Abstract:
A computer light for illuminating the computer keyboard or other items in low light environments includes a super bright white LED and a USB plug that enables it to be powered from USB connection ports. The computer light has an elongated neck that is flexible enough to allow the light head to be positioned with ease but stiff enough to allow the light head to assume a fixed position relative to the computer keyboard or other items when it is not being manipulated. The computer light is especially useful for users of portable computers because it is lightweight and energy-efficient, and may be stored in a compact manner.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/207,446, filed May 30, 2000. The entire contents of this provisional patent application are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The invention relates generally to a computer light, and more particularly to a portable energy-efficient light that is compatible with a computer port such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or the IEEE1394 (firewire) port.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    As computer use has increased over the years, computer use in low light environments has increased as well. In low light environments, the user is able to view the screen but oftentimes is unable to see the computer keyboard or view paper notes such as presentation notes or slides. This is inconvenient even for skilled typists because some keys (e.g., arrow, function, and delete keys) are located on the outer edges of the keyboard and thus are hard to locate by feel. At times, the user needs to look at the keyboard and locate the desired key before pressing it, but when there is little or no light for illuminating the keyboard, the user often resorts to guessing and presses the wrong key. In addition oftentimes, when a user needs to remove or insert cables into the computer, there is little light in the back of the computer appliance.  
           [0006]    Many portable light devices are available for the computer user, but these devices require their own power source and are convenient only for use in conjunction with desktop computers. These devices are simply too bulky to be carried around and used in conjunction with laptop computers. The weight that the portable light device and its power source adds to the weight of the laptop computer and the laptop computer&#39;s power source is also a limiting factor. For these and other reasons, portable light devices, although useful, have not yet become popular with laptop computer users and handy for desktop computer users.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The invention provides a computer light that illuminates the computer keyboard or other items, such as a document that the computer user is working on, in low light environments. The computer light is lightweight and has a plug that is connectable to a computer port to draw power from the computer&#39;s power source. As a result, users of laptop computers may pack and carry around this device with their laptop computers without adding too much extra weight. The computer light is also energy-efficient so that it does not cause an unnecessary power drain on the power supply of the laptop computer. Furthermore, the computer light has an elongated neck that is flexible enough to allow the light head to be positioned with ease but stiff enough to allow the light head to assume a fixed position relative to the computer keyboard or other items when it is not being manipulated. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 illustrates a computer light according to an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 illustrates the computer light connected to a port provided on a laptop computer;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 illustrates the computer light connected to a port provided on a computer keyboard;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 illustrates the computer light connected to a port provided on a main console of a desktop computer;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a gooseneck cable of the computer light;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5B is a plan view of the gooseneck cable having a cut-away portion;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a cut-away section of the gooseneck cable;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the LED head assembly;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the LED head assembly;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 illustrates the computer light equipped with an ON-OFF switch;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components that control the computer light to visually signal an event to the computer user; and  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the program steps executed by a processor to visually signal an event to the computer user. 
     
    
       [0020]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitutes a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]    The preferred embodiment described below relates to a computer light that is configured to be used with a USB port on a computer, but the invention need not be limited thereto. For example, it is contemplated that a computer light embodying the features of the invention may be configured for use with other computer ports, including but not limited to, the IEEE1394 (firewire) port.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 illustrates a computer light according to an embodiment of the invention. The computer light or lamp  10  has a USB plug  20  to be connected to power and ground leads of a USB connector on a computer (see FIGS. 2 and 4) or a computer keyboard (see FIG. 3).  
         [0023]    Functionally, the computer light  10  is a USB-slave device. A USB slave device is peripheral device that is controlled by any USB master device using a communication protocol known as the USB protocol. Other examples of a USB slave device include scanners, microphones, speakers, and game control devices. USB ports have become increasingly popular in recent years because of its high data rates, industry standard support and compact port design.  
         [0024]    An over-molded plastic jacket  30  is formed partially over the USB plug  20 . The plastic jacket  30  serves as a handle used during the insertion of the USB plug  20  into a corresponding USB connection port on a computer and a stop limit to prevent the USB plug  20  from being inserted too far into the corresponding USB connection port.  
