,869,834
`200 1/0032320
`2002/0005818
`2002/00 10707
`2002/0021258
`2003/0048595
`2003/0107603
`2003/0109232
`2004/0001049
`2004/0203535
`2004/0207568
`2004/02 12602
`2004/0228076
`2005/00 18396
`2005/0041378
`2005/0063 145
`2005/0083642
`2005/0091596
`2005/0128695
`2005/0134717
`2005/0146845
`2005/02 10399
`2005/0221865
`2005/0257400
`2005/0282596
`2006/0126284
`2006/0238439
`2006/0264243
`2006/0268500
`2007/0138806
`2007/0182663
`2007/0240076
`2007/0242421
`2007/0247446
`2008/0024388
`2008/0024465
`2008/0042987
`2008/0062625
`2008/0158795
`2008/0174570
`2008/0235594
`2008/0284738
`2009/00 19383
`2009/0150826
`2009/0190295
`2009/02440 12
`2009/0244832
`2009/0275366
`2009/03005 11
`2009/0303676
`2009/0322790
`2010/0174993
`
`5/1996
`8/1996
`1/1998
`3/1998
`3/1998
`7/1998
`8/1998
`8/1998
`8/1998
`10/1998
`10/1998
`11/1998
`12/1998
`5/1999
`7/1999
`9/1999
`11/1999
`11/1999
`12/1999
`5/2000
`8/2000
`11/2000
`4/2001
`§/2001
`7/2001
`7/2001
`8/2001
`9/2001
`10/2001
`11/2001
`12/2001
`12/2001
`1/2002
`1/2002
`4/2002
`8/2002
`8/2002
`10/2002
`10/2002
`12/2002
`1/2003
`6/2003
`9/2003
`9/2003
`11/2003
`12/2003
`12/2003
`12/2003
`2/2004
`2/2004
`6/2004
`6/2004
`8/2004
`8/2004
`9/2004
`9/2004
`9/2004
`11/2004
`12/2004
`2/2005
`4/2005
`4/2005
`9/2005
`11/2005
`12/2005
`12/2005
`1/2006
`3/2006
`3/2006
`3/2006
`4/2006
`6/2006
`6/2006
`7/2006
`9/2006
`
`....... 361/679.27
`
`Barreiraet al.
`Lansbergen etal.
`Coulon
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`Issa
`lino
`Latochaetal.
`Youens
`Podwalny et al.
`Brady
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`Hanedaetal.
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`Tang
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`Nobuchi
`Morris etal.
`Narayanaswamyetal.
`Gouko
`Knopf
`Emmaetal.
`Ku
`Moon
`Rebeske
`Fowler
`Westerman etal.
`Sugano
`Miyashita
`Eisbachet al.
`Moscovitch
`Priceetal.
`Gatto
`LIU eeeecsseeeeteeeeeeeeee 361/679.27
`Andre
`Hildebrandt
`Nobuchiet al. w.cccce 345/156
`Rosen
`Tanimura
`Hwang
`Karidis
`Oliva
`Wang
`Jetha
`deBoeretal.
`Barrusetal.
`Bullister
`Andre
`Jao
`Kondo
`Shimano
`Yoo
`Chase
`Doczy etal.
`Branson
`Shimano
`Sall
`Maskatia
`Saarinen
`Doczy etal.
`Hong
`Lee
`Nakoetal.
