US20040233628A1 - Portable computer having multiport bay - Google Patents
Portable computer having multiport bay Download PDFInfo
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- US20040233628A1 US20040233628A1 US10/875,744 US87574404A US2004233628A1 US 20040233628 A1 US20040233628 A1 US 20040233628A1 US 87574404 A US87574404 A US 87574404A US 2004233628 A1 US2004233628 A1 US 2004233628A1
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- component
- receptacle
- multiport connector
- display panel
- multiport
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
- G06F1/1686—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being an integrated camera
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
- G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
- G06F1/1698—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone
Definitions
- the invention generally relates to portable computers, such as notebook computers, and particularly to a multiport bay to which a variety of modules or devices can be attached.
- Portable computers utilize a variety of connectors and internal bays for attaching certain electronic devices.
- PCMCIA card slots can be used to attach devices for performing desired additional functions.
- the available space often limits the size and/or shape of any electronic device modules that may be attached to the computer.
- internal bays tend to be constrained by shielding within the system which has a limiting effect on the ability to optimize antenna reception.
- the present invention relates generally to a portable computer system that comprises a display panel having a backcover.
- a multiport connection bay is incorporated into the backcover to permit selective attachment of desired modules having a variety of functionality.
- the bay is unconstrained in the Z direction which extends outwardly from the back panel.
- modules having any of a variety of thicknesses may be utilized.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable computer, such as a notebook computer, according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable computer of FIG. 1 with the display panel in an open position for use by an individual;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back panel of the portable computer illustrated in FIG. 1 with an exemplary electronic device module attached;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the portable computer illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portions of the region captured by dashed line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the portable computer illustrated in FIG. 1.
- Computer system 10 comprises a portable computer 12 , such as a notebook computer, which has a base 14 coupled to a display panel 16 .
- Display panel 16 may be connected to base 14 in a variety of ways and by various mechanisms.
- one exemplary mechanism comprises one or more hinges 18 disposed generally at a first end 20 of display panel 16 and a first end 22 of base 14 .
- display panel 16 has a second end 24 .
- a pair of side edges 26 extend between first end 20 and second end 24 to define the general perimeter of display panel 16 .
- base 14 has a second end 28 and a pair of side edges 30 that extend generally between first end 22 and second end 24 to define a perimeter of base 14 .
- Hinge or hinges 18 allow display panel 16 to be pivoted between a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In the open position, a user is readily able to view a display screen 32 of display panel 16 . In the open position, second end 24 is generally in an upward position relative to first end 20 .
- backcover 34 Opposite display screen 32 , display panel 16 comprises a backcover 34 (see FIG. 1).
- backcover 34 has a generally planar wall with an exterior surface 36 .
- the exemplary backcover 34 lies substantially parallel with display screen 32 and may be formed from magnesium, a strong lightweight material. However, a variety of other materials, such as plastic and composite materials, may also be used in the formation of backcover 34 .
- Base 14 may include a keyboard 38 , such as a removable keyboard to permit separation of the keyboard from the remainder of base 14 . Additionally, base 14 includes or may include a variety of other features, such as interactive buttons 40 , ports 42 , drives 44 , mouse pads 46 and other features that facilitate the use or adaptability of portable computer 12 .
- Portable computer system 10 also comprises a module 48 that is electrically and mechanically coupled to portable computer 12 via display panel 16 .
- module 48 may be connected to backcover 34 along exterior surface 36 .
- module 48 is mounted in a bay (discussed below) positioned along exterior surface 36 of backcover 34 .
- Module 48 may, for example, be positioned to extend into the upper right hand corner of backcover 34 as determined from the perspective of a user when display panel 16 is in the open position.
- Module 48 may be designed with one or more electronic devices for performing various functions. By mounting module 48 along exterior surface 36 of backcover 34 , the module is unconstrained in the Z direction (see FIG. 1 in which the Z axis extends in a perpendicular direction with respect to exterior surface 36 ). Thus, multiple modules 48 with different thicknesses can readily be mounted to backcover 34 .
- portable computer 12 may be shipped with a simple cover similar to the outer shell of module 48 illustrated in FIG. 1.
- the cover is removable to permit the mounting of any of a variety of electronic device modules 48 to portable computer 12 . This facilitates both the upgrading of modules as well as the interchange of a variety of different modules.
