[*] Notice:
`
`This patent issued on a continued pros-
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent
`term provisions of 35 U.S.C.
`154(a)(2).
`
`7
`
`.
`Appl. No.: 08/962,394
`[21]
`Filed:
`Oct. 31, 1997
`[22]
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`[30
`Dec. 2, 1996
`[IP]
`Japan sesssssssssssssssssssssssseeseeneees 8-321975
`[SL]
`Unt. C17 oceeeeeceeeeee GO06F 1/16; EO5D 11/00
`[52] US. Ce cacccccsccscssenseesen 361/681; 16/342; 16/366,
`361/680
`.
`Field of Search ..cccesscscscneneneneee 361/680, 681,
`361/683; 364/708.1; 16/342, 366
`
`[58]
`
`Hewlett Packard Part No. F1310—-90001, “HP OmniGo 100:
`Quick Start and User’s Reference Guide”, Edition 1, Sep.
`1995.
`.
`Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun,Nov.26, 1996, “Portable Personal
`Computer”,
`Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Nov. 26, 1996, “Developed Net-
`work available Portable PC”.
`7
`Business Computer News, Dec. 2, 1996, “30,000 Visitors to
`Fujitsu ‘Cyberspace World””.
`ASCII, A Monthly Magazine of Home & Office Computer
`Science. vol. 21, No. 1, Jan. 1997, “Quick Perfect Report on
`New Machines from Fujitsu”.
`Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Jun. 4, 1997, “Entering the Market
`for Portable Information Terminals—Fujitsu Low-priced
`AS Size"
`Primary Examiner—LeoP.Picard
`Assistant Examiner—Lisa Lea-Edmonds
` A"orney, Agent, or Firm—Staas & Halsey LLP
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`
`US006154359A
`6,154,359
`(11) Patent Number:
`United States Patent 55
`
`Kamikakaietal.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`*Nov. 28, 2000
`
`[54] PORTABLE INFORMATION PROCESSING
`APPARATUS
`Inventors: Hideaki Kamikakai; Katsuichi Goto,
`both of Kawasaki, Japan
`
`[75]
`
`1-237808
`2-76775
`
`9/1989
`Japan .
`6/1990
`Japan.
`(List continued on nextpage.)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`[73] Assignee: Fujitsu Limited, Kawasaki, Japan
`
`
`
`A portable electronic device has a main body, a display part
`References Cited
`[56
`having a display panel, and a connection part havingafirst
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`rotary part respectively connectedto and rotatably intercon-
`4/1989 Kinser, Jr. etal. .
`necting a second rotary part and supporting the main body
`6/1989 Takemura ....cccsccssscssessessssssessee 439/163
`and the display part relatively to each other. The first rotary
`.
`.
`part maintains a fixed angular relationship between the main
`(List continued on nextpage.)
`body and the connection part and permits adjustmentof the
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`angle therebetween whena first rotary manipulation force is
`applied therebetween which exceeds a rotary manipulation
`
`201150=2/1939 Australia oo eeeeeeeeeeeee 16/366 force due to the weight of the main body itself. The second
`0 248 156
`12/1987
`EuropeanPat. Off. .
`rotary part maintains a fixed angular relationship between
`0 458 316
`11/1991
`European Pat. Off. .
`the main body and the connection part and permits adjust-
`4228 605
`3/1994 Germany .
`mentof the angle between the display part and the connector
`297 01 721 U
`5/1997 Germany.
`when a secondrotary manipulation force is applied therebe-
`62-006298
`1/1987
`Japan .
`62-017786
`1/1987
`Japan .
`tween which exceeds a rotary manipulation force due to the
`63-045619
`2/1988
`Japan.
`weight of the main bodyitself.
`63-40957
`2/1988
`Japan.
`63-128409
`6/1988
`Japan.
`
`4,825,395
`4,842,531
`
`23 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 1
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 1
`
`

`

`6,154,359
`
`Page 2
`
`5,500,982
`5,548,478
`5,555,157
`5,594,619
`5,644,516
`5,666,694
`5,712,760
`5,719,799
`5,898,600
`
`
`
`3/1996 HOSOL ...eeeccceeecescesseeeesesesenees 16/342
`8/1996 Kumaret al.
`.
`.. 361/681
`9/1996 Moller etal. ....
`361/683
`1/1997 Miyagawaetal.
