PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9797558-B2
Application Number: US-201414247965-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Active enclosure for computing device

Abstract:
A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus, comprising:
 a keyboard having a housing with at least one light passing wall; 
 a light source that generates light that passes through the light passing wall of the housing of the keyboard, wherein the light generated by the light source is adjustable between at least two nonzero intensity levels and at least two different colors; and 
 circuitry configured to generate a light control signal associated with a desired light intensity, wherein the light source produces light at an intensity level based at least partly on the light control signal, and wherein the circuitry is configured to adjust the light generated by the light source between the at least two different colors. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the light passing wall comprises an illuminable housing wall. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus defined in  claim 1  wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light sources and wherein each of the light sources is capable of producing a different color of light. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus, comprising:
 a keyboard having a housing with at least one light passing wall; 
 a light source that generates light that passes through the light passing wall of the housing of the keyboard, wherein the light source is configured to emit light of at least two different brightness levels and at least two different colors, and wherein the light source comprises light emitting diodes each of which is selected from the group consisting of: red, green, blue and white light emitting diodes; and 
 circuitry configured to adjust the light emitted by the light source between the at least two different brightness levels and the at least two different colors. 
 
     
     
       5. The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a red, a green, a blue and a white light emitting diode. 
     
     
       6. A keyboard, comprising:
 a housing wall; 
 at least one light source that generates light of variable brightness and variable color, wherein the light generated by the at least one light source passes through the housing wall, wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of light sources, and wherein each of the light sources is capable of producing a different color of light; and 
 circuitry that is configured to vary the brightness and the color of the light generated by the at least one light source. 
 
     
     
       7. The keyboard as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of light sources comprises light emitting diodes each of which is selected from the group consisting of: red, green, blue and white light emitting diodes. 
     
     
       8. The keyboard as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of light sources comprises a red, a green, a blue and a white light emitting diode.

Description:
This application is a Division of patent application Ser. No. 13/757,410, filed Feb. 1, 2013, and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” which is a Continuation of patent application Ser. No. 13/565,516, filed Aug. 2, 2012, and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,395,330, issued Mar. 12, 2013, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/365,427 filed Feb. 3, 2012, and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,264,167, issued Sep. 11, 2012, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/533,593, filed Jul. 31, 2009 and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,148,913, issued Apr. 3, 2012, which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/773,897, filed Feb. 6, 2004, and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,517, issued Aug. 3, 2010, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/075,964, filed Feb. 13, 2002, and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,452,098, issued Nov. 18, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/315,571, filed Aug. 28, 2001, and entitled “COMPUTING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC ORNAMENTAL APPEARANCE,” and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/298,364, filed Jun. 15, 2001, and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE”. U.S. application Ser. No. 10/773,897 is also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/075,520, filed Feb. 13, 2002 and entitled “COMPUTING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC ORNAMENTAL APPEARANCE”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,113,196, issued Sep. 26, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/315,571, filed Aug. 28, 2001 and entitled “COMPUTING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC ORNAMENTAL APPEARANCE” and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/298,364, filed Jun. 15, 2001 and entitled “ACTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR COMPUTING DEVICE.” All the foregoing patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application claims the benefit of and claims priority to patent application Ser. No. 13/757,410, filed Feb. 1, 2013, patent application Ser. No. 13/565,516, filed Aug. 2, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,395,330, patent application Ser. No. 13/365,427, filed Feb. 3, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,264,167, patent application Ser. No. 12/553,593, filed Jul. 31, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,148,913, patent application Ser. No. 10/773,897, filed Feb. 6, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,517, patent application Ser. No. 10/075,964, filed Feb. 14, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,452,098, patent application Ser. No. 10/075,520, filed Feb. 14, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,113,196, provisional patent application No. 60/315,571, filed Aug. 28, 2001, and provisional patent application No. 60/298,364, filed Jun. 15, 2001. 
     This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/389,915, filed Sep. 3, 1999, and entitled “DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,977,808, issued Dec. 20, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/134,082, filed May 14, 1999 and entitled “DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/013,126, filed Dec. 7, 2001, and entitled “HOUSING FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,933,929, issued Aug. 23, 2005, which is a Divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,887, filed Oct. 25, 1999 and entitled “HOUSING FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE,” and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/134,084, filed May 14, 1999 and entitled “HOUSING FOR A COMPUTER DEVICE,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/402,311, filed Mar. 26, 2003, and entitled “COMPUTER LIGHT ADJUSTMENT,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,236,154, issued Jun. 26, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/436,205, filed Dec. 24, 2002, and entitled “COMPUTER LIGHT ADJUSTMENT,” all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to a computing device. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved features for changing the appearance of a computing device. 
     Most computing devices, including portable computers and desktop computers, give feedback to its user via a display screen or speakers. As is generally well known, display screens are used to display textual or graphical information to a user and speakers are used to output sound to the user. For example, display screens may be used to display a graphical user interface (GUI) and speakers may be used to output music or audio messages. Computing devices also give feedback to users via small indicators positioned on the computing device. By way of example, some indicators use light to indicate that a computing device (or the display screen of the computing device) is turned on/off or that a disk drive is reading or writing data to a disk. Although displays, speakers and indicators work well, they are limited to the type of feedback they give a user. For example, while playing a movie with a DVD drive of a computing device, the display screen only outputs the video associated with the movie, the speaker only outputs the audio associated with the movie, and the indicator only indicates that a movie is playing the DVD drive. Thus, it would be desirable to provide additional feedback to a user. 
     Computing devices also have housings that enclose the components and circuitry associated with operating the computing devices. Housings generally serve to shield and protect the components and circuitry from adverse conditions such as impact and dust. In some cases, the housings are configured to surround all the components of the computing device while in other cases the housings are configured to surround individual or a subset of components. For example, a housing may be used to enclose the central processing unit (CPU), display screen, disk drive, and speaker to form a single unit. As another example, a plurality of different housings may be used to individually enclose the CPU, display screen, disk drive and speakers to form a plurality of individual units. 
     As is generally well known, housings for computing devices in particular product lines are typically manufactured with the same appearance, i.e., they look the same. For example, housings from a particular product line may have the same box-like shape and/or the same neutral color. This can be discouraging to computer users who desire computers that are more personalized or to computer users who desire computers that are different than another user&#39;s computer. Recently, manufacturers have attempted to remedy this problem by offering brightly colored or translucent housings for computing devices. For example, some computer and telephone manufacturers now sell a variety of housings, which have different colors and patterns. By way of example, the iMAC® computer, which is produced by Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., is available in various colors and patterns. 
     Although these recent advances make substantial inroads to overcoming the same old appearance, the housings for the computing device remain passive structures that exhibit a non-adaptable or non-changing appearance. That is, a colored or patterned housing has a single color or pattern associated therewith that does not change overtime. 
     External lights have been used in some devices associated with displaying video to enhance the viewing experience of the video. Unfortunately, however, none of the external lights have been capable of changing the visual appearance of the device housing. That is, the external lights are typically located outside the periphery of the housing and are typically arranged to alter the environment in which the video is shown rather than the device housing itself (the appearance of the housing remains the same even with the use of lights). 
     Thus, there is a need for improvements in appearances of housings for computing devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a computing device. The computing device includes a housing for enclosing various internal components associated with the operation of the computing device. The computing device also includes an indicator assembly for indicating events associated with the computing device. The indicator assembly is configured to produce an indicator image at an outer surface of the housing when activated, and to eliminate the indicator image from the outer surface of the housing when deactivated. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a housing indicator system. The housing indicator system includes a housing having at least an inner bezel. The inner bezel has a light receiving recess that forms a reduced thickness portion. The reduced thickness portion is translucent. The housing indicator system also includes a light source disposed behind the housing. The light source is configured to illuminate the reduced thickness portion in order to form an indicator image at the outer surface of the inner bezel. The shape of the recess produces an indicator image of similar shape on the outer surface of the inner bezel. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a housing indicator system. The housing indicator system includes a housing having a clear outer layer and a translucent inner layer. The translucent inner layer includes a light receiving recess that forms a reduced thickness portion. The reduced thickness portion represents the area of the translucent layer that is illuminated. The housing indicator system also includes an indicator assembly. The indicator system includes a light device configured to provide light to the reduced thickness portion, a light barrier configured to prevent light from entering the translucent layer except at the reduced thickness portion and a light guide configured to direct light from the light source to the reduced thickness portion. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a computer system. The computer system includes a processor configured to generate light control signals. The computer system also includes a light feature operatively coupled to the processor. The light feature includes one or more light emitting diodes capable of emitting light in order to illuminate an illuminable housing of the computer system. The computer system also includes a light driver disposed between the processor and at least one of the LEDs. The light driver is configured to convert the light control signals into a stable continuous current for driving the light emitting diode. The magnitude of the current is based at least in part on the light control signal. The magnitude of the current affects the light intensity of the light emitting diode. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of illuminating a housing. The method includes generating a light control signal associated with a desired light intensity. The method also includes converting the light control signal into a voltage representative of the desired light intensity. The method further includes converting the voltage into a current representative of the desired light intensity. The current driving an LED so as to produce light. The method additionally includes directing the light from the LED through the housing such that an image is created at an outer surface of the housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of computer illumination processing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of computer illumination processing, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a computing device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective diagram of a computer system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective diagram of a computer system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a LED array, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are graphical illustrations showing color mixing via the LED array of  FIG. 8 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective diagram of a computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 17A-C  are broken away top views, in cross section, of a wall of a computer, in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective diagram of a computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of a computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective diagram of a computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 21A-D  are broken away top views, in cross section, of a wall of a computer, in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective diagram of a computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of a computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a simplified diagram of a light source arrangement, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is a simplified diagram of a light source arrangement, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  is a simplified diagram of a light source arrangement, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of a computer having a light reflecting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a simplified diagram of a chameleonic electronic device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a broken away diagram of a general purpose computer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective diagram of a computer system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  is a simplified diagram of a computer network, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  is a flow diagram of illumination processing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective diagram of a monitor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective diagram of a monitor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective diagram of a monitor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 37A-37F  are perspective diagrams of a monitor presenting a sequence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 38A-38B  are simplified diagrams of a monitor presenting a sequence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 39A-39B  are simplified diagrams of a monitor presenting a sequence, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 40  shows a computer system including a base and a monitor, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 41A and 41B  illustrate an indicator image as it appears on the surface of the housing when the indicator is on, and as it disappears from the surface of the housing when the indicator is off, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 42  is a diagram of an indicator, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 44  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 45  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 46  shows a fuzzy indicator image and a crisp indicator image, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 47  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 48  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 49  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 50  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 51  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 52  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 53  is a diagram of a housing indicator system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 54  is a diagram of the various layers of a computer system with a light feature, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 55  is a diagram of light assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 56  is a diagram of light assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 57  is a simplified diagram of a light driver, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 58  is an exemplary circuit diagram of light driver, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 59  is an exemplary circuit diagram of light switch, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 60  is a diagram of a graphical user interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The invention pertains to electronic devices capable of changing their ornamental or decorative appearance, i.e., the outer appearance as seen by a user. The electronic devices generally include an illuminable housing. The illuminable housing, which includes at least one wall configured for the passage of light, is configured to enclose, cover and protect a light arrangement as well as functional components of the electronic device. For example, in the case of a desktop computer, the functional components may include a processor for executing instructions and carrying out operations associated with the computer, and in the case of a display monitor, the functional components may include a display for presenting text or graphics to a user. The light arrangement, which generally includes one or more light sources, is configured to produce light for transmission through the light passing wall (or walls) of the illuminable housing. As should be appreciated, the transmitted light illuminates the wall (s) thus giving the wall a new appearance, i.e., the color, pattern, behavior, brightness and/or the like. That is, the transmitted light effectively alters the ornamental or decorative appearance of the electronic device. By way of example, a light source capable of producing green light may cause the light passing wall to exude green. 
