Dynamically reconfigurable touch screen displays

#This invention relates to the art of touch screen displays and, more particularly, to a dynamically reconfigurable touch screen display.

#Conventional touch screens are typically static displays of buttons, graphics, and text fields having no awareness of orientation relative to any reference point such as, a user or to other touch screens. As such, devices that employ multiple touch screens, e.g., one screen as a display and another screen as a keyboard, must be properly oriented before use. Multiple touch screen devices are typically employed in presentations and usually include one screen as a control used by a presenter and another screen as a display for an audience. In this case, the device must be properly configured and positioned such that the control is positioned for the presenter.

#A dynamically reconfigurable touch screen system includes a first display having a first touch screen, a second display having a second touch screen, the second display being operatively connected to the first display, at least one sensor operatively associated with one of the first and second displays. The at least one sensor detects a physical orientation of the one of the first and second touch screens. The dynamically reconfigurable touch screen system further includes a controller linked to the at least one sensor. The controller sets a display of the other of the first and second touch screens based on the physical orientation of the one of the first and second touch screens.

#pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a dynamically reconfigurable touch screen system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention arranged in a first configuration;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a dynamically reconfigurable touch screen system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention arranged in a second configuration;

#The detailed description explains the exemplary embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

#With initial reference to FIGS. 1-6, the dynamically reconfigurable touch screen system constructed in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention is indicated generally at 2. Touch screen system 2 includes a first display 4 having a first touch screen 6 and a second display 14 having a second touch screen 16. In the exemplary embodiment shown, first and second displays 4 and 14 are operatively connected through an articulating hinge 24. Articulating hinge 24 enables first display 4 and second display 14 to be selectively positionable in any number of a plurality of orientations such as, but not limited to, the orientations depicted in FIGS. 1-6.

#In accordance with one aspect of the exemplary embodiment, first display 4 includes a controller 26 operatively connected to a sensor 30. Sensor 30 determines a physical orientation of first touch screen 6 relative to a physical orientation of second touch screen 16. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, sensor 30 takes the form of a position center such as, but not limited to an accelerometer, that determines a physical orientation of first touch screen 6 relative to the physical orientation of touch screen 16. In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the invention, sensor 30 takes the form of a digital camera that captures an image of an object not associated with either first display 4 or second display 14 to establish a point of reference. Based on the point of reference, controller 26 determines the physical orientation of first touch screen 6 and, as a consequence, the physical orientation of second touch screen 16.