`Kawa
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`
`Kanayama
`Kido etal. wo. 455/566
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`
`............ 345/168
`
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`PEPPPASESSPEALPPPNYANSDY
`
`Ss
`
`B2*
`Ss
`B1*
`Bl
`Ss
`
`5,515,345
`5,547,698
`5,712,760
`D391,927
`D392,944
`D395,868
`5,790,371
`5,793,355
`5,796,575
`D399,526
`5,825,352
`5,841,631
`5,847,698
`5,900,848
`5,926,364
`5,949,643
`D416,003
`5,987,704
`6,005,767
`6,067,224
`6,097,389
`6,144,358
`6,222,507
`6,223,393
`6,262,885
`6,266,236
`6,275,376
`6,295,038
`6,302,612
`6,323,846
`D452,238
`6,327,482
`6,341,061
`6,343,006
`6,377,444
`D462,069
`6,437,974
`D463,797
`6,464,195
`6,492,974
`6,510,049
`D476,326
`D479,708
`6,628,267
`6,642,909
`6,659,516
`6,661,426
`6,665,175
`6,693,652
`6,697,055
`D491,177
`D491,936
`D494,162
`6,771,494
`D495,674
`D495,694
`6,788,527
`6,819,304
`6,829,140
`6,859,219
`D504,128
`6,882,335
`6,944,012
`6,963,485
`DS512,997
`6,972,752
`D513,509
`D516,552
`DS517,541
`D518,042
`7,035,665
`D523,429
`7,061,472
`7,072,179
`D528,541
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Ip
`IP
`Ip
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`6090200 A
`6-242853 A
`6-259166 A
`8-179851 A
`10-111658 A
`11-296259
`
`3/1994
`9/1994
`9/1994
`7/1996
`4/1998
`10/1999
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 2
`
`9/2006
`11/2006
`1/2007
`1/2007
`6/2007
`7/2007
`7/2007
`4/2008
`9/2008
`11/2008
`12/2008
`4/2009
`5/2009
`5/2009
`5/2009
`12/2009
`4/2010
`7/2010
`1/2011
`10/2001
`1/2002
`1/2002
`2/2002
`3/2003
`6/2003
`6/2003
`1/2004
`10/2004
`10/2004
`10/2004
`11/2004
`1/2005
`2/2005
`3/2005
`4/2005
`4/2005
`6/2005
`6/2005
`7/2005
`9/2005
`10/2005
`11/2005
`12/2005
`6/2006
`10/2006
`11/2006
`11/2006
`6/2007
`8/2007
`10/2007
`10/2007
`10/2007
`1/2008
`1/2008
`2/2008
`3/2008
`7/2008
`7/2008
`9/2008
`11/2008
`1/2009
`6/2009
`7/2009
`10/2009
`10/2009
`11/2009
`12/2009
`12/2009
`12/2009
`7/2010
`
`seseeeeeeenes 715/850
`
`Wilson
`Koenig
`Ogasawara
`Shi
`Kindle
`Ferrucei
`Healet al.
`Loui
`Ligtenberg
`Richmond
`Gettman etal.
`Im
`Behar
`Behar
`Behar
`Edahiro
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`Meenan etal.
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`Clapper wee 345/784
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`
`SB
`
`2
`
`SSS
`
`sB
`
`2
`Bl
`B2
`Bl
`
`SB
`
`2
`
`x&
`
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`Al
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 2
`
`

`

`US 8,624,844 B2
`Page 3
`
`(56)
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`JP
`JP
`1p
`‘
`1p
`KR
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 3
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 1 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`112
`
`118
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 4
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 2 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`122
`
`_—
`
`102
`
`S|_7
`
`104
`
`FIG.2
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 5
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 3 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`
`
`130
`
`FIG. 3
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 6
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 4 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`—> Oo©
`a
`
`
`
`
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 7
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 5 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 8
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet6 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`FIG. 6C
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 9
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 9
`
`

`

`Sheet 7 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001
`
`- Page 10
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 8 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 11
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 9 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
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`152
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 12
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 10 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`
`158
`
`156
`
`154
`
`FIG. 10
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 13
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 11 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`
`
`(JO}IpeOJOYd/solydel6)anaFLL
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 14
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 14
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 12 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`sjauueuy
`
`oeZL
`
`Gey,|yeuu0Dy|elpey
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`
`pooweseae)aeOY[els]:H]
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`
`CLOls
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 15
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 15
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 13 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`‘O}}OH
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 16
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 16
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 14 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
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`161
`
`
`
`FIG. 14
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 17
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 15 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 15
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 18
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 18
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 16 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
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`132
`
`166
`
`104
`
`102
`
`FIG. 16
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 19
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 17 of 25
`
`FOSTERSe<<<<TESS=
`Se“SLEye
`aeSe==——tSSSoS
`
`
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 20
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 20
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 18 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
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`
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 21
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 21
`
`

`

`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`1
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 19 of 25
`
`FIG.19
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 22
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 22
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 20 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`190
`
`188 190
`
`186
`
`
`
`FIG. 21
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 23
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 23
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 7, 2014
`
`Sheet 21 of 25
`
`US 8,624,844 B2
`
`186
`
`FIG. 22A
`
`190
`
`D
`
`i
`
` 192 OOOC))UXO©Li
`
`CYHASH!Le
`
`rawr
` 194
`
`184
`
`FIG. 22B
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 24
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 24
`
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`US 8,624,844 B2
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`Jan. 7, 2014
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`Sheet 22 of 25
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`U.S. Patent
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`FIG. 24
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 25
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 25
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 7, 2014
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`Sheet 23 of 25
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`US 8,624,844 B2
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 26
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 26
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 7, 2014
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`Sheet 24 of 25
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`US 8,624,844 B2
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`102
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`Screen facing out
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`Keyboard facing down
`into surface
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`FIG. 26
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 27
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 27
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`Jan. 7, 2014
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`Sheet 25 of 25
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 8,624,844 B2
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 28
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`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1001 - Page 28
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`US 8,624,844 B2
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`1
`PORTABLE COMPUTER WITH MULTIPLE
`DISPLAY CONFIGURATIONS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to
`U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/041,365filed Apr.