     In most cases, the light is controlled so as to produce a light effect having specific characteristics or attributes. As such, the electronic device may be configured to provide additional feedback to the user of the electronic device and to give users the ability to personalize or change the look of their electronic device on an on-going basis. That is, a housing of the electronic device is active rather than passive, i.e., the housing has the ability to adapt and change. For example, the light may be used to exhibit a housing behavior that reflects the desires or moods of the user, that reflects inputs or outputs for the electronic device, or that reacts to tasks or events associated with operation of the electronic device. 
     It is contemplated that the present invention may be adapted for any of a number of suitable and known consumer electronic products that perform useful functions via electronic components. By way of example, the consumer electronic products may relate to computing devices and systems that process, send, retrieve and/or store data. The computing devices and systems may generally relate to desktop computers (both segmented and all-in-one machines) that sit on desks, floors or other surfaces, portable computers that can be easily transported by a user, or handheld computing devices. By way of example, portable computers include laptop computers, and handheld computing devices include personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mobile phones. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-26 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified diagram of a chameleonic electronic device  10 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The word “chameleonic” refers to the fact that the electronic device  10  has the ability to alter its visual appearance. 
     The chameleonic electronic device  10  generally includes a housing  12  configured to form an external protective covering of the chameleonic electronic device  10  and a light system  14  configured to adjust the illuminance or pigmentation of the housing  12 . The housing  12  of the chameleonic electronic device  10  surrounds and protects internal components  18  disposed therein. The internal components  18  may be a plurality of electrical components that provide specific functions for the chameleonic electronic device  10 . For example, the internal electrical components  18  may include devices for generating, transmitting and receiving data associated with operating the electronic device. In one embodiment, the chameleonic electronic device is a component of a computer system, as for example, a general purpose computer. As such, the internal electrical components may include a processor, memory, controllers, I/O devices, displays and/or the like. 
     The chameleonic electronic device  10  is configured to change its visual appearance via light. That is, the housing  12  is configured to allow the passage of light and the light system  14  is configured to produce light for transmission through the housing  12 . In one embodiment, the light system  14  includes a light arrangement (not shown). The light arrangement, which is disposed inside the housing  12  and which includes at least one light source, is configured to emit light  20  incident on the inner surface of the housing  12 . As should be appreciated, light  22  that is transmitted through the wall of the housing  12  changes the look of the housing  12  and thus the visual appearance of the chameleonic electronic device  10 . By way of example, the light  20  may cause the housing  12  to exude a specific brightness such as intense or dull light, a specific color such as green, red or blue, a specific pattern such as a rainbow or dots, or a changing behavior such as a strobe effect or fading in/out. 
     In some cases, the light system  14  is arranged to cooperate with the electrical components  18 . For example, events associated with the electrical components  14  may be monitored, and the light system  14  may be controlled based on the monitored events. As such, an illumination effect corresponding to a specific event may be produced. For example, the housing  12  may be configured to exude a blinking red coloration when an event has been implemented. Although the light system  14  may cooperate with the electrical components  18 , it should be understood that the electrical components  18  and the light system  14  are distinct devices serving different functions. That is, the electrical components  18  are generally configured to perform functions relating to operating the chameleonic electronic device  10 , and the light system  14  is generally configured to change the appearance of the housing  12  thereof. 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of computer illumination processing  30 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The computer illumination processing  30  is performed by a computer (or computer system) to provide the computer with an illumination effect, as for example, the illumination of a housing relating to the computer. The illumination effect for the housing is provided by a light system. Typically, the light system is internal to the housing being illuminated. In one embodiment, the computer corresponds to a general purpose computer such as an IBM compatible computer or an Apple compatible computer. By way of example, the Apple compatible computer may include different models such as the iMac, G3, G4, Cube, iBook, or Titanium models, which are manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     The computer illumination processing  30  begins at block  32  where events associated with a computer are monitored. In one embodiment, the events being monitored are identified by an operating system or a microprocessor utilized within the computer. The events can take many forms such as operating system events or microprocessor events. By way of example, the events may relate to signals, conditions or status of the computer. 
     Following block  32 , the process proceeds to block  34  where a light system, associated with the computer, is controlled  34  based on the monitored events to provide a housing, also associated with the computer, with an ornamental appearance. In other words, the computer illumination processing  30  operates to provide the housing of the computer with a dynamic ornamental appearance that varies in accordance with the monitored events of the computer. By way of example, the housing and light system may generally correspond to the housing and light system described in  FIG. 1 . After the light system is controlled at block  34 , the computer illumination processing  30  is complete and ends. It should be noted, however, that the processing can be repeatedly performed or performed whenever a new event occurs. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of computer illumination processing  40 , in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The computer illumination processing  40  is performed by a computer system (or computer) to provide the computer system with an illumination effect, as for example, the illumination of a housing associated with the computer system. The illumination effect for the housing is provided by a light system. Typically, the light system is internal to the housing being illuminated. In one embodiment, the computer system corresponds to a general purpose computer such as an IBM compatible computer or an Apple compatible computer. By way of example, the Apple compatible computer may include different models such as the iMac, G3, G4, Cube, iBook, or Titanium models, which are manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     The computer illumination processing  40  generally begins at block  42  where computer system hardware and software is monitored. Here, one or more devices, units or systems associated with the computer system can be monitored. By way of example, the devices or systems being monitored can include one or more of a microprocessor, an operating system, an application or utility program, or input/output (I/O) devices. After block  42 , the process proceeds to block  44  where status information associated with the devices, units or systems is obtained from the monitoring. By way of example, status information may correspond to I/O connectivity status, wireless connectivity status, network connectivity status, processor status (e.g., sleep, shutdown), program status (e.g., errors, alerts, awaiting inputs, received new mail, loading), remote status (e.g., retrieving information from the internet), and/or the like. 
     After block  44 , the process proceeds to block  46  where illumination characteristics are determined. Illumination characteristics generally refer to how a housing associated with the computer is illuminated to produce an ornamental appearance. The illumination characteristics are generally based on the status information and predetermined configuration information. In one embodiment, the predetermined configuration information identifies a type and nature of the illumination (e.g., which lights are operated, how long the light sources are operated, what color the light source output, etc.) that is to be provided for a specific status information. By way of example, a blinking red coloration may be identified when a program status such as an error is monitored. 
     In one embodiment, the predetermined configuration information is stored in a database. Thus, the computer consults the information held in the database in order to determine the illumination characteristics for a specific event. The predetermined configuration information stored in the database may be accessed by a user through a light control menu, which may be viewed on a display screen as part of a GUI interface. The light control menu may include light control settings pertaining to one or more events of the computer. In fact, the light control menu may serve as a control panel for reviewing and/or customizing the light control settings, i.e., the user may quickly and conveniently review the light control settings and make changes thereto. Once the user saves the changes, the modified light control settings will be employed (e.g., as predetermined configuration information) to handle future events transmitted and/or received through the computer. 
     After the illumination characteristics have been determined, the process proceeds to block  48  where driving signals for light elements associated with the light system are determined in accordance with the illumination characteristics. Typically, the light elements are arranged within a portion of the computer system. For example, the light elements could be arranged within a primary housing of the computer system. In another embodiment, the light elements could be arranged within a housing for a peripheral device associated with the computer system. After the driving signals are determined, the process proceeds to block  50  where the driving signals are used to control the light elements. For example, the driving signals may actuate one or more of the light elements so as to emit light incident on an inner surface of a housing. Once the drive signals control the light elements, the ornamental appearance of the housing is thus altered. Typically, the housing has one or more portions that are configured for allowing the passage of light, thereby causing the light to be transmitted therethrough which effectuates the ornamental appearance of the housing. 
