Vehicle display with recharging module having attached interface

Abstract

The vehicle includes a host display having a graphical user interface incorporating a touch screen. At least a portion of the host display includes a charging interface. A docking port is disposed proximate to the host display. The docking port is configured to selectively couple with a portable computing device having a portable display. Engagement of the portable computing device with the docking port positions a portable display of the portable computing device in front of the charging interface of the host display. A controller of the host display is disposed in electrical communication with the portable computing device to charge a battery cell of the portable computing device. The engagement further adjusts the graphical user interface of the host display to selectively assimilate the portable display of the portable computing device to define the portable display as an adjunct display of the host display.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The device is in the field of vehicle displays, and more specifically, vehicle displays including a recharging interface for charging portable computing devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or other similar devices. In addition to recharging capabilities, the vehicle display includes an attachment interface that attaches the portable display of a portable computing device as part of the vehicle display.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In conventional vehicles, one or more displays are positioned within the console of the vehicle, among other new spaces used to house displays within the vehicle. These displays can occupy a significant amount of space to provide necessary information to the vehicle operator and occupants. These displays are typically in the form of digital displays that may have a display screen and a touch screen interface or other user interface controlled to operate the components of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to aspects of this disclosure, the vehicle includes a host display having a graphic user interface incorporating a touchscreen. At least a portion of the host display includes a charging interface. A docking port is disposed adjacent to the host display. The docking port is configured to selectively couple with a portable computing device having a portable display. The engagement of the portable computing device with the docking port positions the portable display of the portable computing device in front of the charging interface of the host display. A controller of the host display is positioned to communicate with the portable computing device to charge the battery cells of the portable computing device. The engagement further adjusts the graphic user interface of the host display to selectively assimilate the portable display of the portable computing device in order to define the portable display as an accessory display to the host display.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface for a vehicle includes a host display having a graphic user interface, at least a portion of the host display including a charging interface and a touchscreen of the host display incorporating the graphic user interface. The touchscreen's docking port is configured to selectively accept a portable computing device having a portable display. Engagement of the portable computing device with the touchscreen's docking port positions the portable display of the portable computing device in front of the portion of the touchscreen that selectively defines the docking port. A controller of the host display is positioned to communicate with the portable computing device to charge the portable computing device's battery cells. The engagement further adjusts the graphic user interface of the host display to selectively assimilate the portable display of the portable computing device in order to define the portable display as an accessory display of the host display. Assimilation of the portable display includes at least one of migrating a hidden portion of the graphic user interface behind the portable computing device to an area surrounding the touchscreen's docking port, and migrating the hidden portion of the graphic user interface onto the portable display. The touchscreen defining the docking port is operated via the portable display.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a charging surface for a vehicle includes a host display having a graphic user interface and a touchscreen of the host display incorporating the graphic user interface. The charging interface of the touchscreen is configured to selectively accept a portable computing device having a portable display. Engagement of the portable computing device with the charging interface of the touchscreen positions the portable display of the portable computing device in front of a portion of the touchscreen that selectively defines the charging port. A controller of the host display is positioned to communicate with the portable computing device electrically in order to charge the battery cells of the portable computing device via the charging port. The engagement further adjusts the graphic user interface of the host display to selectively assimilate the portable display of the portable computing device in order to define the portable display as an accessory display of the host display. The host display includes an emissive layer and a conductive layer between which electrons are transferred during use of the host display. The transfer of electrons in the charging interface is directed to the portable computing device to provide wireless charging via the charging interface of the touchscreen.

[0006] These and other aspects, purposes, and features of this disclosure will be understood and recognized by those skilled in the art by examining the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0007] The following is the diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle display incorporating the configuration of an attached interface. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle display, showing the attachment of a portable display integrated with the vehicle display. [Figure 3] This schematic diagram illustrates the transition of components for a graphic user interface for a vehicle display, illustrating the space occupied by a portable computing device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating one type of vehicle display that can be used as a vehicle recharging interface. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the placement of portable computing devices on a vehicle display. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the integration of a portable display to serve as an extension of a vehicle display. [Figure 7] This is a linear flowchart illustrating a method for recharging a portable computing device using a vehicle display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Where necessary, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to detailed designs, and some schematic diagrams may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate the functional overview. Accordingly, certain structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as representative grounds to teach those skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways.

[0010] For the purposes of this specification, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “back,” “front,” “vertical,” and “horizontal,” and their derivatives, are used in relation to the concept as oriented in Figure 1. However, it should be understood that the concept may be subject to various alternative orientations unless the opposite is explicitly specified. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the concept of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless otherwise specified in the claims.

