FR2816093A1 - Laptop computer with dual screens includes hinged support enabling second screen to be displayed to audience - Google Patents

Abstract

The portable laptop computer includes a two screens (5,6. When opened fully, the first screen is visible to the computer user in the normal way, whilst the second screen can be viewed by an audience observing a presentation. The portable laptop computer includes a first screen (5) which is hinged to the main body of the computer in the conventional manner. A second screen (6) is attached to the first by a further hinge formed along the opening edge of the first screen. When opened fully, the first screen is visible to the computer user in the normal way, whilst the second screen faces in the opposite direction to be viewed by an audience observing a presentation from the opposite side of the computer. The second screen is connected to the computer processor by a cable, and may includes a retractable support leg which allows the lower edge of this screen to be supported on the work surface behind the computer itself.

Description

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 More and more presentations, demonstrations, information gathering are done at work, leisure, or at home with a portable information device, commonly called laptop, including: a central computer unit (1) , memories (2), keyboard (3), mouse (4), and a panel (10), able to pivot around an axis (R1), and supporting a flat display screen (5).

 The present invention relates to a device making it possible to greatly facilitate these presentations, demonstrations, collection of information made to small groups of people, in particular in an office, a conference room, a workshop, a store, accommodation, etc. using the laptop.

The person using the laptop, opening it, has the screen and keyboard right in front of him. Those who attend stand behind him and to the sides.

Results: 1) few people can see and follow the explanations. 2) the presenter almost turns his back on his interlocutors, which is completely disadvised professionally in terms of communication.

To date there is a solution which uses a video projector connected to the laptop.

In the context of small groups, this solution proves to be: 1-cumbersome (presence of two important materials: the laptop and the video projector, requires a connection to an electrical supply at the place of use), 2-complex (necessity to connect the video projector to the laptop using a specific cable), 3-cumbersome (two devices, one of which is larger), 4-expensive (two devices), 5-difficult to transport (two devices), 6-requires space (projection of images on a surface).

The device according to the invention overcomes these drawbacks, for groups of less than twelve people.

 The invention consists in providing on the portable computer (FIGS. 1, 2, 3) an additional panel (11) pivoting about the axis (R2) by means of a hinge placed at the top of the first screen, folded outwards. On this additional panel (11) is housed a second screen (6), facing the outside (FIGS. 1 and 2). Through the hinge and the axis (R2) passes the information and the electrical supply of the second screen (6). On this screen (6) is simultaneously written all the information displayed on the first screen (5).

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 As part of a presentation, a meeting, we deploy the two screens t (Figure 3).

The second (6) is placed on the back of the first (5) making an adjustable angle with the first. In this way, this second screen can be positioned to allow better vision for the interlocutors who can face this screen. They are not bothered by the presenter himself. Therefore, they are facing the presenter. This allows people, facing each other, to see the same presentation, and to work on the same document.

 There remains the problem of adjusting the inclination of the second screen which must be independent of the inclination of the first. It is resolved by two adjustable telescopic legs (8) which are fixed to the sides of the second panel. Each foot is provided, at its end, with a non-slip point or eraser.

 When the second screen is not used (Figure 2), it is protected by a removable cover (7).

The three positions of this portable device are: - closed (figure nO 1) - open, for a user (figure n 2) - open, for presentation / meeting of several people (figure n 3)
A variant is possible (Figures 4, 5 and 6)). It always consists of an additional panel (12) supporting a second screen (9), always fixed by a hinge, pivoting around the axis (R2), as in the main case, above, but this additional panel (12) folds inside the computer. This solution avoids having to provide a removable cover (7) on the top. On the other hand, it is desirable that the image appear on both sides of this panel (12) to allow immediate use of the computer by a single user without having to deploy the second screen (Figure No. 5). In this case, on this panel (12) are, on both sides, the screens (9) and (13), and, on the panel (10) the screen (14).

Another variant is possible, and not limiting, concerning the stabilization of the two screens by screws or butterfly nuts on the two hinge axes (R1 and R2) of the two panels. Or by rigid adjustable supports resting on the two open panels (10) and (11), or, (10) and (12).

Another variant consists in providing a second screen, similar in size to the first, housed in the case. This second flat screen being detachable. It will be connected to the computer by a cable contained in the briefcase. This screen can be placed on a surface and oriented as needed.

Claims (11)

1) - Portable device, comprising in particular a central computer unit (1), memories (2), keyboard (3), mouse (4), and a first display screen (5) or (14), housed on a panel ( 10) which can pivot along an axis (R1) along the base, characterized in that it comprises a second panel, which can itself pivot around an axis (R2) along the first panel (10).  2) -A device according to claim "1" characterized in that the second panel supports at least one display screen which simultaneously repeats all the information appearing on the first screen.  3) -A device according to claim "2" characterized in that the adjustment of the inclination of the second screen (6) or (9) is independent of the inclination of the first screen (5) or (14).  4) -A device according to claim "3" characterized in that two telescopic legs (8) are fixed on the second panel (11) or (12) to ensure its stability.  5) -A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second screen (6) or (9) is placed on the back of the first screen (5) or (14) to allow the presentation of said screen (6 ) or (9) to people in front of the person using the computer.  6) -A device according to one of claims "1" and "2" characterized in that the second panel (11) folds out of the computer, screens (5) and (6).  7) -A device according to claim "6", characterized in that it comprises a cover for the protection of the second screen (6).  8) -A device according to one of claims "1" to "2" characterized in that the second panel (12) folds back towards the interior of the computer.  9) -A device according to claim "8" characterized in that the second panel (12) simultaneously displays the information on its two faces, screens (9) and (13).  10) -A device according to claim "3" characterized in that the stability of the second screen can also be obtained by screws or wing nuts placed on the ends of the axes (R1) and (R2), or by rigid adjustable supports s '' pressing the two open panels (10) and (11), or, (10) and (12).  11) -Device according to claim "1" in that the axis "R2" can be removed and make the second screen completely autonomous, usable on any surfaceplane, connected to the computer by a specific cable.