MOBILE COMPUTING APPARATUS

Abstract

Mobile computing apparatus includes a portable computer (101) having a display module (105) and an arrangement (500) for providing illumination in the display module, the arrangement including a light source (222) external to the display module, a light guide (223) for guiding light from the light source toward the display module and a coupler (501) for coupling light from the light guide into the display module. The arrangement may be attached to a docking station (200) adapted to receive the portable computer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a portable (laptop) computer which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear angled perspective view of the portable computer of FIG. 1 received by a docking station which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front angled perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 2 removed from the mobile portable computer together with a light delivery module for attachment to the docking station for use in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the docking station and the light delivery module of FIG. 3 with the docking station mounted on and fixed to the docking station.

FIG. 5 is a simplified side view of an arrangement embodying the invention of optical components of the light delivery module of FIGS. 3 and 4 coupled to optical components of the portable computer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a simplified side view of an alternative arrangement embodying the invention of optical components of the light delivery module of FIGS. 3 and 4 coupled to optical components of the portable computer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is a simplified side view of a further arrangement embodying the invention of optical components of the light delivery module of FIGS. 3 and 4 coupled to optical components of the portable computer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section, taken on a plane indicated by a line 8-8 in FIG. 1, of a first form of a display module of the portable computer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section, taken on the plane indicated by the line 8-8 in FIG. 1, of a second form of a display module of the portable computer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section, taken on the plane indicated by the line 8-8 in FIG. 1, of a third form of a display module of the portable computer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section, taken on the plane indicated by the line 8-8 in FIG. 1, of a fourth form of a display module of the portable computer of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic side view (in three parts illustrating three different orientational configurations) of an arrangement embodying the invention alternative to that of FIG. 4.

Claims

1. Mobile computing apparatus including: a portable computer having a display module and an arrangement for providing illumination in the display module, the arrangement including a light source external to the display module, a light guide for guiding light from the light source toward the display module and an optical coupler for coupling light from the light guide into the display module.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the portable computer includes a computer body attached to the display module and the apparatus includes a docking station adapted to be connected to an electrical energy source and to receive a surface of the computer body to provide an electrical connection to the computer body, wherein the light source is adapted to be attached to or mounted on the docking station.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 including a pivot joint between the light source and the docking station.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the light source is adapted to receive electrical energy from the same external source as the docking station.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 adapted for use in a vehicle and wherein the light source is adapted to receive electrical energy from a power supply of the vehicle.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 including a switch for controlling energising of the light source, the switch being adapted to energise the light source when the computer body is received by the docking station.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the display module includes a display screen including an electro-optical display and a light diffuser to provide illumination of the electro-optical display, wherein the optical coupler is arranged to couple light into the light diffuser.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the electro-optical display comprises a liquid crystal display having an electrically controlled optical transmissivity.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the light diffuser is located behind the electro-optical display and is operable to provide rear illumination of the electro-optical display.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the light diffuser is located in front of the electro-optical display and is operable to provide front illumination of the electro-optical display, the display module also including a reflector located behind the electro-optical display to reflect light from the diffuser.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the light guide comprises a plate or sheet of polymeric material or glass.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the optical coupler is adapted to receive light from the light guide at an end edge of the light guide.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the optical coupler is adapted to change a direction of light from the light guide into the display module.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the optical coupler is adapted to change a direction of light from the light guide by an angle in the range of from 45 degrees to 135 degrees.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the optical coupler extends across at least 75 per cent of a width of the display module.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the optical coupler comprises a prism, a mirror or a flexible member including curved light guides.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the optical coupler is fitted inside the display module.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the light source is selected from a fluorescent light, a plurality of light emitting diodes, and an electroluminescent panel.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the display module includes an internal light source operable to be energised by an internal battery of the portable computer when the computer body is not received in the docking station.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the light source external to the display module has a brightness at least twice that of the internal light source included in the display module.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the portable computer includes a hinged connection between the computer body and the display module.