     After using the driving signals, the process proceeds to block  52  where a decision is made as to whether the computer illumination processing  40  should end. When the decision  52  determines that the computer illumination processing  40  should not end, the computer illumination processing  40  returns to repeat the operation  42  and subsequent operations so that the illumination characteristics can be continuously updated in accordance with the status information. On the other hand, when the decision  52  determines that the computer illumination processing  40  should end, the computer illumination processing  40  is complete and ends. In general, the computer illumination processing  40  can be repeatedly performed or performed in an event driven manner. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a computing device  60 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computing device  60  may correspond to the chameleonic electronic device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The computing device  60  generally includes a variety of computer components  62 , which as an example may correspond to the electrical components  18  in  FIG. 1 . The computer components  62  are generally configured to process, retrieve and store data associated with the computing device  60 . By way of example, the computer components  62  may include a CPU (central processing unit), I/O controllers, display controllers, memory and the like. The computer components may also include operating systems, utility programs, application programs and/or the like. 
     The computing device  60  also includes an event monitor  64  operatively coupled to the computer components  62 . The event monitor  64  is configured to track specific data through the computer components. For example, the event monitor  64  may be configured to track input data  66  and/or output data  68 . Although shown outside the computer components, the input data and output data may correspond to internal inputs and outputs generated between individual parts of the computer components as well as to external inputs and outputs generated outside the computer components. By way of example, interior inputs/outputs may relate to data that is passed between a CPU and an I/O controller, and exterior inputs/outputs may relate to data that is passed between an I/O controller and an I/O device such as a keyboard, mouse, printer and the like. In one embodiment, the event monitor is part of the functionality provided by the computer components. For example, the event monitor may be included in the CPU. In another embodiment, the event monitor provides functionality independent of the computer components. For example, the event monitor may be a separate processor chip that is connected to a chip housing the CPU. 
     The computing device  60  also includes a light effect manager  70  operatively coupled to the event monitor  64 . The light effect manager  70  is configured to direct light control signals to a light arrangement  72 , and more particularly to a plurality of light elements  74  disposed inside a housing. The light control signals are generally based on the events tracked by the event monitor  64 . That is, as events are processed by the computer components  62 , the light effect manager  70  directs light control signals to the light elements  74 . The light control signals carry illumination characteristics pertaining to the desired light effect that each of the light elements is to provide at the housing. That is, the light control signals sent to each of the light elements may cause the light elements to emit the same light effect (e.g., all emitting green light at the same intensity) or a different light effect (e.g., one element emitting green light while another emits blue light). These light elements  74  work together to produce a light effect that dynamically changes the ornamental appearance of the housing. 
     In one embodiment, the light effect manger  70  is configured to determine illumination characteristics based on the specific events (or data) monitored and the corresponding predetermined configuration information. As explained earlier, predetermined configuration information relates to information that is selected by a user and stored. In one embodiment, the light effect manager  70  is part of the functionality provided by the computer components  62 . For example, the light effect manager  70  may be included in the processor chip of the computing device  60  that also includes the CPU. In another embodiment, the light effect manager  70  provides functionality independent of the computer components. For example, the light effect manager  70  may be a separate processor chip that is connected to a separate chip housing the CPU. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a computer system  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computer system  100  may correspond to the electronic device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The computing system  100  generally includes a processor  102  (e.g., CPU or microprocessor) configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the computer system  100 . By way of example, the processor  102  may execute instructions under the control of an operating system or other software. 
     The computing system  100  also includes an input/output (I/O) controller  104  that is operatively coupled to the processor  102 . The I/O controller  104  is generally configured to control interactions with one or more I/O devices  106  that can be coupled to the computing system  100 . The I/O controller  104  generally operates by exchanging data between the computing system  100  and the I/O devices  106  that desire to communicate with the computing system  100 . In some cases, the I/O devices  106  may be connected to the I/O controller  104  through wired connections such as through wires or cables. In other cases, the I/O devices  106  may be connected to the I/O controller  104  through wireless connections. By way of example, the I/O devices  106  may be internal or peripheral devices such as memory, disk drives, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, speakers, video cameras, MP3 players and the like. The I/O devices  106  may also be network-related devices such as network cards or modems. 
     The computing system  100  additionally includes a display controller  108  that that is operatively coupled to the processor  102 . The display controller  108  is configured to process display commands to produce text and graphics on a display device  110 . By way of example, the display  110  may be a monochrome display, color graphics adapter (CGA) display, enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) display, variable-graphics-array (VGA) display, super VGA display, liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma displays and the like. 
     The computing system  100  further includes a light source controller  112  that is operatively coupled to the processor  102 . The light source controller  112  generally provides processing of light commands from the processor  102  to produce light  116  in a controlled manner via a light source  114 . By way of example, the light source  114  may be one or more light emitting diodes (LED), light emitting semiconductor dies, lasers, incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, neon tubes, liquid crystal displays (LCD), and the like, that are arranged to produce light and more particularly colored light. The light source  114  is generally disposed inside an enclosure  120  that covers and protects some aspect of the computing system  100 . More particularly, the enclosure  120  can cover and protect one or more computer components having functionality used in the operation of the computing system  100 . By way of example, the enclosure  120  may be configured to cover one or more of the components described above. The enclosure  120  generally includes a wall  122  that is configured for transmitting light therethrough. As such, at least a portion of the light  116 , which is made incident on the wall  122  via the light source  114 , passes through the wall  122 , thereby producing a light effect  124  that alters the visual appearance of the enclosure  120  and thus the visual appearance of the computing system  100 . 
     Light effects are generally defined as the way in which the light  116 , produced by the light source  114  and controlled by the light source controller  112 , acts or influences the enclosure  120 . Metaphorically speaking, the enclosure is the canvas, the light is the paint, and the light effect is the painting. Accordingly, in some cases, the light effect is arranged to cover the entire wall  122  while in other cases, the light effect is arranged to cover only a portion of the wall  122 . 
     Light effects may be categorized as static (non-changing over time) or dynamic (changing over time). By way of example, static light effects may cause the enclosure to continuously exude a fixed color such as blue, a fixed shade of a color such as light blue, a fixed pattern or artistic design such as rainbow, stripes, dots, flowers and the like, or a fixed orientation such as a color or pattern located in a specific region of the enclosure. In addition, dynamic light effects may cause the enclosure to exude different colors, intensities or patterns at different times and in different orientations. That is, the coloration, intensities, patterns and position thereof may vary. For example, dynamic light effects may include light effects that change at least partially from a first color, intensity or pattern to a second color, intensity or pattern (e.g., from red to blue to light blue to rainbow, blinking on and off or fading in and out), that change regionally around the enclosure (e.g., moving from a first side to a second side of the enclosure, moving from center to outer, moving around the enclosure in a continuous fashion, a pattern that starts at a certain point on the enclosure and radiates out, etc.), or any combination thereof. 
     In one embodiment, computer illumination processing may be performed by the computer system when events associated with the computer system occur in or outside the system. The illumination processing generally provides the computer system with an illumination effect, as for example, the illumination of a housing associated with the computer system. In general, illumination processing includes monitoring events associated with the computer system (e.g., software or hardware) and controlling the light source based on the monitored events so as to provide a housing associated with the computer system with an ornamental appearance corresponding to the monitored event. The events being monitored are generally identified by an operating system or a microprocessor utilized within the computer system. The events can take many forms such as operating system events or microprocessor events. By way of example, the events may relate to signals, conditions or status of the computer system. Examples of illumination processing are described in greater detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/075,520 filed Feb. 13, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,113,196 issued Sep. 26, 2006 and entitled, “COMPUTING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC ORNAMENTAL APPEARANCE”, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , the computer system may include other components such as buses, bridges, connectors, wires, memory, and the like. As is generally well known, buses provide a path for data to travel between components of the computer system  100 . In addition, bridges serve to perform adjustments necessary to bridge communication between different buses, i.e., various buses follow different standards. Further, memory provides a place to hold data that is being used by the computer system. By way of example, memory may be a Read-Only Memory (ROM) or a Random-Access Memory (RAM). RAM typically provides temporary data storage for use by at least the processor  102 , and ROM typically stores programming instructions for use with the processor  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the illumination characteristics of the light system that produce the light effects may be determined by predetermined configuration information stored in a database, i.e., the computer system consults the information held in the database in order to determine the illumination characteristics. Illumination characteristics generally refer to how a housing associated with the computer is illuminated to produce an ornamental appearance (e.g., which lights are operated, how long the light sources are operated, what color the light source output, etc.). The predetermined configuration information stored in the database may be accessed by a user through a light control menu, which may be viewed on a display screen as part of a GUI interface. The light control menu may include light control settings pertaining to the illumination characteristics. In fact, the light control menu may serve as a control panel for reviewing and/or customizing the light control settings, i.e., the user may quickly and conveniently review the light control settings and make changes thereto. Once the user saves the changes, the modified light control settings will be employed (e.g., as predetermined configuration information) to handle future illumination processing. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-10 , the placement of the enclosure  120  relative to the components described above will be described in greater detail. In one embodiment, the enclosure  120  is configured to cover the entire computer system described above. For example, in  FIG. 6 , the enclosure  120  is configured to cover the processor  102 , the I/O controller  104 , the I/O device  106 , the display controller  108 , the display  110 , the light controller  112  and the light source  114 . 
     In another embodiment, the enclosure  120  is configured to cover only a portion of the computer system described above. For example, in  FIG. 7 , the illuminable enclosure  120  is configured to cover the processor  102 , the I/O controller  104 , the display controller  108 , the light controller  112  and the light source  114 . In  FIG. 8 , the illuminable enclosure  120  is configured to cover the display  110  and the light source  114 . In  FIG. 9 , the illuminable enclosure  120  is configured to cover a peripheral I/O device (e.g., the I/O device  106 ) and the light source  114 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the enclosure  120  can represent a plurality of enclosures that are configured to separately cover individual or sets of components of the computer system  100  described above. For example, in  FIG. 10 , a first enclosure  120 A is configured to cover the processor  102 , the I/O controller  104 , an internal I/O device  1061 , the display controller  108 , the light controller  112  and a first light source  114 A. In addition, a second enclosure  120 B is configured to cover the display  110  and a second light source  114 B. A third enclosure  120 C is configured to cover a peripheral I/O device  106 P and a third light source  114 C. It should be understood that  FIGS. 7-10  are representative embodiments and thus not limitations, thus it should be recognized that other configurations of the enclosure(s) may be used. 
