WO2008117103A1

WO2008117103A1 - A computer comprising a detachable projector

Info

Publication number: WO2008117103A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/001922
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gert Frederik Meyer
Original assignee: Gert Frederik Meyer
Priority date: 2007-03-27
Filing date: 2007-07-09
Publication date: 2008-10-02
Also published as: WO2008117100A1; WO2008117098A1; WO2008117101A1; WO2008117102A1

Abstract

A computer is provided having a projector integral therewith. In one embodiment the projector is detachable from the computer. In a further embodiment the projector is adjustably secured to the computer.

Description

A COMPUTER COMPRISING A DETACHABLE PROJECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a computer.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Computers are used in virtually every aspect of everyday life from commerce to industry to entertainment and personal use. Two types of computer that are commonly used include a stand alone or desktop unit and portable or laptop units. Desktop computers typically include a box-like housing or tower to which is connected a keyboard, mouse and display. Laptop computers tend to be slim and typically have an LCD display hingedly secured to a body which houses a keyboard, processor and the like.

Although it is known to connect projectors to computers it tends to be time consuming doing so. It is also cumbersome to carry about a projector and laptop computer.

In this specification, "computer" shall have its widest meaning and include handheld devices, also referred to as personal digital assistants (PDA's), and other devices which operate without keyboards and commonly referred to as "tablet touch screens" or simply "tablets".

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a computer which at least partially alleviates some of the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a computer having a projector integrally secured thereto and configured to project images relating to at least one application running on the computer.

Further features of the invention provide for the projector to be adjustably secured to the computer to enable a user to select a projection area; for the projector to be adjustable through at least one motor; and for the projector to be detachable.

Still further features of the invention provide for the projector to be detachably secured to the computer and configured to permit information to be transmitted between the computer and the projector.

Further features of the invention provide for the computer to be in wired or wireless communication with the projector; for the projector to be paired to the computer; and for each of the projector and computer to have a processor. Still further features of the invention provide for each of the projector and computer to have a power supply, preferably one or more batteries; for the each of the projector and the power supply to include means for recharging the or each battery; and for the batteries to be rechargeable through wired or wireless means.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the computer to be a portable computer; for the computer to have a display, preferably an LCD display, integral therewith; for images to be switchable between the projector and the display, alternately simultaneously directed to both; and for the computer to be a laptop computer, alternatively a PDA.

Further features of the invention provide for the projector to have a speaker associated therewith; for the speaker to form part of a surround sound system; and for the projector to be adjustably secured to a base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a computer having a projector integral therewith;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portable computer having a projector integral therewith; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the portable computer and projector in

Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of a PDA having a projector integral therewith. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A computer (1) is shown in Figure 1 and, in this embodiment, is of the desktop type having a box-like tower unit (2) in which is housed a processor (not shown),

RAM (not shown), hard disk drive (not shown), graphics card, sound card and

DVD drive (not shown). The tower (2) also includes ports (4) for connecting the computer to a monitor (not shown) and other peripheral devices, including a keyboard (6). A wireless transceiver (not shown), in this embodiment a Bluetooth device, is provided for connecting to further peripheral devices, such as a mouse

(8). A power supply (10) connectable to mains power is also provided.

The computer (1) thus far described is of conventional form and the features well known in the art.

According to the invention, the computer (1) includes a projector (12) integral therewith which enables images to be projected onto a screen (not shown) or other surface. In this embodiment the projector (12) is secured in an upper corner (14) of the tower (2) in a ball and socket mounting (16) which enables the projector (12) to be adjusted relative to the body (2). Motors (not shown), operated though controls (18, 20) on the tower (2) and keyboard (6), are connected to the mounting (16) to permit the projector (12) to be remotely adjusted by a user (not shown).

The projector (12), in this embodiment, makes use of laser technology, such as the PicoP unit supplied by Microvision, and obviates the need for a television or other separate display unit as it permits images relating to applications running on the computer (1) to be projected onto a screen (not shown) or other surface, including a wall or ceiling (not shown). The computer (1) transmits the necessary information to the projector (12) in the same fashion as it would to a monitor or to a stand alone projector connected thereto. The projector (12) also permits a larger image to be projected than may typically be obtained on a computer monitor or other display unit.

As the projector (12) is adjustably secured to the computer (1) it enables a user to select or change a projection area without having to move or adjust the tower (2). Also, by providing the computer (1) with a projector greatly facilitates its use as it obviates the need for a monitor or display unit, these often being more difficult to move about than the computer (1) itself.

It will be appreciated, however, that many other embodiments of a computer exist which fall within the scope of the invention particularly as regards the type of projector and the manner and position in which it is secured to the computer. For example, the projector can operate using any suitable technology including LED's and high intensity bulbs or globes. Also, the projector could be detachable from the computer in a manner similar to that described below. Furthermore, the computer can have any suitable shape and features.

