The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 06, 2000
Filed:
Jul. 14, 1997
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A portable information processing apparatus, having a detachable liquid crystal display panel/input tablet, whereof the liquid crystal display panel/input tablet can be detached from the apparatus even when the main body is powered on, i.e., is being operated. The portable information processing apparatus comprises: support means for detachably supporting a liquid crystal display panel on a main body; detection means for detecting detachment/attachment of the liquid crystal display panel; and first and second connectors for providing a connection for video signal lines and a power line that connect the liquid crystal display panel and the main body. When the liquid crystal display panel is detached from the main body, the first and the second connectors can communicate with each other via a cable. When the detection means detects that the liquid crystal display panel has been detached, the output of video signals from the main body to the display panel is disabled, and then the power supply to the liquid crystal display panel is halted (local suspend). As a result, the disorderly open state of the signal output line and the power line to the display panel is avoided, and the deterioration of hardware is prevented. In parallel to the local suspend operation, the main body of the apparatus saves data required for the resumption of a task, and halts the operation of the entire system (system suspend).