     In one embodiment, the computer system corresponds to a general purpose computer such as an IBM compatible computer or an Apple compatible computer. By way of example, the Apple compatible computer may include different models such as the iMac, G3, G4, Cube, iBook, or Titanium models, which are manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective diagram of a general purpose computer  130 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. By way of example, the general purpose computer  130  may correspond to the computer system  100  shown in  FIG. 7 or 8 . The computer  130  generally includes a base  132  and a monitor  134  (or display) operatively coupled to the base  132 . In the illustrated embodiment, the base  132  and monitor  134  are separate components, i.e., they each have their own housing. That is, the base  132  includes a base housing  138  and the monitor  134  includes a monitor housing  139 . Both housings are configured to enclose various internal components associated with operation of the respective devices. In general, the housings  138 ,  139  serve to surround their internal components at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect their internal components from adverse conditions. 
     With regards to the base  132 , the internal components may be processors, controllers, bridges, memory and the like. Often these internal components take the format of integrated circuits; however, the internal components can take various other forms (e.g., circuit boards, cables, fans, power supplies, batteries, capacitors, resistors). The internal components may also be various I/O devices such as a hard drive, a disk drive, a modem and the like. The base  132  may also include a plurality of I/O connectors for allowing connection to peripheral devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a printer, a scanner, speakers and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing  138  serves to surround at least a processor and a controller. By way of example, the controller may be an input/output (I/O) controller, a display controller, a light source controller and/or the like. With regards to the monitor  134 , the internal components may be a display screen. As is generally well known, the display screen is used to display the graphical user interface (including perhaps a pointer or cursor) as well as other information to a user. 
     In most cases, the housings  138 ,  139  include one or more walls  142 ,  143 , respectively, that serve to structurally support the internal components in their assembled position within the housings. The walls  142 ,  143  also define the shape or form of the housings, i.e., the contour of the walls embody the outward physical appearance of the housings. The contour may be rectilinear, curvilinear or both. In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing  138  includes six (6) rectangular and planar walls that form a box-shaped housing. It should be understood, however, that this is not a limitation and that the form and shape of the housings may vary according to the specific needs or design of each computer system. By way of example, the housing may be formed in simple shapes such as a cube, a cylinder, a pyramid, a cone, or a sphere, or in complex shapes such as a combination of simple shapes or an object such as an apple, a house, a car or the like. 
     With regards to the base  132 , the internal components may be processors, controllers, bridges, memory and the like. Often these internal components take the format of integrated circuits; however, the internal components can take various other forms (e.g., circuit boards, cables, fans, power supplies, batteries, capacitors, resistors). The internal components may also be various I/O devices such as a hard drive, a disk drive, a modem and the like. The base  132  may also include a plurality of I/O connectors for allowing connection to peripheral devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a printer, a scanner, speakers and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing  138  serves to surround at least a processor and a controller. By way of example, the controller may be an input/output (I/O) controller, a display controller, a light source controller and/or the like. With regards to the monitor  134 , the internal components may be a display screen. As is generally well known, the display screen is used to display the graphical user interface (including perhaps a pointer or cursor) as well as other information to a user. 
     For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall  142  has been removed to show a light source  140 A disposed inside the housing  138 . The light source  140 A is configured to generate light  144 A so as to illuminate the interior of the housing  138 , and more particularly the interior of the light passing walls  142 . The light  144 A, which is made incident on the interior of the walls  142  by the light source  140 A, is thereby transmitted through the walls  142  of the housing  138  to produce a light effect  146 A that alters the visual appearance of the housing  138  and thus the visual appearance of the base  132 . That is, the light  144 A generated inside the housing  138  and passing through the walls  142  effectively changes the visual appearance of the housing  138  as seen by a user when looking at the housing  138 . By way of example, the light effect  146 A may cause housing  138  to exude a fixed or varying color or pattern. Although a single light source  140 A is shown in  FIG. 5 , it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that a plurality of light sources may be used. For example, individual light sources may be strategically positioned within the housing  138  so as to illuminate specific zones or regions of the housing  138 . 
     In another embodiment, the monitor housing  139  includes at least one light passing wall configured to allow the passage of light. In most cases, the light passing wall constitutes a significant percentage area of the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire housing  139  is illuminable and thus all of its walls  143  are configured to allow the passage of light. It should be noted, however, that this is not a limitation and that the amount of light passing walls may vary according to the specific needs of each computer system. For example, the housing may include any number of opaque walls and light passing walls. Still further, a light passing wall needed not pass light over its entire surface. In other words, only a non-trivial portion of a wall needs to pass light to be considered a light passing wall. The light passing walls are generally formed from a translucent or semi-translucent medium such as, for example, a clear and/or frosted plastic material. 
     Again, for ease of discussion, a portion of the wall  143  has been removed to show a light source  140 B disposed inside the housing  139 . The light source  140 B is configured to generate light  144 B so as to illuminate the interior of the housing  139 , and more particularly the interior of the light passing walls  143 . The light  144 B, which is made incident on the interior of the walls  143  by the light source  140 B, is thereby transmitted through the walls  143  of the housing  139  to produce a light effect  146 B that alters the visual appearance of the housing  139  and thus the visual appearance of the monitor  134 . That is, the light  144 B generated inside the housing  139  and passing through the walls  143  effectively changes the visual appearance of the housing  139  as seen by a user when looking at the housing  139 . By way of example, the light effect  146 B may cause housing  139  to exude a fixed or varying color or pattern. Although a single light source  140 B is shown in  FIG. 5 , it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that a plurality of light sources may be used. For example, individual light sources may be strategically positioned within the housing  139  so as to illuminate specific zones or regions of the housing  139 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective diagram of a general purpose computer  150 , in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. By way of example, the general purpose computer  150  may correspond to the computer system shown in  FIG. 7 or 8 . The general purpose computer  150  includes an all in one machine  151  that integrates the base and monitor of  FIG. 9  into a single housing  152 . The housing  152  is generally configured to enclose various internal components associated with operation of the computer  150 . In general, the housing  152  serves to surround the internal components at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect the internal components from adverse conditions. In one embodiment, the housing  152  includes a plurality of cases  164  that cooperate to form the housing  152 . Any number of cases may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the cases  164  consist of a bottom case  164 A, a top case  164 B and a front case  164 C. 
     The internal components may be processors, controllers, bridges, memory and the like. Often these internal components take the format of integrated circuits; however, the internal components can take various other forms (e.g., circuit boards, cables, fans, power supplies, batteries, capacitors, resistors). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  152  serves to surround at least a processor and a controller. By way of example, the controller may be an input/output (I/O) controller, a display controller, a light source controller and/or the like. The internal components may also be various I/O devices such as a hard drive, a disk drive, a modem and the like. For example, as shown, the computer  150  may include a disk drive  166  and a display  168 . The disk drive  166  is used to store and retrieve data via a disk. The display  168  is used to display the graphical user interface (including perhaps a pointer or cursor) as well as other information to the user. The all in one machine  151  may also include a plurality of I/O connectors for allowing connection to peripheral devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a printer, a scanner, speakers and the like. By way of example, the computer system  150  may include I/O port connectors for connection to peripheral components such as a keyboard  170  and a mouse  172 . The keyboard  170  allows a user of the computer  150  to enter alphanumeric data. The mouse  172  allows a user to move an input pointer on a graphical user interface and to make selections on the graphical user interface. 
     In most cases, the housing  152  includes one or more walls  156  that serve to structurally support the internal components in their assembled position within the housing. The walls  156  also define the shape or form of the housing, i.e., the contour of the walls embody the outward physical appearance of the housing. The contour may be rectilinear, curvilinear or both. 
     In one embodiment, the housing  152  includes one or more light passing walls having light passing portions, which are configured to allow the passage of light. The light passing portions may be an edge of the wall or a surface of the wall. The light passing portions may constitute the an entire wall or a portion of a wall, i.e., a light passing wall need not pass light over its entire surface. In other words, only a non-trivial portion of a wall needs to pass light to be considered a light passing wall. In most cases, the light passing portions constitute a significant percentage area of the light passing wall. For example, the amount of light passing area is generally determined by the amount of light needed to pass through the housing in order to effectively change the appearance of the housing so that a user feels differently about the device (e.g., not an indicator). Any suitable arrangement of light passing walls, light passing portions and opaque walls may be used so long as the outward appearance of the system changes. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the walls  156 ′ provided by the top case  164  are light passing walls, which are illuminated with light from a light source  154  disposed inside the housing  152 . For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall  156 ′ has been removed to show the light source  154  disposed therein. The light source  154  is configured to generate light  160  so as to illuminate the interior of the housing  152 , and more particularly the interior of the wall  156 ′. In general, the light  160 , which is made incident on the wall  156 ′ by the light source  154 , is transmitted through the wall  156 ′ to produce a light effect  162  that alters the visual appearance of the housing  152  and thus the visual appearance of the computer system  150 . That is, the light  160  generated inside the housing  152  and passing through the wall  156 ′ effectively changes the visual appearance of the housing  152  as seen by a user when looking at the housing  152 . 
     The light source  154  is operatively coupled to a light source controller (not shown) that cooperates with the light source  154  to produce the light  160 . In general, the light source  154  provides the light  160  for illuminating the housing  152 , and more particularly the wall  156 , and the light source controller provides processing of light commands to produce the light in a controlled manner. In some implementations, the light  160  is arranged to produce the light effect  162  at a surface  174  of the wall  156 . In other implementations, the light  160  is arranged to produce the light effect  162  at an edge  176  of the wall  156 . In yet other implementations, the light  160  is arranged to produce a light effect  162  at both the surface  174  and the edge  176  of the wall  156 . 
