阅读说明：本技术 显示装置 (Display device ) 是由 马里亚·弗朗西斯卡·琼斯 于 2018-12-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：显示装置包括：多个显示单元,每个显示单元铰链式链接在一起以形成可折叠的显示结构,每个显示单元包括具有用户输入能力的显示屏、电池和无线收发器；以及安装单元,其适于接收并保持被折叠在安装单元内时的显示单元,安装单元还包括配置为在显示单元被接收并保持在安装单元内时对该显示单元的电池进行再充电的电源布置、用于与每个显示单元的无线收发器进行通信的第一无线收发器、和用于通过通信网络进行通信的通信布置,其中,显示单元能从安装单元内移除,以与安装单元分开使用。(The display device includes: a plurality of display units, each display unit hingedly linked together to form a collapsible display structure, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; and a mounting unit adapted to receive and retain the display units when folded within the mounting unit, the mounting unit further comprising a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the batteries of the display units when received and retained within the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of each display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network, wherein the display units are removable from within the mounting unit for separate use from the mounting unit.)

1. A display device, comprising:

a plurality of display units, each display unit hingedly linked together to form a foldable display structure, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; and

a mounting unit adapted to receive and hold the display unit when the display unit is folded within the mounting unit, the mounting unit further comprising: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge a battery of the display units when the display units are received and held within the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of each of the display units, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network;

wherein the display unit is removable from within the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are short-range wireless transceivers.

3. A display apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are at a distance less than the distance of the second wireless transceiver.

4. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display screen with user input capabilities comprises a touch sensitive display.

5. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising at least three display units hingedly linked together and foldable in a stacked arrangement.

6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the display unit is foldable in an alternating folded arrangement.

7. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display units are detachably linked together.

8. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting unit comprises a slot along a side thereof to receive and retain the display unit to be received within the mounting unit.

9. A display device according to any preceding claim, wherein the display device is portable and hand-held.

10. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the display units is a flexible display unit and the mounting unit is rigid to rigidly support the at least one flexible display unit when received and retained within the mounting unit.

11. The display device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the display units comprises the battery, a first wireless transceiver, a display processor, and other electronics in a rigid configuration along one edge of the display unit.

12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of at least one of the display units, the display frame structure being configured to be hingedly connected together and/or to at least one other of the display units.

13. A display device, comprising:

at least one display unit, the or each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery and a wireless transceiver;

a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of the or each display unit; and

a mounting unit adapted to receive the display frame structure and retain the display frame structure within the mounting unit, the mounting unit further comprising: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the or each display unit when the or each display unit is received within the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network;

wherein the or each display unit is removable from the mounting unit for separate use from the mounting unit.

14. A display arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit are short range wireless transceivers.

15. A display apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit are at a distance less than the distance of the second wireless transceiver.

16. A display device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the display frame structure comprises a plurality of frames, each frame for receiving and supporting the display unit and hingedly linked together to form a foldable frame structure.

17. The display device of claim 16, comprising at least three display frames hingedly linked together, and the frames are foldable in a stacked arrangement to be received and retained within the mounting unit.

18. The display device of claim 17, wherein the frame is foldable in an alternating folded arrangement.

19. A display arrangement according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the frames are detachably linked together.

20. A display device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the mounting unit includes a slot along a side of the mounting unit to receive and retain the display frame structure within the mounting unit.

21. A display arrangement according to any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the display frame structure comprises an adjustable mounting arrangement, wherein the adjustable mounting arrangement is adjustable to fit at least one different size display unit therein.

22. The display device of any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein at least one of the at least one display unit is a flexible display and the display frame structure supports the flexible display to maintain a flat shape.

23. A display device, comprising:

a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; and

a mounting unit including a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of each of the display units, the mounting unit further including: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge a battery of the display unit when the display unit is received by the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network;

wherein the display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

24. The display device of claim 23, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are short-range wireless transceivers.

25. A display apparatus according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are at a distance less than the distance of the second wireless transceiver.

26. A display device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the display frame structure comprises a plurality of frames, each frame for receiving and supporting a display unit, and hingedly linked together to form a foldable frame structure.

27. The display device of claim 26, comprising at least three display frames hingedly linked together, and the frames are foldable in a stacked arrangement.

28. The display device of claim 27, wherein the frame is foldable in an alternating folded arrangement.

29. A display arrangement according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the frames are detachably linked together.

30. A display device according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the display frame structure comprises an adjustable mounting arrangement, wherein the adjustable mounting arrangement is adjustable to fit different sizes of display units therein.

31. The display device of any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein at least one of the display units is a flexible display, and the display frame structure supports the flexible display to maintain a flat shape.

32. A display device, comprising:

a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; and

a mounting unit including a hinge region and a plurality of frames hingedly connected to the hinge region, each frame configured to receive and retain a display unit, the mounting unit further including: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the display unit when the display unit is received by the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network;

wherein the display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

33. The display device of claim 32, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are short-range wireless transceivers.

34. A display apparatus according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are at a distance less than the distance of the second wireless transceiver.

35. The display device of any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein at least one of the plurality of frames is adjustable to fit different sized display units in the at least one adjustable frame.

36. The display device of any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein at least one of the display units is a flexible display, and at least one of the frames supports the flexible display to maintain a flat shape.

37. A display arrangement according to any of claims 32-36, wherein at least one of the frames is detachable from the hinge region.

38. A display device, comprising:

at least one display unit, the or each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery and a wireless transceiver; and

a mounting unit for receiving and retaining the or each display unit received therein, the mounting unit further comprising a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the or each display unit when the at least one display unit is received and retained received therein, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of each of the at least one display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network;

wherein the at least one display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

39. A display arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the mounting unit includes at least one slot along a side thereof for insertion of the or each display unit into the mounting unit.

40. A display arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the mounting unit comprises first and second parts which are separable for insertion of the or each display unit into the mounting unit.

41. A display arrangement according to any of claims 38 to 40, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit are short range wireless transceivers.

42. A display arrangement according to any of claims 38 to 41, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit are at a distance less than the distance of the second wireless transceiver.

43. A display device according to any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the display device is portable and hand-held.

44. A display device according to any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the mounting unit comprises an ejection mechanism to eject at least one display unit accommodated in the mounting unit.

45. A display device according to any one of claims 38 to 44, comprising: a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of at least one of the at least one display unit.

46. A display arrangement according to claim 45, wherein the display frame structure comprises at least one frame, the or each frame being for supporting a respective display unit.

47. A display device according to claim 45 or claim 46, wherein the display frame structure comprises an adjustable mounting arrangement, wherein the adjustable mounting arrangement is adjustable to fit different sizes of display units therein.

48. The display device of claim 46, wherein at least one of the at least one display unit is a flexible display and at least one of the at least one frame supports the respective flexible display to maintain a flat shape.

49. A display device, comprising:

a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising:

a detector arrangement for detecting when at least one other display is adjacently arranged;

a wireless transceiver for transmitting display synchronization information to at least one adjacent display unit, and

a display controller configured to control the display unit to display information including a sequence of information parts such that adjacent display units display information parts as a sequence of information parts.

50. A display apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the detector arrangement of each display unit is configured to detect when an adjacent display unit is adjacently repositioned relative to the display unit, and the display controller is configured to control the display units to display information portions such that adjacent display units display information as information portions in an increasing or decreasing sequence.

51. A display arrangement according to claim 49 or claim 50, comprising two display units.

52. The display device according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the display units are placed side by side, and when a first display unit moves from one side of a second display unit to an opposite side of the second display unit, the display controller of the first display unit is configured to control the first display unit to change a displayed information portion from an information portion before the information portion displayed by the second display unit to an information portion after the information portion displayed by the second display unit.

53. The display device of any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the display units are positioned side by side and when a first display unit moves from one side of a second display unit to an opposite side of the second display unit, the display controller of the second display unit is configured to control the second display unit to increment a displayed information portion in the sequence and the display controller of the first display unit is configured to control the first display unit to change the displayed information portion to an information portion subsequent to the incremented information portion displayed by the second display unit.

