Micro LED monitors connect like puzzle pieces in HP multi-monitor concept

In a technical disclosure revealed this month, HP explored a Micro LED monitor idea that will allow customers to simply use varied multi-monitor configurations by means of the usage of “Lego-like constructing blocks.” HP has no instant plans to make what it has referred to as “composable Micro LED displays,” however its dialogue explores a possible solution to simplify multitasking with quite a few shows.

HP’s paper [PDF], written by HP scientists and technical architects, discusses a theoretical monitor that helps the simple addition of extra flat or curved screens on its left, proper, or backside sides (the authors famous that prime extensions may be doable however they have been “making an attempt to maintain the variety of configurations manageable”). The setup would use one 12×12-inch “core” monitor that has a cable to the linked system. The pc’s working system (OS) would be capable to view the show setup as one, two, or a number of displays, and bodily switches would let customers shortly disable shows.

Not an actual product

HP’s paper is barely a technical disclosure, which corporations usually publish in an effort to assist potential patent filings. So it is doable that we’ll by no means see HP launch “composable Micro LED displays” as described. An HP spokesperson advised me:

HP engineering groups are continuously exploring new methods to leverage the most recent applied sciences. The composable Micro LED displays inside the technical disclosure are conceptual, however HP has turned previous ideas like this into commercially viable merchandise and options.

There’s additionally rising curiosity in making multi-monitor workspaces simpler to arrange and navigate, together with by speedier connectivity, enhanced port choice, improved docks, and thinner shows. In January, Samsung teased an idea referred to as The Hyperlink that confirmed skinny, 32-inch, 4K LED displays daisy-chained collectively “and not using a separate cable.” Samsung initially stated the displays would join through pogo pins however later redacted that.

As you may see, there’s much more that will must be labored out than what’s in HP’s idea in an effort to make an actual product.

Adjustable multi-monitor setups

HP’s paper goes deeper into how displays, linked through pogo pins or RFID readers and tags, would possibly allow totally different single and multi-monitor setups relying on the person’s want.

HP’s idea connects extensions to the core displays “in an identical solution to a jigsaw” and likewise makes use of magnets to assist alignment. The authors clarify:

The core-to-extension connection contains {an electrical} connection, permitting seamless connectivity to the core unit. They are going to solely bodily join in methods that may perform appropriately as shows. The magnets within the passive connection covers and extension edges are sturdy sufficient to carry adjoining shows collectively, however not sturdy sufficient to assist the burden of an extension.

The authors present varied examples of how customers would possibly be capable to assemble totally different sized displays with totally different panels. Instructed customers embrace a video editor who would possibly use an even bigger display screen for video with a smaller one for enhancing instruments. The paper additionally touches on additional potential improvements, like utilizing several types of tech, reminiscent of eInk, for extension shows.

Like with any multi-monitor setup, bezels or seen seams the place the shows join might distract customers. The paper suggests a perfect resolution as one which makes use of “rays originating from pixels close to the boundary between adjoining panels” to “propagate throughout the boundary with none distortion attributable to reflection or refraction.”