[0011] The illustrated embodiments primarily consist of a combination of method steps and apparatus components relating to in-vehicle display screens, including a recharging interface and an auxiliary capability for incorporating a portable display of a portable computing device that forms part of the vehicle's display. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps are represented by conventional reference numerals in the drawings, showing only those specific details relating to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure this disclosure by details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who have an interest in the description herein. Furthermore, similar figures in the description and drawings represent similar elements.

[0012] The term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be taken alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be taken. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B, and / or C, the composition may comprise A only, B only, C only, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0013] In this text, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. "Comprises," "comprising," or any other variation is intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article, or apparatus, rather than containing only those elements. An element beginning with "comprises...a" does not, without further constraint, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising that element.

[0014] When used herein, the term “approximately” means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not, and do not need to be, exact, and may be approximate and / or greater or less, as necessary, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. Where the term “approximately” is used in describing a range value or endpoint, this disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint being referenced. Regardless of whether a range number or endpoint in the specification states “approximately,” the range number or endpoint is intended to include two embodiments: those modified by “approximately” and those not modified by “approximately.” Furthermore, it will be understood that each endpoint of a range is important either in relation to other endpoints or independently of other endpoints.

[0015] When used herein, the terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and their variations are intended to note that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to represent a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Furthermore, “substantially” is intended to represent two values ​​that are equal to or approximately equal to one another. In some embodiments, “substantially” may represent values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0016] As used herein, the terms “the,” “a,” or “an” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless the opposite is expressly indicated. Therefore, a reference to, for example, “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0017] Referring here to Figures 1 to 7, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a host display incorporated within the vehicle 12. Typically, the vehicle 12 includes at least one host display 10, and typically includes multiple host displays 10 that provide various information to the user and also function as interface points or user interfaces 14 for allowing the operator or occupant of the vehicle 12 to control various components of the vehicle 12. These host displays 10 typically include digital displays and also include one or more touchscreen interfaces 16 or other user interfaces 14 that allow interaction between the host displays 10 of the vehicle 12 and the occupant of the vehicle 12. Depending on various embodiments of the device, the vehicle 12 includes a display having a graphic user interface 18 (GUI) incorporating a touchscreen interface 16. At least a portion of the host display 10 includes a charging interface 20. In this way, the host display 10 can also define a charging surface 114. The docking port 22 is located adjacent to the host display 10. The docking port 22 is configured to selectively couple with a portable computing device 24, including a portable display 26, at least electronically. When engaged with the docking port 22, the portable computing device 24 is positioned above the host display 10, obscuring at least a portion of the host display 10's GUI 18. The engagement of the portable computing device 24 with the docking port 22 positions the portable display 26 of the portable computing device 24 in front of a portion of the host display 10. Through this engagement, the controller 28 of the host display 10 is positioned to communicate with the portable computing device 24. This communication activates a charging interface 20 that charges a battery 68, such as a battery cell, of the portable computing device 24.The engagement of the portable computing device 24 with the docking port 22 also adjusts the GUI 18 of the host display 10 to selectively assimilate the portable display 26 of the portable computing device 24, defining the portable display 26 as an attached display 30 of the host display 10 of the vehicle 12. According to various embodiments of the device, the docking port 22 and charging portion 112 of the charging interface 20 are defined by the same portion of the host display 10. This charging portion 112 is the area of ​​the host display 10 that is hidden by the portable computing device 24. It is also intended that the docking port 22 may define or include the charging portion 112 of the charging interface 20. It is intended that the entire host display 10 may define the charging interface 20. In such embodiments of the device, only those portions of the host display 10 that define the docking port 22 also define the charging portion 112 of the charging interface 20.

[0018] In certain embodiments of the device, the docking port 22 may take the form of a physical feature that at least partially supports and mounts the portable computing device 24 relative to the host display 10. Such a support may take the form of a shelf 70 positioned along or near the outer edge of the host display 10, as will be described more fully herein. The docking port 22 may also be defined as a part of the host display 10, such as in the case of a horizontally positioned host display 10. In such a configuration, the docking port 22 is the part of the host display 10 that is hidden, covered, or supported by the portable computing device 24, as will be described more fully below. In addition, during the operation of the vehicle 12, the portable computing device 24 may slide its position relative to the host display 10 or otherwise change its position. During such movement, the portable display 26 and GUI 18 of the host display 10 may adjust to this movement of the portable computing device 24. In this way, the locations of the docking port 22 and charging section 112 of the host display 10 can be changed and adjusted over time depending on where the portable computing device 24 is positioned relative to the host display 10 and where the portable computing device 24 may move while the vehicle 12 is in operation.