54. A display device according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein

At least one of the display units is double-sided and is configured to display information on either of opposite sides of the double-sided display unit facing upward,

said at least one of said display units comprises a detection arrangement to detect when the upwardly facing side of said display unit changes, and

the display controller of the at least one dual-sided display unit is configured to control the dual-sided display unit to display the incremented or decremented information portion in response to detection of the detection arrangement.

55. The display device according to claim 54, wherein the display units are placed side by side, and when a second two-sided display unit is moved from one side of a first display unit to an opposite side of the first display unit and turned over, the display controller of the second display unit is configured to control the second display unit to display, on an upward face, an information portion subsequent to an information portion displayed on the other face, and the display controller of the first display unit is configured to change the displayed information portion from an information portion prior to the information portion displayed by the second display unit to an information portion subsequent to an information portion now displayed by the second display unit.

56. A display device according to any of claims 49 to 55, wherein the display controller is configured to control the display units to display successive pages of information on adjacent display units.

57. A display unit, comprising:

a first display on a first side;

a second display on the second side;

a detection arrangement for detecting when the display unit is flipped to change the first display or the second display to face upwards; and

a display controller that controls the first display and the second display to display a first information portion of a sequence of information portions on one of the first display or the second display when the first display or the second display is facing upwards, and in response to detection of the detection arrangement, to display a second information portion on the other of the first display and the second display that is incremented or decremented relative to the first information portion.

58. The display unit of claim 57, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect a flip direction of the display unit, and the display controller is configured to: displaying the incremented second portion when the detection unit detects the turning in the first direction and displaying the decremented second portion when the detection unit detects the turning in the second direction.

59. The display unit of claim 58, wherein the first and second directions are opposite directions.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a display device.

Background

Display devices are used in a wide range of devices, such as portable devices, for example, mobile phones and tablet computer devices. A challenge facing designers of portable devices is to design a display device that is lightweight, battery efficient, and easy to use.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a display device including: a plurality of display units, each display unit hingedly linked together to form a collapsible display structure, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; and a mounting unit adapted to receive and hold the display units when the display units are folded within the mounting unit, the mounting unit further comprising a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the batteries of the display units when the display units are received and held within the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of each of the display units, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the display unit is removable from within the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

The present invention also provides a display device including: at least one display unit, the or each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery and a wireless transceiver; a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of the or each display unit; and a mounting unit adapted to receive the display frame structure and retain the display frame structure within the mounting unit, the mounting unit further comprising: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the or each display unit when the or each display unit is received within the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the or each display unit is removable from the mounting unit for separate use from the mounting unit.

The present invention also provides a display device including: a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; a mounting unit including a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of each of the display units, the mounting unit further including: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge a battery of the display unit when the display unit is received by the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

The present invention also provides a display device including: a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; a mounting unit including a hinge region and a plurality of frames hingedly connected to the hinge region, each frame configured to receive and retain a display unit, the mounting unit further including: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the display unit when the display unit is received by the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

The present invention also provides a display device including: at least one display unit, the or each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery and a wireless transceiver; and a mounting unit for receiving and retaining the or each display unit received therein, the mounting unit further comprising a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the or each display unit when the at least one display unit is received and retained received therein, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of each of the at least one display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the at least one display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

The present invention also provides a display device including: a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising: a detector arrangement for detecting when at least one other display is adjacently arranged; a wireless transceiver for transmitting display synchronization information to at least one adjacent display unit; and a display controller configured to control the display units to display information including the sequence of information parts such that adjacent display units display the information parts as the sequence of information parts.

The present invention also provides a display unit comprising: a first display on the first side; a second display on the second side; a detection arrangement for detecting when the display unit is flipped to change the first display or the second display to face upwards; and a display controller which controls the first display and the second display to display a first information portion of a sequence of information portions on one of the first display or the second display when the first display or the second display is facing upwards, and in response to detection of the detection arrangement, displays a second information portion on the other of the first display and the second display which is incremented or decremented with respect to the first information portion.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device;

fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device in which a flexible display unit is shown partially folded in a vertical direction;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the example display device of FIG. 2 with the flexible display unit further folded;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the example display device of FIG. 3 with the flexible display unit further folded;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the example display device of FIG. 4 with the flexible display unit further folded;

fig. 6 and 7 are side views of the example display device of fig. 1-5;

fig. 8 is a sectional view of a portion of a mounting unit of the display device of fig. 1 to 5;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear view of the example display device of FIGS. 1-5;

fig. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device in which a flexible display unit is shown partially folded in a horizontal direction;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the example display device of FIG. 10 with the flexible display unit further folded;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the example display device of FIG. 11 with the flexible display unit further folded;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device in which a flexible display unit is shown partially folded in a diagonal direction;

fig. 14 is a schematic view showing an example display device in which a display unit is fitted into a mounting unit and has a protective cover;

fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a front view of an example display device in which a built-in display is located on a rear surface of a mounting unit;

fig. 16 and 17 are side views of the example display device of fig. 15-18;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear view of the example display device of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a front view of an example display device with removable front and rear display units shown disassembled;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear view of the example display device of FIG. 19;

fig. 21 and 22 are side views of the example display device of fig. 19 and 20 with the display unit removed;

fig. 23 is a sectional view of a portion of a mounting unit of the display device of fig. 19 to 22;

fig. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the example display device of fig. 19 to 22, wherein a display unit is located in a mounting unit;

fig. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a rear view of the example display device of fig. 19-22, with a display unit located in a mounting unit;

fig. 26 and 27 are side views of the example display device of fig. 19 and 20 with the display unit located in the mounting unit;

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device having a frame for receiving and supporting a display unit;

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device having a frame for receiving and supporting a display unit that may be received and held in a mounting unit;

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example display device having a foldable display unit that can be received and held in a mounting unit;

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device having a display unit that can be received and retained in a mounting unit;

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device having a display unit that can be received and retained in a mounting unit;

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device having a display unit that can be received and retained in a mounting unit;

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example display device having a hinged two-part mounting unit for receiving and retaining a display unit;

FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing an example display device having a hinged mounting unit including two pairs of hinged members for receiving and retaining a display unit;

FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing an example display device having a hinged mounting unit for receiving and retaining a display unit;

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram showing electronic components of an example display unit;

fig. 38 is a schematic view showing electronic components of an example mounting unit;

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example electronic display device including multiple display units that detect proximity of adjacent display units to control the display of information;

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example electronic display device including multiple display units that detect proximity of adjacent display units to control the display of information;

fig. 41 to 43 are schematic views showing a plurality of display units detecting the proximity of adjacent display units to control the display of information;

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram showing the electronic components of an example display unit; and

fig. 45 is a schematic diagram illustrating information communication by an example electronic display device.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed.

The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present subject matter is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In the following embodiments, like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example process flows apply to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

Summary embodiments provide a display device including: at least one display unit, the or each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery and a wireless transceiver; and a mounting unit adapted to receive and hold the at least one display unit.

The present invention is applicable to a portable display device, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In one example, the mounting unit is part of a non-portable device such as a desktop computer or machine control device, whereby one or more displays may be removed from the mounting unit for use or used while still in or attached to the mounting unit. For example, the mounting unit may be fixed to or be part of a machine, such as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, and the or each display may be removable for use in controlling the machine.

In a fixed configuration, the communication arrangement of the installation unit may be wireless or wired to provide communication to a communication network. The communication network may be remote or part of the device to which the installation unit is fixed, i.e. the internet, WAN or LAN. In a fixed configuration, a device may have more than one mounting unit fixed to or incorporated into the device.

In one example, the mounting unit may be portable, handheld, or stationary. The communications arrangement of the mounting unit may comprise a second wireless transceiver for wireless communications, and the distance between the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit may be shorter than the distance of the second wireless transceiver.

An advantage of having a portable or handheld mounting unit is that the display device can be used in a portable or handheld manner when one or more display units are mounted in the mounting unit. When the display apparatus is portable or hand-held, the display apparatus may be carried by a user, and when the user desires to use the display unit alone, the mounting unit may be set aside so that the user may use only one or more display units having a size smaller than and lighter than the entire display apparatus.

