Patent Application
20080043407
The present invention will be more fully understood, and further features will become apparent, when reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Like parts depicted in the drawings are referred to by the same reference numerals.
The following detailed description references the accompanying drawings which show some example embodiments of the invention. These example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, or structural changes made, such that the detailed description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the claims.
The portable computer security device 10 further includes a LCD assembly 18 that is positioned between the cover 12 and the base 14. The LCD assembly 18 is electrically connected to the integrated circuit 16. In addition, the LCD assembly 18 is aligned with an opening 20 in the cover 12 to permit observation of the LCD assembly 18 through the opening 20 in the cover 12.
In some embodiments, the LCD assembly 18 includes a glass LCD to provide a relatively high quality image on the LCD assembly 18. As an example, the LCD assembly 18 may include two thin layers of glass that are combined with films and other materials.
It should be noted that the LCD may be any type of LCD that is known now or discovered in the future. In addition, the size and design of the LCD will depend in part on the size and shape of the cover 12 and the base 14 (among other factors).
The integrated circuit 16 generates random numbers for display on the LCD assembly 18 such that the random numbers may be used to provide access to a computer system. It should be noted that the random numbers may be generated in an event synchronous mode or a timed synchronous mode.
The portable computer security device 10 further includes a damping member 22 that is positioned between the LCD assembly 18 and the cover 12 to reduce shock and vibration forces that are generated on the LCD assembly 18. One example material for the damping member 22 includes a silicone gel that has a durometer of around 20 on Shore A scale.
As shown most clearly in
As shown most clearly in
In some embodiments, the damping member 22 touches the cover 12. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the damping member 22 engages the cover 12 through another part of the portable computer security device 10.
In addition, the damping member 22 touches the LCD assembly 18. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the damping member 22 engages the LCD assembly 18 through another part of the portable computer security device 10.
The cover 12 may be attached to the base 14 in any manner that is known now or discovered in the future. As an example, the cover 12 may be secured to the base 14 using an adhesive. The type of attachment between the cover 12 and the base 14 will depend in part on the structural design of the cover 12 and the base 14 (among other factors). Example materials for the cover 12 and the base 14 include metal and plastic.
In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 16 is part of a circuit board 26 (see
In the illustrated example embodiment, the damping member 22 is a first damping member 22 and the portable computer security device further comprises a second damping member 30. The second damping member 30 is between the LCD assembly 18 and the circuit board 26 to reduce shock and vibration forces that are generated on the LCD assembly 18.
In some embodiments, the second damping member 30 touches the circuit board 26. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the second damping member 30 engages the circuit board 26 through another part of the portable computer security device 10.
In addition, the second damping member 30 touches the LCD assembly 18. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the second damping member 30 engages the LCD assembly 18 through another part of the portable computer security device 10.
As shown most clearly in
Note that the LCD assembly 18 is completely isolated from the rigid components that are part of the portable computer security device 10 by the first and second damping members 22, 30. Therefore, the shock and vibration forces that would otherwise normally be generated upon the LCD assembly 18 during everyday use of the portable computer security device 10 are reduced by the first and second damping members 22, 30.
The portable computer security devices 10 described herein are relatively small yet are still capable of protecting a glass LCD that is part of the portable computer security devices 10. The ability to protect the glass LCD makes the portable computer security device 10 more suitable for everyday use.
While the invention has been described in detail with respect to the specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these aspects which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, which should be assessed accordingly to that of the appended claims.
