PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8040465-B2
Application Number: US-23456108-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: External light illumination of display screens

Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided. The display screen may be illuminated using a light harness, a reflector, a translucent surface, or any combination thereof. The light harness may be cylindrical or hexahedral. The light harness may be coupled to an external light input or a collector. The reflector may be repositioned toward or away from the display screen to reflect external light toward the display screen. The translucent surface may allow external light to pass through it to illuminate the display screen. The translucent surface may protect the rear face of the display screen, or the rear face of the display screen may itself be translucent.

Claims:
1. An electronic device comprising:
 a display screen; and 
 a light harness, wherein:
 the light harness includes a first surface extending along an edge of the display screen between a first end of the light harness and a second end of the light harness; 
 the first end is configured to collect light external to the electronic device; and 
 the first surface is configured to emit the collected light from the light harness for illuminating the display screen. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light harness is cylindrical. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a reflective material positioned along a portion of the first surface of the light harness. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light harness is hexahedral. 
     
     
       5. An electronic device comprising:
 a display screen; 
 a light harness, wherein:
 the light harness includes a first surface extending between a first end and a second end; 
 the first end is configured to collect light external to the electronic device; and 
 the first surface is configured to emit the collected light from the light harness for illuminating the display screen; and 
 
 a reflecting cone positioned along a portion of the first surface of the light harness. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a light collector coupled to the first end of the light harness. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light harness is a light guide pipe. 
     
     
       8. An electronic device comprising:
 a display screen; 
 a translucent surface; 
 an internal light component; and 
 a reflector having a first face operative to reflect light provided by the internal light component toward the display screen for illuminating the display screen when the reflector is in a first position between the translucent surface and the display screen, wherein the reflector is removable from the first position. 
 
     
     
       9. An electronic device comprising:
 a display screen; and 
 a reflector having a first face operative to reflect light external to the electronic device toward the display screen for illuminating the display screen, wherein the reflector is configured to rotate with respect to the display screen to expose the first face to the light external to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein a first side of the display screen is exposed to the reflector when the reflector is in the first position, and wherein the first side is translucent. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the translucent surface is a translucent protective layer configured to pass light for illuminating the display screen. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the translucent layer is removable from the electronic device. 
     
     
       13. An electronic device comprising:
 a display screen; 
 a reflector having a first face operative to reflect light external to the electronic device toward the display screen for illuminating the display screen; and 
 a translucent protective layer configured to pass light for illuminating the display screen, wherein the translucent layer is positioned between the display screen and the reflector, and wherein the reflector is configured to rotate with respect to the display screen and the translucent layer to expose the first face and the translucent layer to the light external to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       14. A method of illuminating a display screen of an electronic device with a light harness that extends between a first end and a second end, the method comprising:
 positioning the light harness adjacent a first face of the display screen, wherein the positioning comprises positioning the first end of the light harness adjacent a first end of a first edge of the first face of the display screen and positioning the second end of the light harness adjacent a second end of the first edge of the first face of the display screen; 
 collecting light external to the electronic device into the light harness via the first end of the light harness; and 
 emitting the collected light from the light harness toward the first face of the display screen. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing a translucent layer operative to pass the light external to the electronic device for illuminating the display screen. 
     
     
       16. A method of illuminating a display screen of an electronic device with a translucent surface and a reflector having a first face, the method comprising:
 positioning the first face of the reflector in a first position opposite a first side of the display screen, between the display screen and the translucent surface; 
 reflecting light provided by an internal component of the device with the first face of the reflector toward the first side of the display screen when the reflector is positioned in the first position; 
 removing the reflector from the first position; and 
 passing light external to the electronic device through the translucent surface toward the first side of the display screen when the reflector is removed from the first position. 
 
     
     
       17. A method of illuminating a display screen of an electronic device with a reflector having a first face, the method comprising:
 positioning the first face of the reflector opposite a first side of the display screen; and 
 reflecting light external to the electronic device with the first face of the reflector toward the first side of the display screen, wherein the reflector is configured to rotate with respect to the display screen to expose the first face of the reflector to the light external to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light harness is configured to reflect the collected light within an interior space of the light harness defined by the first surface. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the light harness is further configured to emit the reflected light out from within the interior space through a portion of the first surface. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the light harness is further configured to emit the reflected light out from within the interior space through a portion of the first surface when the angle of reflection of the reflected light exceeds the total internal reflection of the portion of the first surface. 
     
     
       21. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light harness is configured to:
 collimate the collected light within the light harness; and 
 emit the collimated light in a first direction out from within the light harness. 
 
     
     
       22. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the first direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the light harness. 
     
     
       23. The electronic device of  claim 21 , wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the edge of the display screen. 
     
     
       24. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising an internal light source positioned at the second end of the light harness. 
     
     
       25. The electronic device of  claim 24 , wherein:
 the second end of the light harness is configured to receive internal light generated by the internal light source; and 
 the first surface is configured to emit the received internal light from the light harness for illuminating the display screen. 
 
     
     
       26. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising an internal light source positioned within an interior space of the light harness defined by the first surface. 
     
     
       27. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the light harness is an open end. 
     
     
       28. The electronic device of  claim 27 , wherein the second end of the light harness is an open end. 
     
     
       29. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the light harness comprises a fiber optic cable. 
     
     
       30. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the light harness is coupled to a first end of a fiber optic cable. 
     
     
       31. The electronic device of  claim 30 , wherein a light collector is coupled to a second end of the fiber optic cable. 
     
     
       32. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the edge is a bottom edge of the display screen. 
     
     
       33. The electronic device of  claim 32 , further comprising a display housing, wherein the light harness is positioned between the bottom edge of the display screen and a bottom wall of the display housing. 
     
     
       34. The electronic device of  claim 32 , further comprising an internal light source positioned underneath the bottom edge of the display and adjacent to the light harness. 
     