The use of low power/short range wireless transceivers in the or each display unit and the mounting unit requires that the or each display unit is within range of the mounting unit to communicate with the mounting unit. The low power/short range communication protocol employed may be Bluetooth^TM. The or each display unit may be paired with the mounting unit using the bluetooth protocol for secure communication therebetween. The higher power/longer range communication wireless communication protocol used by the higher power/longer range transceiver of the installation unit may be WIFI, WiMAX, CDMA, GSM, GPRS, wireless local loop, or WAN. Thus, the or each display unit may communicate with the mounting unit and may also communicate with a communications network, such as the internet, using a low power/short range communications link and a higher power/longer range communications link via the mounting unit. In this way, the power requirements and weight of the or each display unit are reduced.

In addition to acting as a proxy or hub for communication between the communications network and the or each display unit, the mounting unit provides physical support to accommodate the or each display unit and means to recharge the battery in the or each display unit when the or each display unit is mounted in or on the mounting unit. Recharging the battery in the or each display unit may be by a contact or non-contact arrangement, for example an inductive charging arrangement. To provide the required power in the portable mounting unit, the mounting unit itself may include a battery to store the power required to enable the battery of the one or more display units to be recharged. When a connection to a mains power supply is available, the battery of the mounting unit can be recharged using the charging adapter.

In any of the preceding embodiments, the transceiver of the or each display unit may use a higher power/longer range communications wireless communications protocol, such as WIFI, WiMAX, CDMA, GSM, GPRS, wireless local loop or WAN.

In one embodiment, a portable display apparatus having a mounting unit and one or more removable display units held in the mounting unit provides a user with a portable or handheld device that can be carried and used as one unit when the at least one display unit is available, or can be used separately from the mounting unit by detaching the one or more display units from the mounting unit. The mounting unit may be set aside while the user is using the one or more display units, for example, stored in the user's handbag, laptop bag or backpack. This reduces the volume of the device that the user needs to hold. Also, if a plurality of display units are separated from the mounting unit, the display area and flexibility available to the user are greater than those available to the conventional display apparatus.

In one example, by handing over some of the processing requirements to a processor mounted in the mounting unit, the complexity and processing power of the or each display unit may be reduced, thereby saving battery and processing requirements, thereby reducing weight and cost. In this way, the processor of the display unit and the processor of the mounting unit cooperate or share processing for processing information displayed by the display unit. Can use for example Bluetooth^TMSuch as low power and short range communication protocols, exchange information for processing and processed information and commands for coordinated processing between the display unit and the mounting unit.

The or each display unit may be a rigid display or a flexible display, or for a plurality of display units, a mixture of flexible and rigid display units. The flexible display may be, for example, a flexible LCD or OLED display. If the display unit is flexibleThe mounting unit may then provide a rigid or semi-rigid support platform for receiving the display unit when not in use. In addition, the mounting unit may provide a rigid support for the flexible display unit in use if the display screen is visible when the display unit is mounted on the mounting unit, for example by mounting the display unit on one side of the mounting unit. The flexible display unit may house major electronic components, such as processors, memory, graphics drivers, and Bluetooth, along one edge of the display screen^TMThe transceiver such that the display unit is flexible in an area of the display screen remote from the edge, e.g. the flexible display unit may be rolled or folded towards the edge housing the electronic components.

In one example, the mounting unit may also be flexible, but to a lesser extent than the one or more display units mounted in or on the mounting unit.

In one example, the display screen may include a touch sensitive display to provide not only output of information but also user input. In an alternative embodiment, a camera may be provided in the display unit to provide user input through gesture recognition. The display unit may also communicate over low power/short range (e.g. using Bluetooth)^TM) Peripheral input device connections, such as a keyboard or pointing device, are enabled.

In one example, multiple display units may be hingedly linked together to provide a foldable display structure. The display unit may be detachable for individual use. To receive and hold the display unit, the display unit is folded, and the folded configuration enables the display unit to be mounted to the mounting unit.

In one example, a display frame structure is provided to receive and support at least a peripheral portion of one or more display units. The display unit in the display frame structure may then be mounted to the mounting unit. In one example, a display frame structure receives and supports a plurality of display units and includes a frame for each display unit. The frames are hingedly linked together to form a collapsible frame structure. The frames may be removably linked together to allow the frames to be separated. This allows the use of the display unit in the frame. The frame provides support for the display unit. This applies in particular to flexible display units.

The mounting unit may hold the or each display unit in a number of different ways. The mounting unit may hold the display on one or more faces. Also, or in another example, the mounting unit may hold the or each display unit internally, whereby the or each display unit is inserted into the mounting unit through one or more slots, or by opening a lid or door of a housing of the mounting unit.

In one example, the mounting unit includes a hinge region and a plurality of frames hingedly connected to the hinge region. Each frame is configured to receive and hold one display unit or two display units, each display unit being on one side of the frame.

In one example, the mounting unit comprises an adjustable mounting arrangement for mounting one or more display units, wherein the adjustable mounting arrangement is adjustable to fit different sized display units therein.

In one example, the display unit may include: a detector arrangement for detecting when at least one other display is adjacently arranged in a side-by-side configuration; a wireless transceiver for transmitting display synchronization information to at least one adjacent display unit; and a display controller that controls the display output so that adjacent display units display information in a coordinated manner.

When the display units are used side-by-side, the information displayed by the display units may be coordinated with each other to display the information as a sequence of information portions. In other words, as continuous information from an information source, for example, continuous text or image pages.

When adjacent display units are repositioned relative to each other, the display controller is configured to control the display output to display the information portions such that the adjacent display units display the information as increasing sequences of information portions. In other words, if the display unit is moved in a manner equivalent to turning pages of a book, the displayed information is updated to reflect this and the displayed page is incremented.

The display unit may include any convenient method of detecting proximity, for example optical detection, magnetic coupling such as hall switches, physical contact or RF communication. In an example, the RF communication may include near field communication between adjacent display devices.

A display unit providing such enhanced cooperative information display capability may be used with the mounting unit in the configuration described above.

The or each display unit may be provided with a protective screen.

In one example, the mounting unit may comprise one or more non-removable built-in displays in addition to the or each display unit.

The or each display unit may operate as a lightweight, low power and flexible tablet computer device that can access the internet or any computer network (local or smart area) through the installation unit.

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows the display device, and shows the display unit 1 separated from the mounting unit 2. In this example, the display unit 1 comprises a generally rectangular, thin, rigid or flexible display device for processing and displaying information. The mounting unit 2 includes a generally rectangular main body containing electronic devices, which will be discussed below with reference to fig. 36. The mounting unit 2 has a size larger than that of the display unit 1 and has a peripheral edge 2a surrounding a concave portion face 2b, the size of the concave portion face 2b being slightly larger than that of the display unit 1. The recess edge 2c is at right angles to the recess face 2b and the depth of the recess edge 2c is greater than the depth of the display unit 1, so that the display unit 1 can be received in the recess against the recess face 2 b.

In order to retain the display unit in the recess, the recess edge may be provided with a resilient arrangement to grip the edge of the display unit. In order to release or separate the display unit 1 from the mount unit 2, a recessed area 2d is provided in the peripheral area 2a to enable the user to remove the display unit 1 from the mount unit 1 (prize).

Fig. 2 to 5 show examples of display devices similar to the display device of fig. 1, wherein the display unit 1 is a flexible display unit. Fig. 1 to 5 show various degrees of folding of the flexible display unit 1 along a vertical axis. In this example, the electronics may be housed in a vertical edge portion of the display unit 1 to allow the remainder of the display unit 1 to be folded.

Fig. 6 and 7 show side views of the display device of fig. 1 to 5, showing separation of the display unit 1 and the mounting unit 2.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view through the peripheral edge 2a of the mount unit 2. This view shows the resilient arrangement 2e engaging an edge of the display unit 1 to retain the display unit 1 in the recess of the mounting unit 2.

Fig. 9 shows a rear view of the display device, showing the mounting unit 2 and the display unit 1 separated.

Fig. 10 to 12 show examples of display devices similar to the display device of fig. 1, wherein the display unit 1 is a flexible display unit. Fig. 10 to 12 show the flexible display unit 1 at various degrees of folding along a horizontal axis. In this example, the electronics may be housed in a horizontal edge portion of the display unit 1 to allow the remainder of the display unit 1 to be folded.