`1, 2008, entitled “PORTABLE COMPUTER WITH MUL-
`TIPLE DISPLAY CONFIGURATIONS,” which is incorpo-
`rated herein by reference in its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`1. Field of Invention
`
`The present invention relates generally to portable comput-
`ers and, more particularly, to a portable computer that is
`configurable into different functional and positional modes.
`2. Discussion of Related Art
`Portable computers, such as laptop computers or notebook
`computers, have becomeincreasingly popular and ubiquitous
`in the home and workplace. Conventional portable computers
`most commonly have a “clam-shell” configuration, with a
`base including the keyboard, various ports, connectors and/or
`inputs (e.g., for power and connecting peripheral devices),
`and the majority ofthe electrical components(e.g., the central
`processing unit and memory), and a display componentpiv-
`otably coupled to the base by a hinge. The display component
`is movable about the hinge betweena closed position, with
`the display screen positioned adjacent the keyboard, and an
`openposition, with the display screen inclined at a desired
`viewing angle.
`Someportable computersare able to accept user inputs via
`a touch screen in addition to via conventional tools, such as a
`keyboard or mouse. The use of a touchscreen to inputdata is
`sometimesreferred to as operating in “tablet mode” because
`the computer is being used in a mannersimilar to a tablet of
`paper. U.S. Pat. No. 6,771,494 discloses a hybrid tablet-type
`portable computer that is capable of operating either as a
`normal laptop computer receiving user input via a keyboard
`(“laptop mode”), or as a tablet computerreceiving user input
`via a touch screen. The ’494 patent further discloses that the
`display componentofthe computeris attached to the base of
`the computer by hinges that allow the display to betilted
`relative to the base (for laptop mode), and to be rotated and
`folded against the base to configure the computerinto tablet
`mode.
`Anothervariation of a portable computer with a moveable
`display is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,236. The ’236
`patent discloses a computer includinga base, a display mem-
`ber and an arm assembly coupling the display memberto the
`base. According to the °236 patent, the arm assembly allows
`pivotable movementof the display member between a plu-
`rality of positions, including a notebook modeconfiguration,
`a tablet mode configuration, a presentation mode configura-
`tion, and a closed mode.
`
`SUMMARYOF INVENTION
`
`Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are
`directed to a portable computer that is configurable between a
`laptop mode (in which the portable computer has a conven-
`tional laptop appearance) and an easel modein whichthe base
`of the computer and its display component stand upright
`forming an inverted “V,” as discussed further below. The
`display componentis pivotably coupled to the base of the
`portable computerbya hingethat allows the display compo-
`nent to be rotated ortilted about a longitudinal axis running
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`along an interface between the base and the display compo-
`nent. Unlike the computers discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,266,
`236 and 6,771,494 above, the portable computer according to
`embodimentsofthe invention does not require an arm assem-
`bly, nor multiple, different hinge assemblies to be configured
`into the different modes. Furthermore, the portable computer
`according to embodiments of the invention is capable of
`different display modes and different functionality in the
`different configurations, as discussed below.
`Further aspects and embodimentsare directed to a portable
`computer having an embeddedscroll wheel that can be con-
`figured to allow a user to control various features and func-
`tionality of the portable computer. For example, as discussed
`further below the scroll wheel can be used to navigate among
`information displayed on the portable computer’s display
`and/or to alter operating modes of the portable computer,
`and/orto control features such as volume,display brightness,
`etc.