     
       35. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a display housing, wherein the edge is a top edge of the display screen, and wherein the light harness is positioned between the top edge of the display screen and a top wall of the display housing. 
     
     
       36. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second light harness extending along a second edge of the display screen. 
     
     
       37. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional area of the first end of the light harness is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second end of the light harness. 
     
     
       38. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the first end of the light harness is 3 millimeters. 
     
     
       39. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the second end of the light harness is 1 millimeter. 
     
     
       40. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a reflector operative to reflect additional light external to the electronic device toward the display screen for illuminating the display screen when the reflector is in an open position with respect to the display screen. 
     
     
       41. The electronic device of  claim 40 , wherein the reflector is further operative to reflect at least a portion of the emitted light toward the display screen when the reflector is in a closed position with respect to the display screen. 
     
     
       42. The electronic device of  claim 40 , further comprising an internal light source, wherein the reflector is further operative to reflect light generated by the internal light source toward the display screen when the reflector is in a closed position with respect to the display screen. 
     
     
       43. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the light collector is configured to:
 capture the light external to the electronic device; and 
 channel to the first end of the light harness the captured light external to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       44. The electronic device of  claim 6 , further comprising a housing for the display screen, wherein at least a portion of the light collector is positioned external to the housing. 
     
     
       45. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the light collector is configured to automatically redirect itself toward a light source external to the electronic device. 
     
     
       46. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the light collector is configured to be moved by a user with respect to the device for pointing the light collector toward a light source external to the electronic device. 
     
     
       47. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein, when the reflector is removed from the first position, the translucent surface passes light external to the device through the translucent surface for illuminating the display screen. 
     
     
       48. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein, when the reflector is removed from the first position, the translucent surface protects a rear surface of the display screen. 
     
     
       49. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the reflector is removable from the electronic device. 
     
     
       50. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the first face of the reflector is curved. 
     
     
       51. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the internal light component is an internal light source. 
     
     
       52. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the internal light component is a light harness. 
     
     
       53. The electronic device of  claim 52 , wherein:
 the light harness includes a first surface extending between a first end of the light harness and a second end of the light harness; 
 the first end is configured to collect light external to the electronic device; and 
 the first surface is configured to emit the collected light from the light harness. 
 
     
     
       54. The method of  claim 14 , further comprising reflecting the collected light within the light harness, wherein the emitting comprises emitting the reflected collected light from the light harness toward the first face of the display screen. 
     
     
       55. The method of  claim 14 , further comprising collimating the collected light within the light harness, wherein the emitting comprises emitting the collimated collected light from the light harness toward the first face of the display screen. 
     