Fig. 13 shows an example of a display device similar to the display device of fig. 1, wherein the display unit 1 is a flexible display unit that can be folded along a diagonal.

In the example of fig. 1 to 13, even if the display unit 1 is installed in the installation unit 2, the display unit 1 installed in the installation unit 2 can be accessed by the user for use. Thus, in this mounting configuration, the user can still use the display device.

Fig. 14 shows an example of a display device similar to the display device of fig. 1, in which the display unit 1 is mounted in the mounting unit 2, and a protective cover 3 is provided for mounting to the display unit 1 to protect the display when mounted to the mounting unit 2. The protective cover 3 may be attached to the peripheral edge 2a of the mounting unit 2 using, for example, clips or a magnetic arrangement.

Fig. 15 to 18 show another example display device similar to that of fig. 1, but different in that the display screen 4 is built in the back of the mounting unit 2. This enables the user to detach the display unit 1 from the mount unit 2 and to use the display unit 1 together with the display screen 4 of the mount unit 2.

Fig. 19 to 27 show another example display device having two display units 1a and 1b, each similar to the display unit 1 of fig. 1 to 18, and a mounting unit 20 similar in some respects to the mounting unit 2 of fig. 1 to 8, except that the mounting unit 20 is a double-sided mounting unit allowing the two display units 1a and 1b to be mounted on opposite sides of the mounting unit 20. Fig. 19 and 20 show views from the front and back in which the display units 1a and 1b are separated from the mounting unit 20. Fig. 21 and 22 are side views of the display apparatus in which the display units 1a and 1b are separated from the mounting unit 20. Fig. 24 and 25 show views from the front and the back in which the display units 1a and 1b are mounted in the mounting unit 20. Fig. 26 and 27 are side views of the display device in which the display units 1a and 1b are mounted in the mounting unit 20. Fig. 23 is a sectional view through the peripheral edge 2a of the mount unit 20. This view shows the resilient arrangement 2e engaging the edges of the display units 1a and 1b to retain the display units 1a and 1b in the recess of the mounting unit 20. Like reference numerals in fig. 19 to 27 denote like features in fig. 1 to 8.

In the example of fig. 19 to 27, even when the display units 1a and 1b are installed in the installation unit 20, the two display units 1a and 1b installed in the installation unit 20 can be accessed and used by the user. Thus, in this mounting configuration, the user can still use the display device.

In any of the examples of fig. 1-27, the mounting unit 2 or 20 may include an adjustable mounting arrangement to allow for different sizes of display units to be held and mounted. Such an adjustable arrangement may for example comprise flexible resilient arms to press against the sides of the display unit, so that the adjustable arrangement can be pushed wider for larger display units. Alternatively, the inner edge of the recess 2c may comprise a slidable element to be translatably slidable to engage with the side of the display unit.

Fig. 28 is a schematic view showing an example display device having a frame 30 for receiving and supporting the display unit 1 of the above-described form. In this example, the frame 30 receives and holds the display unit 1 and forms a mounting unit. Each frame is similar to the mounting unit 2 described with reference to any of fig. 1 to 8 such that the display unit 1 is mounted on only one side of the frame 30, or each frame is similar to the mounting unit 20 described with reference to fig. 19 to 27 such that the display unit 1 is mounted on both sides of the frame 30.

Each frame 30 is hingedly connected to an adjacent frame 30 to form a chain of frames 30 that may be folded into a stacked arrangement, such as in an alternating folded arrangement as shown by the arrows in fig. 28. In this example, the hinge connection 31 is formed at either end of the long side of each frame 30. The hinge connection 31 allows the frames 30 to be folded back on each other in a stacked manner. Fasteners 32 may be provided to fasten the frames together in a folded, stacked configuration. Thus, in this example, the mounting unit comprises a stack of frames 30. In alternative examples, the hinge connection may extend along any portion or all of the sides of each frame.

Although not shown in fig. 28, the frame edges may be thin so that they appear to be nearly frameless when the display unit is held. Fig. 29 is a schematic view showing an example display device having a frame 30 for receiving and supporting a display unit 1 similar to that of fig. 28, the display unit 1 being receivable and held in a mounting unit 40 so as to be accommodated within a mounting unit 50. In this way, the mounting unit 40 provides a protective housing for the display. The mounting unit 40 may include an ejection mechanism to eject the stacked frames 30 from the mounting unit 40. The stacked frames 30 may be inserted into the mounting unit 40 and may be held within the mounting arrangement 40 by a resilient arrangement, which may be overcome by an ejection mechanism to eject the stack of frames 30.

In this example, when the frames 30 are folded into a stacked configuration, they may be inserted into slots 41 in the sides of the mounting unit 40. In this example, the frames 30 may simply support the display unit 1 and may not contain electronic components, or they may contain electronic components or connectors for mating with components and connectors of the mounting unit 40.

In the example of fig. 28 and 29, the frame 30 provides support for the display unit 1. Therefore, these examples are applicable to a flexible display unit. The frame supports the display unit to determine its shape as a planar shape so as to be separately stored in the frame 30 or may also be stored in the mounting unit 40. In one example, the frame 30 is removable and can be disconnected and reconnected in a chain, allowing the frame 30 to be used alone. When the display unit is separated from or in the frame, the display unit may be used; the display unit may be used when the frames are connected together or detached in any combination.

In the example of fig. 28 or 29, the frame 30 may include an adjustable mounting arrangement to allow different sizes of display units to be held and mounted. Such an adjustable arrangement may for example comprise flexible resilient arms to press against the sides of the display unit, so that the adjustable arrangement can be pushed wider for larger display units. Alternatively, the inner edge of the recess in the frame may comprise a slidable element to be translatably slidable to engage with the side of the display unit.

The frame may comprise the mounting unit, and thus the electronics of the mounting unit, including one or more processors (e.g. one processor per frame), memory and a battery recharging arrangement for the display unit. Further, in the embodiment of fig. 29, the frame may include electronics of the mounting unit, such as at least the charging assembly. In the case of electronic devices where the frame includes a mounting unit, they may still provide a mounting function when the frame is in the extended or deployed configuration or when the frame is detached.

Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example display device having a foldable display unit 1 that can be received and held in a mounting unit 50. In this example, the display units 1 are generally rigid and do not require a frame to support them.

Each display unit 1 is hingedly connected to adjacent display units 1 to form a chain of display units 1. In this example, the hinge links 1c are formed at either end of the long side of the display unit 1, but these hinge links 1c may extend along either side or all sides of the display unit. The hinge connection 1c allows the display units 1 to be folded back on each other in a stacked manner. When the display units 1 are folded into a stacked configuration, they may be inserted into slots 51 in the sides of the mounting unit 50 to be received within the mounting unit 50. In this way, the mounting unit 50 provides a protective housing for the display unit 1. The mounting unit 50 may include an ejection mechanism to eject the stacked display units 1 from the mounting unit 50. The stacked display units 1 may be inserted into the mounting unit 50 and may be held in the mounting unit 50 by a resilient arrangement, which may be overcome by an ejection mechanism to eject the stack of display units 1.

In one example, the display unit 1 may be disconnected and reconnected in a chain, allowing the display unit 1 to be used alone.

Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example display device having the display unit 1 that can be received and held in the mounting unit 60 in an accommodated manner. In this example, the display units may be individually inserted into the slots 61 in the side of the mounting unit 60 so that all the display units 1 are accommodated within the mounting unit 60. In this configuration, when the display units 1 are mounted in the mounting unit 60, these display units 1 cannot be accessed for use. The mounting unit 60 may include an ejection mechanism to eject each display unit 1 individually or all the display units 1 together from the mounting unit 50. The display unit 1 may be inserted into the mounting unit 60 and may be retained within the mounting arrangement 60 by a resilient arrangement, which may be overcome by an ejection mechanism to eject the display unit 1 either individually or all together.

Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram showing an example display apparatus having display units 1, each display unit 1 being receivable and retainable in a mounting unit 70 via a slot 71 in a side of the mounting unit 70 in a manner similar to the example of fig. 31, and a recess 72 being added in a surface of the mounting unit 70 to receive and retain one of the display units 1. The display unit 1 is mounted in the recess 72 in a manner similar to that in which the display unit is mounted in the mounting unit 2 in the example of fig. 1 to 8. This example makes it possible to access to use one of the display units even if all the display units are mounted in the mounting unit 70.