`.. 361/681
`7/1997 Podwalny etal. cesses 364/708.1
`9/1997 Slow et al. ceceeccesssseessessseessees 16/368
`1/1998 Coulon et al. vuvcccecsesssesseeee 361/681
`2/1998 Isashi .
`4/1999 Isashi.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7/1989 Saitou et al. cesses 312/72
`4,846,536
`11/1989 Kinser, Jr. et al.
`.
`4,878,293
`4,885,430 12/1989 Kinser, Jr. etal. .
`4,918,632
`4/1990) York wee cece eeeeecteceeceeceeeeneeeees 364/708
`4,960,256
`10/1990 Chihara et al. oe 248/284
`
`-. 361/398
`.....
`4,961,126
`10/1990 Suzuki
`wee 16/342
`4,976,007 12/1990 Lam......
`
`
`... 361/680
`2/1991 Sunano ..
`4,996,522
`
`5,052,078 10/1991 Hosoi occ
`ceeesecsecseceeceeceneeeeenee 16/342
`12/1991 Kinser, Jr. et al.
`.
`5,077,551
`Japan .
`1/1992
`4-25926
`5,109,354
`4/1992 Yamashita et al. we 364/708
`Japan.
`1/1992
`4-25928
`5,126,725
`6/1992 Yanagisawa ....ccsceseeeeees 361/681
`Japan.
`2/1992
`4-43420
`. 361/380
`5,128,829
`7/1992 Loew
`
`Japan.
`4/1992
`4-109330
`4/1993 Thomaset al. wee eeeees 361/681
`5,206,790
`Japan .
`11/1992
`4-315250
`$,251,102 10/1993 Kimbleeee 361/680
`Japan .
`7/1993
`5-173668
`5,268,817 12/1993 Miyagawaetal. oo... 361/729
`Japan .
`9/1993
`5-242040
`5,278,725
`1/1994 Konnoet al.
`.
`Japan .
`5-265590 10/1993
`5,282,293
`2/1994 PedoeeM wo.eeceececcecceeseeeeeeseeees 16/342
`Japan .
`5-289774
`11/1993
`5,337,212
`8/1994 Bartlett et al.
`«. 361/681
`Japan .
`8-22343
`1/1996
`5,359,550 10/1994 Chen ue.
`364/708.1
`Japan .
`9-130058
`5/1997
`5,375,076
`12/1994 Goodrichet al. wee 364/708.1
`2 283 531
`5/1995 United Kingdom .
`5,383,138
`1/1995 Motoyama et al. oe 361/683
`91/05327
`4/1991 WIPO .
`.
`«. 361/681
`5,410,447
`4/1995 Miyagawaet al.
`
`5,436,792 93/01700=1/1993. WIPO.7/1995 Lemanetal. .... .. 361/686
`
`
`
`1/1996 Miyagawaetal. oo... 361/681
`5,481,430
`95/00406
`1/1995 WIPO.
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 2
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
` FIG.1
`
`PRIORART
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 3
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
`FIG. 2 PRIOR ART
`
`5]
`
`
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 4
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.28, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
`FIG. 3
`
`_ H
`
`P Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 5
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
`oO
`
`NS
`
`oO
`
`GN
`
`om
`
`wT
`
`oO
`—s
`cD
`Li
`
`wT
`
`<
`=
`co
`LL
`
`©
`+
`CD
`Li
`
`6 Se=
`
`C9
`
`N
`
`wo
`
`Li
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 6
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
`FIG. 5
`
`
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 7
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 7
`
`

`

`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`FIG. 6A
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 8
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
`FIG,7
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 9
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
`FIG.8
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 10
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 28, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`6,154,359
`
`FIG, 3
`
`31
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 11
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 11
`
`

`

`6,154,359
`
`1
`PORTABLE INFORMATION PROCESSING
`APPARATUS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention generally relates to portable infor-
`mation processing apparatuses and, more particularly, to an
`information processing apparatus having a display part
`whichincludes a display panel and a pen input part formed
`on the display panel, a main body which includes a
`keyboard, and a connection part which connects the display
`part and the main body.
`Recently, portable information processing apparatuses
`typified by lap-top and palm-top computers have become
`popular due to the ease with which the portable information
`apparatuses can be carried by the user. With respect to such
`portable information processing information apparatuses,
`there are demandsto reduce the size of the apparatus and to
`simultaneously realize easy operation under various envi-
`ronments.
