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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/211,071 filed Jun. 13, 2000, which is herein incorporated by reference herein.  
         FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an electronic image projection device, and more particularly to an electronic image projection device with integrated or removably mounted computer capabilities.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    On occasions such as seminars or presentations, it is often necessary to project information, data, or pictures for audience viewing hereinafter collectively referred to as information. Projectors manufactured today do not function as active electronic hubs, with functions that include computing, networking, data creation, retrieval and/or storage. Projectors today generally have limited or no type of built-in microprocessor or computing capability, but rather must rely upon the micro-processing capability of a computer, or some other source, to generate the source of the information to be projected. In order for the projector to display the required information, the projector must be joined via some means to a computer or other device containing the information to be projected. This is typically done with cables, but other connection means are possible; such as infrared or other forms of wireless capability well known in the art.  
           [0004]    The conventional manner for the preparation and display of information is for the presenter, or other person, to prepare the information with a computer, either a desktop computer or portable laptop computer having, for example, PowerPoint™ capabilities. This information is then stored on a permanent drive within the computer, whether a hard drive, Omega Zip™ drive, other high-density disk media drive, CD ROM drive, or some other type of data storage device known in the art. And because the various brands and styles of electronic image projecting devices, referred to herein as “projectors,” are sold as “stand-alone” passive presentation devices, the presenter will be required to externally connect the computer to the projector in order to display the information. This often requires the presenter to travel to and from the presentation with both the laptop computer and projector, articles that are often fragile, heavy, and cumbersome to transport.  
           [0005]    As part of the presentation process, the presenter goes through the process of externally connecting the laptop computer to the projector via cable, infrared, or other means of wireless connectivity, which generally requires a certain amount of technical expertise. Any damage or misplacement of such connections often results in the inability to present the information. And because there is often little compatibility between laptop computers, projectors, and external connections, such technical difficulties often cannot be avoided by having additional external connections, parts, or expert assistance.  
           [0006]    The presenter would “boot up” the laptop computer, activate the software program used for the presentation (e.g. PowerPoint™) and locate and execute the saved file containing the presentation. If more than one person were making presentations to a group, typically there would be long periods of time while each presenter is forced to go through the same routine.  
           [0007]    There are numerous additional technical difficulties that can be encountered during the setting up and external connection of the projector and computer that may prevent the proper display of the presentation.  
           [0008]    Therefore, there is constantly a need in the field of portable computers and projectors for a more efficient way to prepare and present information and to transport the equipment required for its display. There is also a constant need to provide equipment that is more reliable, easier to set up, and easier to use so that presentations can be prepared and given without technical difficulties.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic image projector having integrated computer capabilities built into the projector such that the information producing the projected image can be produced and retrieved without a separate, external, computing device. Alternatively, it is further an object of this invention to provide an electronic image projector 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.  
           [0010]    Particularly, the present invention provides for an electronic image projection device comprising a central processing unit for storing and processing information, means for inputting information into the central processing unit, display means electrically connected to the central processing unit for displaying inputted and processed information, and an electronic image projection means electrically connected to the central processing unit for projecting inputted and processed information onto a surface spaced a distance from the projection means. The present invention further provides for an electronic image projection device for use with a computing device having a computer housing and a display screen, wherein the projection device comprises a projector housing, an electronic image projection means located within the projector housing, and means for removably receiving at least a portion of the computer housing associated with the projector housing. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a “stand up” model according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the projector with the keyboard rotated to the open position.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is top plan view of the first embodiment of this invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is front plan view of the first embodiment of this invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is side view of the first embodiment of this invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is rear view of the first embodiment of this invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an invention according to the first embodiment, further comprising a handle.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a side view of an invention according to the first embodiment, wherein the projector is connected to a network docking station.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a rear view of the invention of FIG. 7.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a “lay-down” model of the invention according to the second embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a side view of the invention of FIG. 9 wherein the keyboard and display screen are in their closed positions.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a projector having a removably mounted computer device according to the third embodiment of this invention, and showing the computer device in a disengaged position.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 11 wherein the computer device is mounted to the projector.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is a side view of the invention shown in FIG. 12. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION  
       [0024]    Generally, the present invention includes an electronic image projection device, generally referred to hereafter as “projector”, having computer micro-processing capabilities. The disclosure herein describes the projector of this invention as utilizing such computer micro-processing capabilities incorporated into a single device, or in the alternative, as having removably mounted computer micro-processing capabilities (e.g. docking of a laptop computer). The operational hardware and software features utilized in the present invention, including the computer micro-processing means and electronic image projection means, are known in the art and will not be discussed herein.  