[0019] Referring again to Figures 1 to 6, when the portable computing device 24 is placed on the host display 10, the portable computing device 24 obscures at least a portion of the host display 10 of the vehicle 12. In the case of a tablet, a considerable portion of the host display 10 can be obscured. To accommodate charging of the portable computing device 24 without sacrificing or removing any portion of the host display 10 for the vehicle 12, the controller 28 for the host display 10 attaches a portable display 26 for the portable computing device 24, causing it to temporarily function as part of the host display 10. Thus, those interactive parts of the GUI 18 that are hidden by the portable computing device 24 can be adjusted or mirrored so that they appear on the portable display 26 that is now attached to the portable computing device 24. In this way, the portable display 26 for the portable computing device 24 is transformed into an attached display 30 that is effectively part of the host display 10. This attachment includes not only the visible screen of the portable computing device 24 but also the capabilities of the touch interface 110 of the portable computing device 24. Therefore, the portable computing device 24 can be integrated into and attached to the host display 10 for the vehicle 12 through engagement with the docking port 22.

[0020] This assimilation and attachment of the portable display 26 is carried out without distorting the host display 10 for the vehicle 12. Thus, the interaction between the portable computing device 24 and the host display 10 does not cause distortion of the GUI 18 in the host display 10, other than the planned operation of the GUI 18 between the host display 10 and the attached display 30, as discussed herein. In this way, the engagement of the portable computing device 24 with the host display 10 and the assimilation of the portable display 26 to become the attached display 30 of the host display 10 do not result in any loss of resolution of the host display 10 or the portable display 26. Degradation or distortion of these displays is minimized or completely eliminated during the engagement of the portable computing device 24 with the docking port 22.

[0021] As illustrated in Figure 4, which shows a basic cross-sectional schematic of a host display 10 having a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or other similar display, these host displays 10 utilize the flow of electricity in the form of electrons 66 moving between various layers of the host display 10, such as between the anode 58 and the cathode 60, and through various light-emitting layers 62 and conductive layers 64, as well as other layers. These electrons 66, which can be in the form of electrons, ions, or other charged particles, typically move within the layers of the host display 10 to generate photons for creating visible light. Using the device described herein, the charging interface 20 of the host display 10 allows these electrons 66 to move through the upper layers of the OLED screen of the host display 10 to provide wireless charging of one or more batteries 68. When a portable computing device 24 engages with the docking port 22, these electrons 66 are allowed to move through the host display 10 into the battery 68 of the portable computing device 24 and function as a wireless charging interface 20 between the portable computing device 24 and the host display 10. Even if these electrons pass through the display to the battery 68 for the portable computing device 24, the GUI 18 will not be deactivated or changed in terms of resolution. Those parts of the host display 10 covered by the portable computing device 24 remain active and can be mirrored to the attached display 30 of the portable computing device 24.

[0022] To realize the recharging function of the host display 10, only those portions of the host display 10 that are covered by the portable computing device 24 are utilized to transfer electrons 66. Accordingly, those portions of the host display 10 that are not covered by the portable computing device 24 operate without distortion, unaffected by the positioning of the portable computing device 24. As described herein, the GUI 18 may be adjusted or adapted to correspond to the positioning of the portable computing device 24, so as to present the GUI 18 for use by an operator or other occupant of the vehicle 12. This interaction creates a generally seamless operation of the GUI 18 between the host display 10 and the auxiliary display 30 of the portable computing device 24. When the auxiliary display 30 is coupled with the host display 10, those portions of the host display 10 that are covered by the portable computing device 24 may be deactivated, or may remain active and undistorted. In either case, the visible portions of the host display 10 remain undistorted, and the charging portion 112 of the charging interface 20 operates continuously to charge the coupled portable computing device 24.

[0023] When the portable computing device 24 is disposed on the host display 10 to define the docking port 22 and the charging portion 112 of the charging interface 20, the current delivered to the region of the touch screen of the host display 10 that defines the docking port 22 and the charging portion 112 can receive charging current that provides the charging function of the charging interface 20, in addition to the operation of the host display 10. As described herein, as the portable computing device 24 moves relative to the host display 10, the portions of the host display 10 that define the docking port 22 and the charging portion 112 of the charging interface 20 may also change.