A second embodiment of a computer (20) is shown in Figures 2 and 3 and is, in this embodiment, of the portable, laptop type having a flat, rectangular body (22) with a keyboard (23) provided on one side (24), and a colour liquid crystal display (LCD) (25) centrally located in a cover (26) hingedly secured to the body (22). Hardware similar to that described with reference to Figure 1 is housed within the body (22) and includes a processor (27), RAM (28), hard disk drive (29) and DVD drive (30). A battery (31) provides power to the computer (20) Thus far the computer (20) is of conventional configuration.

According to the invention the computer (20) includes an integral projector (33) secured in a small, box-like housing (35) which is, in this embodiment, detachable from the body (22). A complementary socket (36) is provided in the body (22) in which the housing (35) is releasably secured by securing formations (not shown). These may be disengaged to release projector (33) by depressing a button (37) on the body (22).

The body (22) has a set of contacts (not shown) in the socket (36) which cooperate with corresponding contacts (not shown) on the projector (33) through which communication occurs with the projector (33) secured in the body (22).

However, both the body (22) and the projector (33) also include wireless communications means (38, 39) for communicating when the projector (33) is separated from the body (22). In this embodiment, both use a Bluetooth wireless communication protocol which is automatically activated upon removal from the body (22) and deactivated once the devices are secured together.

The Bluetooth devices (38, 39) of the projector (33) and the body (22) are paired to ensure secure communication between the two and to obviate difficulties with similar devices being used in proximity to these.

The projector (33) also includes a processor (40) which is configured to operate in tandem with the processor (27) of the computer (20) to enhance processing speeds. The processors (27, 40) could also be configured to provide redundancy or be or be configured to operate sequentially. The latter may be useful where bandwidth is limited and initial processing takes place in the body and the final processing takes place in the projector.

The projector (33) is also provided with a battery (44) for power, and both the computer (22) and projector (33) are supplied with individual charging ports (not shown) for receiving external chargers. It is foreseen that a wireless charging facility, such as that provided by Powercast, could also be used. Whilst secured to the body (22), however, the battery (44) is charged through the contacts.

The computer (20) further has a transceiver (50) for communicating with a telecommunications network (52), such as the Internet. In this embodiment the transceiver utilizes the Wi-Fi protocol, but could also be a GSM, 3G, satellite or similar transceiver. This enables the user of the computer (20) to browse the Internet, also known as web browsing, and to download information, applications, games and the like from a remote location (54).

An infrared transceiver (60) is also provided in the body (22) to enable communication with similarly equipped peripheral devices.

The housing (35) of the projector (33) is adjustably secured through a ball and socket joint (62) to a base (64) and speaker (75) is further provided in the housing (35) to be operable by the processor (42).

In use, the projector (33) can be detached from the body (22), placed with the base (64) on a surface (not shown), and then legs suitably adjusted to ensure that the projector (33) correctly projects onto a screen (80) or other surface, such as a wall. In detaching the projector (33) from the body (22) it is automatically activated and the Bluetooth connection initiated as described above. Hereafter the computer (1 ) can be used in the normal manner whilst the images relating to applications running on the computer (1) are projected onto the screen (80) through information transmitted between the two over the Bluetooth connection. Typically these will be those images that would normally appear on the LCD (25). The projector greatly enhances the size and quality of images and permits the computer (1) to be located remotely from the projector (33) as, for example, when delivering a presentation. The further advantage offered by this arrangement is that the body (22) can be moved about without affecting the image being projected.

Providing the speaker (75) in the projector housing (35) allows a surround sound effect to be achieved and applications, including games, can adapted to maximize the benefits of this feature. It is also envisaged that the computer may be provided with further detachable speakers, preferably wirelessly connected thereto, to further enhance the surround sound effect.

Where is it not possible to conveniently project and image using the projector (33), such as in an aircraft, the display (28) can be used in conventional fashion.

As the computer (20) is capable of running a variety of applications simultaneously, also known as multi-tasking, it is possible to, for example, show a video through the projector whilst a further application is displayed on the LCD (25). Also, with television, and particularly mobile television, gaining in popularity, it is envisaged that the computer (20) will be configured to receive television, possibly through the transceiver (50), and show this through the projector (33) whilst other applications are displayed on the LCD (25).

The computer (20) can communicate with other computers, typically through a network connection which may be wired or wireless fashion, and both or all users can either use a single projector, separate projectors if they have one, or even use the projector to project one image with individual user views being displayed on their computer displays.

It will be appreciated that many other embodiments of a computer exist which fall within the scope of the invention, particularly as regards the configuration of the body and the projector and the features associated with these. For example, any suitable wireless or wired communication means can be used between the projector the computer and any suitable display can be used, not necessarily an LCD, should one be desired.