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a
`conventional portable information processing apparatus. In
`addition, FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view for explaining the
`conventional portable information processing apparatus
`shownin FIG. 1 in a folded state.
`
`nn
`
`10
`
`15
`
`2
`locking the display part 53 can be lockedat a certain rotary
`position as shownin FIG. 1 so as to facilitate viewing of the
`liquid crystal display panel 52.
`However, the portable information processing apparatus
`51 occupies an area whichis larger whenthe display part 53
`is in the open position compared to the case where the
`display part 53 is in the folded position. For this reason, the
`portable information processing apparatus 51 is difficult to
`operate when the portable information processing apparatus
`51 is set up on a surface having an area smaller than that of
`the main body 55, such as when the portable information
`processing apparatus 51 is used on the user’s lap or in the
`user’s palm.
`In other words, the portable information processing appa-
`ratus 51 in this case is unstable and must be held by the
`user’s hand in order to input data from the keyboard 54
`and/or from the pen input part 58 which is formed on the
`liquid crystal display panel 52 by the user’s other hand.
`Particularly in the state where the display part 53 is opened
`with respect to the main body 55 to the open position, it is
`extremely difficult for the user to positively and stably hold
`the display part 53 of the portable information processing
`apparatus 51 while inputting the data from the pen input part
`58.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`Accordingly,it is a general object of the present invention
`to provide a novel and useful portable information process-
`ing apparatus in which the problems described above are
`eliminated.
`
`35
`
`45
`
`50
`
`A portable information processing apparatus 51 shown in
`FIG. 1 generally includes a display part 53 made up of a
`liquid crystal display panel 52 and a pen input part 58
`formed on the liquid crystal display panel 52, a main body
`55 having a keyboard 54for inputting data, and a connection
`Another and more specific object of the present invention
`part 56. The display part 53 is connected to the main body
`is to provide a portable information processing apparatus
`55 via the connection part 56.
`which enables easy operation, such as data input from a
`Normally, when using the portable information process-
`keyboard and/or a pen input part, even when the portable
`ing apparatus 51 and inputting data, for example, the display
`information processing apparatus is set up on a small
`part 53 is opened to an open position indicated by a dotted
`surface, such as the user’s lap, the user’s palm orthe like.
`line in FIG. 2 so that the user can see the liquid crystal
`Still another object of the present invention is to provide
`display panel 52 as shown in FIG. 1 when manipulating the
`a portable information processing apparatus comprising a
`keyboard 54.
`main body, a display part having a display panel, and a
`40
`On the other hand, when the user carries the portable
`connectionpart, havingafirst rotary part and a second rotary
`information processing apparatus 51, the display part 53 is
`part, supporting the main body andthe display part, wherein
`closed to a folded position indicated by a solid line in FIG.
`the first rotary part is linked to the main body so that the
`2 so that the display part 53 and the keyboard 54 are not
`connection part and the main bodyturnrelative to each other
`exposed to the outside and are protected from external
`when a rotary manipulation force greater than a first prede-
`shock. The display part 53 in the folded position also reduces
`termined value is applied on the main body, and the second
`the area of the portable information processing apparatus 51
`rotary part is linkedto the display part so that the connection
`as a whole, makingit easy to carry the portable information
`part and the display part turn relative to each other when a
`processing apparatus 51. Hence, when carrying the portable
`rotary manipulation force greater than a second predeter-
`information processing apparatus 51, the display part 53 is
`mined value is applied on the display part. According to the
`closed with respect to the main body 55 about the connection
`portable information processing apparatus of the present
`part 56, so that the display part 53 and the keyboard 54
`invention,
`it is possible to enable easy operation, such as
`which are to be protected from the external shock confront
`data input from a keyboard and/or a pen input part, even
`each other.
`whenthe portable information processing apparatus is set up
`ona small surface, the user’s lap, the user’s palm orthe like.
`Other objects and further features of the present invention
`will be apparent from the following detailed description
`whenreadin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`the connection part 56
`As may be seen from FIG. 2,
`enablesthe display part 53 to be openedto the open position
`with respect to the main body 55 when using the portable
`information processing apparatus 51, and to be closed to the
`folded position with respect to the main body 55 when not
`using the portable information processing apparatus 51, that
`is, when carrying the portable information processing appa-
`ratus 51. As shown in FIG. 2, the connection part 56 has a
`single axis structure 57.
