Combining Slate Displays into Larger Unified Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slate computers, due to their small size and portability, often lack the capability to form larger displays when multiple devices are combined, limiting their utility in situations requiring a larger screen, as existing solutions for connecting multiple slates to form a larger display are not universally available or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables multiple slate computers to combine their displays to form a larger display, using modules such as a display configuration module, detection module, and control module to automatically detect and orient compatible devices, and control the output, allowing for secure physical and wireless connections to form a unified touch screen interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple slate displays are combined to form a larger display, then the display area is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent slate displays into a unified larger display system. Each slate maintains its independence while contributing to the collective display area. The system merges multiple display devices through physical connection and software coordination to achieve a unified display surface, directly resolving the contradiction by increasing display area through combination rather than creating a single large display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables slates to serve dual functions: operating as independent portable devices and combining to form a unified display system. The detection module and configuration system allow slates to automatically identify and coordinate with other slates, enabling the same hardware to function in multiple modes (individual or combined), thus increasing display area without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic detection and configuration modules are added to enable slate combination, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic detection and configuration modules. When slates are brought together, the system automatically detects their presence, determines compatibility, configures their relative positions, and establishes communication channels without user intervention. This automation improves ease of operation significantly while the complexity is contained within the automated subsystems rather than requiring complex manual configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection and configuration modules perform preliminary actions automatically upon slate proximity. The system pre-establishes communication protocols, pre-configures display orientations, and pre-validates compatibility before the user attempts to use the combined display. This preliminary automation reduces the operational burden on users while managing complexity through pre-programmed routines.
3Measurement precision
If detection contact points are used to identify compatible devices, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex software-based compatibility detection with simple mechanical contact points. Physical contacts provide direct, reliable detection of slate presence and orientation through electrical connectivity. This mechanical approach achieves high measurement precision for device compatibility and positioning while minimizing added complexity, as contact points are simpler than wireless communication protocols or image-based recognition systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for combining multiple displays on multiple portable electronic computer devices to form a larger display. For each device, a configuration module configures a first display to combine with one or more additional displays of one or more additional electronic computer devices to form the larger display. The first display may be configured to provide a portion of the larger display. A display orientation module determines an orientation of the first display with respect to the one or more additional displays to form the larger display. A detection module detects a presence of the one or more additional electronic computer devices and determines that the detected additional electronic computer devices are compatible with the first display to combine to form a larger display.