         [0025]    The computer light further includes a gooseneck cable  40  and a light emitting diode (LED)  50 . As shown in FIG. 5A, the gooseneck cable  40  has a pair of insulated copper wires  41 ,  42  extending along its center portion to electrically couple the USB plug  20  to the LED  50 . The gooseneck cable  40  is flexible enough to allow manual positioning of the LED  50  but stiff enough to allow the LED  50  to assume a fixed position relative to the computer keyboard or other items when it is not being manipulated. Also, when the computer light is not in use, the gooseneck cable  40  permits it to be coiled into a compact position.  
         [0026]    The rigidity or stiffness in the gooseneck cable  40  is introduced by a pair of tubings  43 ,  44 , the cross-sections of which are shown in FIG. 5A. A plastic cover  45  is provided for decorative purposes. Each of the tubings  43 ,  44  is made of metal wire and is formed by winding the metal wire into a tight spiral as shown in the cut-away view in FIGS. 5B and 5C. The outer radius of the spirals of the inner tubing  43  is formed to be substantially equal to the inner radius of the spirals of the outer tubing  44 . The static friction force between the inner and outer tubings  43 ,  44  tends to keep the gooseneck cable  40  in a fixed position when no forces are being applied.  
         [0027]    In the preferred embodiment, the winding direction of the spirals of the inner tubing  43  is the same as the winding direction of the spirals of the outer tubing  44 . In alternative embodiments, the winding directions may be different. Further, the invention is not limited to any one way of introducing rigidity or stiffness to the gooseneck cable  40 . Alternative ways are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and the invention is intended to cover all such variations.  
         [0028]    The length of the gooseneck cable  40  is preferably about 16-18 inches. Other lengths of the gooseneck cable  40  may be used in accordance with the invention, but based on predictable uses of the computer light, especially with laptop computers, it was determined that the length of 16-18 inches would be convenient to the user. This length makes the computer light  10  easy to handle and allows the LED  50  to be positioned over the top, side, next to the base unit, etc.  
         [0029]    The LED  50  produces a super bright white light and is positioned with the gooseneck cable  40  to provide illumination for the computer keyboard, display, side, etc. When the computer light  10  is inserted into the USB connection port on the host computer or host keyboard, power from the computer&#39;s power supply is supplied to the LED  50  by way of the USB plug  20  and the wires in the gooseneck cable.  
         [0030]    In the exemplary embodiment, the LED  50  requires 3.6-4.0 volts and draws approximately 0.020-0.030 milli-amperes. As such, the LED  50  consumes around 0.1 watts when connected to the computer&#39;s power supply. Since the computer provides a 5-volt source, the voltage is stepped down to 3.6 volts before being supplied to the LED  50 . Even when it is used constantly and remains ON, the LED  50  decreases the battery life of a laptop computer by only 1 to 3%. One example of an LED that has the above characteristics is an LED manufactured by Nichia. Another advantage of the LED is its very high life expectation. As a result, unlike light bulbs, which need to be replaced fairly often, with an LED, there is little or no need for replacement.  
         [0031]    Because the LED  50  draws its power from the computer through the USB connection port, the computer light  10  does not need a battery pack as a power source. Consequently, the lamp design is greatly simplified, has less parts and minimizes weight. In the exemplary embodiment, the total weight of the computer light  10  is less than 3 ounces. In addition, the computer light  10  is very durable and shockproof. Unlike lamps that use light bulbs, there are no parts that can break easily.  
         [0032]    As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the LED  50  is encased by aluminum cylindrical housing  60  and a plastic clear lens  70 . One end of the cylindrical housing  60  is fitted over the gooseneck cable  40  so that the cylindrical housing surrounds the LED  50  and the lens  70  is press fitted to the other end of the cylindrical housing  60  to encapsulate the LED  50  inside the cylindrical housing  60 .  
         [0033]    The details of the LED head assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view in the assembled state. Line A in FIG. 6B represents the fore-aft position of the rear plane of the lens  70  and Line B in FIG. 6B represents the fore-aft position of the light point source of the LED. In the preferred embodiment, Line B is behind Line A, as shown in FIG. 6B. The position of the LED in the preferred embodiment provide useful light without producing the harsh glare that can be distracting to the user.  
         [0034]    The plastic clear lens  70  alters light beam characteristics of light emitted by the LED  50 , e.g., color, amount of dispersal, etc. The surface finish of the lens  70  can be changed to provide different light quality as well as provide a soft glow that can be very pleasing to the user.  
         [0035]    Alternatively, the plastic clear lens  70  may include a silvered reflector that is positioned in front of the LED  50 . The light from the LED  50  spans a small cone angle and the silvered reflector reflects the light into desirable position, spread, characteristic or intensity.  