     To elaborate further, according to one embodiment, the light source  154  is generally configured to include at least one light emitting diode (LED). LED&#39;s offer many advantages over other light sources. For example, LED&#39;s are relatively small devices that are energy efficient and long lasting. LED&#39;s also run relatively cool and are low in cost. Furthermore, LED&#39;s come in various colors such as white, blue, green, red and the like. In most cases, the light source  154  includes a plurality of LED&#39;s that cooperate to produce the desired light effect. The plurality of LED&#39;s may be a plurality of individual LED&#39;s or a plurality of integrated LED arrays having a plurality of individual LED&#39;s that are grouped together. 
     In one embodiment, the individual LED&#39;s, whether by themselves or grouped together in an array, are the same color. As such, the same colored LED&#39;s can produce a light effect  162  that is one color or at least one shade of one color. This typically can be done by simultaneously maintaining the same light intensity for all of the LED&#39;s via the light source controller. The same colored LED&#39;s can also produce a light effect  162  that has a varying coloration. This typically can be accomplished by simultaneously adjusting the light intensities for all of the LED&#39;s at the same time via the light source controller. By way of example, this can be done to produce a light effect that blinks or fades in and out. 
     The same colored LED&#39;s can also produce a light effect that has a pattern with a plurality of different shades of one color. This is typically accomplished by maintaining different light intensities for different LED&#39;s via the light source controller. For example, LED&#39;s positioned in a first spatial zone, i.e., a first area of the illuminable housing  152 , can produce a first shade of color (a first light intensity) and LED&#39;s positioned in a second spatial zone, i.e., a second area of the illuminable housing  152 , can produce a second shade of color (a second light intensity). By way of example, the spatially zoned LED&#39;s can produce a light effect having stripes, spots, quadrants and the like. The same colored LED&#39;s can also produce a light effect  162  that has a varying pattern. This is typically accomplished by activating LED&#39;s at different times or by adjusting the intensities of LED&#39;s at different times via the light source controller. For example, same colored LED&#39;s positioned in a first spatial zone can produce a color at a first time and same colored LED&#39;s positioned in a second spatial zone can produce a color at a second time. By way of example, the spatially zoned LED&#39;s can produce a light effect that alternates or moves between different zones. 
     In another embodiment, at least a portion of the individual LED&#39;s, whether by themselves or grouped together in an array, are different colors. As such, the different colored LED&#39;s can produce a light effect that is a particular color or at least a shade of a particular color. This typically can be accomplished by mixing different colors of light to produce a resultant color of light via the light source controller. The different colored LED&#39;s can also produce a light effect  162  that has a varying coloration. This typically can be accomplished by adjusting the intensity of the different colored LED&#39;s via the light source controller. By way of example, this can be done to produce a light effect that changes from a first color to a second color (e.g., from blue to green). 
     The different colored LED&#39;s can also produce a light effect  162  that has a pattern with a plurality of colors. This typically can be accomplished by activating different colored LED&#39;s or LED arrays, which are located at various locations about the computer system, via the light source controller. For example, LED&#39;s or LED arrays positioned in a first spatial zone, i.e., a first area of the illuminable housing  152 , can produce a first color and LED&#39;s positioned in a second spatial zone, i.e., a second area of the illuminable housing  152 , can produce a second color. By way of example, the spatially zoned LED&#39;s can produce a light effect having rainbow stripes, different colored spots, different colored quadrants and the like. The different colored LED&#39;s can also produce a light effect  162  that has a changing pattern. This is typically accomplished by activating different colored LED&#39;s at different times or by adjusting the intensities of different colored LED&#39;s at different times via the light source controller. The different colored LED&#39;s may be in the same spatial zone or a different spatial zone. For example, LED&#39;s positioned in a first spatial zone can produce a first colored light at a first time and LED&#39;s positioned in a second spatial zone can produce a second colored light at a second time. This can be done in a specific sequence (e.g., red, blue, red, blue, red, blue . . . ) or a random sequence (e.g., green, yellow, red, yellow, blue . . . ). 
       FIG. 13  is a simplified diagram of an integrated LED array  180 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. By way of example, the integrated LED array  180  (or a plurality of LED arrays  180 ) may correspond to the light source  154  described in  FIG. 11 . The integrated LED array  180  generally includes a plurality of individual LED&#39;s  182  that produce an overall light effect that is one color at a moment in time. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the individual LED&#39;s  182  represents a different color, as for example, a red LED  182 A, a green LED  182 B and a blue LED  182 C, that cooperate to produce a resultant color C. It is generally believed that these three colors are the primary colors of light and therefore they can be mixed to produce almost any color. That is, the resultant color C may be a wide range of colors, as for example, a majority of the colors from the color spectrum. Although only one LED is shown for each color, it should be noted that this is not a requirement and that the number may vary according to the specific needs of each device. 
     To facilitate discussion,  FIG. 14A  is a three dimensional graphical representation showing color mixing with regards to the red, green and blue LED&#39;s ( 182 A-C). As shown, red light produced by the red LED  182 A is designated R, green light produced by the green LED  182 B is designated G, and blue light produced by the blue LED  182 C is designated B. Furthermore, mixed light produced by the red and green LED&#39;s  182 A&amp;B is designated RG, mixed light produced by the green and blue LED&#39;s  182 B&amp;C is designated GB, and mixed light produced by the blue and red LED&#39;s  182 A&amp;C is designated BR. Moreover, mixed light produced by the red, green and blue LED&#39;s  182 A-C is designated W (for white). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14B  (a two dimensional graphical representation showing color mixing with regards to the red, green and blue LED&#39;s  182 A-C) each of the colors has a range of intensities (I) between a peak intensity  192  and a zero intensity  194 . As such, the light source controller can produced almost any color by adjusting the intensity (I) of each of the LED&#39;s ( 182 A-C). By way of example, in order to produce the highest shade of red R, the intensities of the green G and blue B are reduced to zero intensity  194  and the intensity of the red R is increased to its peak intensity  192 . The highest shades of green and blue can be implemented in a similar manner. In addition, in order to produce a shade of red and green RG, the intensities of the green G and red R are increased to levels above zero intensity  194  while the intensity of blue B is reduced to zero intensity  194 . Shades of green and blue GB and blue and red BR can be implemented in a similar manner. Furthermore, in order to produce shades of white, the intensities of the red R, green G and blue B are increased to the same levels above zero intensity  194 . 
     Although the integrated LED array  180  is shown and described as using the three primary colors, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that other combinations may be used. For example, the integrated LED array may be configured to include only two of the primary colors. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective diagram of a computer system  210 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computer system  210  may generally correspond to the computer  150  of  FIG. 12 . The computer system  210  generally includes an illuminable housing  212  that is illuminated with light from a light source  214  disposed therein. The illuminable housing  212  generally includes a translucent or semi-translucent wall  216  configured to allow the passage of light. For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall  216  has been removed to show the light source  214  disposed therein. The light source  214  is generally configured to generate light  218  so as to illuminate a surface of the wall  216  of the illuminable housing  212 . That is, the light  218  emitted by the light source  214  is made incident on an inner surface  220  of the wall  216 . The light  218  then passes through the wall  216  (width wise) to an outer surface  222  of the wall  216  where it produces a light effect  224  that alters the visual appearance of the wall  216  and thus the visual appearance of the computer system  210 . 
     In one embodiment, a characteristic glow is produced at the outer surface  222  of the wall  216  when the light  218  is transmitted through the wall  216 . By characteristic glow, it is meant that the coloration of the wall  216  emanates from the wall  216  rather than from the light source  214 , i.e., the light  218  is altered during transmission through the wall  216 . In most cases, the characteristic glow is produced by a light directing element disposed in or on the wall  216 . The light directing element is generally configured to scatter incident light by reflection and/or refraction. 
     To facilitate discussion,  FIG. 16  is a top view, in cross section, of the computer system  210  shown in  FIG. 15 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the light source  214  consists of a plurality of light emitting diodes  226  (LED&#39;s) that are disposed at various positions inside the illuminable housing  212 . The LED&#39;s  226  may be a single LED  226 A or an LED array  226 B. The LED&#39;s  226  may be positioned in various directions so long as the light  218  is made incident on the inner surface  220  of the wall  216 . For example, the axis of the LED&#39;s  226  may be pointing directly at the inner surface  220  or they may be pointing at an angle relative to the inner surface  220 . Furthermore, the wall  216  is configured to transmit the light  218  therethrough from the inner surface  220  to an outer surface  222 . By way of example, the wall  216  may be formed from a translucent or semi-translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic and the like. In most cases, the wall  216  is also configured to scatter the transmitted light to produce a characteristic glow  228  that emanates from the outer surface  222  of the wall  216 . For instance, the wall  216  may include a light directing element  230  (shown by dotted line) that scatters the light via reflection and/or refraction. 
     In one embodiment, the light directing element  230  is an additive that is disposed inside the wall  216 . Referring to  FIG. 17A , for example, the wall  216  may include a plurality of light scattering particles  232  (e.g., additives) dispersed between the inner surface  220  and outer surface  222  of the wall  216 . As shown, when the light  218  is made incident on the inner surface  220 , it is transmitted through the wall  216  until it intersects a light scattering particle  232  disposed inside the wall  216 . After intersecting the light scattering particle  232 , the light  218  is scattered outwards in a plurality of directions, i.e., the light is reflected off the surface and/or refracted through the light scattering particle thereby creating the characteristic glow  228 . By way of example, the light scattering particles  232  may be formed from small glass particles or white pigments. Furthermore, by changing the amount of light scattering particles  232  disposed in the wall  216 , the characteristics of the glow can be altered, i.e., the greater the particles the greater the light scattering. 
