Classifications

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  • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
• • G—PHYSICS
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• • G—PHYSICS
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  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
• • G—PHYSICS
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  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
• • G—PHYSICS
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  • G06F1/163—Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• • G—PHYSICS
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  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
  • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
  • G06F1/1643—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being associated to a digitizer, e.g. laptops that can be used as penpads
• • G—PHYSICS
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  • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
  • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
  • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
  • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
  • G06F1/1652—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being flexible, e.g. mimicking a sheet of paper, or rollable
• • G—PHYSICS
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  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
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• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G06F3/0416—Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
  • G09F21/02—Mobile visual advertising by a carrier person or animal
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
  • G09F21/02—Mobile visual advertising by a carrier person or animal
  • G09F21/023—Mobile visual advertising by a carrier person or animal fixed on clothing
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
  • G09G3/00—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes
  • G09G3/03—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes specially adapted for displays having non-planar surfaces, e.g. curved displays
  • G09G3/035—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes specially adapted for displays having non-planar surfaces, e.g. curved displays for flexible display surfaces
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
  • H04N5/64—Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N7/00—Television systems
  • H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
  • H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
  • H04N7/142—Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
  • G06F2203/041—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/041 - G06F3/045
  • G06F2203/04102—Flexible digitiser, i.e. constructional details for allowing the whole digitising part of a device to be flexed or rolled like a sheet of paper
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
  • G09G2340/00—Aspects of display data processing
  • G09G2340/04—Changes in size, position or resolution of an image
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
  • G09G2354/00—Aspects of interface with display user
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
  • G09G2380/00—Specific applications
  • G09G2380/02—Flexible displays

Definitions

• the present invention relates to interface devices for computer systems, for example personal computer systems designed to be worn by a human user, and more particularly, to visual display devices having comfortably wearable form factors and superior input/output capabilities.
• Wearable computing devices of many different types are being used in a host of commercial, industrial and consumer environments.
• the best wearable computers are lightweight and flexible, demonstrating superior ergonomics and allowing use during all normal activities.
• flexible circuitry or equivalent flexible transmission devices join physically independent computer modules, allowing comfortable distribution of the computer about the body to accommodate a wide variety of body morphologies.
• Standard-interconnect input/output devices allow easy user upgrades and modular replacements.
• Spread-spectrum wireless Local Area Networks allow interaction with other users and/or with a host computer system.
• Flexible wearable computing devices are comfortable, easy-to-use, convenient and powerful alternatives to the brick-like machines that until recently have been the only choice in the marketplace.
• Typical portable displays are rigid and can be cumbersome to carry and/or uncomfortable to wear. Displays which are small enough to be pocketable have thickness and/or rigidity factors that make accommodating them somewhat awkward over long periods of time. Further, even "sheet” computer prototypes, e.g., Sharp Electronics' conceptual system-on-panel (SOP) computer (having a form factor only millimeters thick), are generally rigid and thus present comfort problems. Head-mounted displays also are known for use in a variety of situations, but typically are bulky, heavy, hot, otherwise uncomfortable and aesthetically displeasing.
• SOP system-on-panel
• Embodiments of the present invention provide a display that has both flexible and rigid structural characteristics, and/or variable sizing and shaping, producing significant advantages over prior art body-wearable and carryable display systems.
• Embodiments of the invention combine the advantages of large-form-factor displays, e.g., visibility and ease-of-use, with the comfort and portability of far-smaller displays.
• a display of the present invention is removably worn about a body part in a first wrapped, generally semi-rigid or fixed configuration.
• the display is preferably a flexible sheet having at least a portion acting as a display and/or an interactive visual interface.
• the user flexibly unwraps the display from the body part and then flexibly manipulates the display into a second semi-rigid configuration that is removably secured relative to the same body part or another body part.
• this conformable display exhibits the same dual flexible/semi-rigid capability when deployed apart from a user's body, for example, on a desktop.
• a display of the present invention includes multiple sheet sections that are movably connected together to permit rotation, folding, and/or sliding of the sheet sections relative to each other.
• the display and/or interactive visual interface is viewable on at least one of the sheet sections, but is optimally viewable on a portion of all or some of the sheet sections.
• the sheet sections are moved relative to one another to vary the size and shape of the display.