         [0036]    In addition, the plastic clear lens  70  may include physical or digital mask to alter the light beam to convey information to the user such as temperature reading, time, etc. For example, a lensing element plus a miniature liquid crystal display can be used together to produce a light beam that when reflected against a wall can provide a clock feature to the user. Also, a multicolor LED can be used to convey information to the user through the change in the color.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 2 illustrates the computer light  10  connected to a USB connection port  210  provided on a main console  220  of a laptop computer. A keyboard (not shown) of the laptop computer is formed integrally on the upper surface of the main console  220  of the laptop computer, and a display  240  is attached in a hinged manner to the main console  20  of the laptop computer.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 illustrates the computer light  10  connected to a USB connection port  3   10  provided on a keyboard  330  of a desktop computer. The keyboard  330  is electrically connected to a main console  320  of the desktop computer through an electrical cord and plug but is physically separate from the main console  320 . A display  340  of the desktop computer is, however, is formed integrally on the front face of the desktop computer. In this embodiment, power is supplied from the power supply housed in the main console to the LED  50  through the keyboard  330 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 4 illustrates the computer light  10  connected to a USB connection port  410  provided on a main console  420  of a desktop computer. In this embodiment, both the computer keyboard  430  and the computer display  440  are physically separate from the main console  420  and electrically connected to the main console  420  through their respective electrical cords and plugs.  
         [0040]    In the three embodiments shown in FIGS.  2 - 4 , the main console includes a processor, associated memory, and a power source. The power source is typically a DC power source and is configured to supply power to externally connected devices through connection ports, e.g., to USB slave devices through USB connection ports.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7 illustrates the computer light  10  equipped with an ON-OFF switch  71 . When the switch  71  is in an ON position, a closed circuit is formed and power from the computer&#39;s power supply is allowed to be supplied to the LED  50 . When the switch  71  is in an OFF position, an open circuit is formed and power from the computer&#39;s power supply is cut off from the LED  50 . The computer light  10  may be provided with a female USB connection port (not shown) to allow a different USB slave device to be connected to the USB connector port of the host computer thereby and be operable when the switch  71  of the computer light  10  is turned off.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a main console  700  of a computer, illustrating the components that control the computer light  10  to visually signal an event to the computer user. The components include a programmed microprocessor  710  and associated memory  730  for sensing or detecting an event, e.g., an incoming email, an internet telephone call, an incoming fax that is electronically delivered to the computer, or a level of network traffic, and a USB controller circuit  720 , under the control of the programmed microprocessor  710 , for alternatively supplying power from the power source  740  to the connected computer light  10  and cutting off power from the power source  740  to the connected computer light  10 , to cause the computer light  10  to flicker ON and OFF for a preprogrammed period of time, e.g., 5 seconds, which should be long enough to grab the user&#39;s attention. The time period for flicker may be controlled by the user by reconfiguring the email program.  
         [0043]    The computer program for executing the visual signaling is illustrated as a flow diagram in FIG. 9. Step  810  is continuously executed by the programmed microprocessor  710  to see if an event, which may be an incoming e-mail, incoming telephone call via internet telephony, an incoming fax message, or any event that the computer recognizes, is sensed or detected. If it is, in Steps  820 ,  830  and  840 , a type of event is distinguished. If the event is an incoming e-mail, the USB controller circuit  720  is controlled to cycle the LED  50  ON and OFF for equal time periods, e.g., ON for 0.5 second and OFF for 0.5 second (Step  825 ). If the event is an internet telephone call, the USB controller circuit  720  is controlled to cycle the LED  50  ON and OFF with a longer ON period than OFF period, e.g., ON for 1 second and OFF for 0.5 second (Step  835 ). If the event is an incoming facsimile, the USB controller circuit  720  is controlled to cycle the LED  50  ON and OFF with a shorter ON period than OFF period, e.g., ON for 0.5 second and OFF for 1 second (Step  845 ). For all other events, the USB controller circuit  720  is controlled to cycle the LED  50  ON for 1 second and OFF for 1 second (Step  850 ).  
         [0044]    In addition, the different information can be conveyed through the use of color through the use of a multicolor LED.  
         [0045]    While particular embodiments according to the invention have been illustrated and described above, it will be clear that the invention can take a variety of forms and embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.