Electronic image projection device

• US 6,626,543 B2
• Filed: 06/13/2001
• Issued: 09/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: E-Lumen8, LLC
• Original Assignee: E-Lumen8, LLC
• Inventors: Derryberry, Eddie W.
• Primary Examiner(s): DOWLING, WILLIAM C
• Application Number:
  US09/880,682
• Publication Number:
  US 20020030790A1
• Time in Patent Office: 839 Days
• Field of Search: 353/31, 353/119, 353/122, 349/5, 349/8, 349/9
• US Class Current: 353/119
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1639 the display being based on projection

Abstract

The present invention provides for an electronic image projection device having integrated computer capabilities built into the projector such that the data producing the projected image can be produced and retrieved without a separate, external, computing device. Alternatively, the present invention provides an electronic image projection device having the ability to removably mount a computing device (e.g. a laptop computer) in a manner that does not require numerous external cable connections or technical expertise.

Claims

1. An electronic image projection device comprising:

a projector housing;

a projector located within said projector housing for projecting inputted and processed information onto a surface spaced a distance from said electronic image projection device;

a central processing unit located within said projector housing;

a keyboard for inputting information into said central processing unit, said keyboard connected to said projector housing and movable between an open and closed position; and

an LCD display associated with said projector housing, accessible only when said keyboard is in said open position.

2. The electronic image projection device of claim 1 said device further comprising means for inputting information into said central processing unit, said means for inputting information into said central processing unit is chosen from the group consisting of a CD-ROM drive, a floppy disk drive, a digital video drive, an ethernet connection, a VCR drive, a phone line, an infrared connection, or a satellite connection.

3. The electronic image projection device of claim 1, further comprising a remote control for remotely operating said device.

4. The electronic image projection device of claim 1, further comprising a video camera electrically connected to said projector, thereby allowing said projection device to project images received from said video camera.

5. The electronic image projection device of claim 1, wherein said device is connectable to a network docking station to permit transmission of information therebetween.

6. The electronic image projection device of claim 1, further comprising an audio output mechanism.

7. A computer and electronic image projection device assembly comprising:

an electronic image projection device comprising;

a projector housing;

an electronic image projection mechanism located within said projector housing for projecting information from the projection device onto a surface spaced a distance from said projection device; and

a computer device comprising;

a computer housing;

a central processing unit for processing information located within said computer housing;

means for inputting information into said central processing unit located within said computer housing; and

a display screen mounted to said computer housing for displaying information,

wherein said projector housing further comprises a docking station for removably electrically and physically receiving said computer device, and the projected information from the projection device projects directly onto the surface independent of the display screen.

8. An integrated computer and electronic image projection device of claim 7, wherein said projector housing further comprises a video camera connected thereto and electrically connected to said image projection means, thereby allowing said projection device to project images received from said video camera.

9. An image projection device comprising:

a computing device located within a projector housing;

a display screen associated with the projector housing, the display screen being in data communication with the computing device;

an image projector associated with the projector housing, the image projector configured to project light along a path to a surface distant from the image projection device, where the path excludes the display screen; and

a keyboard movable between two positions relative to the display screen, a first position permitting user access to the keyboard and visual access to the display screen and a second position obstructing user access to the keyboard and visual access to the display.

10. The image projection device as set forth in claim 9, where the projector housing comprises a handle suitable to carry the device.

11. The image projection device as set forth in claim 9, further comprising:

a memory in data communication with the computing device for storing information.

12. The image projection device as set forth in claim 9, further comprising:

an input in data communication with the computing device for selectively providing information to the computing device.