Multi-panel computing device having integrated magnetic coupling structure(s)
AssigneeMicrosoft Technology Licensing, LLC
InventorKent Allen Campbell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Multi-panel computing devices that have integrated magnetic coupling structure(s) are described herein. For example, a magnetic coupling structure in a panel of a multi-panel computing device may serve to magnetically couple the panel to another panel of the multi-panel computing device and/or to another object (e.g., that is exterior to the multi-panel computing device). In accordance with this example, the magnetic coupling structure may enable the multi-panel computing device to be magnetically coupled to the object without utilizing a mounting structure between the multi-panel computing device and the object.
Claims21
A multi-panel hinged computing device comprising:
- one or more processors;
- a first panel having first and second opposing surfaces, the first panel comprising a display that is configured to display images via the first surface in response to image data received from at least one of the one or more processors, the first panel further comprising a first magnetic coupling structure that includes at least one of a first magnet or a first ferromagnetic element;
- a second panel comprising a second magnetic coupling structure that includes at least one of a second magnet or a second ferromagnetic element;
- and
- a hinge coupled between the first panel and the second panel, the second magnetic coupling structure configured to magnetically couple to the first magnetic coupling structure at the first surface for a first hinge orientation of the hinge, the second magnetic coupling structure configured to magnetically couple to the first magnetic coupling structure at the second surface for a second hinge orientation of the hinge.
A multi-panel hinged computing device comprising:
- one or more processors;
- a first panel having a first surface, the first panel comprising a display that is configured to display images via the first surface in response to image data received from at least one of the one or more processors;
- a second panel having a second surface, the second panel comprising a magnetic coupling structure that includes at least one of a magnet or a ferromagnetic element, the magnetic coupling structure configured to magnetically attach the second surface to an object via a magnetic force between the magnetic coupling structure and the object;
- and
- a hinge coupled between the first panel and the second panel to enable the display to be viewed while the multi-panel hinged computing device is magnetically attached to the object.
A multi-panel computing device comprising:
- one or more processors;
- a first panel having a first surface, the first panel comprising a display that is configured to display images via the first surface in response to image data received from at least one of the one or more processors;
- and
- a second panel coupled to the first panel, the second panel having a second surface, the second panel comprising:
- electrical circuitry configured to provide functionality to the first panel;
- and
- a magnetic coupling structure that includes at least one of a magnet or a ferromagnetic element, the magnetic coupling structure configured to magnetically attach the second surface to an object via a magnetic force between the magnetic coupling structure and the object.
The multi-panel computing device of claim 26, wherein the second panel comprises a keyboard;
- wherein the keyboard includes a touch pad having first and second opposing sides;
- wherein a first portion of the magnetic coupling structure is positioned adjacent the first side of the touch pad;
- and
- wherein a second portion of the magnetic coupling structure is positioned adjacent the second side of the touch pad.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.