`Because the connection part 56 has the single-shaft struc-
`ture 57, the display part 53 can be opened with respectto the
`main body 55 from the folded position to the open position
`for an angular range of 180°. If the portable information
`processing apparatus 51 is provided with a means for
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a
`conventional portable information processing apparatus;
`FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view for explaining the
`conventional portable information processing apparatus
`shown in FIG. 1 in a foldedstate;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of
`a portable information processing apparatus according to the
`present invention;
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 12
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 12
`
`

`

`6,154,359
`
`3
`4
`perspective view of an important part of the connection part
`FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F respectively are a plan
`4, and FIG. 6B showsa crosssectional view of an important
`view, a rear view, a front view, a left side view, a right side
`part of the connection part 4.
`view and a bottom view of the embodimentof the portable
`information processing apparatus in a state where a display
`As shown in FIG. 6B, the connection part 4 includes a
`part is closed with respect to a main body;
`support part 9 ,which supports the first and second rotary
`parts 7 and 8. The support part 9 is made up of a plate-shaped
`FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing the internal
`member11 which connects and supportsthe first and second
`structure of the embodiment of the portable information
`rotary parts 7 and 8, and a cover 12 which covers and
`processing apparatus;
`protects the first and second rotary parts 7 and 8.
`FIGS. 6A and 6B respectively are a disassembled per-
`The first rotary part 7 includes a rotary shaft 21 and a
`spective view and a cross sectional view showing important
`pipe-shaped bearing member23. A partof the rotary shaft 21
`parts of a connection element;
`is mounted on the main body 2 via a mounting part 22. The
`FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view showing the embodiment
`bearing member23 supportsthe rotary shaft 21 in a rotatable
`of the portable information processing apparatus in a state
`state where the rotary shaft 21 firmly fits into the bearing
`where only the main body is turned with respect to the
`member23. Hence,friction exists between the inner periph-
`display part and the connection part;
`eral surface of the bearing part 23 and the outer peripheral
`FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view showing the embodiment
`surface of the rotary shaft 21. Bythis friction, a rotary torque
`of the portable information processing apparatus inastate
`(or rotation-decelerating moment),
`is generated so as to
`where both the main body and the display part are turned
`interfere with (i.e., restrain or impede the rotation of the
`with respect to the connection part; and
`rotary shaft 21 when the main body 2 is turned andthe rotary
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the embodimentof
`shaft 21 turns. The rotary torque is set greater than a rotary
`the portable information processing apparatus for explaining
`force owing to the weight of the main body2itself, but less
`a pen input.
`than a rotary manipulation force which is applied on the
`main body 2 when the main body 2 is turned by the user’s
`hand.
`
`nn
`
`10
`
`15
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`On the other hand, the secondrotary part 8 includes a
`FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a portable information
`rotary shaft 24 and a pipe-shaped bearing member26. A part
`processing apparatus according to the present invention in a
`of the rotary shaft 24 is mounted on the display part 3 via a
`state where a display part is opened with respect to a main
`mounting part 25. The bearing member 26 supports the
`body. In addition, FIGS.4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F respec-
`rotary shaft 24 in a rotatable state where the rotary shaft 24
`tively show a plan view,a rear view, a front view,a left side
`firmly fits into the bearing member26. Hence, friction exists
`view, a right side view and a bottom view of the portable
`between the inner peripheral surface of the bearing part 26
`information processing apparatus shownin FIG. 3 inastate
`and the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 24. By
`where the display part is closed with respect to the main
`35
`this friction,
`a rotary torque (or rotation-decelerating
`body. Furthermore, FIG. 5 shows a cross section of an
`moment) is generated so as to interfere with i.e., restrain or
`internal structure of the portable information processing
`impede the rotation of the rotary shaft 24 when the display
`apparatus shownin FIG. 3 in the state where the display part
`part 3 is turned and the rotary shaft 24 turns. The rotary
`is closed with respect to the main body.
`torque is set greater than a rotary force owing to the weight
`As shownin FIGS. 3 through 5, a portable information
`of the display part 3 itself, but less than a rotary manipula-
`processing apparatus 1 generally includes a main body 2, a
`tion force which is applied on the display part 3 when the
`display part 3 which can open and close with respect to the
`display part 3 is turned by the user’s hand.