- module 48 is mounted on the exterior of portable computer 12 and is not constrained by shielding, the design is readily adaptable for use with wireless communication devices or other devices that utilize an antennae 50 .
- antennae 50 is disposed towards second end 24 of display panel 16 .
- antennae 50 is disposed at a raised external location to facilitate reception and/or transmission.
- module 48 may have a variety of forms, shapes and thicknesses. Also, the module may comprise a variety of electronic devices, such as communication modules, e.g. Bluetooth modules and 802.11 standard wireless modules, as well as a variety of other types of modules including biometrics reader modules and video cameras.
- the module 48 illustrated in FIG. 3 is representative of these various types of devices that can be incorporated into portable computer system 10 .
- a given module 48 may have a variety of other features, such as release latch 52 and an LED or other visual indicator 54 .
- Release latch 52 is used to avoid inadvertent separation of module 48 from display panel 16
- indicator 54 can be used to indicate a variety of events, such as connection between module 48 and portable computer 12 or the actual operation of module 48 .
- Mechanical interface 56 typically comprises a plurality of retention features 60 located in or on backcover 34 and corresponding retention features 62 formed as part of module 48 .
- corresponding retention features 62 comprise a plurality of hook members 64 (see also FIG. 5) and tabs 66 . Hook members 64 and tabs 66 are received by retention features 60 and specifically by hook receptacles 68 and tab openings 70 .
- each hook receptacle 68 comprises a recess or opening 72 and a generally hook-shaped receiving portion 74 .
- hook members 64 are inserted into openings 72 and the module is slid laterally, e.g. in a Y direction, until hook members 64 engage hook-shaped receiving portions 74 to prevent movement of module 48 with respect to backcover 34 in a Z direction.
- tabs 66 slide into tab openings 70 which further restrict movement and thus also help prevent inadvertent separation of module 48 from portable computer 12 .
- retention features 76 can be added.
- the retention features are disposed at spaced locations in the X-Y plane to constrain the module in the X and Y directions while leaving the module thickness unconstrained in the Z direction.
- housing structure 78 typically is formed of a relatively stiff material, such as a plastic material, that allows the forming, e.g. molding, of various retention features as integral portions of the overall housing structure 78 .
- the housing structure 78 also functions to protect internal components of the module, such as various electronics 79 that may be provided on an appropriate printed circuit board 80 .
- the actual internal components can vary substantially from one type of module to another, as would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- inadvertent separation of module 48 from backcover 34 is further limited by release latch mechanism 52 .
- An exemplary release latch mechanism 52 comprises a lever 82 pivotably mounted within housing structure 78 , as illustrated best in FIGS. 4 and 6.
- Lever 82 may be pivotably connected to housing structure 78 by an appropriate pin 84 or other pivot structure.
- Lever 82 further comprises an engagement member 86 sized for receipt in a corresponding retention opening 88 formed in backcover 34 .
- a spring 90 biases engagement member 86 into retention opening 88 when module 48 is attached to portable computer 12 .
- Lever 82 further comprises a push button 92 exposed through an opening 94 of housing structure 78 .
- latch mechanism 52 To release latch mechanism 52 , the biasing force of spring 90 is overcome by applying a force against push button 92 until engagement member 86 is withdrawn from retention opening 88 . Then, module 48 can be slid laterally and separated from backcover 34 . In this manner, modules can be interchanged, repaired, upgraded or simply removed.
- the latch mechanism 52 and the various retention features provide a rugged mechanical interface between module 48 and portable computer 12 while permitting the easy interchange of modules.
- Portable computer 12 is designed to create a panel bay 96 along exterior surface 36 of backcover 34 to facilitate this easy attachment and removal of desired modules at an external region of the computer also facilitates such functionality as reception and transmission of various wireless communications. Furthermore, the use of external panel bay 96 along backcover 34 promotes the ability to form a rugged mechanical interconnect between module 48 and portable computer 12 . Panel bay 96 also provides flexibility in the design and formation of electrical interface 58 .
- panel bay 96 incorporates an electrical connector 98 disposed on an appropriate printed circuit card 100 electrically coupled with portable computer 12 .
- One exemplary electrical connector 98 is a multiport USB connector, such as an 8-pin connector.
- electrical connector 98 comprises a plurality of connector pads 102 that are exposed along panel bay 96 for contact with corresponding contacts 104 of module 48 .