     In another embodiment, the light directing element  230  is a layer, coating or texture that is applied to the inner or outer surface  220 ,  222  of the wall  216 . Referring to  FIGS. 17B and 17C , for example, the wall  216  may include a light scattering coating  234  or a light scattering texture  236  disposed on the inner surface  220  of the wall  216 . By way of example, the light scattering coating  234  may be a paint, film or spray coating. In addition, the light scattering texture  236  may be a molded surface of the wall or a sandblasted surface of the wall. As shown, when light  218  is made incident on the inner surface  220 , it intersects the light scattering coating  234  or texture applied on the inner surface  220  of the wall  216 . After intersecting the light scattering coating  234  or the light scattering texture  236 , the light  218  is scattered outwards in a plurality of directions, i.e., the light is reflected off the surface and/or refracted through the light scattering particle thereby creating the characteristic glow  228 . 
     Although not shown, in another embodiment, the thickness of the wall may be altered so as to produce a light scattering effect. It is generally believed that the greater the thickness, the greater the light scattering effect. 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective diagram of a computer system  240 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computer system  240  may generally correspond to the computer  150  of  FIG. 12 . The desktop computer system  240  generally includes an illuminable housing  242  that is illuminated with light from a light source  244  disposed therein. The illuminable housing  242  generally includes a translucent or semi-translucent wall  246  configured to allow the passage of light. For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall  246  has been removed to show the light source  244  disposed therein. The light source  244  is generally configured to generate light  248  so as to illuminate an edge of the wall  246  of the illuminable housing  242 . That is, the light  248  emitted by the light source  244  is made incident on an inner edge  250  of the wall  246 . The light is then directed through the wall  246  (length wise) to an outer edge  252  of the wall  246  where it produces a light effect  254  that alters the visual appearance of the wall  246  and thus the visual appearance of the computer system  240 . In essence, the wall  246  acts like a light pipe that is configured for transferring or transporting light. Light pipes are generally well known in the art. 
     To facilitate discussion,  FIG. 19  is a top view, in cross section, of the computer system  240  shown in  FIG. 14 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the light source  244  consists of a plurality of light emitting diodes  256  (LED&#39;s) that are disposed at various positions inside the illuminable housing  242 . The LED&#39;s  256  may be a single LED or an LED array. The LED&#39;s  256  may be positioned in various directions so long as the light  248  is made incident on the inner edge  250  of the wall  246 . For example, the axis of the LED&#39;s  256  may be pointing directly at the inner edge  250  or they may be pointing at an angle relative to the inner edge  250 . Furthermore, the wall  246  is configured to transmit the light  248  therethrough from the inner edge  250  to the outer edge  252  to produce the light effect  254  that emanates from the outer edge  252  of the wall  246 . By way of example, the wall  246  may be formed from a translucent or semi-translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic and the like. In some cases, the wall  246  may include light directing portions  258 ,  259  that cause the light to reflect back and forth until it exits the outer edge  252 . 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective diagram of a computer system  260 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computer system  260  may generally correspond to the computers  150 ,  210  and  240  of  FIGS. 12, 15 and 18 , respectively. The desktop computer system  260  generally includes an illuminable housing  262  that is illuminated with light from a light source  264  disposed therein. The illuminable housing  262  generally includes a translucent or semi-translucent wall  266  configured to allow the passage of light. For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall  266  has been removed to show the light source  264  disposed therein. The light source  264  is generally configured to generate light  268  so as to illuminate both a surface and an edge of the wall  266  of the illuminable housing  262 . That is, the light  268  emitted by the light source  264  is made incident on an inner surface  270  and/or an inner edge  272  of the wall  266 . The light is then directed through the wall  266  to an outer surface  274  and an outer edge  276  of the wall  266  where it produces a light effect  278 A and  278 B that alters the visual appearance of the wall  266  and thus the visual appearance of the computer system  260 . 
     In one embodiment, the light  268  emitted by the light source  264  is made incident on both the inner edge  272  and inner surface  270  of the wall  266  via a plurality of LED&#39;s or LED arrays. Referring to  FIG. 21A , for example, the light source  264  includes at least a first LED  279  and a second LED  280 . The first LED  279  is configured to generate a first light  282  so as to illuminate a surface of the wall  266  of the illuminable housing  262  and the second LED  280  is configured to generate a second light  284  so as to illuminate an edge of the wall  266  of the illuminable housing  262 . With regards to the first LED  278 , the first light  282  is first made incident on the inner surface  270  of the wall  266  and then it is directed through the wall  266  (width wise) to the outer surface  274  of the wall  266  where it produces the light effect  278 A. With regards to the second LED  280 , the second light  284  is first made incident on the inner edge  272  of the wall  266  and then it is directed through the wall  266  (length wise) to an outer edge  276  of the wall  266  where it produces the light effect  278 B. As should be appreciated, the light effect  278 A alters the visual appearance of the surface of the wall  266 , while light effect  278 B alters the visual appearance of the edge of the wall  266 . 
     In another embodiment, the light  268  emitted by the light source  264  is made incident on both the inner edge  272  and the inner surface  270  of the wall  266  via an offset LED. Referring to  FIG. 21B , for example, the light source  264  includes an LED  290  that is offset relative to the wall  266  and that generates light  292  so as to illuminate a surface and an edge of the wall  266  of the illuminable housing  262 . That is, the light  292  emitted by the LED  290  is made incident on both the inner surface  270  and the inner edge  272  of the wall  266 . As such, a first portion of the light  290  is directed through the wall  266  (width wise) to the outer surface  274  of the wall  266  where it produces the light effect  278 A that alters the visual appearance of the surface of the wall  266 . In addition, a second portion of the light  290  is directed through the wall  266  (length wise) to the outer edge  276  of the wall  266  where it produces a light effect  278 B that alters the visual appearance of the edge of the wall  266 . 
     In another embodiment, the wall  266  includes light scattering particles and the light  268  emitted by the light source  264  is made incident on the inner edge  276  via an LED. Referring to  FIG. 21C , for example, the wall  266  includes a plurality of light scattering particles  294  disposed between the inner and outer surfaces  270 ,  274  and the inner and outer edges  272 ,  276 . Furthermore, the light source  264  includes an LED  296  configured to generate light  298  so as to illuminate a surface and an edge of the wall  266  of the illuminable housing  262 . The light  298  emitted by the LED  296  is made incident on an inner edge  272  of the wall  266 . The light  298  is then directed through the wall  266  (length wise) to an outer edge  276  of the wall  266  where it produces the light effect  278 B that alters the visual appearance of the surface of the wall  266 . As shown, the light  298  also intersects the light scattering particle  294  during transmission therethrough and thus a portion of the light  298  is scattered outwards in a plurality of directions where it produces the light effect  278 A that also alters the visual appearance of the surface of the wall  266 . 
     In another embodiment, the wall  266  can include a light scattering coating and the light  268  emitted by the light source  264  is made incident on an inner edge  272  via an LED. Referring to  FIG. 21D , for example, the wall  266  includes a light scattering coating  300  that is applied to the inner surface  270 . Furthermore, the light source  264  includes an LED  302  configured to generate light  304  so as to illuminate a surface and edge of the wall  266  of the illuminable housing  262 . The light  304  emitted by the LED  302  is made incident on the inner edge  272  of the wall  266 . The light  304  is then directed through the wall  266  (length wise) to an outer edge  276  of the wall  266  where it produces the light effect  278 B that alters the visual appearance of the edge of the wall  266 . As shown, the light  304  also intersects the light scattering coating  300  during transmission through the wall and thus a portion of the light  304  is scattered outwards in a plurality of directions where it produces the light effect  278 A that also alters the visual appearance of the surface of the wall  266 . 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective diagram of a computer system  310 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computer system  310  may generally correspond to the computer  150  of  FIG. 12 . The desktop computer system  310  generally includes an illuminable housing  312  that is illuminated with light from an illuminated object  314  disposed therein. The illuminable housing  312  generally includes a translucent or semi-translucent wall  316  configured to allow the passage of light. In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminated object  314  is seen through the translucent or semi-translucent wall  316 . That is, the illuminated object  314  generates a first light effect (not shown) that is transmitted through a surface of the wall  316  to produce a second light effect  320  that alters the visual appearance of the computer system  310 . As should be appreciated, the shape of the light effect  320  typically corresponds to the shape of the illuminated object  314 . By way of example, the illuminated object  314  may take on a variety of shapes including simple shapes such as squares and circles or more complex shapes such as an apple (as shown). 
     To facilitate discussion,  FIG. 23  is a top view, in cross section, of the computing device  310  shown in  FIG. 22 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the illuminated object  314  is disposed inside the illuminable housing  312 . The illuminated object  314  is generally positioned adjacent to the wall  316  of the illuminable housing  312 . It should be noted, however, that this is not a limitation and that the illuminated object  314  may be positioned at other locations inside the housing  312 . For example, the illuminated object  314  may be placed towards the center of the housing  312 . Furthermore, the illuminated object  314  may be positioned in various directions so long as a first light effect  322  is made incident on an inner surface  324  of the wall  316 . For example, the axis of the illuminated object may be pointing directly at the inner surface  324  or they may be pointing at an angle relative to the inner surface  324 . 
     Furthermore, the wall  316  is configured to transmit the light effect  322  therethrough from the inner surface  324  to an outer surface  326 , i.e., the wall provides a window for passing the first light effect therethrough. By way of example, the wall  316  may be formed from a translucent or semi-translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic and the like. Accordingly, the first light effect  322  that passes through the wall  316  effectively changes the appearance of the computing device  310 . In some cases, the wall  316  may also be configured to scatter the transmitted light effect to produce a characteristic glow that emanates from the outer surface of the wall  316 . That is, the wall  316  may include a light directing element that scatters the light via reflection and/or refraction. 