[0024] As discussed herein, the touch interface 110 of the portable computing device 24 is incorporated as part of the touch screen interface 16 for the host display 10 for the vehicle 12, or is attached by the host display 10 so as to be mirrored. Accordingly, interaction between an operator or occupant of the vehicle 12 and the portable computing device 24 can be used to adjust various controls of the vehicle 12 while engaging with the docking port 22. Engagement by the operator or occupant of the vehicle 12 with a portion of the host display 10 or a portion of the attached display 30 can achieve adjusting various mechanisms of the vehicle 12 or interacting with various mechanisms of the vehicle 12 via the GUI 18 of the host display 10 and the attached display 30.

[0025] Referring again to Figures 3 and 5-6, in certain embodiments of the device, when a portable computing device 24 having a docking port 22 is positioned, the GUI 18 of the host display 10 can be adjusted to accommodate positioning the portable computing device 24 on top of the host display 10. Thus, various icons 52 or other interfaces on the host display 10 can be manipulated and moved outside the perimeter 50 of the portable computing device 24. In such an example, the attached display 30 of the portable computing device 24 can shift between operating as a touch interface 110 for the portable computing device 24 and operating as part of the touchscreen interface 16 for the host display 10. When the portable computing device 24 is adjusted to be the touchscreen interface 16 for the portable computing device 24, those icons 52 of the GUI 18 located within the attached display 30 are moved outside the attached display 30 and into the host display 10 for the vehicle 12. Thus, various features of the portable computing device 24 can be accessed as desired while the portable computing device 24 is engaged with the docking port 22.

[0026] This adjustment of the GUI18 icons 52 can also occur when the portable computing device 24 is coupled to the docking port 22 but is deactivated. In this case, the aforementioned attachment can be prevented by deactivating the portable computing device 24 and the portable display 26. Thus, the GUI18 on the host display 10 can be moved to an area outside the portable computing device 24. In certain embodiments, the docking port 22 can be positioned such that the placement of the portable computing device 24 hides the less frequently used icons 52 of the GUI18 in the host display 10, regardless of whether it is activated or deactivated. Thus, the GUI18 may not be adjusted or modified in a significantly recognizable manner. The use of less frequently used icons 52 of the GUI18 can be achieved in this embodiment of the device by moving the portable computing device 24.

[0027] Furthermore, when the portable computing device 24 is placed on the host display 10, the GUI 18 is intended to be adjusted so that less frequently used icons 52 of the GUI 18 are moved, adjusted, or otherwise shifted so that they are located below the portable computing device 24. This may occur whether the portable computing device 24 is activated or deactivated. When the portable display 26 is activated, the modification of the GUI 18 of the host display 10 can be used if the user desires to access at least a portion of the icons 52 of the portable display 26 for the portable computing device 24. As discussed herein, the portable display 26 can be temporarily assimilated as part of the host display 10, which is defined as an auxiliary display 30. This auxiliary display 30 can be used to display the icons 52 of the portable computing device 24, the icons 52 of the GUI 18, or a combination of these icons 52 in the auxiliary display 30. If the icons 52 of both the GUI 18 and the portable display 26 are adjusted to appear on the attached display 30, the less frequently used icons 52 of the GUI 18 can be placed within the host display 10 but shifted to appear below the portable computing device 24.

[0028] Furthermore, shifting the icons 52 so that they are below the portable computing device 24 can be done depending on the status of the vehicle 12. Icons 52 that may not be needed or used while the vehicle 12 is moving can be moved to be placed below the portable computing device 24. When the vehicle 12 stops, the icons 52 of the GUI 18 can be shifted again to place other or additional icons 52 below the portable computing device 24.

[0029] If the host display 10 is a horizontal display and the docking port 22 is defined by any surface of the host display 10 that is obscured by the portable computing device 24, the portable computing device 24 may slide along the surface of the host display 10, such as when the vehicle 12 rapidly accelerates or decelerates or makes a sharp turn. In such an example, the GUI 18 for the host display 10 may continuously adjust to correspond to such movement of the portable computing device 24. This may include real-time adjustment of those parts of the GUI 18 that are mirrored on the accompanying display 30. In addition, this movement of the portable computing device 24 may also result in a continuous transition of icons 52 of the GUI 18 during the movement of the portable computing device 24. Alternatively, during such movement of the portable computing device 24, the accompanying display 30 is intended to convert to the host display 10 and the mirrored parts of the GUI 18 until the portable computing device 24 comes to a standstill on the host display 10.