- Corresponding contacts 104 are appropriately coupled to PC board 80 and protrude outwardly for contact with pads 102 when module 48 is coupled to backcover 34 .
- connector pads 102 and protruding contacts 104 appropriate communicative contact between portable computer 12 and module 48 is formed when module 48 is moved into mechanical engagement with backcover 34 and slid laterally into its secured position.
- panel bay 96 may be designed to accommodate other or additional types of electrical interfaces. Additionally, the number of contacts or ports required or used can vary depending on the type of module, type of electrical interface and desired adaptability of the overall system.
- module 48 further comprises an extended portion 106 that extends beyond the periphery of display panel 16 . Specifically, portion 106 extends above second end 24 . The use of such an extended portion 106 facilitates the use of, for instance, certain types of antennae or a video camera 108 .
- module 48 is a video camera module with video camera 108 disposed above display panel 16 to permit viewing of the computer system user.
Abstract
A portable computer having an external bay with a multiport connector. The portable computer comprises a base coupled to a display module. The display module has a backcover with a bay area for receiving a variety of electronic device modules.
Description
- This is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 10/126,327 filed on Apr. 19, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The invention generally relates to portable computers, such as notebook computers, and particularly to a multiport bay to which a variety of modules or devices can be attached.
- Portable computers utilize a variety of connectors and internal bays for attaching certain electronic devices. For example, PCMCIA card slots can be used to attach devices for performing desired additional functions. In existing systems, the available space often limits the size and/or shape of any electronic device modules that may be attached to the computer. Additionally, internal bays tend to be constrained by shielding within the system which has a limiting effect on the ability to optimize antenna reception.
- The present invention relates generally to a portable computer system that comprises a display panel having a backcover. A multiport connection bay is incorporated into the backcover to permit selective attachment of desired modules having a variety of functionality. The bay is unconstrained in the Z direction which extends outwardly from the back panel. Thus, modules having any of a variety of thicknesses may be utilized.
- The invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary portable computer, such as a notebook computer, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable computer of FIG. 1 with the display panel in an open position for use by an individual;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back panel of the portable computer illustrated in FIG. 1 with an exemplary electronic device module attached;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the portable computer illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portions of the region captured by dashed line5-5 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line6-6 of FIG. 3; and
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the portable computer illustrated in FIG. 1.
- Referring generally to FIG. 1, a
portable computer system 10 is illustrated.Computer system 10 comprises aportable computer 12, such as a notebook computer, which has abase 14 coupled to adisplay panel 16.Display panel 16 may be connected tobase 14 in a variety of ways and by various mechanisms. However, one exemplary mechanism comprises one ormore hinges 18 disposed generally at afirst end 20 ofdisplay panel 16 and afirst end 22 ofbase 14. - Generally opposite
first end 20,display panel 16 has asecond end 24. A pair ofside edges 26 extend betweenfirst end 20 andsecond end 24 to define the general perimeter ofdisplay panel 16. Similarly,base 14 has asecond end 28 and a pair ofside edges 30 that extend generally betweenfirst end 22 andsecond end 24 to define a perimeter ofbase 14. - Hinge or
hinges 18 allowdisplay panel 16 to be pivoted between a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In the open position, a user is readily able to view adisplay screen 32 ofdisplay panel 16. In the open position,second end 24 is generally in an upward position relative tofirst end 20. -