`
`According to one embodiment, a portable computer is
`configurable between various modes,
`including a closed
`mode,a laptop mode, an easel mode, a flat mode and a frame
`mode. The portable computer may comprise a display com-
`ponentincluding a display screen, a base, and a hinge assem-
`bly at least partially housed within the base and configured to
`pivotably couple the display component to the base. The
`display component mayberotatable about a longitudinal axis
`running along an interface between the display component
`and the base. In the closed mode, the display screen may be
`disposed substantially against the base, and rotating the dis-
`play component about the longitudinal axis up to approxi-
`mately 180 degrees from the closed mode mayconfigure the
`portable computer into the laptop mode. Rotating the display
`componentaboutthe longitudinal axis beyond approximately
`180 degrees axis from the closed mode may configure the
`portable computer into the easel mode.
`In one example of the portable computer, the display com-
`ponentis rotatable about the longitudinal axis up to approxi-
`mately 320 degrees from the closed mode.
`In another
`example, the portable computer comprisesa display orienta-
`tion modulethat displays content on the display screen in one
`of a plurality of orientations relative to the longitudinal axis.
`The orientation ofthe displayed content may be dependent on
`the current display modeofthe portable computer, or may be
`configurable responsive to a user input. The portable com-
`puter may further comprise a mode sensor which detects a
`current display mode ofthe portable computer, and the dis-
`play orientation module may display content on the display
`screen in an orientation dependent on the current display
`mode detected by the mode sensor. Depending on the hinge
`assembly used, the longitudinal axis may comprises multiple
`parallel axes, and the hinge assembly maybe configured to
`permit rotation of the display component about any of the
`multiple parallel axes to configure the portable computer
`betweenthe plurality of display modes.
`Another embodiment is directed to a portable computer
`comprising a base, a display componentrotatably coupled to
`the base, and meansfor rotating the display componentin a
`single direction relative to the base to configure the portable
`computer between a laptop mode and an easel mode.
`In another embodiment of a portable computer config-
`urable between multiple modes including a laptop mode and
`an easel mode, the portable computer comprises a display
`component,a base, and a hinge assembly configuredto rotat-
`ably couple the display component to the base. The hinge
`assembly may be configured to permit rotation of the display
`componentabouta single axis to configure the portable com-
`puter between the laptop mode andthe easel mode. In one
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`example, the single axis is a longitudinal axis running along
`an interface betweenthe display componentandthe base. The
`portable computer may further comprise a scroll wheel dis-
`posedat least partially about the longitudinal axis. In one
`example, the display component comprises a display screen,
`and the scroll wheel is configured to permit a user to manipu-
`late content displayed on the display screen.
`Another embodimentis directed to a method of automati-
`cally orienting content displayed on a portable computer. The
`method comprises rotating a display componentofthe por-
`table computer about a longitudinal axis running along an
`interface between the display component and a base of the
`portable computer, detecting a degree of rotation of the dis-
`play componentrelative to the base, providing a signal rep-
`resentative ofthe degree of rotation ofthe display component,
`and automatically configuring an orientation, relative to the
`longitudinal axis, of the content displayed on the portable
`computer responsive to the signal.
`According to another embodiment, a portable computer
`comprises a base unit, a display unit including a display
`screen configured to display content, an orientation sensor
`which detects an orientation of the display unitrelative to the
`base unit, and a display orientation module which orients the
`content displayed on the display screen responsive to the
`orientation detected by the orientation sensor.
`Another embodimentof a portable computer comprises a
`base, a display componentrotatably coupled to the base such
`that the display component and the base are rotatable with
`respect to one another about a longitudinal axis running along
`an interface between the display componentandthe base,the
`display componentincluding a display screen, and a scroll
`wheel disposedat least partially within the base and rotatable
`about the longitudinal axis, the scroll wheel configured to
`permit a user to control at least one of operating parameters of
`the portable computer and content displayed on the display
`screen. In one example, the scroll wheel is configured to
`permit the user to adjust a volumeof sound produced by the
`portable computer. In another example, the screen is config-
`ured to display at least one of a plurality of modes of content,
`and the scroll wheel is configured to permit the user to select
`a modeof content for display by the portable computer. The
`portable computer may further comprise one or more navi-
`gationbuttons that may be used in conjunction with thescroll
`wheel to control aspects of the portable computer and dis-
`played content.