         [0025]    The description of this invention is intended to fully describe the preferred and alternative embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of this invention. One skilled in the art could envision numerous configurations for projectors having permanently integrated or removably mounted computer capabilities. Such configurations are believed to fall within the scope of this invention. There are numerous capabilities and functions for projectors, computers, software applications, and hardware attachments that are known in the art. One skilled in the art would recognize that such capabilities and functions could be incorporated into this invention and still fall within the scope of the invention. Capabilities and functions known in the art which could be utilized with the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following:  
         [0026]    Input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, infrared, remote control device or microphones  
         [0027]    Displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCD), touch screen displays, projection displays, or other types of displays known in the art that display output from the computer  
         [0028]    Micro-processing capabilities to run various computer applications such as Microsoft PowerPoint™, Word™, Excel™ and other software  
         [0029]    Data storage and retrieval devices such as floppy disk drives, CD ROM drives, DVD drives, Omega Zip™ drives, or PCMCIA card or PC Flash Card  
         [0030]    Communication ports including parallel ports, serial ports, and USB ports that allow connection of various devices such as printers, scanners, video cameras, video cassette recorders, etc.  
         [0031]    Videoconferencing capabilities  
         [0032]    Internet connectivity using direct wire connection or wireless technology  
         [0033]    Telephone connectivity  
         [0034]    Battery operation capabilities for operating the computer without electrical power  
         [0035]    The projection device and/or the computer device could utilize speakers to present audio information  
         [0036]    The electronic image projection device of the first embodiment comprises a central processing unit for storing and processing information, means for inputting information into the central processing unit, display means electrically connected to the central processing unit for displaying inputted and processed information, and an electronic image projection means electrically connected to the central processing unit for projecting inputted and processed information onto a surface spaced a distance from the projection means.  
         [0037]    As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, the electronic image projection device of the first embodiment is generally referred to as projector  10 . The projector  10  utilizes an integrated central processing unit for storing and processing information (not shown) and an electronic image projection means for displaying information (not shown) located within projector housing  12 . The first embodiment of the present invention presents a “stand-up” projector  12 .  
         [0038]    With particular reference to FIG. 1, the projector  10  has a projector housing  12  including a projector lens  14 , a keyboard  16 , and a display screen  18 . Although any means for inputting or modifying information within the central processing unit could be utilized, keyboard zz of the preferred embodiment is described herein. Keyboard  16  can be attached to the projector housing in any suitable fashion. In the preferred embodiment, the keyboard  16  is mounted to one side of the projector housing  12  in a manner that allows the keyboard  16  to be accessible during use and stored away during non-use, such as through a protrusion-detent hinge construction. Therefore, the keyboard  16  can be flipped up within the housing  12  to protect the display screen  18  during non-use or transport of the device. During operation, the keyboard  16  can be flipped down to provide a work station wherein the keyboard  16  and display screen  18  are accessible for inputting and reviewing information. However, numerous configurations could be utilized to mount the keyboard to the projection housing in a flip down or non-flip down manner.  
         [0039]    Projector  10  further includes a power cord  20  for supplying electrical power to the device. Alternatively, or in addition to, the CPU could utilize means for battery operation so that the computing device could be operated remotely from an electrical outlet. The projector  10  also includes typical features such as fan vent  22  for cooling the components located within the projector housing  12 , power button  24 , reset button  26 , and focus control dial  28  for focusing the projected image. Projector  10  could also includes a CD-ROM drive  30 , a floppy disk drive  32 , and communication ports  34 . Alternatively, or in addition thereto, other means for inputting information into the central processing unit known in the art could be used. Projector  10  also includes removably mounted remote control unit  36  shown in FIG. 5 for remotely controlling the projector functions and capabilities and a handle zz for ease of transport.  
         [0040]    In a related embodiment shown if FIGS. 6 through 8, the projector  10  could also include a handle  38  for ease of transport. It is preferred that the handle be integral with the projector housing  12 , but other constructions could be used. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the projector  10  could incorporate docking station connections  40  that could connect the projector  10  to a network docking station  42  or other networking device so that the presentation could be view remotely from the actual presentation.  