• the multiple sheet sections are wearable to make viewing easier.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of an interactive display device in a semi-rigid configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in the semi-rigid configuration as worn on a user's arm, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in a generally flexible configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in a semi-rigid convex configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in a generally semi-rigid concave configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in a generally tubular configuration when standing on end, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device in a generally semi-rigid configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device in a generally semi-rigid configuration including additional support features, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 9 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 8, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 10 is a plan view of a multiple screen display device with square-shaped sections in a compacted configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 11 is a top plan view of the device of Figure 10 in an expanded configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 12 is a top plan view of the device of Figure 10 in a partially expanded configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 13 is a top plan view of a multiple screen display device with pie-shaped sections in a compacted configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 14 is a top plan view of the device of Figure 13 in a partially expanded configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 15 is a schematic view of the device of Figure 13-14 in a fully expanded configuration as worn about a user's neck , according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 16 is a schematic view of a multiple screen display device as worn about a user's neck, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 17 is a perspective view of a foldable multiple screen display device, according to an embodiment of the invention
• Figure 18 is a perspective view of a multiple screen display device in the configuration of an umbrella, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 19 is sectional view of a wearable PC support component for use with a display device, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 20 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 with additional communication features, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 21 is a sectional view of a display device with an internal support structure, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 22 is a sectional view of a display device with a sheet- like internal support structure, according to an embodiment of the invention.
• Embodiments of the invention have wide application to a number of different computing technologies and environments.
• Flexible, wearable computers are gaining rapid acceptance in the marketplace in different computing environments, including military, maintenance, law enforcement, medical and other environments.
• highly visible and portable display devices are important in virtually all computing environments using graphic or text input/output, not just in wearable-computing environments. Accordingly, although particular embodiments of the invention will be discussed with respect to wearable computers and in particular flexible, wearable computers, the invention is not necessarily limited to those embodiments. Rather, embodiments can be carried and/or used in a desktop environment, among other possibilities.
• Flex-to-fixed interface device 10 of the present invention is shown generally in Figure 1.
• Device 10 includes sheet 12 having first and second edges 14, 16 and third and fourth edges 18, 20.
• Device 20 further includes display or interface screen 22 as well as optional bracket 24.
• Sheet 12 of device 10 is preferably formed of a resilient, shape-holding flexible layer. As shown, the resiliency of sheet 12 generally holds the tubular shape shown but can be "unwrapped" by flexibly moving edges 14 and 16 away from each other and pulling them back along direction A of the directional arrows. Conversely, sheet 12 can be brought into a more closed tubular position by pressing edges 14, 16 closer together along direction B of the directional arrows.
• Sheet 12 generally forms a "touchscreen” type interface that allows visual display and touch-activated input, like a computer monitor.
• interface screen 22 represents the active area on sheet 12 which supports such "touchscreen"-type technologies including visual display, input/output functions, and optional key-reduction algorithms.
• device 10 can be turned on or off. While interface screen 22 is shown only occupying a portion of sheet, interface screen 22 is optionally sized to cover the entire surface of sheet 12 or only a portion of sheet 12.
• interface screen 22 is locatable in any desired portion of sheet 12 and is not restricted to the location shown in Figure 1.
• interface screen 22 includes a variable shaping feature so that screen 22 is not restricted to the rectangular shape shown in Figure 1.
• the size, location, and shape of screen 22 on sheet 12 is controlled by appropriate software drivers, known or readily discernible to those skilled in the art, associated with a CPU-based computing system 23 that communicates with device 10 through wired or wireless, RF, body LAN, and other well-known communication techniques.
• device 10 is particularly adapted to be worn about forearm
• device 10 is in a "wrapped" configuration, accommodating the morphology of forearm 25 and allowing easy portability. Opposite edges 14,16 of device 10 are adjusted either to contact each other or be adjacent each other, depending on the tightness of wrap desired by the wearer. Moreover, device 10 also optionally includes a suitable fixing device such as bracket/fastener 24 to substantially fix the degree of wrap of device 10 about arm 25.
• a suitable fixing device such as bracket/fastener 24 to substantially fix the degree of wrap of device 10 about arm 25.
• device 10 is generally flexible in a longitudinal, wrap/unwrap orientation (i.e., generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of forearm 25) yet generally fixed (or semi-rigid) in a lateral orientation (i.e., generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of forearm 25).
• interactive screen 22 occupies only a portion of the surface of sheet 12, particularly the area shown that is readily viewable on device 10 when worn on forearm 25 of the user.
• the user "unwraps" device 10 and manipulates it into a new configuration more suitable for these purposes.