`main body 2, and a connection part 4. The main body 2
`The bearing members 23 and 26 and the plate-shaped
`includes a keyboard 6 for inputting data. On the other hand,
`member 11 are formed from a single metal plate which is
`the display part 3 includes a liquid crystal display panel 5,
`bent to form the members 23, 26 and 11 as shown in FIG.
`and a pen input part 10 which is formedonthe surface of the
`6A. The single metal plate is bent to form two pipe-shaped
`liquid crystal display panel 5.
`portions which form the bearing members 23 and 26, and
`The portable information processing apparatus 1 may be
`ends of the single metal plate is soldered in a vicinity of a
`a lap-top computer, a palm-top computer, a notebook type
`center of the plate-shaped member11. The inner diameter of
`word processor, a portable communication tool such as a
`the pipe-shaped portions are adjusted so that the rotary shaft
`communication terminal, or the like.
`21 fits into and is supported by the bearing member 23
`without a gap, and the rotary shaft 24 fits into and is
`The display part 3 and the main body 2 are connected via
`the connection part 4. The connection part 4 is linked to
`supported by the bearing member 26 without a gap. As a
`result, friction exists between the outer peripheral surface of
`related ends or edges,of the display part 3 and the main body
`2 which confront each other in a folded or closed state of the
`the rotary shaft 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the
`bearing member23, and friction similarly exists between the
`outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft 24 and the inner
`peripheral surface of the bearing member26.
`Bythe above described construction ofthe first rotary part
`7, the rotary shaft 21 will not rotate if the rotary manipula-
`tion force applied on the main body 2 or the connection part
`4 is less than a predetermined rotary force. The rotary shaft
`21 rotates only when the rotary manipulation force applied
`on the main body 2 or the connection part 4 is greater than
`or equal to the predeterminedrotary force, and in this case,
`the main body 2 or the connection part 4 turns as the rotary
`shaft 21 turns.
`
`display part 3. The connection part 4 includesa first rotary
`part 7 and a second rotary part 8. The first rotary part 7 is
`linked to the main body 2, and enables turning of the main
`body 2 when a rotary manipulation force greater than or
`equal to a predetermined value is applied on the main body
`2. On the other hand, the secondrotary part 8 is linkedto the
`display part 3, and enables turning of the display part 3 when
`a rotary manipulation force greater than or equal
`to a
`predetermined value is applied on the display part 3.
`FIGS. 6A and 6B respectively are diagrams generally
`showing the construction of important parts of the connec-
`tion part 4. Moreparticularly, FIG. 6A showsa disassembled
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 13
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 13
`
`

`

`6,154,359
`
`5
`When the user stops turning the main body 2 or stops
`turning the connection part 4 with respect to the main body
`2, the main body 2 or the connection part 4 stops turning due
`to the friction between the bearing member23 andthe rotary
`shaft 21. An angle formed between the main body 2 and the
`connectionpart4 is fixed to that at the time whenthe rotary
`manipulation force is released, and the main body 2 and the
`connection part 4 are supported at this angular position.
`In addition, because the second rotary part 8 has a
`construction similar to that of the first rotary part 7,
`the
`rotary shaft 24 will not rotate if the rotary manipulation force
`applied on the display part 3 or the connection part 4 is less
`than a predeterminedrotary force. The rotary shaft 24 rotates
`only when the rotary manipulation force applied on the
`display part 3 or the connectionpart 4 is greater than or equal
`to the predetermined rotary force, and in this case,
`the
`display part 3 or the connection part 4 turns as the rotary
`shaft 24 turns.
`
`nn
`
`10
`
`15
`
`6
`In this case, a tilt angle a of the display part 3 with respect
`to the flat set-up surface can be arbitrarily selected within an
`angular range of 0° to (0+B-90°), and the display part 3 can
`be set to a tilt angle which makes information displayed on
`the display part 3 easily visible by the user. The maximum
`tilt angle (8+B-90°) includesthe angle of 90° because in the
`folded or closed state of the display part 3, the angle formed
`between the display part 3 and the connection part 4 is 90°.
`Therefore, this embodiment enables easy and convenient
`operation of the keyboard 6 of the main body 2 since the
`main body 2 can befreely tilted with respect to the set-up
`surface when the portable information processing apparatus
`1 is in use.