     
       56. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the removing comprises a user removing the reflector from the electronic device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention can relate to apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Currently, there are a wide variety of electronic devices, such as laptop computers and cellular telephones, that include a display screen for presenting visual information to a user (e.g., a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen). These electronic devices often devote significant portions of the physical space within the device to high-powered components for illuminating the display screen. However, these electronic devices may not be used effectively in certain physical settings, such as, for example, where the external or ambient light is brighter than the illumination of the display screen. As a result, a user may not be able to view the information on the display screen sufficiently. For example, a user may have difficulty viewing the information presented on a display screen of a laptop computer while outdoors on a sunny day. 
     Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide apparatus and methods for collecting external light to help illuminate a display screen of an electronic device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided. In one embodiment, an electronic device is provided that may include a display screen and a light harness. The light harness may include a first surface extending between a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to collect light external to the electronic device, and the first surface may be configured to emit the collected light from the light harness for illuminating the display screen. 
     In one embodiment, an electronic device is provided that may include a display screen and a reflector having a first face operative to reflect light external to the electronic device toward the display screen for illuminating the display screen. 
     In one embodiment, a method of illuminating a display screen of an electronic device with a light harness is provided. The method may include positioning the light harness adjacent a first face of the display screen, collecting light external to the electronic device into the light harness, and emitting the collected light from the light harness toward the first face of the display screen. 
     In one embodiment, a method of illuminating a display screen of an electronic device with a reflector having a first face is provided. The method may include positioning the first face of the reflector opposite a first side of the display screen, and reflecting light external to the electronic device with the first face of the reflector toward the first side of the display screen. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and features of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a simplified schematic diagram of an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a top, front, right perspective view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  in an open position in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a bottom, back, left perspective view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1 and 2A  in a closed position in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-2B , taken from line IIC-IIC of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-2C , taken from line IIIA-IIIA of  FIG. 2C , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-3A , taken from line IIIB-IIIB of  FIG. 3A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-3B , taken from line IV-IV of  FIG. 2C  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  shows an electronic device with a reflector in a closed position in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  shows the electronic device of  FIG. 5A  with the reflector in an open position in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5C  shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , taken from line VC-VC of  FIG. 5A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5D  shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 5A-5C , taken from line VD-VD of  FIG. 5B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  shows a side view of an electronic device including a translucent surface in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  shows a side view of the electronic device of  FIG. 6A  including a reflector in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a side view of an electronic device including a translucent surface and a reflector in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7B  shows a side view of the electronic device of  FIG. 7A , but with the reflector in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for illuminating a display screen using a light harness in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for illuminating a display screen using a reflector in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In some embodiments, external light may be collected to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device. The external light may originate from any source or combination of sources sufficient to at least partially illuminate the display screen, such as an accessory light bulb, the centralized illumination system in a vehicle cabin, or the sun. The electronic device may be any device capable of presenting information to a user on a display screen. The display screen may include any suitable screen, such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen, that may present visual information to a user of an electronic device and, in some instances, accept user input information (e.g., a touch screen). 
     In some embodiments, a manifold or a light guide pipe may be used to redirect external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device. The manifold may be positioned behind or adjacent the display screen (e.g., along one of the edges of the display screen, such as the base) and may extend along the length of the display screen. In some embodiments, the manifold may be cylindrical with angled walls such that one end of the manifold has a larger diameter than the opposite end of the manifold. Light may travel into an open end of the manifold and the angled walls of the manifold may cause the light entering the open end of the manifold to be reflected within the manifold until the light may be collimated and able to exit the manifold through a wall portion. An interior surface of a wall portion of the manifold may include reflective material to improve the uniformity of the exiting light by aiming all light reflected within the manifold in one or more specific directions. 
     In some embodiments, the manifold may be hexahedral (e.g., rectangular or cubic), rather than cylindrical with angled walls. The manifold may contain reflecting cones at intervals along an interior surface of the manifold to aim light out from within the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold may be coupled to a collector that may be shaped as a funnel or an umbrella, for example, to harness external light and channel it into the manifold. 
     In some embodiments, an array of internal light sources (e.g., “LED”s) may be positioned within the electronic device and along one or more edges of a display screen. For example, the internal light sources may be positioned along the same edge of the display screen as a manifold, or may be positioned along a different edge of the display screen than a manifold. The internal light sources may emit light across the display screen to illuminate the display screen. However, the light emitted by the internal light sources may not be sufficient in certain physical settings (e.g., outdoors) to properly illuminate the display screen. The internal light sources may also increase the power consumption of the electronic device. Therefore, a manifold or other light harness may be used along one or more edges of the display screen in conjunction with or as an alternative to the internal light sources to provide illumination to the display screen by emitting light channeled from an external light source across the display screen. 
     In some embodiments, a reflector may be used behind a display screen of an electronic device to reflect light toward the display screen. The reflector may reflect light exiting a manifold or light guide pipe that may be positioned behind or adjacent to the display screen. Additionally or alternatively, the reflector may reflect light emitted by internal light sources that may be positioned behind or adjacent to the display screen. The reflector may be removable from the electronic device and may have a reflective lining to enhance its ability to reflect light toward the display screen. 
     In some embodiments, the reflector may be coupled to the electronic device adjacent to an edge (e.g., the base) of the display screen such that the reflector may be pivoted to rotate away from the display screen. Once rotated away, the reflector may collect ambient light, such as sunlight, and may reflect the ambient light toward the display screen. Permitting the reflector to pivot away from the display screen may also allow ambient light to directly reach the display screen without being reflected by the reflector. In some embodiments, in order to pivot the reflector away from the display screen, a portion of the reflector may be magnetically or otherwise detachable from a portion of the display screen. 