`According to another embodiment, a portable computeris
`configurable betweena plurality of display modes including
`a laptop mode and an easel mode, the portable computer
`comprising a base, a display componentrotatably coupled to
`the base and including a screen which displays content, and a
`scroll wheel accessible in each of the plurality of display
`modes and configured to permit a user to manipulate at least
`oneof operating parameters of the portable computer and the
`content displayed on the screen. In one example, the scroll
`wheelis disposedat leas partially about an axis ofrotation of 5
`the display componentrelative to the base.
`In another embodiment, a portable computer comprises a
`base, a display componentincluding a screen configured to
`display content, a hinge assembly configured to rotatably
`couple the display componentto the base and to permit rota-
`tion of the display component about a longitudinal axis run-
`ning along an interface between the display component and
`the base, and a scroll wheel disposedat least partially about
`the longitudinalaxis.
`Still other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these
`exemplary aspects and embodiments, are discussed in detail
`below. Moreover,it is to be understoodthat both the foregoing
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`information and the following detailed description are merely
`illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments,
`and are intended to provide an overview or framework for
`understanding the nature and characterofthe claimed aspects
`and embodiments. Any embodimentdisclosed herein may be
`combined with any other embodimentin any mannerconsis-
`29 66
`tent with the objects, aims, and needs disclosed herein, and
`references to “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,”
`“an
`alternate
`embodiment,’
`“various
`embodiments,”
`“one
`embodiment”or the like are not necessarily mutually exclu-
`sive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature,
`structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
`embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment.
`The appearances of suchterms herein are not necessarily all
`referring to the same embodiment. The accompanying draw-
`ings are includedto provide illustration and a further under-
`standing of the various aspects and embodiments, and are
`incorporated in and constitute a part ofthis specification. The
`drawings, together with the remainder ofthe specification,
`serve to explain principles and operations of the described
`and claimed aspects and embodiments.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed
`below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are
`notintended to be drawnto scale. Where technicalfeatures in
`the figures, detailed description or any claim are followed by
`references signs, the reference signs have been included for
`the sole purposeof increasingthe intelligibility ofthe figures,
`detailed description, and claims. Accordingly,neither theref-
`erence signs nor their absence are intended to have any lim-
`iting effect on the scope of any claim elements. In thefigures,
`eachidentical or nearly identical componentthatis illustrated
`in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For pur-
`posesofclarity, not every componentmaybelabeled in every
`figure. The figures are provided for the purposesofillustra-
`tion and explanation and are not intended asa definition ofthe
`limits of the invention.In the figures:
`FIG. 1 is an illustration of one example of a portable
`computer, according to aspects of the invention, in a “laptop”
`configuration;
`FIG. 2 is a view of the portable computer of FIG. 1 in the
`closed position;
`FIG.3 is a plan view of the exterior of the bottom of the
`portable computer of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable computer of
`FIG. 1 in the easel mode;
`FIG. 5 is a side view ofthe portable computer of FIG. 4,
`illustrating the adjustable angle of the easel mode;
`FIGS. 6A-C are diagramsillustrating different positions of
`the portable computer of FIG. 4 in easel mode;
`FIG. 7A is an illustration of a portion of the portable
`computer of FIG. 1 in the laptop mode, illustrating a hinge
`assembly according to aspects of the invention;
`FIG. 7B is an in illustration of a portion of the portable
`computer of FIG. 1 in the easel mode,illustrating the hinge
`assembly according to aspects of the invention;
`FIG. 8 is a diagram of one example of the hinge assembly
`of FIGS. 7A and 7B;
`FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional diagram ofa portion ofthe hinge
`assembly ofFIG.8, taken along line 9-9 in FIG.8;
`FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the hinge assembly of FIG.
