Portable personal computers with multi-directional infrared communication
First Claim
1. A personal computer system with infrared light communication capability, comprising:
- a processor;
a data entry input mechanism for entry of data into said processor;
a housing containing said processor and having said data entry input mechanism mounted on a data entry surface thereof;
an infrared light sensor for receiving infrared communications for said processor;
an infrared receiving port coupled to said infrared light sensor and formed in said data entry surface of said housing for passage of infrared light to said infrared sensor; and
a light reflective mechanism moveable to selectively block and pass light between said infrared port and said infrared sensor.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A portable personal computer, such as a notebook computer, is provided with an infrared (IR) port which is accessible to IR light signals sent toward the frontal face or aspect of the computer, where the data entry mechanism, such as a keyboard or touchpad, is located. The computer system may also include a conventional, rear mounted infrared light entry port, so that infrared communications may be made to the computer from several directions, such as both the front and rear of the computer. This overcomes the need for special cabling and a separate electronics board for extra IR interface electronics in the portable computer housing, where space is typically at a premium.
-
Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A personal computer system with infrared light communication capability, comprising:
-
a processor; a data entry input mechanism for entry of data into said processor; a housing containing said processor and having said data entry input mechanism mounted on a data entry surface thereof; an infrared light sensor for receiving infrared communications for said processor; an infrared receiving port coupled to said infrared light sensor and formed in said data entry surface of said housing for passage of infrared light to said infrared sensor; and a light reflective mechanism moveable to selectively block and pass light between said infrared port and said infrared sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A personal computer system with infrared light communication capability, comprising:
-
a processor; a data entry input mechanism for entry of data into said processor; a housing containing said processor and having said data entry input mechanism mounted on a data entry surface thereof; an infrared sensor for receiving infrared communications for said processor; and an infrared port formed in said data entry surface of said housing for passage of infrared light to said infrared sensor; said housing having a side wall; an infrared port in said housing side wall for passage of infrared light to said infrared sensor; and a light reflective mechanism moveable to selectively block and pass light between said infrared port and said infrared sensor. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
Specification