`
`As may be seen from FIG. 2 described above, the main
`body 55 of the conventional portable information processing
`apparatus 51 cannotbe tilted unless a special tilting mecha-
`nism is additionally provided, because of the single-shaft
`structure of the connection part 56 used to support the main
`body 55 and the display part 53.
`In other words,
`the
`single-shaft structure of the connection part 56 makes it
`impossible to turn one of the main body 55 andthe display
`part 53 with respect to the other by an angle greater than
`180°.
`
`When the user stops turning the display part 3 or stops
`turning the connection part 4 with respect to the main body
`2, the display part 3 or the connection part 4 stops turning
`due to the friction between the bearing member 26 and the
`rotary shaft 24. An angle formed between the display part 3
`FIG. 8 showsa cross section of the portable information
`and the connectionpart4 is fixed to that at the ttme when the
`processing apparatus 1 in a state where both the main body
`rotary manipulation force is released, and the display part 3
`2 and the display part 3 are turned with respect
`to the
`and the connection part 4 are supported at this angular
`connection part 4.
`position.
`In FIG. 8, the main body 2 is set up on the flat set-up
`Next, a description will be given of the various positions
`surface with the keyboard 6 facing down,and the display
`the display part 3 can take with respect to the main body 2
`part 3 and the main body 2 form an angle within an angular
`due to the double-shaft structure of the connection part 4.
`range of 270° to 360°in this, state. Hence, an angle y formed
`As shownin FIG. 5, the portable information processing
`between the surface 3a of the display part 3, opposite to the
`apparatus 1 is normally carried by the user in a state where
`surface 3b provided with the liquid crystal display panel 5
`the display part 3 is folded, that is, closed, with respect to the
`and the pen input part 10, and the surface 2a of the main
`main body2.In thisstate, the display part 3 is stacked on top
`body 2, opposite to the surface 2b provided with the key-
`of the main body 2 so that the liquid crystal display panel 5
`board 6, is within an angular range of 0° to 90°.
`(pen inputpart 10) confronts the keyboard 6. In this state, an
`In this case, the surface 2b of the main body 2, forming
`angle formed between the display part 3 and the main body
`the bottom surface of the portable information processing
`2 is 0°. In this state where the angle formed between the
`apparatus 1 in the folded state of the display part 3, and the
`display part 3 and the main body 2 is 0°, an angle formed
`surface 3a of the display part 3, forming the top surface of
`between the display part 3 and the connection part 4 is 90°,
`the portable information processing apparatus 1 in the folded
`and an angle formed between the main body 2 and the
`state of the display part 3, face each other as shownin FIG.
`connectionpart 4 is also 90°. Since the connection part 4 has
`8. In addition, the pen input part 10 is easily accessible by
`the double-shaft structure, the display part 3 and the main
`the user, because the area occupied by the portable infor-
`body 2 can turn independently of each other, and both the
`mation processing apparatus 1 in this state is not much
`display part 3 and the main body 2 can be turned to arbitrary
`different from that in the folded state of the display part 3
`rotary positions.
`and the portable information processing apparatus 1 can
`FIG. 7 showsa cross section of the portable information
`easily be maintained in a stable state. Accordingly, the user
`processing apparatus 1 in a state where only the main body
`can easily input data from the pen input part 10 by manipu-
`2 is turned with respect
`to the display part 3 and the
`lating a pen (not shown) with respect to the pen inputpart.
`connection part 4.
`Preferably, the portable information processing apparatus
`In FIG. 7, the main body 2 is turned by approximately
`1 is provided with a mechanism for disabling the keyboard
`180° with respect to the display part 3 and the connection
`6 when the angle y formed between the surface, 3a of the
`part 4. Whenthe portable information processing apparatus
`display part 3, opposite to the surface 3b provided with the
`55
`Lis set up onaflat set-up surface in this state, the connection
`pen input part 10, and the surface 2a of the main body 2,
`part 4 supports the main body 2 in a tilted state on the flat
`opposite to the surface 2b provided with the keyboard 6, is
`set-up surface such that the main body 2 forms an angle 6
`within an angular range of 0° to 90°, so that the data input
`to the flat set-up surface.