Fig. 33 is a schematic view showing an example display device having display units 1, each display unit 1 being receivable and retainable in a mounting unit 80 via a slot 81 in an end portion of the mounting unit 80 and received and protected in the mounting unit 80 in a manner similar to the example of fig. 32. Otherwise, this example is similar to the example of fig. 31.

Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram of an example display device having the display unit 1 that can be received and held in the mounting unit 300 and housed and protected in the mounting unit 300. In this embodiment the mounting unit 300 comprises two parts 301 and 302, the two parts 301 and 302 being hinged such that the mounting unit can be opened to receive a display unit to accommodate the display unit 1. The two parts may be secured together in a closed configuration and the fasteners may be loosened to allow opening of the mounting unit 300.

Each display unit 1 is hingedly connected to adjacent display units 1 to form a chain of display units 1. In this example, the hinge links 1c are formed at either end of the long side of the display unit 1, but these hinge links 1c may extend along either side or all sides of the display unit. The hinge connection 1c allows the display units 1 to be folded back on each other in a stacked manner. When the display units 1 are folded into a stacked configuration, they may be inserted into the mounting unit 300 to be received within the mounting unit 300. In this way, the mounting unit 300 provides a protective housing for the display unit 1.

Although in this embodiment the two parts 301 and 302 of the mounting unit are shown hinged, these parts may be separated or connected together in any configuration that allows them to be separated for insertion of the display unit 1 and accommodation of the display unit 1. In addition, although a hinged display unit 1 is shown, one or more separate display units may be inserted into the two-part mounting unit. The at least one display unit may be assembled to the frame before it is inserted into the mounting unit.

The two members 301 and 302 may be partially folded back to expose one of the display units, or completely folded back so that the outer surfaces of the members 301 and 302 are in contact. When the display units are mounted in and held by the two parts 301 and 302, one or more display units may be held by one or more of the parts 301 and 302 such that when the parts 301 and 302 are closed their displays face inwards towards each other and when the parts 301 and 302 are folded open towards each other and positioned on each other their displays face outwards such that one or both displays or a respective one or both display units are visible to a user as one or both outer surfaces of a display device comprising the mounting unit and the one or more display units. This makes one or both of the display units operable and usable by a user when held by the mounting unit. For example, one display unit may fit into a recess in the part 301 or 302 and the display unit may be accessed for use when the part is open. Similarly, if two display units are fitted into respective recesses of respective parts 301 and 302, the two display units can be accessed for use when parts 301 and 302 are opened. The two parts may be partially open, for example at an angle of about a right angle, or fully open and folded back into a flat arrangement in which the surface of the parts 301 and 302 is the outer surface when the parts 301 and 302 are closed into contact.

In any of the examples of fig. 30-34, the mounting units 60, 70, 80 may include adjustable mounting arrangements to allow different sized display units to be held and mounted. Such an adjustable arrangement may for example comprise flexible resilient arms to press against the sides of the display unit when inserted into the slots 61, 71, 81, so that the adjustable arrangement can be pushed wider for larger display units.

Fig. 35 is a schematic view showing an example display device having a hinge mounting unit 400 for receiving and holding the display unit 1. The hinge mounting unit 400 includes a plurality of hinge parts 401, 402, 403 and 404 which are freely hingeable about a pivot member 405 (hinge area). Hinge members 401, 402, 403 and 404 are each configured to receive display unit 1 as a pair of hinge members (i.e. hinge members 301 and 302 in the two pairs of embodiments of fig. 34). In this example, the pair of hinged members 401 and 402 receives, holds and accommodates one or more display units (two are shown in this example) when the first pair of hinged members 401 and 402 is closed around the one or more display units 1. When the second pair of hinged members 403 and 404 is closed around the one or more display units 1, the pair of hinged members 403 and 404 receives, holds and accommodates the one or more display units (two are shown in this example). Thus, in this example, there are two separate receiving areas provided by the mounting unit 400.

Thus, in this example, the mounting unit 400 mounts the display unit 1 in a plurality of (two in this example) accommodation areas while being hinged to a closed position that can also be opened like the pages of a book. Thus, the mounting unit 400 enables the display unit 1 to be removed for separate use, and also allows the display unit 1 to be used while mounting the display unit 1 in a manner similar to a page of a book. This arrangement allows the display unit 1 to be held in a protective manner within the mounting unit 400 and to be accommodated within the mounting unit 400.

In the example of fig. 35, hinged components 401, 402, 403 and 404 may include adjustable mounting arrangements to allow different sized display units to be held and mounted. Such an adjustable arrangement may for example comprise flexible resilient arms to press against the sides of the display unit, so that the adjustable arrangement can be pushed wider for larger display units. Alternatively, the inner edges of the recesses in the hinge parts 401, 402, 403 and 404 may comprise slidable elements to slide translationally into engagement with the sides of the display unit.

Although two pairs of hinged components are shown in fig. 35, in one embodiment, the components between the pairs may be combined into a single common component. For example, components 402 and 403 may be common. This reduces the number of moving parts while still providing multiple separate receiving areas for one or more display units.

In any of the embodiments of fig. 29-35, the mounting unit may be configured to receive the display units individually or in groups, or to receive one or more frames that hold one or more display units in one or more slots, racks, or recesses with physical charging connectors or wireless charging functionality. Physical connectors may also be provided for data communication between the one or more display units and the mounting unit or between the one or more display units via the or each frame. The one or more display units may also or alternatively communicate with the mounting unit using short-range wireless communication. The display unit may be a flexible display unit, a rigid display unit, or a combination of various types of display units.

In all of the above examples, the display unit may comprise a touch screen and/or may comprise a camera for enabling user gesture control.

Fig. 36 is a schematic view showing an example display device having a hinge mounting unit 90 for receiving and holding the display unit 1. The hinge mounting unit 90 includes a plurality of hinge frames 91, 92, 93 and 94 which are freely hinged about a pivot member 95 (hinge area). Each of the hinge frames 91, 92, 93 and 94 is similar to the frame 30 of the example shown in fig. 28 and 29. The frames 91, 92, 93, and 94 are each configured to receive the display unit 1 in a manner similar to the manner in which the display unit 1 is received in the mounting unit 2 in the example of fig. 1 to 8, and when the frames 91, 92, 93, and 94 receive the display unit only on one side thereof, the display unit is received in the mounting unit 20 in a manner similar to the manner in which the display unit is received in the mounting unit 20 in the example of fig. 19 to 27. Alternatively, the frames 91, 92, 93, and 94 may receive and hold the display unit 1 on both sides to provide a double-sided information display.

Thus, in this example, the mounting unit 90 mounts the display unit 1 in a plurality of frames 91, 92, 93 and 94, which may be in a stacked configuration when hinged to a closed position, but which may also be opened like pages of a book. Thus, the mounting unit 90 enables the display unit to be removed for separate use, and the mounting unit 90 also allows the display unit 1 to be used while mounting the display unit 1 in a manner similar to a page of a book. This arrangement allows the display unit to be held in a protective manner within the mounting unit 90 and to be accommodated within the mounting unit 90.

In the example of fig. 36, frames 91, 92, 93 and 94 may include adjustable mounting arrangements to allow different sizes of display units to be held and mounted. Such an adjustable arrangement may for example comprise flexible resilient arms to press against the sides of the display unit, so that the adjustable arrangement can be pushed wider for larger display units. Alternatively, the inner edge of the recess in the frame may comprise a slidable element to be translatably slidable to engage with the side of the display unit.

In all of the above examples, the display unit may comprise a touch screen and/or may comprise a camera for enabling user gesture control. Further, the frames 91, 92, 93 and 94 are detachable from the pivot member 95.

Fig. 37 is a schematic diagram showing electronic components of the example display unit 1 such as used in the above example.

The processor 100 is connected to a static memory 102, which static memory 102 stores code (e.g., operating system code) used by the processor and is used to store data in a non-volatile manner. Volatile memory 103 is provided for storing application code as well as data and information for display. A graphics driver 104 is provided for controlling a display screen 105, which display screen 105 may be a touch sensitive display screen to provide user input in response to displayed information. A battery 107 provides power for the electronics, and a mounting power input 108 is provided for recharging the battery 107 when the display unit 1 is mounted in the mounting unit. The mounting power input 108 may comprise a physical coupling to the display power output 205 of the mounting unit, or alternatively, an inductive coupling may be used.