     To elaborate further, the illuminated object  314  generally includes a light source  330  and a casing  332 . The casing  332 , which typically forms the shape of the illuminated object  314 , includes a casing wall  334  that is configured to cover at least a portion of the light source  330 . In the illustrated embodiment, the light source  330  consists of a plurality of light emitting diodes  336  (LED&#39;s) that are disposed at various positions inside the casing  332 . The LED&#39;s  336  may be a single LED or an LED array. The LED&#39;s  336  are generally configured to generate light  338  so as to illuminate the casing wall  334 . As such, the LED&#39;s  336  may be positioned in various directions so long as the light  338  is made incident on an inner surface of the casing wall  334 . Furthermore, the wall  316  is configured to transmit the light  338  therethrough from the inner surface to an outer surface. By way of example, the wall  334  may be formed from a translucent or semi-translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic and the like. In most cases, the casing wall  334  is configured to scatter the transmitted light to produce a characteristic glow that emanates from the outer surface of the casing wall  334 . For instance, the casing wall  334  might include a light directing element that scatters the light via reflection and/or refraction. 
       FIG. 24  is a side view of a light source arrangement  380 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the light source arrangement  380  may generally correspond to any of the light sources (e.g., light emitting devices) described above. The light source arrangement  380  includes a light source  382  and a light pipe  384 . The light source  382  is configured to generate light  383  and the light pipe  384  is configured to distribute the light  383  to locations within a housing where it is needed. By way of example, the housing may correspond to any one of the illuminable housings described above. The light pipe  384  generally includes a transmissive portion  386  at its interior and a reflective portion  388  at its exterior. Because the exterior of the light pipe  384  is reflective, the light  383  reflects off the sides of the pipe as it travels through the interior of the light pipe. Accordingly, when light  383  is made incident on an inner edge  390  of the light pipe it is directed through the light pipe via the transmissive and reflective portions to an outer edge  392  of the light pipe where it emits the light to another location positioned away from the location of the light source. 
     Any suitable light pipe may be used. For example, the light pipe may be rigid or flexible (as shown). Flexible light pipes allow a wider range of light source positions relative to housing positions. For example, the light source may positioned in locations that prevent direct exposure to an illuminable portion of the housing, and thus the light pipe may be used to distribute the light to the illuminable portions of the housing by bending around components that prevent direct exposure (e.g., walls, frames and the like). In one embodiment, the light source is housed within an opaque portion of the housing, and a light pipe is used to direct light to an illuminable portion of the housing so as to produce the desired light effect. Furthermore, multiple light pipes may be used to direct light to a plurality of locations around the housing. This may be done with a single light source or multiple light sources. For example, a single light source may be used to provide light to a plurality of light pipes, each of which has one end position proximate the light source and an opposite end positioned in different locations within the housing. 
       FIG. 25  is a side view of a light source arrangement  400 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the light source arrangement  400  may generally correspond to any of the light sources (e.g., light emitting devices) described above. The light source arrangement  400  includes a light source  402  and a light guide  404 , which is configured to focus light  406  generated by the light source  402 . The light guide  404 , which covers a portion of the light source  402 , is typically formed from an opaque material such that the light  406  emanating from the light source  402  is only directed out of an opening  408  formed by the light guide  404 . In this manner, the light exiting the opening has a shaped configuration that is more intense. The shaped configuration tends to illuminate a smaller portion of the housing than would otherwise be illuminated. The opening  408  may form any number of shapes. For example, the opening may form a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a letter, a logo or any other shape. In this particular embodiment, the light guide  404  is configured to cover the sides of the light source  402 . In some cases, it may be desirable to use a light guide to block light from reaching light sensitive areas of the electronic device or to prevent heat sensitive areas from becoming too hot. 
       FIG. 26  is a side view of a light source arrangement  410 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the light source arrangement  410  may generally correspond to any of the light sources (e.g., light emitting devices) described above. The light source arrangement  410  includes a light source  412  and a lens  414 , which is configured to focus light  416  generated by the light source  412 . The lens  404 , which is typically positioned between the light source  402  and the illuminable wall (not shown), is arranged to receive light emanating from the light source  402  and to direct the light to a specific area of the illuminable wall. In this manner, the light has a shaped configuration that is more intense. As mentioned above, the shaped configuration tends to illuminate a smaller portion of the housing than would otherwise be illuminated. 
       FIG. 27  is a top view, in cross section, of a computer system  420 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computer system  420  may generally correspond to any of the computer systems described above. As shown, the computer system  420  includes a housing  422  and a light source  424  disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  422  consists of three parts: end cap  422 A, a body  422 B and a front face  422 C. The end cap  422 A closes off one side of the body  422 B and the front face  422 C closes off another side of the body  422 B. Any suitable arrangement of light passing and light blocking walls may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap  422 A and front face  422 C are typically formed from a light blocking material while the body  422 B is formed from a material that allows the passage of light (e.g., translucent or semi-translucent material). The computer system  420  also includes a reflector  426 . The reflector  426  is positioned between the light source  424  (which is located towards the end cap  422 A) and the front face  422 C. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflector  426  is positioned in front of a display  428 . The reflector  426  is configured to redirect the light  430  generated by the light emitting device  424 . As shown, the light  430  from the light emitting device  424  is reflected off the surface of the reflector  426  to a first portion  432  of the body  422 B. The first portion is defined by B. The reflected light  431  made incident on the inner surface of the body  422 B is subsequently transmitted through the wall of the body  422 B and out the outer surface of the first portion  432  of the body  422 B at the portion  432 . Thus, light is prevented from passing through a second portion  434  of the body  422 B. 
     Although the principles of  FIGS. 24-27  are described singularly, it should be noted that they may be combined in some cases to produce other types of light arrangements. For example, any combination of a light pipe, light guide, light lens and/or a reflector may be used to distribute light within a housing. 
       FIG. 28  is a simplified diagram of a chameleonic electronic device  440 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. By way of example, the chameleonic electronic device  440  may generally correspond to the chameleonic electronic device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The chameleonic electronic device  440  generally includes a housing  442  that is divided into several independent and spatially distinct illuminable zones  444 . As shown, the zones  444  are positioned around the periphery of the housing  442 . The periphery may correspond to any portion of the housing such as the top, bottom, and sides of the housing. Any number of zones may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  442  includes 12 illuminable zones  444 . Each of the zones  444  has an associated light element  446 , which is disposed inside the housing  442  proximate the zone  444 . As should be appreciated, the associated light element  446  is configured to light up its corresponding zone  444  so as to change the ornamental appearance of the housing. By way of example, the associated light element may be an LED array capable of illuminating the corresponding zone with a plurality of colors (e.g., the LED array may include a red, green and blue LED). As shown, each of the zones  444  is configured to provide a light output  448 . 
     The zones may be configured to produce a variety of ornamental appearances. In one embodiment, the zones are arranged to produce a uniform ornamental appearance. This is generally accomplished by sending the same light command signal to each of the light elements. For example, each of the zones may produce the same green light output so as to produce a uniform green housing. In another embodiment, the zones are arranged to produce a patterned ornamental appearance. This is generally accomplished by sending different light command signals to the light elements. For example, a first set of alternating zones may produce a red light output, and a second set of alternating zones may produce a blue light output in order to produce a housing with stripes. In another embodiment, the zones are arranged to produce a changing ornamental appearance. This is generally accomplished by sending different light command signals to the light elements at different times. For example, each of the zones may be arranged to activate at different times to produce a light sequence such as blinking, fading in and out, strobes or moving from one zone to another. 
       FIG. 29  is a broken away diagram of a general purpose computer  450 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The general purpose computer  450  includes a housing  452  which encloses internal components  454  associated with operating the general purpose computer  450 . The housing  452 , which includes several walls that define the peripheral form of the housing, is broken away between a top and a bottom so as to show the internal components therein. As shown, the internal components  454  may include a motherboard  456  that supports a CPU  458 , RAM  460 , ROM  462 , a hard drive  464 , a disk drive  466 , expansion slots and boards  468 , and the like. The internal components  454  may also include a power supply  470  and other associated circuitry such as heat sinks  472  and fans  474  for cooling the internal components  454 . The housing  452  may also include a plurality of ports  476  for connection to peripheral devices located outside the housing  452 . In addition, the housing  452  may include an indicator  477  and a power switch  478 . In some cases, a monitor may be one of the internal components  454 . 
     The internal components  454  may also include one or more light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s)  480 . The LED&#39;s  480  are generally configured to generate light within the housing  452 . By way of example, the LED&#39;s  480  may generate light found within the color spectrum. The light is used to colorize or patternize the housing  452 . This is generally accomplished by directing the light through illuminable portions of the housing  452 . That is, the LED&#39;s  480  produce light having a variety of colors and patterns so as to give the illuminable portions of the housing  452  a color or pattern. In one embodiment, the illuminable portions are capable of diffusing the light so that the illuminable portions appear to glow when light is directed therethrough. The LED&#39;s  480  may be disposed centrally, peripherally or both so as to allow the light to reach the illuminable portions of the housing  452 . For example, although the LED&#39;s  480  are centrally located in  FIG. 29 , the LED&#39;s  480  may be disposed closer to the walls of the housing  452  so as to circumvent light blocking components contained within the housing  452 . The LED&#39;s  480  may be controlled by a separate processor or by the CPU  458  that also controls the operation of the general purpose computer. 
     The size of the illuminable portion generally constitutes a substantial portion of the entire housing  452 . By substantial, it is meant that the area of the illuminable portion is large enough to effect the overall appearance of the general purpose computer  450  when light is passed therein. In essence, the LED&#39;s are dedicated to altering the appearance of the housing  452  so that people may break free from the neutral-passive colors and patterns that have dominated the housings of general purpose computers for so long. In one embodiment, the illuminable portion covers the entire housing  452 . In another embodiment, the illuminable portion covers one or more walls of the housing  452  (in their entirety). In another embodiment, the illuminable portion covers a part of two or more walls of the housing  452 . In another embodiment, the illuminable portion covers a significant part of a wall of the housing  452 . In another embodiment, the area of the illuminable portion is substantially larger than any of the switches, connectors or indicators located on the housing  452 . These type of devices are typically too small to effect the overall appearance of the general purpose computer. That is, they typically do not cover a significant part of the wall to which they are attached. 