     In some embodiments, a translucent surface may be provided, either as a removable surface positioned behind a display screen of an electronic device or as a permanent rear surface of a display screen, to pass or harness external light for illuminating the display screen. The translucent surface may also serve to protect the rear face of the display screen from damage. 
     In some embodiments, a translucent surface and a reflector may both be provided behind a display screen of an electronic device to harness external light for illuminating the display screen. The reflector may be positioned behind both the display screen and the translucent surface, or the reflector may be positioned between the display screen and the translucent surface. In some embodiments, the reflector may be removable from between the display screen and the translucent surface if a user of the electronic device wishes to use only the translucent surface to harness ambient light to illuminate the display screen. If there is no ambient light, the user may insert the reflector between the translucent surface and the display screen to reflect light from any other suitable source (e.g., from an array of internal light sources positioned adjacent the display screen and/or from a manifold positioned adjacent the display screen). 
     In some embodiments, the translucent surface may be positioned between the display screen and the reflector. The reflector may be similarly removable as described above, or the reflector may be configured to rotate away from the display screen and to expose the translucent surface to ambient light while reflecting additional ambient light toward the display screen. 
     Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 . 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic diagram of an electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The term “electronic device” can include, but is not limited to, music players, video players, still image players, game players, other media players, music recorders, video recorders, cameras, other media recorders, radios, medical equipment, domestic appliances, transportation vehicle instruments, musical instruments, calculators, cellular telephones, other wireless communication devices, personal digital assistants, remote controls, pagers, computers (e.g., desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, etc.), monitors, televisions, stereo equipment, set up boxes, set-top boxes, boom boxes, modems, routers, keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, and combinations thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  100  may include housing  101 , processor  102 , memory  104 , power supply  106 , communications circuitry  108 , bus  109 , input component  110 , output component  112 , light harness (e.g., a manifold)  114 , and internal light source  116 . Bus  109  may include one or more wired or wireless links that provide paths for transmitting data and/or power, to, from, or between various components of electronic device  100  including, for example, processor  102 , memory  104 , power supply  106 , communications circuitry  108 , input component  110 , and output component  112 . 
     Memory  104  may include one or more storage mediums, including, but not limited to, a hard-drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as read-only memory (“ROM”), semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (“RAM”), any other suitable type of storage component, and any combinations thereof. Memory  104  may include cache memory, which may be one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data for electronic device applications. 
     Power supply  106  may provide power to the electronic components of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, power supply  106  can be coupled to a power grid (e.g., when device  100  is not a portable device, such as a desktop computer). In some embodiments, power supply  106  can include one or more batteries for providing power (e.g., when device  100  is a portable device, such as a cellular telephone or a laptop computer). As another example, power supply  106  can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar power using solar cells). 
     Communications circuitry  108  may be provided to allow device  100  to communicate with one or more other electronic devices using any suitable communications protocol. For example, communications circuitry  108  may support Wi-Fi™ (e.g., an 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth™, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”), BitTorrent™, file transfer protocol (“FTP”), real-time transport protocol (“RTP”), real-time streaming protocol (“RTSP”), secure shell protocol (“SSH”), any other communications protocol, and any combinations thereof. Communications circuitry  108  can also include circuitry that enables device  100  to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device. 
     One or more input components  110  may be provided to permit a user to interact or interface with device  100 . For example, input component  110  can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, an electronic device pad, dial, click wheel, scroll wheel, touch screen, one or more buttons (e.g., a keyboard), mouse, joy stick, track ball, microphone, camera, video recorder, and any combinations thereof. Each input component  110  may be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating device  100 . 
     One or more output components  112  can be provided to present information (e.g., textual, graphical, audible, and/or tactile information) to a user of device  100 . Output component  112  can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, audio speakers, headphones, signal line-outs, visual displays, antennas, infrared ports, rumblers, vibrators, and any combinations thereof. 
     It should be noted that one or more input components  110  and/or one or more output components  112  may sometimes be referred to individually or collectively herein as an input/output (“I/O”) component or I/O or user interface. It should also be noted that one or more input components  110  and one or more output components  112  may sometimes be combined to provide a single I/O component or user interface, such as a touch screen that may receive input information through a user&#39;s touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen. 
     Housing  101  may at least partially enclose one or more of the various electronic components associated with operating electronic device  100  for protecting them from debris and other degrading forces external to device  100 . In some embodiments, housing  101  may include one or more walls  120  that define a cavity  103  within which the various electronic components of device  100  can be disposed. In some embodiments, housing  101  can support various electronic components of device  100 , such as I/O component  110  and/or I/O component  112 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the electronic components of electronic device  100  may be provided within its own housing component (e.g., input component  110  may be an independent keyboard or mouse within its own housing component that may wirelessly or through a wire communicate with processor  102 , which may similarly be provided within its own housing component). Housing  101  can be formed from a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to, metals (e.g., steel, copper, titanium, aluminum, and various metal alloys), ceramics, plastics, and any combinations thereof. Housing  101  may also help to define the shape or form of electronic device  100 . That is, the contour of housing  101  may embody the outward physical appearance of electronic device  100 . 
     A light harness  114  may be provided to capture light external to electronic device  100  and to channel the light for illuminating output component  112 . For example, light harness  114  may include two open ends, each with the same diameter or each with different diameters, such as a larger end and a smaller end. Light harness  114  may be made of any suitable material, such as glass, and may be positioned behind or adjacent to output component  112  and may extend along the length of any edge of output component  112 . 
     Moreover, one or more internal light sources  116  may be provided to illuminate output component  112 . For example, each internal light source  116  may take various forms, including, but not limited to, an LED. In some embodiments, an array of internal light sources  116  may be positioned along an edge of output component  112 , which may be the same edge as the position of light harness  114  or may be an edge different from or opposite to the position of light harness  114 . However, the one or more internal light sources  116  may require large amounts of power from power supply  106  and may not provide sufficient illumination to output component  112  in certain environments (e.g., if electronic device  100  is outdoors). 