[0030] Referring again to Figures 1-3 and 5-6, the docking port 22 can be a specifically defined location on the host display 10 so as to enable engagement between the portable computing device 24 and the docking port 22 by repeatedly and consistently positioning the portable computing device 24 in a consistent location. The portable computing device 24 can be mounted on the host display 10 using various stoppers, mounting features, and other physical mechanisms. Exemplary, rather than limiting, the host display 10 may include a lower shelf 70 on which the portable computing device 24 can rest. This shelf 70 may include various mounting mechanisms for positioning the portable computing device 24 on a specific part of the host display 10. These mounting devices can also be used to prevent sliding and other displacement of the portable computing device 24 during the operation of the vehicle 12, such as while the vehicle 12 is rotating.

[0031] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1-3 and 5-6, it can be conceivable that the portable computing device 24 can be installed on any part of the host display 10. In such a form of the device, the docking port 22 can take the form of a mobile interface 80 which is activated at any location on the host display 10 for the vehicle 12 where the portable computing device 24 is placed. A specific part of the host display 10 can be used to detect the presence of the portable computing device 24 on that part of the host display 10. This can be useful when the portable computing device 24 may be a smartphone, tablet, multiple devices, or a combination thereof. Various light-emitting diodes 82 (LEDs) of the host display 10 can detect the presence and perimeter 50 of each portable computing device 24 and communicate with the controller 28 to attach each portable display 26 to become an attached display 30 of the host display 10 for the vehicle 12. Thus, wherever a particular portable computing device 24 is installed on the host display 10, that portable computing device 24 can be assimilated as an attached display 30 to be integrated with the touchscreen interface 16 of the host display 10 for the vehicle 12. As discussed herein, this assimilation of the portable display 26, which is the attached display 30, occurs without distortion of the host display 10 or the portable display 26.

[0032] During use, the operator of the vehicle 12 can place their portable computing device 24, such as a smartphone, on the host display 10 and engage it with the docking port 22 of the host display 10. In one embodiment, the portable computing device 24 may be placed on the HVAC icon 52 of the GUI 18. When the portable computing device 24 is placed in this location, the HVAC icon 52 of the GUI 18 can be displayed on the display 30 currently attached to the portable computing device 24. As considered herein, the engagement of the attached display 30 for the portable computing device 24 can be used to interact with the HVAC controls of the GUI 18 in order to adjust the environment of the passenger cabin. Specifically, if the operator of the vehicle 12 wishes to interact with the portable computing device 24, the HVAC icon 52 of the GUI 18 can be moved to an area outside the perimeter 50 of the portable computing device 24 so that the controls of the portable computing device 24 can be accessed. The HVAC icon 52 of the GUI 18 moved outside the perimeter 50 of the portable computing device 24 is also accessible. To accommodate the space for the portable computing device 24, the size, scale, and position of various components of the GUI 18 are to be manipulated to accommodate the engagement of the portable computing device 24 with the docking port 22. The GUI 18 can be adjusted to occupy or leave the attached display 30 free to allow control operations over the portable computing device 24. This adjustment may occur via voice commands, through the engagement of parts of the user interface 14, or through other similar controls on the host display 10 or the portable display 26.

[0033] As illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 5-6, the portable computing device 24 obscures a portion of the host display 10. Various sensors can be used to monitor and confirm the location of the perimeter 50 of the portable computing device 24 above the host display 10. Various cameras can be used to determine the perimeter 50. It is also intended that various proximity sensors, light sensors, or other similar sensors can be incorporated into the host display 10 to monitor the location of the external boundary of the portable computing device 24 above the host display 10. In addition, the location of the portable computing device 24 and its perimeter 50 can be determined using information stored in the vehicle 12 or on a cloud-based computing interface. This information can be accessed via one or more of various communication protocols, including, but not limited to, Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, Cloud, combinations thereof, and other similar protocols. The stored data may relate to the portable computing device 24, such as device model, screen size, resolution, location, and other similar data. This data can be used by the controller 28 of the host display 10 to determine the size and position of the portable computing device 24, as well as details of possible adjustments, mirroring, or other adjustments to the GUI 18.

[0034] When determining the outer boundary 100 of the portable display 26, this can be used to determine the level or distance of transition that the icon 52 for the GUI 18 must correspond to in order to move outside the outer perimeter 50 of the portable computing device 24. This can be achieved through various memory functions, where parameters of a specific device can be stored in the memory of the vehicle 12, either through the operator of the vehicle 12's portable computing device 24 or through a specific user of the vehicle 12.