• software-driven sizing features optionally enlarge and reduce active screen 22 of display sheet 12 automatically (or manually), depending on the degree of wrap/unwrap of device 10.
• Figure 3 illustrates device 10 in an intermediate, flexible configuration just after being unwrapped from forearm 25 ( Figure 2).
• Device 10 also exhibits the configuration of Figure 3 just prior to being wrapped about forearm 25.
• device 10 further includes band 26, lateral support 28, slot 30, and fasteners 32, 34.
• Band 26 is secured to sheet 12 with fasteners 32 and removably secures device 10 about arm 25, or other preferred body part.
• Lateral support 28 extends from band 26 to further support sheet 12 along forearm 25.
• Fastener 34 extends between sheet 12 and support 28, and is slidably movable within slot 30 to permit edge 18 of sheet 12 to move laterally relative to lateral support 28 and forearm 25.
• Other schemes for removably securing device 10 about arm 25 may be used.
• device 10 is flexible in at least two directions: in a longitudinal, wrap/unwrap direction (shown by directional arrows A and B) and in a lateral, flex/fixed direction (shown by directional arrows C and D) as will be further described. Accordingly, in any given configuration device 10 can be flexible in one orientation yet generally fixed (or semi-rigid) in another orientation. For example, as shown in Figures 1-2, device 10 is flexible in the longitudinal, unwrap/wrap direction yet generally fixed (or semi-rigid) in the lateral direction. In contrast, when in the configuration shown in Figure 3, device 10 is generally flexible in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
• device 10 is generally fixed (or semi-rigid) in the longitudinal direction (A-B) yet generally flexible in the lateral direction (unless or until secured with a suitable fixing device).
• device 10 is further manipulated from the intermediate, dual flexibility configuration of Figure 3, to a generally fixed configuration as shown in Figure 4, in which device 10 is generally fixed (or semi-rigid in the longitudinal orientation, and generally flexible in the transverse orientation.
• the user curves device 10 in a lateral direction as shown in Figure 4, forming a lateral, downward- facing arc 33 and thereby imparting a convex configuration to interactive screen 22 of device 10.
• sheet 12 has a radius of curvature 36.
• Arc 33 imparts substantial rigidity to device 10 along the longitudinal orientation to provide a far more stable structure for touchscreen functions including input/output operations.
• mechanical stops, bands, pins, hook-and-loop fasteners, and other equivalent devices can be used to support device 10 in the arc configuration.
• interactive device 40 includes sheet 42 with ends 42, 44, side 46, and interactive screen 48.
• Device 40 carries substantially the same features as device 10, previously discussed in conjunction with Figures 1-5.
• device 40 is formed into a permanent tubular shape or is placed in a tubular shape by forcing together edges 14,16 of device 10.
• Such a tubular display can be mounted in an appropriate recess, or can stand by itself, kiosk-style on desk 41 or other support.
• embodiments of the invention combine, in the same interface device, (1) ready portability and small form factor in a flexible, wearable configuration with (2) an option for a larger, substantially rigid configuration.
• a form or format is achieved that changes a flexible interface device to a fixed (or semi-rigid) interface device.
• this form also permits changes from a fixed interface device to a flexible interface device.
• this form permits changes between two (or more) different fixed interface configurations by flexible manipulation of the interface device.
• Embodiments of the invention include various software components to optimize interface device 10 in its different configurations.
• a "touchmatch" feature automatically adjusts for touchscreen-layer alignment differences that occur as device 10 is flexed into its different configurations.
• touchscreen interface device 50 of the present invention (having the substantially the same features as device 10 in Figures 1-5) includes at least two contact-sensitive layers such as outer layer 52 and inner layer 54.
• Outer layer 52 is provided for contact with a finger or other pointing device and usually includes visible indicia 56 in the form of keys or icons for targeting the finger/pointer contact.
• Inner layer 54 underlies outer layer 52, providing a set of contact elements 58 associated with visual indicia 56, and is arranged in more direct association with the appropriate processing electronics.
• visible indicia 56 of outer layer 52 generally are in direct alignment with appropriate contact elements 58 in underlying layer 54.
• FIG. 4 illustrates virtual center of curvature 37 as device 10 is curved laterally to impart rigidity.
• the center of curvature (not shown) is within forearm 23.
• outer layer 52 of the appropriate touchscreen is at a greater radial distance from the center of curvature than inner layer 54, causing a misalignment between visible indicia 56 of outer layer 52 and contact elements 58 of underlying layer 54.