         [0041]    The second embodiment of this invention, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, provides an electronic image projection device generally referred to as projector  44 . Projector  44  is generally similar to projector  10  of the first embodiment, but in a “lay-down” model. Therefore, similar elements found in both the first embodiment and the second embodiment are disclosed herein with similar reference numbers. The second embodiment likewise utilizes an integrated central processing unit for storing and processing information (not shown) and an electronic image projection means for displaying information (not shown) located within projector housing  12 .  
         [0042]    With particular reference to FIG. 9, the projector  44  has a projector housing  12  including a projector lens  14 , a keyboard  16 , and a display screen  18 . In the present embodiment, keyboard is attached to the projector housing  12  is a slidably mounted fashion. Therefore, the keyboard  16  is mounted to the projector housing  12  in a manner that allows the keyboard  16  to be accessible during use and stored away during non-use. Display screen  18  is mounted to projector housing  12  in a hinged manner, such as a protrusion-detent connection. Therefore, the display screen  18  can be flipped up during operation to provide review of information and can be flipped down within the housing  12  to protect the display screen  18  during non-use or transport of the device. FIG. 9  also shows the connection of external devices A and B, which as explained above could be, among numerous external devices known in the art, an external DVD, CD-ROM, floppy disk drives or video camera or video recording device. However, numerous configurations of this device could be utilized according to the present embodiment.  
         [0043]    The third embodiment of this invention, shown in FIGS. 11 through 13, provides an electronic image projection device generally referred to as projector  46 . Projector  46  generally provides a projector for use with a computing device, wherein the projector  46  includes means for removably receiving at least a portion of the external computer device housing. The third embodiment contains elements similar to the elements found in both the first and second embodiments and therefore is disclosed herein with similar reference numbers. The third embodiment thus includes an electronic image projection means for displaying information (not shown) located within projector housing zz, but relies upon the micro-processing capabilities of an external computing device (e.g. a laptop computer  48 ).  
         [0044]    With particular reference to FIG. 11, the projector  46  has a projector housing  12  including a projector lens  14  and a means for removably mounting an external computing device, identified herein as a laptop computer  48 . As shown in FIG. 11, the laptop computer  48  comprises a keyboard  16 , a flip up display screen  18 , and information storage and retrieval micro-processing capabilities (not shown). However, an external computer having numerous capabilities and constructions could be utilized within the scope of this invention.  
         [0045]    Preferably, the laptop computer  48  is removably mounted to the projector  46  in a simple manner requiring little time, skill, and external connectors. The preferred method of removably mounting the laptop computer  48  to the projector  46  for both physical and electrical connection is for the projector  46  to serve as a docking station for the laptop computer  48 . A docking station, as commonly known in the art today, would allow the laptop computer  48  to be quickly linked to the projector zz by sliding the laptop computer into a laptop receiving port zz within the projector housing  12 . The laptop receiving port  50  is specially designed with multi-function ports  52  extending therefrom to make electrical connection with the laptop computer. Therefore, the presenter would not have to identify ports and connect external cables in the difficult manner in which computers are connected to projectors today. Other types of hardware connection capabilities currently known in the arts could also be used in any number of other configurations.  
         [0046]    In additional to the electrical connection made during the docking of the laptop computer  48  with the projector  46 , the laptop computer  48  could be removably mounted to the projector  46  so that the projector  46  and laptop computer  48  are integrated such as in the first embodiment. Such a connection could be by a protrusion-detent connection, or other removably mounted connection, that would provide the laptop computer with a stable docking position within the projection device and permit it to function essentially as a single device. Protrusions  54  extending from the sides of the laptop computer  48  can be inserted into the notches  56  located in the front and rear walls of the projector housing  12 . Other means of removably mounting the laptop or other computing device to the projector can be used including, but not limited to, docking station means, ball-detent means, or any other means known in the art. Numerous configurations of this device could be utilized according to the present embodiment.  
         [0047]    The removable laptop computer  48  is removable by simply unplugging the communication ports or docking connector(s) located at the rear of the removable laptop computer from the communication ports or docking connector(s) located on the inside cavity  50  of the projector  46 . Once the removable laptop computer  48  is removed from the projector  46 , the projector  46  will only serve as a passive projecting device as the micro-processing capability resides within the removable laptop computer  48 .  
         [0048]    While the preferred and various embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, it should be understood that modifications and adaptations thereof could occur to persons skilled in the art. Other features and aspects of this invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading and comprehending this disclosure. Such features, aspects, and expected variations and modifications of this invention are clearly within the scope of the invention where the invention is limited solely by the scope of the following claims.