Short-range/low-power transceiver 101Is connected to the processor 100 for short-range and low-power communication with the short-range and low-power transceivers in the installation unit. Such a communication link may be used to transfer data, information and control between the display unit and the mounting unit. This allows the display unit to access a communication network such as the internet via the installation unit. This also enables the processor of the mounting unit and the processor of the display unit to cooperate or share the information processing required by the display unit to reduce the processing power requirements of the processor 100 in the display unit. The low power/short range communication protocol employed may be Bluetooth^TM. The display unit may be paired with the mounting unit using a bluetooth protocol for secure communication therebetween.

Optionally, the display unit may comprise means for detecting adjacent display units. In this example, the module may include a near field communication module 106.

Fig. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating electronic components of an example mounting unit used in any of the examples described.

The processor 200 is connected to a static memory 202, which static memory 202 stores code (e.g., operating system code) used by the processor and is used to store data in a non-volatile manner. Volatile memory 203 is provided for storing application code as well as data and information for display.

Short-range/power transceiver 201 is connected to processor 200 for short-range and low-power communication with short-range and low-power transceivers in one or more display units. Such a communication link may be used to transfer data, information and control between the display unit and the mounting unit. As described above, this allows the display unit to access a communication network such as the internet via the installation unit, and this enables the processor of the installation unit and the processor of the display unit to cooperate or share the information processing required by the display unit to reduce the processing power requirements of the processor 100 in the display unit. The low power/short range communication protocol employed may be Bluetooth^TM. The or each display unit may be paired with the mounting unit using the bluetooth protocol for secure communication therebetween.

A longer range and higher power transceiver 204 is provided for RF communication with a communication network. The longer range and higher power communication protocol used by the longer range and higher power transceiver 204 of the installation unit may be WIFI, WiMAX, CDMA, GSM, GPRS, wireless local loop, or WAN.

The display power output 205 provides power to the mounting power input 108 of the or each display unit and may comprise a physical coupling or may use an inductive coupling. The power input 206 provides power from the mains power connection to the mounting unit and the display power output 205.

The mounting unit may optionally include a built-in display screen 209 with accompanying display driver 208.

A battery 207 may be provided to power the electronic device when the mounting unit is not connected to a mains power supply in a portable configuration. The battery 207 may provide power to the display power output 205 when the primary power source is not connected to the power input 206. The power input 206 may provide power to recharge the battery 207 when the mounting unit is not connected to a mains power supply.

Fig. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example electronic display device including a plurality of display units 1, the plurality of display units 1 detecting the proximity of adjacent (e.g., side-by-side) display units 1 to control the display of information. The display unit may comprise a display unit as described above for any of the example display devices.

Shown in fig. 39 is a pair of display units 1 adjacent to each other in three consecutive operations. In the top configuration, the pair of display units displays successive information portions a and B of a set of information. For example, the information portion may be a continuous portion of the information sequence, such as a text page or a sequential image in a library. When the user wishes to read the next successive information portion, i.e., portion C, the user moves one of the display elements to switch the relative position of the display elements. As indicated by the arrow, to a second configuration of the pair of display elements. The sensing arrangement within the display unit detects a change in the relative position of the display unit and the processor 100 acting as a display controller, updating the displayed information portion so that the right display unit now displays the information portion C. The display panel displaying the information part B on the right side is now on the left side.

When the user wishes to read the next successive information portion, i.e., portion D, the user moves one of the display elements to switch the relative position of the display elements. As indicated by the arrow, to a third configuration of the pair of display elements. The sensing arrangement within the display unit detects a change in the relative position of the display unit and the processor 100 acting as a display controller, updating the displayed information portion so that the right display unit now displays the information portion D. The display panel displaying the information part C on the right side is now on the left side.

Although the operation of switching the display shows the information portion being incrementally displayed by moving the display unit from left to right, the opposite operation is also applicable. To decrement the displayed information portion, the user may move the right display to the left of the left display. Thus, the arrows shown in fig. 37 may be reversed. Since the relative position end positions of the display units are the same after the incremental or decremental movement, the detection arrangement in the display unit detects which display unit is moved on the other display unit in order to determine whether the movement is an instruction to increment or decrement the display of the information portion. For example, if the left display unit is lifted and moved over the right display unit, this may be detected by the detector arrangement in the left display unit and the left display unit may be controlled to increment the displayed information portion from e.g. portion a to portion C. If the right display unit is lifted and moved over the left display unit, this can be detected by the detector arrangement in the right display unit and the right display unit can be controlled to decrement the displayed information portion from e.g. portion C to portion a.

The display unit in this example is a lightweight display unit, and therefore the display unit, which is a medium used by the user for processing, can be operated by the user in a manner similar to paper. Thus, using two display units side by side resembles an open book or magazine displaying two pages at a time. Conventionally, the user turns a page to view the next page. In this example, the user "flips" the display unit by moving the left display unit to the right or the right display unit to the left, depending on the user's comfort and reading style, depending on the language.

Thus, the embodiment shown in FIG. 38 includes a method of using a display unit as described or shown above.

Fig. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example electronic display device including a plurality of display units that detect proximity of adjacent display units to control display of information.

In this example, one or both of the display units 1 comprises a dual-sided display unit having displays on opposite sides of the display unit. Thus, in this example, as described in the previous example, "turning" the page may be enhanced by lifting and turning the right display in a similar manner as turning the page of a book or magazine, as indicated by the arrow at each configuration and the rotational arrow moving the right display unit.

In the top configuration, a pair of display units displays successive information portions a and B of a set of information. For example, the information portion may be a continuous page of text. When the user wishes to read the next successive information portion, section C, the user moves the right display element to the left of the left display element and flips the right display element as indicated by the arrow moving to the second configuration of the pair of display elements. The sensing arrangement within the display unit detects a change in the relative position of the display unit and the processor 100 acting as a display controller, updating the displayed information portion such that the left display unit now displays information portion C and the right display unit now displays information portion D. In this example, two new information portions, such as text pages, are displayed.

When the user wishes to read the next successive information portion, section E, the user moves the right display element to the left of the left display element and flips the right display element as indicated by the arrow moving to the third configuration of the pair of display elements. The sensing arrangement within the display unit detects a change in the relative position of the display unit and the processor 100 acting as a display controller, updating the displayed information portion such that the left display unit now displays the information portion E and the right display unit now displays the information portion F.

The movement of the right display unit in combination with the turning operation provides the user with an intuitive feeling of turning pages in a book or magazine.

In this example, the information portion may also be decremented by the reverse action shown in fig. 40, for example, by lifting the left display unit and flipping it in the opposite direction.

This embodiment shows an example of a language in which text is read from left to right. If the language of the text is read from right to left, the operation will be reversed.

Thus, the embodiment shown in FIG. 39 includes a method of using a display unit as described or shown above.

Fig. 41 to 43 are schematic diagrams showing a dual-sided display unit having displays on opposite sides which are operated to display sequential parts of a sequence of information parts, such as text pages or images in a sequence of images (e.g. a library).

In fig. 41, an operation sequence for incrementing the display of the information part is shown. The first display of the display unit first displays the information part 1 on the display of one side. The display unit is then picked up and rotated or flipped in a first direction as indicated by the arrow and the second display of the display unit detects that it is now facing upwards and displays the next information part, part 2. The display unit is then picked up and rotated or flipped again in the first direction indicated by the arrow and the first display of the display unit detects that it is now facing upwards and displays the next information part, part 3.

In fig. 42, an operation sequence for decrementing the display of the information portion is shown. The first display of the display unit first displays the information part 3 on the display of one side. The display unit is then picked up and rotated or flipped in a second direction as indicated by the arrow and the second display of the display unit detects that it is now facing upwards and displays the previous information part, part 2. The display unit is then picked up and rotated or flipped again in a second direction as indicated by the arrow and the first display of the display unit detects that it is now facing upwards and displays the previous information part, part 1.