• misalignment compensation or enhancement features according to the invention have been described in relation to touchscreen embodiments, the same principles apply and are contemplated for use with other layered elements in interactive device 10, e.g., display elements.
• a "butterfly" configuration is provided, as shown in Figures 8-9.
• Device 60 having substantially the same features as device 10, includes screen or other layers 62, 64 along with rib 66 and edge fastener 68.
• rib 66 is sandwiched between layers 62 and 64, securing layers 62 and 64 together at a relatively central location. As further shown in the perspective view of Figure 9, rib 66 extends longitudinally along device 60. Rib 66 permits sliding between layers 62 and 64 but in a more controlled and predictable fashion than in a multilayered touchscreen device lacking rib 66. Outer edges 67 of layers 62,64 are optionally connected together with one or more fasteners 68 to prevent "flapping" of layers 62, 64 relative to each other, but in a manner which optionally accommodates parallel sliding of layers 62,64 relative to each other. Fasteners 68 include rails, interconnected slide points or slide edges, among other types of such fasteners with those capabilities.
• interface device 70 comprises multiple square-shaped screen layer sections 72 (with other screen-supporting layers). Sections 72 are connected at one or more pivot point(s) 74, preferably located in corners of sections 72, and together form interactive (or passive) display 76. Sections 72 of device 70 may be slidably rotated relative to one another to increase or decrease the size of the viewing display 76, or alter its configuration. As seen in Figure 10, multiple screens or other layers 72 are compacted or stacked to minimize the profile of device 70. Alternatively, as seen in Figure 11, multiple screen sections 72 are spread out relative to each other to expand display 76. Finally, as shown in Figure 12, screens 72 are pivoted relative to each other in a partially overlapping configuration to form display 76.
• device 70 When compacted as in Figure 10, device 70 is highly suitable for wearability, portability, and intermittent use, while when expanded as in Figure 11, device 70 is conducive for, e.g., stationary use or for applications requiring greater definition.
• Each screen or other layer 72, or group of a selected number of screens/layers 72, are supplied with its own device driver.
• the device drivers can be written to vary the amount, shape, and/or number of screen(s) 72 used for a display 76, depending upon the particular use or shape of device 70.
• device 80 of the present invention shown in Figures 13-14 includes substantially the same features as device 70 of Figures 10-12, except includes pie-shaped screen sections 82 instead of square/rectangular shaped screen sections 72.
• Pie-shaped screen sections 82 are secured together with pivoting mechanism 84 and individually or collectively form display 86.
• pie-shaped screen sections 82 are viewable in their entirety (side-by-side), partially as seen in Figure 14, or in a stacked configuration as seen in Figure 13 in which only the top most pie-shaped screen section 82 is viewable with the remaining screen sections 82 underneath.
• Figures 10-14 can be employed by any number of screens or other layers 72, 82, and in multiple shapes (e.g., mixing of pie and square shapes, or with other shapes) as determined by the user.
• the device drivers select the screen(s) 72, 82 that are used for display, input or other function, based on that portion of each screen that is exposed to a user (i.e., that portion of a screen not hidden behind another, overlapping screen).
• the screens or screen portions 72, 82 are preferably selected based on the configuration of device 10 and/or the activity of the user.
• Device 10 can be configured for placement about a user's wrist, waistband or hip, neck, thigh, etc., or any other suitable location.
• device 80 is placed about user's neck 90 using band 88, with pie- shaped screen sections (or other layers) 82 arranged side-by-side to produce a larger, integrated pie-shaped display 86.
• This large, pie-shaped configuration is especially well suited for hanging about the neck since it minimizes the area of display 86 that is nearest the neck and hardest to see, and maximizes the area of display 86 that is furthest from the neck and easiest to see.
• pie-shaped sections 82 can be arranged in a stacked configuration (with only the top most section available for viewing, as in Figure 12) for storage or other space-minimizing purposes.
• an interactive device of the present invention can be worn about the body in other configurations such that shown in Figure 16 in which interactive device 100 includes screen sections 102 arranged in a side-by-side configuration with substantially parallel adjacent edges to collectively form display 104.
• Band 106 secures device 100 about user's neck 108 or other body part.
• screen sections 102 form a horseshoe-shaped arrangement about neck 108.
• necessary software screen drivers coordinate touchscreen, display, and input/output functions on screen section(s) 102.
• interactive device 120 of the present invention, is arranged in a fanfold or foldout configuration.
• Device 120 includes multiple screen sections 122, which are arranged side-by-side and interconnected at edges 124.