[0035] By utilizing the docking port 22 of the host display 10, the portable computing device 24 is integrated into the host display 10, becoming an extension of the host display 10 itself. Therefore, the control unit and icons 52 of the GUI 18, which typically operate through the touchscreen interface 16 for the host display 10 itself, can now be operated through the attached display 30 of the portable computing device 24. When the portable computing device 24 is removed from the docking port 22, the portable display 26 ceases to be the attached display 30, and the host display 10 for the vehicle 12 returns to the typical state 150 of the GUI 18.

[0036] Referring again to Figures 1-6, when the portable computing device 24 is engaged with the docking port 22, the portable computing device 24 is being charged through the coil, and the portable computing device 24 is typically displayed on the portable display 26 on which the device is charging. Various mechanisms of the host display 10 and / or the vehicle 12 or other parts of the device are used to examine the periphery 50 of the portable computing device 24 in order to determine how the GUI 18 needs to be adjusted or which parts of the GUI 18 need to be transmitted to the attached display 30 of the portable computing device 24. The transmission of electrons 66 through the host display 10 via the charging portion 112 of the charging interface 20 is intended to be used as an indicator of which parts of the host display 10 are obscured by the portable computing device 24. If the portable computing device 24 includes a case 90 or outer bezel, certain parts of the portable computing device 24 are not used to transmit electrons 66 but still obscure a portion of the host display 10. As described herein, a position detection mechanism may be used to determine the outer boundary of the portable computing device 24 and any case 90 surrounding the portable computing device 24.

[0037] Depending on the various embodiments of the device, multiple portable computing devices 24 may also be used on the host display 10, and each portable display 26 of the various portable computing devices 24 can become an accessory display 30 of the host display 10 of the vehicle 12. In certain embodiments of the device, it is intended that the entire host display 10 of the vehicle 12 may be occupied by the accessory displays 30 of the various portable computing devices 24, or by larger portable computing devices 24 such as large tablets. When multiple portable computing devices 24 are arranged on the host display 10, it is intended that certain parts of the portable computing devices 24 may extend outside the boundary 100 of the host display 10. In such a situation, only a portion of the portable display 26 may constitute an accessory display 30 for the vehicle 12.

[0038] Furthermore, it is intended that the attached display 30 can be moved outside the boundary of the host display 10. Exemplary and not limiting, the portable computing device 24 can be partially positioned relative to a portion of the host display 10 such that a portion of the portable computing device 24 extends outside the boundary 100 for the host display 10. Under such conditions, the GUI 18 can be moved to those portions of the portable computing device 24 above the host display 10, as well as those portions of the portable computing device 24 outside the boundary 100 of the host display 10.

[0039] The charging capacity of the host display 10 is intended to be available for use for a portable computing device 24. The charging capacity is intended to be available for use for other devices as well. Such devices may include, but are not limited to, battery packs, laptops, wearable devices, and other similar rechargeable portable devices.

[0040] Depending on the various embodiments of the device, a host display 10 having charging capabilities and the ability to assimilate and attach a portable display 26 of a portable computing device 24 can also be positioned outside the vehicle 12. In certain embodiments of the device, a manhole cover can be integrated with the host display 10, as described herein. Such a host display 10 can be used to recharge the vehicle 12. A vehicle 12, such as an electric vehicle 12 or other rechargeable vehicle 12, is intended to be able to park over a manhole cover having the host display 10 configuration. Those portions of the host display 10 not covered by the vehicle 12 can continue to function as a distortion-free host display 10 by utilizing the host display 10 on the manhole cover. If the host display 10 on the manhole cover contains various information relating to traffic or other occurrences in the area, this host display 10 can be transmitted or adjusted to a separate display in another part of the local environment or a separate display in a part of the vehicle 12, and displayed by a separate attached display 30 installed nearby. These host displays 10, positioned on a specific substrate (such as a manhole cover), can be used to charge any electric vehicle 12 or device. Such devices may include, but are not limited to, rechargeable scooters, rechargeable bicycles, rechargeable fixtures, and other similar devices described herein that can be recharged wirelessly.

[0041] Depending on the various aspects of the device, the wireless charging capability of a particular host display 10 can be used to operate as a host display 10 and also as a recharging interface 20 or other power interface for various vehicles 12, equipment, devices, and other similar mechanisms. This recharging capability occurs through the host display 10 and without distortion of the host display 10. The portion of the host display 10 covered by the portable computing device 24 or other mechanism can continue to operate. The portion of the GUI 18 hidden by the portable computing device 24 is moved to another portion of the host display 10 that is not hidden, or otherwise moved and integrated into or mirrored on the attached display 30 of the device being charged.