     Processor  102  of device  100  may control the operation of many functions and other circuitry provided by device  100 . For example, processor  102  can receive input signals from input component  110  and/or drive output signals through output component  112 . 
     Processor  102  may load a user interface program (e.g., a program stored in memory  104  or on another device or server) to determine how instructions received via input component  110  may manipulate the way in which information (e.g., information stored in memory  104  or on another device or server) is provided to the user (e.g., via output component  112 ). In some embodiments, processor  102  may control the operation of one or more electronic components of electronic device  100  based on any suitable condition. For example, processor  102  may cause one or more internal light sources  116  to emit light if processor  102  senses that electronic device  100  may be positioned in a location with insufficient ambient light to illuminate output component  112 . 
     Electronic device  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C  to be a laptop computer, although it is to be understood that electronic device  100  may be any type of electronic device as described herein in accordance with the invention. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , for example, housing  101  of electronic device  100  may be configured to provide two housing components coupled together by a hinge or clutch assembly. Particularly, housing  101  may include a base housing component  101   a  and a display housing component  101   b  coupled to one another by a hinge assembly  101   c , also known as clutch assembly  101   c . Housing components  101   a ,  101   b , and  101   c  may be configured such that electronic device  100  may be “opened” for use (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2A ) by rotating display housing component  101   b  away from base housing component  101   a  in the direction of arrow O about hinge axis H of hinge assembly  101   c , and such that electronic device  100  may be “closed” (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2B ) by rotating display housing component  101   b  towards base housing component  101   a  in the direction of arrow C about hinge axis H. However, it should be noted that housing  101  of device  100  is only exemplary and need not include two substantially hexahedral portions coupled by a hinge. For example, in certain embodiments, the housing of device  100  could generally be formed in any other suitable shape, including, but not limited to, one or more housing components or portions that are substantially spherical, ellipsoidal, conoidal, octahedral, and any combinations thereof. 
     Base housing component  101   a  may include a top wall  121 , various side walls, such as front wall  122 , back wall  123 , right wall  124 , and left wall  125 , and a bottom wall  126  opposite top wall  121 . In some embodiments, one or more openings may be provided through one or more of the walls of housing component  101   a  to at least partially expose one or more components of electronic device  100 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2C , an opening  131  may be provided through top wall  121  of base housing component  101   a  to at least partially expose an input component  110   a  of electronic device  100  (e.g., a keyboard assembly). In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2A , for example, openings  141   a  and  141   b  may be provided through top wall  121  of base housing component  101   a  to at least partially expose respective output components  112   a  and  112   b  of electronic device  100  (e.g., speaker components). 
     Likewise, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , display housing component  101   b  may include a top wall  162 , various side walls, such as front wall  161 , back wall  166 , right wall  164 , and left wall  165 , and a bottom wall  163  opposite top wall  162 . In some embodiments, one or more openings may be provided through one or more of the walls of housing component  101   b  to at least partially expose one or more components of electronic device  100 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2C , an opening  171  may be provided through front wall  161  of display housing component  101   b  to at least partially expose an output component  112   c  of electronic device  100  (e.g., a display screen). 
     Input component  110   a  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2C  to be a keyboard assembly with one or more keys  205 , although it is to be understood that input component  110   a  exposed by opening  131  through top wall  121  of housing component  101   a  may be any type of input component as described herein in accordance with the invention. Moreover, although output components  112   a  and  112   b  are illustrated in  FIG. 2A  to be audio speakers, it is to be understood that each one of output components  112   a  and  112   b  exposed by a respective opening  141  through top wall  121  of housing component  101   a  may be any type of output component as described herein in accordance with the invention. Similarly, although output component  112   c  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2C  to be a visual display, it is to be understood that output component  112   c  exposed by opening  171  through front wall  161  of housing component  101   b  also may be any type of output component as described herein in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-2B , taken from line IIC-IIC of  FIG. 2A , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Base housing component  101   a  may incorporate any suitable components of electronic device  100 , such as processor  102 , memory  104 , power supply  106 , or any other suitable component. Hinge assembly  101   c  may permit display housing component  101   b  to rotate about hinge axis H with respect to base housing component  101   a  in the direction of arrow O to “open” electronic device  100  or in the direction of arrow C to “close” electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , display housing component  101   b  may include display screen  112   c  and also may include any suitable light harness (e.g., manifold) and any suitable number of internal light sources to illuminate display screen  112   c . For example, display housing component  101   b  may include a light harness  114 - 1  positioned between hinge assembly  101   c  and bottom edge  21  of display screen  112   c . A second light harness  114 - 2  may be positioned between top edge  23  of display screen  112   c  and top wall  162  of display housing component  101   b . Light harnesses  114 - 1  and  114 - 2  may be used to channel light from any suitable external source across display screen  112   c  to illuminate display screen  112   c . Display housing component  101   b  also may include an array of one or more internal light sources  116 - 1  positioned between hinge assembly  101   c  and bottom edge  21  of display screen  112   c  and adjacent light harness  114 - 1 . Similarly, an array of one or more internal light sources  116 - 2  may be positioned between top edge  23  of display screen  112   c  and top wall  162  of display housing component  101   b  and adjacent light harness  114 - 2 . Internal light sources  116 - 1  and  116 - 2  may emit light across display screen  112   c  to illuminate display screen  112   c.    
     In some embodiments, display housing component  101   b  may include any suitable alternative arrangement of light harnesses and internal light sources to illuminate display screen  112   c . For example, display housing component  101   b  may include only one light harness  114 - 1  or  114 - 2  and no internal light sources because internal light sources may consume large amounts of power from power supply  106 . In some embodiments, a light harness may be included in display housing component  101   b  in any suitable position with respect to an array of light sources. For example, a light harness and internal light sources may be positioned adjacent to one another, as shown in  FIG. 2C , but along only one edge of display screen  112   c . Alternatively, a light harness may be positioned on one edge of display screen  112   c  (e.g., bottom edge  21 ) that may be opposite from the position of an array of internal light sources (e.g., positioned on top edge  23 ). In some embodiments (not shown), one or more light harnesses and one or more arrays of internal light sources may be positioned behind or in front of display screen  112   c.    
       FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of a light harness (e.g., a manifold) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Light harness  114 - 1  may be provided as a manifold  300 , that may include two open ends having different cross-sectional areas (e.g., different diameters), such as larger end  305   a  and smaller end  305   b . In some embodiments, light harness  114 - 1  may include two open ends having the same cross-sectional area (e.g., the same diameter) and the walls of manifold  300  between the two open ends may be parallel to longitudinal axis L. 
     Manifold  300  may be made of any suitable material, such as glass, and may include surface treatments on internal surface  301  and/or internal surface  303  (e.g., white dots of ink or areas where the internal surface  301  or  303  may include roughness) that may be used to balance light entering manifold  300 , or to spread light within manifold  300  in a desired manner, before the light exits manifold  300  to illuminate display screen  112   c . Manifold  300  may be positioned in any suitable manner to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device. For example, manifold  300  may be positioned below display screen  112   c  at its base (e.g., along bottom edge  21  of display screen  112   c  of  FIG. 2C  as shown with light harness  114 - 1 ). In some embodiments, an array of one or more internal light sources  60  (or light sources  116 - 1  of  FIG. 2C ) may be positioned along an edge of display screen  112   c . In some embodiments, internal light sources  60  may be positioned along the same edge  21  as manifold  300 , along a different edge (e.g., opposite edge  23 ) to emit light (e.g., light  360 ′) across the surface of display screen  112   c , or behind or in front of display screen  112   c . In some embodiments (not shown), internal light sources  60  also may be positioned at one end of manifold  300  and may emit light into manifold  300  for reflection across display screen  112   c . However, internal light sources  60  may consume a large amount of power from power supply  106  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 C) to illuminate display screen  112   c  and also may not sufficiently illuminate display screen  112   c  if electronic device  100  is exposed to a certain amount of ambient light. 
     Light  310  from an external source  495  (e.g., the sun, or an auxiliary light bulb positioned near end  305   a , and/or any other accessory illuminator with a separate battery that may power only the illuminator) may be positioned near and may travel into an end of manifold  300  (e.g., larger end  305   a ). Ray of light  320  from external source  495 , for example, may enter end  305   a  of manifold  300  and may be initially reflected by the top interior surface  303  of manifold  300  at an initial angle θ. Ray  320  may be reflected within manifold  300  from initial angle θ to a second angle θ+2β by bottom internal surface  301  and then to a third angle θ+4β, and yet again until the angle of reflection of ray  320  may be greater than the total internal reflection of the material lining the interior of manifold  300 . 
     Ray  320  may then exit from manifold  300  as light ray  320 ′ in a direction parallel to axis Z, which may be perpendicular to longitudinal axis L of manifold  300 , to illuminate display screen  112   c . In some embodiments, light ray  320 ′ may include any suitable residual angle with respect to manifold  300 . Manifold  300  (e.g., walls  301  and  303 ) may be angled with respect to display screen  112   c  such that all light  310  entering manifold  300 , such as ray  320 , may be aimed (e.g., may exit manifold  300  in a direction parallel to axis Z or in a direction forming any other suitable residual angle with manifold  300 ) out of manifold  300  towards display screen  112   c . In some embodiments, manifold  300  may include surface treatments on internal surface  301  and/or internal surface  303  (e.g., white dots of ink or areas where the internal surface  301  or  303  may include roughness) that may be used to balance light entering manifold  300  (e.g., ray  320 ), or to scatter light in a desired manner, before the light exits manifold  300  to illuminate display screen  112   c.    
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , manifold  300  may include an internal cross-sectional area of diameter d that may decrease between the diameter of larger end  305   a  (e.g., a diameter of three millimeters) and the diameter of smaller end  305   b  (e.g., a diameter of one millimeter). In some embodiments, the internal cross-sectional area of manifold  300  may depend on the brightness of external source  495  and/or the degree of collimation of ray of light  320 . Manifold  300  may include any suitable reflective material  330  positioned along at least bottom surface  301  of manifold  300 . Reflective material  330  may be oriented with respect to manifold  300  so as to aim light (e.g., collimated light ray  320 ′) upwards out of manifold  300  in a direction parallel to axis Z. Reflective material  330  also may prevent light from exiting through bottom surface  301  of manifold  300  and away from display screen  112   c.    
     In some embodiments, one or more internal light sources  60  (e.g., LEDs) may be positioned underneath or behind manifold  300  with respect to display screen  112   c , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , to emit light (e.g., light  360 ′) across the surface of display screen  112   c . Internal light sources  60  may scatter light  360 ′ in any suitable direction, including for example, the same angle at which light may be emitted from manifold  300 , or at any suitable angle with respect to manifold  300  or display screen  112   c , to illuminate display screen  112   c . Internal light sources  60  may be used in conjunction with manifold  300  to illuminate display screen  112   c  using light rays  320 ′ and  360 ′. 
       FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of electronic device  100  including a light harness  114 - 2  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Light harness  114 - 2  may be provided as a manifold  400  that may perform a similar function as manifold  300  of  FIG. 3A  when placed near an edge of a display screen (see, e.g., top edge  23  of display screen  112   c  of  FIGS. 2C and 4 ). Manifold  400  may have a square cross-section (not shown) or any other suitable shape. For example, manifold  400  may have dimensions of one millimeter in height and width, and a length equal to the length of an edge of display screen  112   c.    
     Manifold  400  may include any suitable number of reflecting cones  410  that may be molded into manifold  400  to aim light traveling across manifold  400 . Reflecting cones  410  may be coated with any suitable coating, such as a silver coating, to permit reflection of external light traveling across manifold  400 . In some embodiments, reflecting cones  410  may be more closely spaced together toward the end furthest from where light enters manifold  400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , external light, such as ray  420 , may enter manifold  400  and may encounter one or more reflecting cones  410 . A portion of ray  420 , such as ray  420 ′ from external light source  495 , may be reflected downwards out of manifold  400  in a direction parallel to axis Z′ (e.g., an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis L′ of manifold  400 ) to illuminate a portion of display screen  112   c . The remaining portion of light, such as ray  420 ″, may travel across manifold  400  until it reaches another reflecting cone  410 , and a portion of ray  420 ″ (e.g., ray  420 ′″) may be reflected out of manifold  400  also in a direction parallel to axis Z′ to illuminate another portion of display screen  112   c . The remaining portion of ray  420  may travel across a portion of the remaining length of manifold  400  and may reflect a portion of its light downwards out of manifold  400  with each encounter of another reflecting cone  410 . Using manifold  300  and/or manifold  400  to illuminate a display screen may lower the power consumption and the weight of an electronic device, as an internal light source that may increase battery usage and the weight of the electronic device may not be necessary. 
     In some embodiments, manifold  400  may also be integrated with any suitable number of internal light sources  60 . For example, an internal light source  60  (e.g., an LED) may be placed between two reflecting cones  410 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , and may emit light in a direction parallel to axis Z′ toward and across display screen  112   c . The combination of the light emitted from the internal light sources and the light reflected by reflecting cones  410  may increase the amount of aimed light exiting manifold  400  in a direction parallel to axis Z′. 