`is only possible from the pen input part 10. A mechanism
`The angle 0 is determined by a width D of the main body
`similar to a known mechanism for turning OFF powerof the
`2, a width W ofthe connection part 4 which is approximately
`portable information processing apparatus 1 when the dis-
`the same as the thickness of the portable information pro-
`play part3 is folded and closed with respect to the main body
`cessing apparatus 1, and an angle B which is determined by
`2 may be used to disable the keyboard 6. In this case, it
`the extent of the turn of the main body 2 relative to part 4
`possible to prevent erroneous manipulation of the keyboard
`and is formed between the main body 2 and the connection
`6 and to prevent erroneous inputs from the keyboard 6 when
`part 4. Hence,a tilt angle of the main body 2 with respect to
`making the data input from the pen input part 10 in the
`the flat set-up surface can be arbitrarily selected within an
`position of the portable information processing apparatus 1
`shown in FIG. 8.
`angular range of 0° to 0.
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`60
`
`65
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 14
`
`HP Inc. - Exhibit 1028 - Page 14
`
`

`

`6,154,359
`
`5
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`20
`
`8
`7
`2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein
`FIG. 9 showsa perspective view of the portable infor-
`said connector connects to respective, confronting edge
`mation processing apparatus 1 for explaining a pen input
`portions of said main body andsaid display part.
`from the pen input part 10.
`3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein
`FIG. 9 shows the portable information processing appa-
`said first rotary part comprises:
`ratus 1 in a state where the angle y described above is
`O0<y<90°. However, the display part 3 may take an upright
`a rotary shaft fixed at a first axial portion thereof to said
`position (y=90°) or a horizontal position (y=0°) to suit the
`main body; and
`user’s needs. The portable information processing apparatus
`a bearing memberrotatably receiving and engaging a
`1 can be positively maintained in a stable state on a table, a
`second axial portion of said rotary shaft,
`friction
`surface having a relatively small area which may be smaller
`between said rotary shaft and said bearing member
`than the bottom surface area of the main body2, the lap of
`being set so that said rotary shaft rotates relatively to
`the user, the palm of the user or the like, because of the
`said bearing whensaidfirst rotary manipulation force is
`relatively small area occupied by the portable information
`applied therebetween.
`processing apparatus 1 in the state where only the pen input
`4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein
`part 10 needs to be enabled and the keyboard 6 may be
`said second rotary part comprises:
`disabled. As a result, the data input can be made by the user
`a rotary shaft fixed at a first portion thereof to said main
`with ease by manipulating a pen 31 with respect to the pen
`body; and
`input part 10.
`a bearing member rotatably receiving and engaging a
`In the embodiment described above, a part of the rotary
`second axial portion said rotary shaft, friction between
`shaft 21 is fixed to the main body 2 and the rotary shaft 21
`said rotary shaft and said bearing memberbeing set so
`is supported by the bearing member23 inthe first rotary part
`that said rotary shaft rotates relatively to said bearing
`7. However,it is possible notto fix the rotary shaft 21 to the
`whensaid second rotary manipulation force is applied
`main body 2. In other words, instead of fixing the rotary
`therebetween.
`shaft 21 to the main body 2, a part of a bearing member 23
`5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
`may be fixed to the main body 2 andthefirst rotary part 7
`said first rotary part and said second rotary part of said
`may be formed by such a bearing memberandarotary shaft
`connection part comprise respective first and second
`which is supported by such a bearing member.
`shafts having corresponding, parallel axes of rotation.
`Similarly, instead of fixing the rotary shaft 24 to the main
`6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein
`body 2, a part of a bearing member 26 maybefixed to the
`said first predetermined valueis greater than a rotary force
`main body 2 and the first rotary part 7 may be formed by
`due to a weight of said main bodyitself.
`such a bearing memberanda rotary shaft which is supported
`7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein
`by such a bearing member.
`said second predetermined value is greater than a rotary
`In addition, although the display part 3 of the described
`force due to a weight of said display partitself.
`embodiment includes the liquid crystal display panel 5, the
`8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein
`display panel of the display part 3 is not limitedto the liquid
`said display part is selected from a group consisting of a
`crystal display panel 5, and other suitable display panels
`liquid crystal display panel and a plasma display panel.
`such as a plasma display panel (PDP) maybeusedin place
`9. An electronic device, comprising:
`of the liquid crystal display panel 5.
`a main body having a main surface and an input device
`limited to these
`Further,
`the present
`invention is not
`received on the main surface;
`embodiments, but various variations and modifications may
`a display part; and
`be made without departing from the scope of the present
`a connector comprisin