Opposite display screen 32,display panel 16 comprises a backcover 34 (see FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment,backcover 34 has a generally planar wall with anexterior surface 36. Theexemplary backcover 34 lies substantially parallel withdisplay screen 32 and may be formed from magnesium, a strong lightweight material. However, a variety of other materials, such as plastic and composite materials, may also be used in the formation ofbackcover 34. -
Base 14 may include akeyboard 38, such as a removable keyboard to permit separation of the keyboard from the remainder ofbase 14. Additionally,base 14 includes or may include a variety of other features, such asinteractive buttons 40,ports 42,drives 44,mouse pads 46 and other features that facilitate the use or adaptability ofportable computer 12. -
Portable computer system 10 also comprises amodule 48 that is electrically and mechanically coupled toportable computer 12 viadisplay panel 16. For example,module 48 may be connected tobackcover 34 alongexterior surface 36. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,module 48 is mounted in a bay (discussed below) positioned alongexterior surface 36 ofbackcover 34.Module 48 may, for example, be positioned to extend into the upper right hand corner ofbackcover 34 as determined from the perspective of a user whendisplay panel 16 is in the open position. -
Module 48 may be designed with one or more electronic devices for performing various functions. Bymounting module 48 alongexterior surface 36 ofbackcover 34, the module is unconstrained in the Z direction (see FIG. 1 in which the Z axis extends in a perpendicular direction with respect to exterior surface 36). Thus,multiple modules 48 with different thicknesses can readily be mounted tobackcover 34. - In one exemplary system,
portable computer 12 may be shipped with a simple cover similar to the outer shell ofmodule 48 illustrated in FIG. 1. The cover is removable to permit the mounting of any of a variety ofelectronic device modules 48 toportable computer 12. This facilitates both the upgrading of modules as well as the interchange of a variety of different modules. - For example, because
module 48 is mounted on the exterior ofportable computer 12 and is not constrained by shielding, the design is readily adaptable for use with wireless communication devices or other devices that utilize anantennae 50. In the illustrated design,antennae 50 is disposed towardssecond end 24 ofdisplay panel 16. Thus, whendisplay panel 16 is pivoted to its open or user position, as illustrated in FIG. 2,antennae 50 is disposed at a raised external location to facilitate reception and/or transmission. - As further illustrated in FIG. 3,
module 48 may have a variety of forms, shapes and thicknesses. Also, the module may comprise a variety of electronic devices, such as communication modules, e.g. Bluetooth modules and 802.11 standard wireless modules, as well as a variety of other types of modules including biometrics reader modules and video cameras. Themodule 48 illustrated in FIG. 3 is representative of these various types of devices that can be incorporated intoportable computer system 10. - A given
module 48 may have a variety of other features, such asrelease latch 52 and an LED or othervisual indicator 54.Release latch 52 is used to avoid inadvertent separation ofmodule 48 fromdisplay panel 16, andindicator 54 can be used to indicate a variety of events, such as connection betweenmodule 48 andportable computer 12 or the actual operation ofmodule 48. - An exemplary
mechanical interface 56 and electrical interface 58 is illustrated in FIG. 4.Mechanical interface 56 typically comprises a plurality of retention features 60 located in or onbackcover 34 andcorresponding retention features 62 formed as part ofmodule 48. By way of specific example, corresponding retention features 62 comprise a plurality of hook members 64 (see also FIG. 5) andtabs 66.Hook members 64 andtabs 66 are received by retention features 60 and specifically byhook receptacles 68 andtab openings 70. - As illustrated best in FIG. 5, each
hook receptacle 68 comprises a recess or opening 72 and a generally hook-shapedreceiving portion 74. To attachmodule 48,hook members 64 are inserted intoopenings 72 and the module is slid laterally, e.g. in a Y direction, untilhook members 64 engage hook-shaped receivingportions 74 to prevent movement ofmodule 48 with respect tobackcover 34 in a Z direction. Simultaneously,tabs 66 slide intotab openings 70 which further restrict movement and thus also help prevent inadvertent separation ofmodule 48 fromportable computer 12. - Depending on the required security of attachment, module weight, etc., additional retention features76 can be added. Generally, the retention features are disposed at spaced locations in the X-Y plane to constrain the module in the X and Y directions while leaving the module thickness unconstrained in the Z direction.