Further alternatively, the projector housing could be adjustably secured to a base in any suitable manner or could simply be provided with a threaded socket to receive a tripod which itself could be housed in the body of the computer. It is also envisaged that the projector could be adjustable whilst secured in the socket (36). When used secured in the socket (36), the projector (33) will preferably communicate with the computer (20) through the contacts rather than the Bluetooth connection.

Referring to Figure 4, a portable media player (160), in this embodiment a PDA, is shown and includes a touch screen (162) which may be operated through a stylus (164), and further controls and other features normally associated with such devices, including a memory card slot (165), processor (not shown), RAM (not shown) and internal storage (not shown). According to the invention, a projector (166) secured in a disc-like housing (168) forms part of the PDA (160) and is releasably secured in a complementary socket (170) in the PDA (160).

The projector (166) has similar features to that described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3, including a base (170) to which it is adjustably secured, and a wireless connection with the PDA (160).

As the PDA (160) is capable of running a variety of applications, such as spreadsheet, word processor, email, diary and presentation software, it is possible to use the projector (160) to project images or graphics generated by the software to an audience.

The PDA (160) is capable of multi-tasking and this permits, for example, a video to be shown on the projector whilst music is being played or other software run. The music could then be listened to on a separate set of headphones or through another speaker system.

It is also envisaged that the PDA (160) will further include a transceiver (not shown) for communicating with a telecommunications network (not shown), such as the Internet, and this could utilize, for example, the Wi-Fi protocol, or be a GSM, 3G, satellite or similar transceiver. This enables the user of the portable media player to browse the Internet, also known as web browsing, and to download information from a remote location.

A report by IMS Research forecasts that 446 million people will be watching mobile television on their mobile telephones by 2011. It envisaged that the PDA (160) will be capable of receiving such television. With the multi-taking capability of the PDA (160), a user could thus watch television through the projector whilst using the PDA (160) in the normal fashion to run other applications.

Clearly any suitable means of attaching or detaching the projector and the body can be used. It is envisaged though that the projector will be capable of connecting independently to other devices, such as mobile telephones, should it be required. Also, the computer and projector could be capable of remote control by a remote control unit or even a suitably configured mobile telephone.

Furthermore, the projector can communicate with the computer through a wireless connection which does not require close proximity of both units. For example, the projector could communicate with the computer through a communications network, using a GSM, WiFi or other suitable connection, thus enabling the projector and computer to be separated by large distance.

Providing the projector integral with the computer but detachable therefrom promotes portability and ease of use as it obviates the need to carry separate units about and to link the two each time it is required to use them.

Claims

1. A computer having a projector integral therewith, characterised in that the projector is detachable from the computer and configured to project images relating to at least one application running on the computer.

2. A computer as claimed in claim 1 in which the projector is in wired or wireless communication with the computer.

3. A computer as claimed in claim 2 in which the projector is in wireless communication with the computer.

4. A computer as claimed in claim 3 in which the projector is paired to the computer.

5. A computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each of the projector and computer include a processor.

6. A computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each of the projector and the computer have a power supply.

7. A computer as claimed in claim 6 in which each power supply includes one or more batteries.

8. A computer as claimed in claim 7 in which each of the projector and the computer include means for recharging the or each battery.

9. A computer as claimed in claim 8 in which the recharging means operates in wired or wireless fashion.

10. A computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is a portable computer.

11. A computer as claimed in claim 10 in which the computer has a display integral therewith.

12. A computer as claimed in claim 11 in which the display is an LCD display.

13. A computer as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 in which images are selectively switchable between the projector, the display and both the projector and the display.

14. A computer as claimed in any one of the claims 11 to 13 in which each of the display and projector present different images.

15. A computer as claimed in any one of the claims 11 to 14 in which the computer is a laptop computer.

16. A computer as claimed in any one of the claims 11 to 14 in which the computer is a PDA.

17. A computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the projector has a speaker associated therewith.

18. A computer as claimed in claim 17 in which the speaker forms part of a surround sound system.

19. A computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the projector is adjustably secured to a base.

20. A computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the projector can communicate with peripheral devices.

21. A computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes one or more detachable speakers.

22.A computer as claimed in claim 21 in which the or each speaker communicates wirelessly with the computer.

23.A computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the projector is adjustably secured thereto to enable a user to select a projection area.

24.A computer as having a projector integral therewith, characterised in that the projector is adjustable to enable a user to select a projection area.

25. A computer as claimed in claim 24 in which the projector to be adjustable through at least one motor.

26.A computer as claimed in claim 25 which includes controls for operating the or each motor.

27.A computer as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26 which is a stand alone computer.

28. A computer as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27 in which the projector is detachable therefrom.