Multiple flat panel display system

Abstract

A multiple display apparatus includes a hub capable of supporting a variable number of display support members and at least two support members coupled to the support hub. The apparatus is expandable to provide a plurality of displays and support members on the hub. Mounting brackets are respectively associated with the members to secure flat panel displays to the apparatus.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 306,510 filed on Jul. 18, 2001.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The present invention is directed to a scalable flat panel display system. In particular, the system integrates a plurality of display panels, efficiently and without limitation to quantity, as well as providing integration for additional devices within the system.[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art[0005] As computing applications have become more sophisticated, the ability to utilize multiple displays provides users with increased productivity and capabilities in manipulating such applications. Such multiple display systems are becoming more popular as the cost of such systems decreases, while the imaging and processing capability of today's image-based computers continue to rise. Faster computing power, multi-tasking between applications, multi-media applications and the integration of Intern...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0114] For example in selecting and utilizing a 6-port hub system, a user can start with a two flat panel display configuration and add arms and flat panel displays as budgets allow and as usage dictates. In the case of the 6-port hub, a user can expand the system to integrate a total of 6 flat panels in a variety of configurations including multiple rows. An important advantage of the invention is that the system grows based on the unique needs of the user and does so without the need to sacrifice or replace existing parts in the process.

[0115] This expandable multiple flat panel display system enables efficient expansion from one flat panel display to a plurality of flat panel displays using interchangeable parts that allow for efficient expansion without the need to discard current components. In addition to the expansion potential this invention is designed in such a way so as to support a wide variety of sizes of flat panel displays from most manufacturers and integrate them in multiple configurations, again without compromising or replacing existing parts as the system scales. The extremely flexible infrastructure of the system also allows for a variety of adjustments that further enhance the customization of the system and the benefits to the user. The invention cleanly implements multiple monitors, devices and their inputs and outputs within its structure. Further objects and advantages are to provide a system that is an efficiently scalable multiple display solution over the long-term, allowing users to modify and expand as they need and as display technologies evolve. Finally, the multiple positioning of the flat panel displays and the alternative embodiments of the hubs fulfill a wide scope of applications, from the most basic computing tasks on to the most demanding multi-media development and presentation and including applications and process not having been invented yet. Finally the invention can also integrate additional devices within and upon the system.

Problems solved by technology

None of these solutions provide for an efficiently scalable and customizable solution that addresses the wide variety of system variations and requirements which constantly arise as the adoption of multiple monitor computing increases.

However, none of the prior art solutions provide an integrated and scalable multiple display system.

This implementation is limited in the number of displays which may be attached to the stand as well as the number of positions that the devices achieve.

This version of the system is not easily portable or easily implemented because it is dependent on location of other non-portable structures, including office walls, mounting racks and desktops, for support.

One large disadvantage of this system is that the user is strictly limited in the number of displays that can be attached to the stand.

This solution is not efficiently scalable and is not compatible with off-the-shelf flat panel displays from major manufacturers.

Hence both the number of flat panel displays as well as the flat panel display types and sizes are dramatically limited.

Furthermore, both the Sweere and the Moscovitch approach suffer from the other disadvantages, including wide gaps between images resulting from large and clumsy bezels used in most compatible flat panel displays.

In addition, both systems focus on limited needs of a fixed and predetermined number of flat panel displays and niche applications.

When multiple flat panels are enclosed in a single housing, it constitutes a cumbersome and fixed configuration that does not provide for integration of offthe-shelf flat panel displays and is inflexible and rigid.

This solution is neither customizable nor scalable.

These examples of prior art fail to consider the full spectrum of multiple display requirements.

Each example also fails to adequately address the needs of multiple display computing for a wide audience, as well as an affordable solution to small niche markets.

In sum, the prior art fails to provide a robust, adaptable and scalable solution to multiple display computing.

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