US 5,668,570 AGranted

Desktop computer with adjustable flat panel screen

OwnerRichard J. Ditzikinventor

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Abstract

A relatively small transportable desktop computer/workstation with a display panel assembly (2) in combination with a microprocessor or controller (44) is made display screen position adjustable, in inclination angle, azimuth angle and elevation translation movements. The workstation can have a pen or stylus touch screen input function (36) added, so that a user or operator can write, draw and sketch directly onto the screen in a natural manner. The workstation can be placed on top of a desk or table providing an ergonomic man-machine interface for information communications between individual users via a communications network. A keyboard (7, 42), voice/speaker telephone (48), mouse or trackball input unit (46), and communications modem (42) may be added to the workstation. The flat panel display, pen input means and microprocessor can be combined into an assembly, which can be removed from the main body for portable mobile computing operation.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A desktop computer system comprising:

a. a flat display panel assembly defining a display screen and support structure with a first hinge pair at the bottom edge of the display panel assembly;
b. a first support arm pair physically connected to the display panel assembly via the first hinge pair, such that the display panel can be rotated in inclination angle by hand;
c. a second support arm pair connected to the other ends of the first support arm pair via a second hinge pair;
d. means for digital data computing, which is electrically connected to the display panel assembly and which controls the display panel assembly's operation;
e. means for housing main electronics having a third hinge pair located near the front corners of the unit, wherein the third hinge pair connects to the other ends of the second support arm pair, such that the display panel assembly, first support arm pair and second support arm pair can be rotated by hand though large angles independently or together for ergonomic human viewing;
f. said hinge pair means are such that they each have sufficient friction to physically support the display panel and support arms under gravity;
and
g. the said main housing means being sufficiently large to enclose the computing means and associated power and control electronics.

5 more elements

A desktop display unit for viewing by the user, which is to be placed onto to the top of a desk or table structure, wherein the table surface area taken by the display unit is relatively small, yet the unit is physically stable, comprising:

a. a flat panel display assembly defining a display screen and control electronics;
b. a support hinge pair connected to the bottom edge of the flat panel display assembly;
c. means for support arm position adjustment connected the flat panel display assembly for elevation and inclination position adjustment;
d. means for pivot connector attached to the bottom portion of the support arm position adjustment means, wherein the support hinge, support arm position adjustment means and pivot connector means work in cooperation for rearward and forward inclination adjustments, and for elevation translation adjustments;
and
e. a roughly wedge shape base unit connected to pivot connector means near the front end of the wedge shape base unit, wherein the front end is defined to be at the short height end on the wedge shape base unit, such that the user has the option to rest the display assembly onto the inclined surface of the wedge shape base for improved ergonomic human viewing.

3 more elements

A desktop display unit for computer use by a user, which is to be placed onto to the top of a desk or table structure, wherein the table surface area taken by the display unit is relatively small, yet the unit is physically stable, comprising:

a. a flat panel display assembly defining a display screen and control electronics;
b. a support hinge pair connected to the bottom edge of the flat panel display assembly;
c. means for telescoping post support connected to the bottom of the support hinge, where the support post comprises of a plurality of collapsing sections in telescoping fashion;
d. a roughly wedge shape base unit attached to telescoping support post means near the front end of the wedge shape base unit, wherein the front end is defined to be at the short height end of the wedge shape base unit, whereby the user has the option to rest the display assembly on to the inclined surface of the wedge shape base;
and
e. said support hinge and the telescoping post means working together to provide the user the option to orient the display assembly in elevation and inclination by hand adjustment through large ranges for improved ergonomic human viewing.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/288,882Filed 10 Aug 1994 · continuation in part
Priority: 29 Jun 1993
Granted: 16 Sep 1997
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification14 codes

G06F 1/169
Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675: the I/O peripheral…
G06F 1/16
Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00: constructional details or arrangements
G06F 1/1615
For portable computers: with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
G06F 1/1616
With several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function: with folding flat displays,…