Articulated display for notebook computer

Details Articulated display for notebook computer Articulated display for notebook computer

1999-03-31

2001-05-08

Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C362S023000, C362S035000, C362S559000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06229693

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates in general to notebook computers and in particular to a display monitor for a notebook computer which may be articulated to improve the ergonomics and usability of the computer.
2. Background Art
In general, modern notebook computers are being designed with larger display monitors than ever before. As a result, the overall size of notebook computers is increasing as well. Although larger notebook computers are as portable as their smaller predecessors, there are some cramped situations that make it difficult or impossible to comfortably use them.
In
FIG. 1
, for example, a standard airline tray table
11
in coach class seating has very limited space for operating a larger notebook computer
13
. In this situation, the display
15
can be opened only about 100 degrees (approximately 10 degrees beyond vertical) relative to the base
17
or keyboard of the computer. This is true even if computer
13
is located as close to the user (not shown) as possible and the passenger in front of the user keeps their seat back
19
in the fully upright and locked position. The problem is enhanced if the passenger seated in front of the user chooses to recline their seat back
19
(FIG.
2
). In this situation, the display
15
can be opened only about 80 degrees or less. Since the line of sight
12
between the user's eyes and the middle of display
15
is typically 45 to 50 degrees below the horizon
14
, the user will view display
15
at approximately 55 to 60 degrees off axis
16
(normal to the screen). In this range of view angles, display
15
is unreadable and unusable.
Display viewing problems such as these are present in virtually all notebook computers having a 12.1 inch or larger diagonal display. It is more severe for the more recent and/or planned notebook computers having displays measuring in excess or 14 or 15 inches. With these large, standard aspect ratio displays, it is very difficult to use the computer under limited or cramped conditions. A notebook computer with improved display positioning relative to the user is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A notebook computer has a base, a lid and a display monitor located within the lid. The lid also contains a device which may be used to articulate and support the display in various positions away from the lid that improve viewing for the user under limited or cramped conditions. The device uses a linkage member to pivotally move the display out of the lid, closer to the user, and higher above the base. The linkage locks into place in a conventional lower position and an elevated upper position. After the linkage is locked in the upper position, the display may be tilted to a desired angle. Although the device allows the display angle to be increased well beyond vertical, the display does not obscure the user's view of the keyboard while in this position. In low light conditions, the device also incorporates a light source behind the display for illuminating the keyboard beneath the display.


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