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`8;
`
`FIG. 11 is a block diagram of one example of a portable
`computeruser interface architecture, according to aspects of
`the invention;
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`FIG. 12 is a screen shot illustrating one example of a
`graphical user interface, according to aspects ofthe invention;
`FIG. 13 is a screen shotillustrating another example ofa
`graphicaluser interface accordingto aspects ofthe invention;
`FIG. 14 is an illustration ofa user adjusting the scroll wheel
`on a portable computer in the easel mode, according to
`aspects of the invention;
`FIG.15 is an illustration of a user pressing the scroll wheel
`ona portable computer, accordingto aspects ofthe invention;
`FIG. 16 is an illustration of a user pressing a navigation
`button on the portable computer, according to aspects ofthe
`invention;
`FIG. 17 is an illustration of an example of the portable
`computer in the laptop mode, according to aspects of the
`invention;
`FIG. 18 is a view ofa portion of the portable computer
`illustrating a wireless signal indicator feature, according to
`aspects of the invention;
`FIG. 19 is a view of a portion of the portable computer in
`the closed position, according to aspects of the invention;
`FIG. 20 is a plan view of one example of a poweradaptor,
`according to aspects of the invention;
`FIG. 21 is a side viewof the poweradaptor of FIG. 20;
`FIG. 22A is anotherside view of the poweradaptor of FIG.
`20, illustrating the power cord would around a cord spool,
`according to aspects of the invention;
`FIG. 22Bis a plan view of the poweradaptor of FIG. 22A
`FIG.23is an illustration of the portable computer coupled
`to a docking station, according to aspects ofthe invention;
`FIG.24 is an illustration ofthe portable computer showing
`one example of a docking connector, according to aspects of
`the invention;
`FIG.24is an illustration of a hinge assembly coupled to a
`computer frame, according to aspects of the invention;
`FIG.26 is an illustration of the portable computer config-
`ured into a “frame” mode, according to aspects of the inven-
`tion; and
`FIG.27is an illustration of the portable computer config-
`ured into a “flat” mode, according to aspects ofthe invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Aspects and embodiments are directed to a portable com-
`puterthatis configurable between different operating modes,
`including a laptop mode(in whichthe portable computer has
`aconventionallaptop appearance), a flat mode, a frame mode,
`and an easel mode in which the base of the computer andits
`display component stand vertically forming an inverted “V,”
`as discussed further below. The portable computeris capable
`of different display formats and functionality in the different
`modes, and includes a graphicaluser interface that may work
`seamlessly with the computer hardware to provide a unified,
`comfortable, holistic user experience. In particular, the por-
`table computer may provide access to a wide array offunc-
`tions, both thosetraditionally provided by computing devices
`and thosetraditionally provided by other passive information
`devices. For example, the hardware and software, including
`the graphicaluserinterface, of the portable computer may be
`focused toward providing access to entertainment media,
`suchasaudio andvideo(e.g., playing music, streaming video,
`viewing photographs, etc.), email, and internet, while also
`providing state-of-the-art computer processing capability.
`Itis to be appreciated that embodiments ofthe methods and
`apparatuses discussed herein are notlimited in application to
`the details of construction and the arrangement of compo-
`nents set forth in the following descriptionor illustrated in the
`accompanying drawings. The methods and apparatuses are
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`capable of implementation in other embodiments and of
`being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
`Examples ofspecific implementations are provided herein for
`illustrative purposes only andare not intendedto be limiting.
`In particular, acts, elements and features discussed in connec-
`tion with any one or more embodimentsare not intended to be
`excludedfrom a similar role in any other embodiments. Also,
`the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the pur-
`pose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
`Any references to embodiments or elements or acts of the
`systems and methodsherein referred to in the singular may
`also embrace embodiments including a plurality of these
`elements, and any referencesin plural to any embodiment or
`elementor act herein may also embrace embodiments includ-
`ing only a single element. Referencesin the singular or plural
`form are not intendedto limit the presently disclosed systems
`or methods, their components, acts, or elements. The use
`herein of“including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,”
`“involving,” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the
`itemslisted thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as addi-
`tional items. References to “or” may be construedas inclusive
`so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a
`single, more than one, and all of the described terms.
`Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated one example of a
`portable computer according to aspects of the invention. In
`FIG.1, the portable computer 100 is illustrated in the “laptop”
`mode, with the display component 102 inclined at a viewing
`angle from the base 104. The display component102 is piv-
`otably coupled to the base 104 by a hinge assembly (not
`shown) that allows the display componentto be rotated with
`respect to the base. The hinge assembly mayinclude a