- The various retention features62 of
module 48 are attached to or formed as an integral part of an overall shell orhousing structure 78.Housing structure 78 typically is formed of a relatively stiff material, such as a plastic material, that allows the forming, e.g. molding, of various retention features as integral portions of theoverall housing structure 78. Thehousing structure 78 also functions to protect internal components of the module, such asvarious electronics 79 that may be provided on an appropriate printedcircuit board 80. The actual internal components can vary substantially from one type of module to another, as would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. - In at least some embodiments, inadvertent separation of
module 48 frombackcover 34 is further limited byrelease latch mechanism 52. An exemplaryrelease latch mechanism 52 comprises alever 82 pivotably mounted withinhousing structure 78, as illustrated best in FIGS. 4 and 6.Lever 82 may be pivotably connected tohousing structure 78 by anappropriate pin 84 or other pivot structure.Lever 82 further comprises anengagement member 86 sized for receipt in a corresponding retention opening 88 formed inbackcover 34. Aspring 90biases engagement member 86 intoretention opening 88 whenmodule 48 is attached toportable computer 12.Lever 82 further comprises apush button 92 exposed through anopening 94 ofhousing structure 78. - To
release latch mechanism 52, the biasing force ofspring 90 is overcome by applying a force againstpush button 92 untilengagement member 86 is withdrawn fromretention opening 88. Then,module 48 can be slid laterally and separated frombackcover 34. In this manner, modules can be interchanged, repaired, upgraded or simply removed. Thelatch mechanism 52 and the various retention features provide a rugged mechanical interface betweenmodule 48 andportable computer 12 while permitting the easy interchange of modules. -
Portable computer 12 is designed to create apanel bay 96 alongexterior surface 36 ofbackcover 34 to facilitate this easy attachment and removal of desired modules at an external region of the computer also facilitates such functionality as reception and transmission of various wireless communications. Furthermore, the use ofexternal panel bay 96 alongbackcover 34 promotes the ability to form a rugged mechanical interconnect betweenmodule 48 andportable computer 12.Panel bay 96 also provides flexibility in the design and formation of electrical interface 58. - For example, in the embodiment illustrated,
panel bay 96 incorporates anelectrical connector 98 disposed on an appropriate printedcircuit card 100 electrically coupled withportable computer 12. One exemplaryelectrical connector 98 is a multiport USB connector, such as an 8-pin connector. In the configuration illustrated,electrical connector 98 comprises a plurality ofconnector pads 102 that are exposed alongpanel bay 96 for contact withcorresponding contacts 104 ofmodule 48.Corresponding contacts 104 are appropriately coupled toPC board 80 and protrude outwardly for contact withpads 102 whenmodule 48 is coupled tobackcover 34. By usingconnector pads 102 and protrudingcontacts 104, appropriate communicative contact betweenportable computer 12 andmodule 48 is formed whenmodule 48 is moved into mechanical engagement withbackcover 34 and slid laterally into its secured position. - Although a multiport USB interface works well for electrically coupling many types of
modules 48 toportable computer 12,panel bay 96 may be designed to accommodate other or additional types of electrical interfaces. Additionally, the number of contacts or ports required or used can vary depending on the type of module, type of electrical interface and desired adaptability of the overall system. - Referring generally to FIG. 7, a modified embodiment of
module 48 is illustrated in which the external form of the module has been changed to accommodate certain functionality. In this embodiment,module 48 further comprises anextended portion 106 that extends beyond the periphery ofdisplay panel 16. Specifically,portion 106 extends abovesecond end 24. The use of such anextended portion 106 facilitates the use of, for instance, certain types of antennae or avideo camera 108. In the embodiment illustrated,module 48 is a video camera module withvideo camera 108 disposed abovedisplay panel 16 to permit viewing of the computer system user. - It will be understood that the foregoing description is of exemplary embodiments of this invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. For example, the shape, texture and material of which the module housing structure is formed may vary; the electronics and functionality of modules can be substantially different depending on the particular device or devices incorporated into the module; the overall design of the portable computer, e.g. laptop, notebook, etc., is not limited; and the specific types of mechanical connectors as well as electrical connectors can vary according to application and design considerations. These and other modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.
Claims (29)
1. A component for a portable computer, comprising:
a display-mountable electronic module adapted to mount in a receptacle on a backside of a display panel, wherein the display-mountable electronic module comprises a multiport connector adapted to engage a mating multiport connector disposed within the receptacle.
2. The component of claim 1 , wherein the multiport connector comprises a universal serial bus (USB) connector.
3. The component of claim 2 , wherein the USB connector comprises a plurality of conductive pads.
4. The component of claim 1 , wherein the display-mountable electronic module comprises a secondary component receptacle adapted to receive another electronic module.
5. The component of claim 4 , comprising a video camera module disposed within the secondary component receptacle.
6. The component of claim 1 , wherein the display-mountable electronic module comprises a biometrics reader module.
7. The component of claim 1 , wherein the display-mountable electronic module comprises a wireless communications module.
8. The component of claim 1 , wherein the display-mountable electronic module comprises a plurality of retention features adapted to secure the display-mountable electronic module into the receptacle, wherein the plurality of retention features include a hook member and a tab member.