• Device 120 further includes first side 126 and second side 128.
• Screen sections 122 collectively form display 130 viewable on first side 126 and/or back side 128.
• interactive device 140 of the present invention incorporates an interactive device in the form of an umbrella, or similar configuration.
• Device 140 includes multiple pie-shaped screen sections 142, secured about center or pivot 144 to collectively form canopy-shaped display 148.
• Stem 146 extends from the underside of display 148 and operatively houses the remaining necessary hardware of device 140.
• Stem 146 serves as a standing apparatus to enable upright placement of device 140 on a table, desk or within another suitable structure.
• Screen(s) or other layers 142 may spread out flat at one end of stem (as shown) or, alternatively, may be curved to enhance viewing.
• Device 140 can employ radiating or reflective sound means to create a surround-sound effect, e.g., when multiple devices are used together.
• the invention contemplates small-scale applications similar to those described herein, as well as large-scale applications including, for example, an advertising screen.
• embodiments of the invention for the first time combine the advantages of flexibility (e.g., portability and comfort) with the advantages of rigidity (e.g., stability for touch input and easy, large-scale viewing), making such embodiments especially suitable for use in wearable-computing environments.
• Interactive device 10 in its various embodiments can be viewed easily by the user, and then more easily by others when in its extended and fixed configuration. Touch interface is readily accommodated, and entire images are easily viewed due to the large size of the display.
• support components 150 for interface device(s) 10, 70, 80, etc. can be worn on body 152 in, on, or under clothing using belt 153.
• the above- identified patents to Carroll and Janik cover examples of flexible, wearable computers that are especially advantageous for this purpose, and are expressly herein incorporated by reference.
• RF or other wireless communication can be used for data transmission between the wearable computer or other components on belt 153 and interface device 10 (or 70, 80, etc.), although wired communication also is contemplated.
• interface device 10 is flexible, it can be mounted on or in association with a flexible battery with the memory contained therein.
• devices 50, 60 shown in Figures 7-8 each include two or more layers, 52, 54 and 62, 64 respectively.
• One of these layers, such as layer 54 or 64, or an additional layer, can comprise a flexible battery with memory.
• FIG 20 another embodiment of interactive device 10 further eases wearable use by including a two-way verbal communication system having microphone 164 and retractable ear bud or plug 166.
• microphone 164 of device 10 When device 10 is mounted on a body part, such as forearm 23, as shown in Figure 2, microphone 164 of device 10 will be positioned near the user's wrist, permitting the user to speak into microphone with the user raising microphone 164 near the user's mouth as necessary (i.e., depending upon the capabilities of the microphone).
• ear bud 166 is retracted from device 10 up to adjacent the user's ear, then the combined microphone/ear bud components are properly positioned to facilitate two-way verbal communication.
• Embodiments of the invention such as device 10 shown in Figure 20, optionally include CMOS camera 162, as to facilitate two-way video conferencing and communication, preferably in association with microphone 164 and retractable ear bud 166.
• CMOS camera 162 As to facilitate two-way video conferencing and communication, preferably in association with microphone 164 and retractable ear bud 166.
• flexible motherboards and other flexible devices optionally incorporated in device 10 do not have an unlimited flexible lifespan. The degree of bending sharpness to which device 10 is subjected in part determines its flexible life. Therefore, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, embodiments of the invention optionally include packaging restriction elements such as cable or relatively stiff sheets disposed behind or in between the disclosed layers or motherboard.
• Figure 21 shows interactive device 170 having screen layers (or other layers) 172, 174 with cables 176 extending therebetween.
• Figure 22 shows interactive device 170 having sheet(s) 178 of a relatively stiff material generally having different durometer value(s) than the screen layers (or other PC support layers) of device 10.
• These packaging restriction elements such as cables 176 or stiff sheets 178, prevent sharp bending movements that would have caused unacceptably high bending stresses or even crimping on the operative screen layers or other layers of device 10.

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• 1999
  • 1999-10-28 EP EP99971107A patent/EP1127303A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1999-10-28 AU AU12406/00A patent/AU1240600A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1999-10-28 WO PCT/US1999/025443 patent/WO2000025193A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1999-10-28 KR KR1020017005268A patent/KR100697729B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1999-10-28 KR KR1020067016497A patent/KR100835757B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1999-10-28 CA CA002347642A patent/CA2347642A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1999-10-28 JP JP2000578713A patent/JP2002528811A/ja active Pending

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