In fig. 43, an operation sequence for incrementing and decrementing the display of the information portion is shown. The first display of the display unit first displays the information part 1 on the display of one side. The display unit is then picked up and rotated or flipped in a first direction as indicated by the arrow and the second display of the display unit detects that it is now facing upwards and displays the next information part, part 2. The display unit is then picked up and rotated or flipped again in a second direction as indicated by the arrow and the first display of the display unit detects that it is now facing upwards and displays the previous information part, part 1.

Such operation of the double-sided display unit provides an intuitive reading operation similar to turning pages of a book.

Thus, the embodiment shown in fig. 41 to 43 includes a method of using the display unit as described and shown above.

Fig. 44 is a schematic diagram illustrating electronic components of an example display unit used in the example described above with reference to fig. 40 to 42.

The processor 300 is connected to a static memory 302, which static memory 302 stores code (e.g., operating system code) used by the processor and is used to store data in a non-volatile manner. Volatile memory 303 is provided for storing application code as well as data and information for display. An orientation detector 301 is provided for detecting a change in orientation of the display unit, to detect when the display unit is flipped, and optionally, the direction of flipping to effect incremental and decremental changes in the displayed information portion. A graphics driver 304 is provided for controlling two display screens 305 and 306, which may be touch sensitive display screens, to provide user input in response to displayed information.

The double-sided display unit of this embodiment can be used as the display unit of any of the foregoing embodiments.

Fig. 45 is a schematic diagram illustrating information communication by an example electronic display device.

The figure shows the configuration of a display device during communication with a communication network such as the internet or a local area network. This applies to the display device of any of the examples described above. One or more display units 1 (two display units 1 in this example) use a display such as Bluetooth^TMSuch as low power and short range communication protocols, communicate with the mounting unit 300. The distance may be limited to less than 10 m. Installation unit 300 may communicate with internet 500 over a cellular network using longer range and higher power communication protocols (e.g., GSM or GPRS) or with router 400 using WIFI to connect to a computer network, which may be internet 500.

The use of high power and longer range transmissions to and from the mounting unit enables multiple display units to use the same communication link and enables the display units to use lower power and shorter range links to the mounting unit, thereby reducing the power consumption requirements of the display unit 1.

In any of the examples described above, the display unit may be a flexible display (e.g., an OLED or flexible LED display) or the display unit may be a rigid display (e.g., an LED display) or a combination of a flexible display and a rigid display. Any of the display units may be touch sensitive to provide a means by which a user may provide input for processing by the processor of the display unit (possibly in combination with the processor of the mounting unit).

Although the figures and accompanying description show and describe a portable apparatus, in other examples the mounting device may be fixed to or be part of a fixed or non-portable device such as a large or desktop computer, a machine such as a CNC machine, or even built into a vehicle such as a car or airplane so that the mounting unit is fixed and the display unit is removably usable. For example, a passenger or driver or pilot may be able to remove the display unit from a mounting unit, which is a vehicle with which the display unit interacts. The or each display unit may be used by passengers for entertainment purposes and by the driver or pilot for vehicle control or monitoring purposes. In such a fixed configuration, the communication from the installation unit to the communication network may be wired or wireless. If wireless, the wireless transceiver may have a higher power and distance than the transceiver used to communicate between the or each display unit and the mounting unit.

The mounting unit or frame may be portable but may also be used with or as part of a fixture to be separated from and replaced with the fixture so that the portable display device can be operated with the fixture as part of the fixture and then removed for portability.

In such a fixed configuration: where the mounting unit is secured to or is part of a fixed arrangement, the apparatus may comprise one or more further fixed displays.

In any of the examples described, each display unit is capable of independent operation, and thus multiple display units may be used by multiple people. Thus, a mounting unit housing multiple display units may provide display units that may be removed from the mounting unit and used by multiple persons independently or in a networked collaborative operation. Each display unit has its own memory and processor and can therefore store and process information and data separately and independently. In addition, the display units may share stored information and data. Furthermore, the display unit may also share information with an external processor, such as a PC to which the mounting unit is fixed or a processor remotely connected over a network.

The display unit in the example may be used separately from the mounting unit like a tablet computing device. The display units may operate like networked computer devices, and they may be connected through a hub to other devices connected to a computer/communications network through low power short range communication links.

In the above examples, the display units have been described as being capable of being charged when they are mounted to the mounting unit. In another example, the display unit may also be charged independently of the mounting unit. For example, if the display unit is wirelessly charged while located in the mounting unit, the display unit may also be wirelessly charged through a separate wireless charging pad remote from the mounting unit. If a physical connection is used to charge the wireless unit, in one example, a separate charging device with the required mating physical connection may be provided to charge the display unit away from the mounting unit.

In any of the examples above, if both sides of the display unit have screens, the display unit may be flipped to view the information on both sides. Similarly, if the mounting unit can hold the display unit on both sides of the display screen, where the screens on both sides are visible, the mounting unit can be flipped over to view information on both sides, such as described with reference to fig. 39-41.

The mounting unit provides a structure for secure retention and physical protection of the or each display unit, particularly when the display unit is inserted into the mounting unit to be received within the mounting unit.

The display unit may include a camera, commonly referred to as a webcam, for providing video functionality, and one or more speakers for audio output and one or more microphones for audio input.

In any of the embodiments described, the display unit may be used when it is separate from the mounting unit or display frame structure. The display unit may also be used when it is in a mounting unit or in a display frame structure. In any embodiment of the mounting unit, the at least one display unit may be mounted to the frame before being mounted in the mounting unit.

In the embodiments of fig. 1-36, 39-43 and 45, the display unit is shown as a simplified schematic in the form of a rectangular unit. The display unit may take any form in which the display portion may include the entire front face or the front and rear faces, or the display portion may be surrounded by a frame. The display unit may be rigid, flexible, malleable, or foldable in form, or in the case of multiple display units, the display unit may be a mixture of rigid, flexible, malleable, foldable, and rigid display units.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, the mounting unit, frame, or display unit may be rigid, foldable, flexible, or extensible.

In the above embodiments, the one or more display units may comprise, for example, a keyboard or other component that can be folded to fold onto the display screen, such that a display unit having a keyboard or other folded component can be inserted into the mounting unit.

General description of the embodiments

The following numbered examples are examples.

1. A display device, comprising: a plurality of display units, each display unit hingedly linked together to form a foldable display structure, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; and a mounting unit adapted to receive and hold the display unit when the display unit is folded within the mounting unit, the mounting unit further comprising: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge a battery of the display units when the display units are received and held within the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of each of the display units, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the display unit is removable from within the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

2. The display apparatus of example 1, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are short-range wireless transceivers.

3. A display apparatus according to example 1 or example 2, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are at a distance less than the distance of the second wireless transceiver

4. The display device of any preceding example, wherein the display screen with user input capabilities comprises a touch sensitive display.

5. The display device of any preceding example, comprising at least three display units hingedly linked together and foldable in a stacked arrangement.

6. The display device of example 5, wherein the display unit is foldable in an alternating folded arrangement.

7. The display device of any preceding example, wherein the display units are detachably linked together.

8. The display device of any preceding example, wherein the mounting unit comprises a slot along a side of the mounting unit to receive and retain the display unit to be received within the mounting unit.

9. The display device of any preceding example, wherein the display device is portable and handheld.

10. The display device of any preceding example, wherein at least one of the display units is a flexible display unit and the mounting unit is rigid to rigidly support the at least one flexible display unit when received and retained within the mounting unit.

11. The display apparatus of example 11, wherein at least one of the display units includes the battery, a first wireless transceiver, a display processor, and other electronics in a rigid configuration along one edge of the display unit.

12. The display device according to any one of examples 1 to 9, comprising: a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of at least one of the display units, the display frame structure being configured to be hingedly connected together and/or to at least one other of the display units.

13. A display device, comprising: at least one display unit, the or each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery and a wireless transceiver; a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of the or each display unit; and a mounting unit adapted to receive the display frame structure and retain the display frame structure within the mounting unit, the mounting unit further comprising: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the or each display unit when the or each display unit is received within the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the or each display unit is removable from the mounting unit for separate use from the mounting unit.

14. A display apparatus according to example 13, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit are short range wireless transceivers.