       FIG. 2A  also shows a perspective view of a collector and a light harness input coupled to electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. A light harness  114  of device  100  (e.g., manifold  300  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  or manifold  400  of  FIG. 4 ) may be coupled to a collector  370  via a light harness input  380 . Collector  370  may include any suitable material and be of any suitable shape for collecting light from an external light source (e.g., external ambient light  310  or  420  from external light source  495  of  FIGS. 3A and 4 ). For example, collector  370  may be a mirror placed externally to electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, collector  370  may resemble an open-mouthed funnel. Collector  370  may be pointed at an external light source. For example, if collector  370  is a solar collector, then collector  370  may be exposed to sunlight and may be configured to face the sun (e.g., external light source  495  of  FIGS. 3A and 4 ). The user of electronic device  100  may position collector  370  toward a light source, or collector  370  may be configured to automatically redirect itself toward a light source (e.g., with light detectors, solar power cells, or a motor). In some embodiments, collector  370  may be constructed so that the user of electronic device  100  may be protected from the light source while collector  370  collects light from the light source. For example, collector  370  may resemble an umbrella, and may include thin reflective material on a lightweight frame that the user may collapse when not in use. 
     Collector  370  may be coupled to light harness input  380  at the base of collector  370 . Input  380  may include any suitable material and may be of any suitable shape to channel light obtained by collector  370  into a light harness of device  100 . For example, input  380  may include a fiber optic cable that may focus a high intensity of light from collector  370  into a light harness (e.g., manifold  300  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  or manifold  400  of  FIG. 4 ) for spreading the collected light across the length of display screen  112   c . In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may be placed in an isolated location that may have an intense light source other than a solar source. Using a fiber optic cable, such as light harness input  380  for collecting and channeling light, may allow a user to forgo coupling collector  370  to light harness input  380  while adequately illuminating display screen  112   c.    
       FIGS. 5A-5D  show an electronic device  500  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  500  may include an input mechanism  510  and a display screen  520  that may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, electronic device  100  ( FIGS. 1-4 ), input component  110  ( FIGS. 1-2C ) and display screen  112   c  ( FIGS. 1-4 ). Electronic device  500  may include a reflector  550 , at least a portion of which may be coupled to device  500  adjacent or to the rear of display screen  520 . Reflector  550  may be used to reflect light when in a closed position (e.g., a portion  551  of reflector  550  may adhere, snap, or be held magnetically to device  500  such that reflector  550  may be positioned along the rear of display screen  520  in a closed position of  FIGS. 5A and 5C ). 
       FIGS. 5B and 5D  show electronic device  500 , but with reflector  550  in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Reflector  550  may be coupled to the base of display screen  520  or to a hinge assembly  101   c  ( FIGS. 2A-2C ) or any other portion of device  500  such that reflector  550  may be opened for use (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5B and 5D ) by rotating a portion of reflector  550  (e.g., portion  551 ) using hinge assembly  101   c  away from display screen  520 , and such that reflector  550  may be closed (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5A and 5D ) by rotating the portion of reflector  550  (e.g., portion  551 ) using hinge assembly  101   c  towards display screen  520 . Alternatively, reflector  550  may be coupled to any other suitable component that may allow reflector  550  to rotate or otherwise move with respect to display screen  520 . When exposed to an external light source  575  (e.g., the sun), reflector  550  may collect light emitted by light source  575 , such as ray  506  ( FIG. 5B ) or rays  580 ,  585 , and  590  ( FIG. 5D ), and may redirect ray  506  or rays  580 ,  585 , and  590  toward display screen  520 . Portion  551  of reflector  550  may be released to rotate away from display screen  520  using any suitable means, such as by pressing a button or using a wrist flick motion similar to that used to open a cellular telephone. 
     Electronic device  500  may include keyboard  510  for a user to provide inputs to electronic device  500 , circuit board  525  (which may include processor  102 , memory  104 , power supply  106 , and/or communications circuitry  108  of  FIG. 1 ) for processing signals generated by and received by electronic device  500 , and any other suitable features. 
     Electronic device  500  may include an array of internal light sources  530  positioned along an edge of display screen  520  that may emit light to provide illumination of display screen  520 . Electronic device  500  may also include a light harness  540 , positioned along an edge of display screen  520 , that may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, either manifold  300  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  or manifold  400  of  FIG. 4 , for example. 
       FIG. 5C  shows a side view of electronic device  500  with reflector  550  in a closed position in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5C , reflector  550  may include any suitable material to collect and reflect light emitted by internal light sources  530  (e.g., ray  560 ), light harness  540  (e.g., ray  565 ), or any other suitable light source toward rear face  520   a  of display screen  520 . For example, reflector  550  may include a silver, or any other suitable reflective material, lining on face  550   a  (e.g., the face closest to rear face  520   a ) to enhance the reflection of light by reflector  550 . Reflector  550  may also lower the power consumption of electronic device  500 , for example, by eliminating the need for an internal light source  530  to draw on the battery power (e.g., power supply  106 ,  FIG. 1 ) of electronic device  500  to illuminate display screen  520 . Reflector  550  also may include any suitable shape to collect and reflect the emitted light. For example, reflector  550  may be curved as shown, or reflector plate  550  may be flat, angular (e.g., forming a “V” shape), elliptical, or any other suitable shape. 
       FIG. 5D  shows a side view of electronic device  500  with reflector  550  in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. As shown, reflector  550  may be coupled (e.g., hinged) to electronic device  500  behind internal light sources  530  and light harness  540 , for example, thereby permitting reflector  550  to rotate away from display screen  520  to collect ambient light or to rotate toward display screen  520  to reflect light emitted by internal light sources  530  and/or light harness  540 . For example, a user of electronic device  500  may take electronic device  500  outdoors into sunlight. Internal light sources  530  and light harness  540  may not emit sufficient light to illuminate display screen  520  in the sunlit environment so that the user may use electronic device  500 . The user may rotate reflector  550  away from display screen  520 , such as by pressing a button, detaching portion  551  of reflector  550  magnetically or otherwise from the top of display screen  520 , or using a wrist flick motion similar to that used to open a cellular telephone. Reflector  550 , when rotated downward into an open position, may collect ambient light, such as rays  580  and  585  from light source  575 , and may reflect rays  580  and  585  toward rear face  520   a  of display  520 . Ambient light may also reach rear face  520   a  without first contacting reflector  550 , as shown with ray  590 , for example. 
     In some embodiments, reflector  550  may be moved in any suitable fashion to collect and reflect light toward display screen  520 . The direction in which reflector  550  may be moved may depend on the direction from which the light being used to illuminate display screen  520  is coming. For example, reflector  550  may rotate away from or towards display screen  520 , as described. Alternatively, reflector  550  may be rotated, slid, or otherwise moved from side to side or at an angle with respect to any edge of display screen  520 . 
       FIG. 6A  shows a side view of an electronic device with a translucent surface in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  700  may include keyboard  710 , display screen  720 , circuit board  725 , and internal light sources  730 , all of which may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, electronic device  500 , keyboard  510 , display screen  520 , circuit board  525 , and internal light sources  530 , respectively, of  FIGS. 5A-5D . Electronic device  700  may also include a translucent surface  740 . Translucent surface  740  may include any suitable material and may be of any suitable shape for permitting light from an external light source  760  to pass through translucent surface  740  to provide illumination of display screen  720 , while also protecting rear face  720   a  of display screen  720 . For example, external light source  760  may emit rays  760   a ,  760   b , and  760   c  that may contact translucent surface  740 . Translucent surface  740  may allow rays  760   a ,  760   b , and  760   c  to pass through translucent surface  740  and contact rear face  720   a  of display screen  720  to illuminate display screen  720 . 
