Slate Display Matrix Merging for Portable Screen Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Slate computers, due to their small size and portability, often lack the capability to provide a larger display when needed, as they typically cannot easily connect to form a unified larger display with multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows multiple slate computer devices to combine their displays into a larger matrix, with modules for display configuration, orientation determination, detection of compatible devices, and control of the larger display, enabling a unified touch screen interface and secure physical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple slate devices are used to provide a larger display, then the display area is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent slate devices to form a unified large display system. The devices are merged through wireless communication protocols where one device acts as a master controller and others as display nodes, integrating their individual displays into a single coordinated output system that functions as one large display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables slate devices to perform multiple functions: they can operate independently as standalone devices or combine with other slates to form a larger display system. The system supports dynamic configuration where devices can join or leave the combined display arrangement, providing universal functionality across different usage scenarios.
2Weight of moving object
If slate devices are designed to be slim and portable, then weight and size are reduced, but the ability to provide a large display is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows multiple portable slate devices to be combined together to create a large display area. By merging the display capabilities of several slim, lightweight devices, the system achieves a large effective display area while maintaining the portability benefits of individual slate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-device two-dimensional display constraint to a multi-device three-dimensional arrangement. Slates can be positioned at different orientations and locations in space, creating a large display area through spatial distribution rather than increasing the size of individual devices.
3Area of stationary object
If external monitors are used to provide a larger display, then the display area is increased, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables slate devices to serve dual purposes: they maintain their portability as handheld devices while simultaneously functioning as components of a large display system when needed. This eliminates the need for separate external monitor equipment, as the slates themselves provide both portability and large display capability through combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the slate devices to self-organize and self-configure into a combined display system without requiring external control equipment. The devices automatically detect each other, establish communication protocols, and coordinate their displays through built-in software algorithms, eliminating the need for external monitors or complex setup equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for automatically combining multiple displays on multiple portable electronic computer devices to form a larger display matrix. For each device, a first display configured to combine with additional displays of additional electronic devices to form a larger display from a matrix of the first display and the additional displays. A display orientation module automatically determines an orientation of the first display with respect to the one or more additional displays that form the larger display matrix. The display orientation module determines a location of the first display in the larger display matrix.