15. A display apparatus according to example 13 or example 14, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit are at a distance less than the distance of the second wireless transceiver

16. The display device of any of examples 13 to 15, wherein the display frame structure comprises a plurality of frames, each frame for receiving and supporting the display unit and hingedly linked together to form a foldable frame structure.

17. The display device of example 16, comprising at least three display frames hingedly linked together, and the frames are foldable in a stacked arrangement to be received and retained within the mounting unit.

18. The display device of example 17, wherein the frame is foldable in an alternating folded arrangement.

19. The display device of any of examples 16 to 18, wherein the frames are detachably linked together.

20. The display device of any of examples 13 to 19, wherein the mounting unit comprises a slot along a side of the mounting unit to receive and retain the display frame structure within the mounting unit.

21. The display device of any of examples 13 to 20, wherein the display frame structure comprises an adjustable mounting arrangement, wherein the adjustable mounting arrangement is adjustable to fit at least one different sized display unit therein.

22. The display device of any one of examples 13 to 21, wherein at least one of the at least one display unit is a flexible display, and the display frame structure supports the flexible display to maintain a flat shape.

23. A display device, comprising: a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; and a mounting unit including a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of each of the display units, the mounting unit further including: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge a battery of the display unit when the display unit is received by the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

24. The display device of example 23, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are short-range wireless transceivers.

25. The display device of example 23 or example 24, wherein the communication arrangement includes a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and a distance of the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit is less than a distance of the second wireless transceiver

26. The display device of any one of examples 23-25, wherein the display frame structure comprises a plurality of frames, each frame to receive and support a display unit, and hingedly linked together to form a foldable frame structure.

27. The display device of example 26, comprising at least three display frames hingedly linked together, and the frames are foldable in a stacked arrangement.

28. The display device of example 27, wherein the frame is foldable in an alternating folded arrangement.

29. The display device of any of examples 26 to 28, wherein the frames are detachably linked together.

30. The display device of any of examples 23 to 29, wherein the display frame structure comprises an adjustable mounting arrangement, wherein the adjustable mounting arrangement is adjustable to fit different sized display units therein.

31. The display device of any one of examples 23 to 30, wherein at least one of the display units is a flexible display, and the display frame structure supports the flexible display to maintain a flat shape.

32. A display device, comprising: a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery, and a wireless transceiver; and a mounting unit including a hinge region and a plurality of frames hingedly connected to the hinge region, each frame configured to receive and hold a display unit, the mounting unit further including: a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the display unit when the display unit is received by the mounting unit, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of the display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

33. The display device of example 32, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit are short-range wireless transceivers.

34. The display device of example 32 or example 33, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and a distance of the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of each display unit is less than a distance of the second wireless transceiver

35. The display device of any of examples 32-34, wherein at least one frame of the plurality of frames is adjustable to fit different sized display units in the at least one adjustable frame.

36. The display device of any one of examples 32 to 35, wherein at least one of the display units is a flexible display, and at least one of the frames supports the flexible display to maintain a flat shape.

37. The display device of any of examples 32-36, wherein at least one of the frames is detachable from the hinge region.

38. A display device, comprising: at least one display unit, the or each display unit comprising a display screen having user input capability, a battery and a wireless transceiver; and a mounting unit for receiving and retaining the or each display unit received therein, the mounting unit further comprising a power supply arrangement configured to recharge the battery of the or each display unit when the at least one display unit is received and retained therein, a first wireless transceiver for communicating with the wireless transceiver of each of the at least one display unit, and a communication arrangement for communicating over a communication network; wherein the at least one display unit is removable from the mounting unit for use separately from the mounting unit.

39. A display device according to example 38, wherein the mounting unit comprises at least one slot along a side of the mounting unit for insertion of the or each display unit into the mounting unit.

40. A display apparatus according to example 38, wherein the mounting unit comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being separable for insertion of the or each display unit into the mounting unit.

41. A display arrangement according to any of examples 38 to 40, wherein the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit are short range wireless transceivers.

42. A display apparatus according to any of examples 38 to 41, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a second wireless transceiver for wireless communication, and the first wireless transceiver of the mounting unit and the wireless transceiver of the or each display unit are at a distance less than the distance of the second wireless transceiver

43. The display device of any one of examples 38 to 42, wherein the display device is portable and handheld.

44. The display device according to any one of examples 38 to 43, wherein the mounting unit includes an ejection mechanism to eject at least one display unit accommodated in the mounting unit.

45. The display device of any one of examples 38 to 44, comprising: a display frame structure for receiving and supporting at least a peripheral portion of at least one of the at least one display unit.

46. A display apparatus according to example 45, wherein the display frame structure comprises at least one frame, the or each frame being for supporting a respective display unit.

47. The display device of example 45 or example 46, wherein the display frame structure includes an adjustable mounting arrangement, wherein the adjustable mounting arrangement is adjustable to fit different sized display units therein.

48. A display device according to claim 46 or claim 47, wherein at least one of the at least one display unit is a flexible display and at least one of the at least one frame supports the respective flexible display to maintain a flat shape.

49. A display device, comprising: a plurality of display units, each display unit comprising: a detector arrangement for detecting when at least one other display is adjacently arranged; the display device includes a wireless transceiver for transmitting display synchronization information to at least one adjacent display unit, and a display controller configured to control the display unit to display information including a sequence of information portions such that the adjacent display unit displays the information portions as the sequence of information portions.

50. The display apparatus of example 49, wherein the detector arrangement of each display unit is configured to detect when an adjacent display unit is adjacently repositioned relative to the display unit, and the display controller is configured to control the display units to display information portions such that adjacent display units display information as an increasing or decreasing sequence of information portions.

51. The display device of example 49 or example 50, comprising two display units.

52. The display device of any one of examples 49-51, wherein the display units are positioned side-by-side, and when a first display unit moves from one side of a second display unit to an opposite side of the second display unit, the display controller of the first display unit is configured to control the first display unit to change a displayed information portion from an information portion before the information portion displayed by the second display unit to an information portion after the information portion displayed by the second display unit.

53. The display device of any one of examples 47-50, wherein the display units are positioned side-by-side, and when a first display unit moves from one side of a second display unit to an opposite side of the second display unit, the display controller of the second display unit is configured to control the second display unit to increment a displayed portion of information in the sequence, and the display controller of the first display unit is configured to control the first display unit to change the displayed portion of information to a portion of information subsequent to the incremented portion of information displayed by the second display unit.

54. The display device of any one of examples 49-51, wherein at least one of the display units is dual-sided and configured to display information on either of opposing sides of the dual-sided display unit facing upward, the at least one of the display units including a detection arrangement to detect when the upward facing side of the display unit changes, and the display controller of the at least one dual-sided display unit is configured to control the dual-sided display unit to display an increasing or decreasing portion of information in response to detection of the detection arrangement.

55. The display device of example 54, wherein the display units are positioned side-by-side, and when a second dual-sided display unit is moved from one side of a first display unit to an opposite side of the first display unit and flipped, the display controller of the second display unit is configured to control the second display unit to display a portion of information on the face facing upward that is subsequent to a portion of information displayed on the other face, and the display controller of the first display unit is configured to change the portion of information displayed from a portion of information prior to the portion of information displayed by the second display unit to a portion of information subsequent to the portion of information now displayed by the second display unit.

56. The display device of any of examples 49-55, wherein the display controller is configured to control the display unit to display successive pages of information on adjacent display units.

57. A display unit, comprising: a first display on the first side; a second display on the second side; a detection arrangement for detecting when the display unit is flipped to change the first display or the second display to face upwards; and a display controller which controls the first display and the second display to display a first information portion of a sequence of information portions on one of the first display or the second display when the first display or the second display is facing upwards, and in response to detection of the detection arrangement, displays a second information portion on the other of the first display and the second display which is incremented or decremented with respect to the first information portion.

58. The display unit of example 57, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect a flip direction of the display unit, and the display controller is configured to: displaying the incremented second portion when the detection unit detects the turning in the first direction and displaying the decremented second portion when the detection unit detects the turning in the second direction.

59. The display unit of example 58, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions.

It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and method stages which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this inventive subject matter may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the inventive subject matter as expressed in the subjoined claims.