9. The component of claim 1 , wherein the display-mountable electronic module comprises a plurality of retention features adapted to secure the display-mountable electronic module into the receptacle along at least three sides of the display panel, wherein the at least three sides include the backside.
10. A method of manufacturing an electronic device, comprising:
forming a receptacle in a backside of a display panel;
mounting a multiport connector in the receptacle; and
providing a retention mechanism to secure an electronic component in the receptacle, such that a mating multiport connector of the electronic component can engage the multiport connector.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein forming the receptacle comprises positioning the receptacle along at least three sides of the display panel, the at least three sides including the backside.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein mounting the multiport connector comprises positioning a plurality of conductive pads in the receptacle.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein mounting the multiport connector comprises wiring a universal serial bus (USB) interface to the multiport connector.
14. The method of claim 10 , comprising coupling the display panel to a component housing having a processor.
15. A method of manufacturing a portable computer, comprising:
connecting a multiport connector in a receptacle in a backside of a display panel, wherein the receptacle is adapted to receive an electronic device having a mating multiport connector.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein connecting the multiport connector comprises wiring the multiport connector to circuitry disposed within a base of the portable computer, the base being hingedly coupled to the display panel.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein connecting the multiport connector comprises wiring the multiport connector to a universal serial bus (USB) interface.
18. The method of claim 15 , wherein connecting the multiport connector comprises assembling components of the display panel.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein connecting the multiport connector comprises assembling components of the portable computer.
20. A method of operating a portable computer, comprising:
communicating data through first and second multiport connectors mated with one another, the first multiport connector being disposed in a receptacle on a backside of a display panel, and the second multiport connector being disposed on a device mounted in the receptacle.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein communicating data comprises exchanging data via a universal serial bus (USB) interface.
22. The method of claim 20 , wherein communicating data comprises transmitting data between the device and circuitry within a base of the portable computer, wherein the base is hingedly coupled to the display panel.
23. The method of claim 20 , wherein communicating data comprises gathering video data from the device.
24. The method of claim 20 , wherein communicating data comprises gathering biometric data from the device.
25. The method of claim 20 , wherein communicating data comprises processing wireless communications between the device and a peripheral component.
26. A method of using a portable computer, comprising:
selectively inserting one component of a plurality of electronic components into a receptacle on a backside of a display panel, such that a multiport connector in the receptacle engages a mating multiport connector on the one component.
27. The method of claim 26 , wherein selectively inserting the one component comprises mounting a video camera to transmit video data through the multiport connector and the mating multiport connector.
28. The method of claim 26 , wherein selectively inserting the one component comprises mounting an antennae to enable wireless communications between the electronic component and a peripheral device.
29. The method of claim 26 , wherein selectively inserting the one component comprises mounting a biometrics reader.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/875,744 US20040233628A1 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2004-06-23 | Portable computer having multiport bay |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/126,327 US6788529B2 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2002-04-19 | Portable computer having multiport bay |
US10/875,744 US20040233628A1 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2004-06-23 | Portable computer having multiport bay |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/126,327 Continuation US6788529B2 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2002-04-19 | Portable computer having multiport bay |
Publications (1)
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US20040233628A1 true US20040233628A1 (en) | 2004-11-25 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/126,327 Expired - Fee Related US6788529B2 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2002-04-19 | Portable computer having multiport bay |
US10/875,744 Abandoned US20040233628A1 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2004-06-23 | Portable computer having multiport bay |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/126,327 Expired - Fee Related US6788529B2 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2002-04-19 | Portable computer having multiport bay |
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US (2) | US6788529B2 (en) |
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CN100464367C (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2009-02-25 | 无锡华润矽科微电子有限公司 | LCD drive and control device |
US20150022965A1 (en) * | 2012-07-20 | 2015-01-22 | Lawrence R. O'Connor | Expansion Chassis for Laptop Computers with BUS Multiplier and Multifunction USB Cable |
US9213368B2 (en) * | 2012-07-20 | 2015-12-15 | New Concepts Development Corp. | Expansion chassis for laptop computers with BUS multiplier and multifunction USB cable |
US20210089092A1 (en) * | 2019-09-24 | 2021-03-25 | Getac Technology Corporation | Electronic device and framework assembly for the same |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030198009A1 (en) | 2003-10-23 |
US6788529B2 (en) | 2004-09-07 |
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