     In some embodiments, rather than positioning translucent surface  740  behind display screen  720 , rear face  720   a  of display screen  720  may itself be translucent, thereby allowing display screen  720  to use ambient light, provided that rear face  720   a  is facing the ambient light source. Translucent surface  740  may be provided in any of the embodiments described herein to protect the rear face of a display screen. 
       FIG. 6B  shows a side view of electronic device  700 , but with a reflector  750  positioned between translucent surface  740  and display screen  720  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. At the base or adjacent any other portion of display screen  720 , electronic device  700  also may include an array of internal light sources and/or a light harness  730  for use in illuminating display screen  720  or channeling ambient light to illuminate display screen  720 . Translucent surface  740  may be removable from electronic device  700 . Reflector  750  may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, reflector  550 . Reflector  750  may be removable from between display screen  720  and translucent surface  740  if, for example, a user of electronic device  700  desires ambient light (e.g., rays  760   a ,  760   b , and  760   c  of ambient source  760 ) to pass through translucent surface  740  to illuminate display screen  720 . If there is no ambient light sufficient to illuminate display screen  720 , then the user may replace reflector  750  between display screen  720  and translucent surface  740 . Reflector  750  may reflect light emitted by an array of internal light sources and/or light harness  730  toward display screen  720 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show a side view of an electronic device  800 , which may be similar to device  700  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , but with a translucent surface repositioned with respect to a reflector in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  800  may include keyboard  810 , display screen  820 , and circuit board  825 , all of which may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, electronic device  500 , keyboard  510 , display screen  520 , and circuit board  525 , respectively, of  FIGS. 5A-5D . A translucent surface  840  may be removably positioned between display screen  820  and a reflector  850 . Translucent surface  840  may be positioned adjacent one or more internal light sources or light harness  830 . Reflector  850  may be detachable from device  800  or otherwise repositionable with respect to screen  820  (e.g., using a hinge assembly) as described above with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5D . Reflector  850  may be detached from device  800  or may pivot about a hinge to rotate away from display screen  820  to expose translucent surface  840  to an ambient light source that may pass rays of light to display screen  820  as well as to permit reflector  850  to collect and reflect additional ambient light rays toward display screen  820 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows a side view of electronic device  800 , but with reflector  850  in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Reflector  850  may rotate away from display screen  820  to the open position of  FIG. 7B  to collect ambient light from an ambient light source  860  or may rotate toward display screen  820  to the closed position of  FIG. 7A  to reflect light emitted by an array of internal light sources and/or light harness  830 . For example, a user of electronic device  800  may take electronic device  800  outdoors into sunlight. An array of internal light sources and/or light harness  830  may not emit sufficient light to illuminate display screen  820  in the sunlit environment such that the user may use electronic device  800 . Therefore, the user may reposition reflector  850  away from display screen  820 , such as by pressing a button, detaching reflector  850  magnetically or otherwise from the top of display screen  820 , or using a wrist flick motion similar to that used to open a cellular telephone. Reflector  850 , when repositioned into an open position, may collect ambient light, such as rays  880  and  885  from light source  860 , and may reflect rays  880  and  885  toward rear face  820   a  of display screen  820 . The ambient light may also reach rear face  820   a  without first contacting reflector  850 , as shown with rays  890  and  895 . The combination of the reflected rays  880  and  885  and the direct rays  890  and  895  reaching rear face  820   a  may illuminate display screen  820  sufficiently to allow a user to use electronic device  800  in the presence of ambient light source  860 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for illuminating a display screen using a light harness in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  900  may begin at step  902 . At step  904 , a light harness (e.g., manifold  300  or manifold  400 ) may be positioned adjacent to a display screen. For example, manifold  300  may be positioned adjacent bottom edge  21  or top edge  23  of display screen  112   c  ( FIG. 2C ). At step  906 , light emitted from an external light source may be channeled into the light harness. For example, a collector such as collector  370  may gather light rays from an ambient source, such as the sun, and may channel the gathered light into the light harness. Alternatively, an external light source, such as an accessory light bulb with its own power source, may be positioned adjacent to an open end of the light harness so that light from the light bulb may be channeled into the light harness. Process  900  may advance to step  908 , where the collected light may be emitted from the light harness to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device. Process  900  may then advance to step  910  and end. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for illuminating a display screen using a reflector in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  1000  may begin at step  1002 . At step  1004 , a reflector (e.g., reflector  550 , reflector  750 , or reflector  850 ) may be positioned behind a display screen such that a face of the reflector that may possess a reflective lining (e.g., face  550   a ,  FIG. 5C ) to collect and reflect light from an external light source may be facing the rear face of the display screen (e.g., face  520   a ,  FIGS. 5C-5D ). At step  1006 , the reflector may be exposed to light emitted from an external light source (e.g., light source  575 ) and may collect at least some of the emitted light. This may be accomplished by repositioning at least a portion of the reflector with respect to the display screen, such as by rotating the reflector away from the display screen to “open” the reflector. Process  1000  may advance to step  1008 , where the collected light may be reflected by the reflector toward the rear face of the display screen so as to illuminate the display screen with the reflected light. Process  1000  may then advance to step  1010  and end. 
     While there have been described apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of a variety of electronic devices, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up” and “down,” “left” and “right,” “top” and “bottom,” “side” and “edge” and “corner,” “horizontal” and “vertical,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the positioning of a light harness, a reflector, or a translucent surface in this invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20080919
Publication Date: 20111018
Grant Date: 20111018
Priority Date: 20080919
Inventors: MAHOWALD PETER H.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B5/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133616", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133618", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1613", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/001", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133605", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133605", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133618", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133608", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2203/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/001", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B5/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2203/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133616", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1613", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/133608", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 42037382