[0042] Referring here to Figures 1 to 7, which illustrate various embodiments of the device, a method 400 for charging a device utilizing a host display 10 for a vehicle 12 is disclosed. According to method 400, a first step 402 includes placing a portable computing device 24 on the host display 10 for the vehicle 12. Once placed on the host display 10 for the vehicle 12, a controller 28 for the host display 10 communicates with the portable computing device 24 using various authorization protocols (step 404). Various protocols are involved to enable access between the controller 28 and the portable computing device 24. The use of these protocols allows the portable display 26 for the portable computing device 24 to be assimilated by the host display 10 and become an attached display 30 of the host display 10. Once these protocols are completed and access to the host display 10 is permitted, the portable display 26 for the portable computing device 24 becomes an attached display 30 that becomes an extension of the host display 10 for the vehicle 12 (step 406). The GUI 18 for the host display 10 of the vehicle 12 is adjusted to integrate with the auxiliary display 30 (step 408). This auxiliary display 30 may either integrate a portion of the GUI 18 into a portion of the auxiliary display 30, or move the hidden portion of the GUI 18 to an area outside the auxiliary display 30. In the latter embodiment, the portable display 26 for the portable computing device 24 can operate as the touch interface 110 of the portable computing device 24. The portable display 26 for the portable computing device 24 can also be in a hybrid configuration.In such a configuration, part of the portable display 26 can function as a touch interface 110 for the portable computing device 24, and the other part of the portable display 26 can be attached to function as part of a touchscreen interface 16 for the host display 10.

[0043] Depending on the various aspects of the device, the attached display 30 for the portable computing device 24 can function as part of the GUI 18 and also as a touch interface 110 for the portable computing device 24 itself. In the case of a vehicle 12 in operation, certain features of the phone may be hidden as they may not be needed while the vehicle 12 is in operation. Exemplary and not limiting, using driver mode, certain icons 52 for games and other potential operator distractions may be hidden from view while the vehicle 12 is in operation. Control over the GUI 18 may be transferred to the attached display 30 so that only certain features of the portable computing device 24 are visible, in addition to various parts of the GUI 18 for the host display 10.

[0044] Referring again to Figures 1 to 7, according to method 400, the GUI 18 for the host display 10 can be adjusted between conditions that occupy the attached display 30 as an occupied state 152 and conditions that move outside the attached display 30 as an empty state 154, or a combination thereof, as described herein (step 410). When charging is complete, or when the occupants or operator of the vehicle 12 are ready to leave the vehicle 12, the portable computing device 24 can be detached from the docking port 22 for the host display 10 (step 412). When detached from the host display 10, the GUI 18 for the host display 10 returns to its typical state 150, and communication between the portable computing device 24 and the controller 28 for the host display 10 is disconnected, at least temporarily (step 414).

[0045] Communication between the portable computing device 24 and the controller 28 for the host display 10 is intended to occur via a variety of communication devices, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and other similar wireless communications, as well as wired communication that allows the portable computing device 24 to be connected to the host display 10 via a cord.

[0046] Depending on the various aspects of the device, the host display 10 used to provide the charging interface 20 to the portable computing device 24 can be installed in various parts of the vehicle 12. Such locations may include, but are not limited to, the console 200, dashboard 202, headrest, armrest, overhead display, combinations thereof, and other similar and alternative locations within the vehicle 12. Vehicles 12 that can utilize the host display 10 and charging and auxiliary capabilities described herein may include, but are not limited to, family vehicles, rideshare vehicles, vehicle platoons, mass transit vehicles and combinations thereof, and other support vehicles.

[0047] It should be understood that the above-described structure may be modified and altered without departing from the concepts of this disclosure, and further, unless otherwise explicitly stated in those languages, such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. It is a vehicle, A host display having a graphic user interface incorporating a touchscreen, wherein at least a portion of the host display includes a charging interface, The system includes a docking port located adjacent to the host display and configured to selectively connect to a portable computing device having a portable display, By engaging the portable computing device with the docking port, the portable display of the portable computing device is positioned in front of the charging interface of the host display. The controller of the host display is positioned to communicate with the portable computing device in order to charge the battery cells of the portable computing device. Further, in order to define the portable display as an accessory display to the host display, the graphic user interface of the host display is adjusted to selectively assimilate the portable display of the portable computing device. The assimilation of the portable display includes moving the hidden portion of the graphic user interface located behind the portable computing device to the area surrounding the portable computing device, A vehicle in which the host display includes a light-emitting layer and a conductive layer between which electrons are transferred during use of the host display, and the transfer of electrons within the hidden portion is directed to the portable computing device to provide wireless charging.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the engagement of the portable computing device with the docking port also provides a touch interface for the portable computing device that communicates with the host display.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the attached display of the host display also assimilates the touch interface of the portable computing device, and the touch interface communicates with the host display.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the docking port is defined by the charging interface of the host display.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the docking port communicates wirelessly with the portable computing device via the touchscreen.

6. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the docking port includes the outer edge of the host display.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the charging interface is defined by the position of the portable computing device relative to the host display.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the host display is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the assimilation of the portable display includes transferring a hidden portion of the graphic user interface onto the portable display, the portable display is incorporated within the host display, and the hidden portion of the graphic user interface is defined within the charging interface.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the host display is located on either the console or the dashboard.

11. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the charging interface is selectively defined by any part of the host display.

12. A user interface for a vehicle, wherein the user interface is A host display having a graphic user interface, wherein at least a portion of the host display includes a charging interface, A touchscreen of the host display incorporating the aforementioned graphic user interface, wherein the docking port of the touchscreen is configured to selectively accept a portable computing device having a portable display, The engagement of the touchscreen with the docking port of the portable computing device positions the portable display of the portable computing device in front of the portion of the touchscreen that selectively defines the docking port. The controller of the host display is positioned to communicate with the portable computing device in order to charge the battery cells of the portable computing device. Further, in order to define the portable display as an accessory display to the host display, the graphic user interface of the host display is adjusted to selectively assimilate the portable display of the portable computing device. The assimilation of the portable display includes at least one of the following: moving the hidden portion of the graphic user interface located behind the portable computing device to the area of ​​the touchscreen surrounding the docking port; and moving the hidden portion of the graphic user interface onto the portable display, wherein the portion of the touchscreen defining the docking port is operated via the portable display. The host display includes a light-emitting layer and a conductive layer between which electrons are transferred during use of the host display, and the transfer of electrons within the hidden portion is directed to the portable computing device to provide wireless charging, the user interface.

13. The user interface according to claim 12, wherein the engagement of the portable computing device with the docking port of the touchscreen also provides a touch interface for the portable computing device that communicates with the host display.

14. The user interface according to claim 13, wherein the attached display of the host display also assimilates the touch interface of the portable computing device, and the touch interface communicates with the host display.

15. The user interface according to claim 12, wherein the controller wirelessly communicates with the portable computing device at least via the docking port of the touchscreen.

16. The user interface according to claim 12, wherein the docking port selectively includes the outer edge of the host display.

17. The user interface according to claim 12, wherein the charging portion of the charging interface is defined within the docking port of the touchscreen.

18. The user interface according to claim 12, wherein the host display is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

19. The user interface according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the charging interface is selectively defined by any part of the host display.

20. A charging surface for a vehicle, A host display with a graphic user interface, A touchscreen of the host display incorporating the aforementioned graphic user interface, wherein the touchscreen's charging interface is configured to selectively accept a portable computing device having a portable display, The engagement of the portable computing device with the charging interface of the touchscreen allows the portable display of the portable computing device to be positioned in front of the portion of the touchscreen that selectively defines the charging port. The controller of the host display is positioned to communicate with the portable computing device via the charging port in order to charge the battery cells of the portable computing device. Further, in order to define the portable display as an accessory display to the host display, the graphic user interface of the host display is adjusted to selectively assimilate the portable display of the portable computing device. The host display includes a light-emitting layer and a conductive layer between which electrons are transferred during use of the host display, and the transfer of electrons within the charging interface is directed toward the portable computing device to provide wireless charging via the charging interface of the touchscreen.

21. The charging surface according to claim 20, wherein the engagement of the portable computing device with the charging interface also provides a touch interface for the portable computing device that communicates with the host display.

22. The charging surface according to claim 21, wherein the attached display of the host display also assimilates the touch interface of the portable computing device, and the touch interface communicates with the host display.

23. The charging surface according to claim 20, wherein the charging interface wirelessly communicates with the portable computing device via the touchscreen.

24. The charging surface according to claim 20, wherein the charging interface includes the outer edge of the host display.

25. The charging surface according to claim 20, wherein the charging interface is defined by the position of the portable computing device relative to the host display.

26. The charging surface according to claim 20, wherein the host display is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

27. ​​The charging surface according to claim 20, wherein the charging interface is selectively defined by any part of the host display.

28. The charging surface according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein the assimilation of the portable display includes moving the hidden portion of the graphic user interface within the charging interface to the area surrounding the charging port.

29. The charging surface according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein the assimilation of the portable display includes transferring a hidden portion of the graphic user interface located within the charging interface onto the portable display, and the portable display is incorporated into the host display.

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