     Although  FIG. 29  is directed at a general purpose computer, it should be appreciated that LED&#39;s may be placed in other devices associated with the general purpose computer. For example, LED&#39;s may be placed in housings of peripheral devices such as input devices (e.g., mice) or output devices (e.g., speakers) that are connected to the general purpose computer. In the case of input devices, the input devices are arranged to serve its primary function of inputting data while communicating other data via the LED&#39;s. In the case of output devices, the output devices are arranged to serve their primary function of outputting data while communicating other data via the LED&#39;s. In either case, the LED&#39;s may be controlled by the main CPU of the general purpose computer or a separate processor of the general purpose computer. 
       FIG. 30  is a block diagram of a computer system  481 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This particular embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, the computer system  481  includes a plurality of the light elements  74 A-D. In the illustrated embodiment each of the light elements  74 A-D has their own individual housing  182 A-D. Each of the housings  482 A-D includes one or more light passing walls. In one embodiment, each of the housings  482 A-D corresponds to different components of the computer system  481 . For example, housing  482 A may be used to house the base components such as processors, controllers, memory, internal I/O devices and/or the like; housing  482 B may be used to house monitor components such as a display screen; housing  482 C may be used to house external peripheral I/O devices such as disk drives, printers, mice, keyboards, speakers and the like; and housing  482 D may be used to house a docking station in the case of a portable computer. 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective diagram of a computer system  500 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the computer system  500  may correspond to the computer system described in  FIG. 30 . The computer system  500  includes a base  502  operatively coupled to a plurality of peripheral devices such as a monitor  504 , a keyboard  506 , a mouse  508 , a speaker  510 , an external disk drive  512  and a printer  514 . Each of these components is configured with an illuminable housing, i.e., a housing having at least one light passing wall, and a light source disposed therein. As stated throughout this document, the light source is configured to generate light for passing through the light passing wall so as to alter the ornamental appearance of the light passing wall. 
     A light effect manager, such as the light effect manager  70  illustrated in  FIG. 30 , can be used to control and coordinate the ornamental appearance of the various illuminable housings. The control and coordination of the ornamental appearance of the various illuminable housings can be achieved in many different ways. 
     In one embodiment, the light source(s) inside the base and the light source(s) inside the peripheral device are configured to actuate when the base is in communication with or processing tasks associated with the peripheral device. For example, when the base sends a signal to the printer, as for example a signal to print a document, the base and the printer may exude a light effect associated with printing. In addition, when the external disk drive sends data to the base, the external disk drive and base may exude a light effect associated with data retrieval. Moreover, when the base is playing music through the speaker, the base and the speaker may exude a light effect associated with outputting audio. In the case of audio, the light effect may correspond to the frequency of the audio signal so as to produce a light effect that changes with the music or sounds being played. The light effect may be different for different devices. For example, the base may be blue when communicating with the monitor and green when communicating with the printer. 
       FIG. 32  is a simplified diagram of a computer network  520 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The computer network  520  includes a plurality of computer systems  522 A- 522 C which are connected via a network  524 . By way of example, the network may represent a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet and the like, or a combination thereof. The network  524  can also be wired or wireless. The computers  522 A- 522 C may, for example, be configured as any of the computers systems discussed above. As should be appreciated, each of the computer systems  522 A- 522 C includes an illuminable housing capable of altering its ornamental appearance via light. 
     The computer system  522 A- 522 C can individually alter their ornamental appearance. Alternatively, the computer systems  522 A- 222 C can have their ornamental appearance centrally controlled. The central control can be provided by one of the computer systems  522 A- 522 C or another computer. In one embodiment, the light source(s) inside each of the computer systems  522 A- 522 C are configured to actuate when such computer systems  522 A- 522 C are in communication with or processing tasks associated with another of the computer system  522 A- 522 C. For example, when the computer system  522 A sends or requests information to or from computer system  522 B, both systems may exude a specific light effect. In one implementation, a master light effect manager residing in one of the computer systems  522 A- 522 C provides central control over the ornamental appearance of the computer systems  522 A- 522 C through interaction with slave light effect managers residing in other of the computer systems  522 A- 522 C. 
       FIG. 33  is a flow diagram of illumination processing  600 , in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The illumination processing  600  is, for example, performed by a computing device or system that includes a display screen. The computing device or system that performs the illumination processing  600  can, for example, be the computing device or system shown in  FIGS. 4-12 . 
     The illumination processing  600  begins at step  602  by periodically sampling regions of a display screen so as to acquire color indicators for each of the regions. After acquiring the color indicators, the process proceeds to step  604  where the color indicators are associated to zones (regions) of a housing corresponding to the computing device or system. For example, the housing can pertain to the primary housing for enclosing a base computer, a screen display, or a peripheral device. In one embodiment, step  604  pertains to a mapping operation during which the regions of the screen display that were sampled in step  602  are mapped to counterpart zones of the housing. 
     After associating the color indicators to the zones, the process proceeds to step  606  where light elements are driven in accordance with the color indicators associated therewith. These light elements are located at the zones of the housing. The driven light elements operate to illuminate the zones of the housing. Following step  606 , the illumination processing  600  is complete and ends. However, the illumination processing  600  is typically performed constantly or periodically such that the light elements can be driven  606  in accordance with the color indicators acquired from the screen display. 
     In one embodiment, the illumination processing  600  mimics the colors appearing at the regions of the screen display to zones of the housing. In one example, the regions of the screen display can be associated with a color configuration, and the regions of the housing can be provided with the same configuration. This is generally done to extend the feel of the display screen to the housing. For example, if the regions of the display screen are blue, then the counterpart zones of the housing are also blue. In addition, if different regions of the display screen are different colors, then different zones of the housing are also different colors. 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective diagram of a display monitor  620 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The display monitor  620  includes a housing  622  that is divided into several independent and spatially distinct illuminable zones  624 . Any number of zones may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  622  includes 16 illuminable zones  624 . Each of the zones  624  has an associated light element (not shown), which is disposed inside the housing proximate the zone. As should be appreciated, the associated light element is configured to light up its corresponding zone. By way of example, the associated light element may be an LED array capable of illuminating the corresponding zone with a plurality of colors (e.g., the LED array may include a red, green and blue LED). In the illustrated embodiment, the zones  624  are positioned around the periphery of the housing  622 , and include portions that are on the front of the monitor  620 , as well as portions that are on the side of the monitor  620 . It should be noted, however, that this is not a limitation and that the zones may be configured differently relative to the monitor  620 . For example, the zones may be positioned in the rear, or only on one side of the monitor  620 . 
     As shown, the housing  622  is configured to structurally support a display screen  626  in its assembled position within the housing  622 . The portion of the display screen  626  that is viewed by the user is positioned in the front of the monitor  320  behind an opening in the housing  622  as shown. As previously mentioned, the display screen  626  is configured to present text and graphics to the user. For example, the display screen may present text and graphics associated with application or operating system programs. During illumination processing, as for example illumination processing  600 , regions  628  of the display screen  626  are periodically sampled to acquire color indicators. In one embodiment, the color indicators represent the primary color that is being displayed in the region (e.g., several colors may be displayed in a region). For example, if the region is generally seen as blue then the color indicator is blue. The color indicators are used to drive the light elements of the zones  624  as described above. The regions  628  may be any suitable area inside the display screen. In the illustrated embodiment, the regions  628  are disposed about the outer periphery of the display screen  626 . 
     In one embodiment, the regions  628  of the display screen  626  are mapped to counterpart zones  624  of the housing  622 . As such, when regions of the display screen change so do the counterpart zones. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a sample region  628  for every zone  624 . The sample region  628  may correspond to any suitable zone  624 . In the illustrated embodiment, however, individual sample regions correspond to individual zones positioned nearest the location of the individual sample region. For example, sample region  628 ′ corresponds to zone  624 ′. Accordingly, when sample region  628 ′ changes from a first color to a second color, the counterpart zone  624 ′ changes from the first color to the second color. 
     In one embodiment, an event monitor such as any one of the event monitors described above is used to sample various locations of the display screen  626 . The event monitor alerts a light effect manager when a certain graphic is displayed. As such, the light manager can send a control signal to a light element to dynamically adjust one or more of the zones in accordance with sample. By way of example, and referring to  FIG. 35 , when the sample region  628 ′ changes, an event monitor sends event information to a light effect manager, and the light effect manager sends a corresponding control signal to the light element housed beneath zone  624 ′ commanding the light element to light up (i.e., the light element illuminates the zone  624 ′ with light), thereby changing the zone  624 ′ along with the sample region  628 ′. For example, if the sample region  628 ′ changes to blue, then the zone  624 ′ will also change to blue. It should be noted that changing to the same color is not a limitation and that the zone may be configured to change to colors other than the color of the sample region. In one embodiment, the light effect manager is configured to consult an illumination table containing illumination characteristics before sending the control signal to the light source. 
     By way of another example,  FIG. 36  is a perspective diagram of the display monitor  620  presenting a first window  640  and a second window  642  over a wallpaper backdrop  644  on the display screen  626 . In this configuration, some of the sampled regions  628  correspond to the colors of the first window  640 , some of the sampled regions  628  correspond to the colors of the second window  642  and the remaining sampled regions correspond to the colors of the wallpaper backdrop  644 . In the illustrated embodiment, the individual zones  624  associated with the different sampled regions  628  are configured to output a similar color. For example, sampled regions  628 A-E and zones  624 A-E located near sampled regions  628 A-E may output a first color such as green, sampled regions  628 I-L and zones  624 I-L located near sampled regions  628 I-L may output a second color such as white, and sampled regions  628 F-G&amp;M-P and zones  624 F-G&amp;M-P located near sampled regions  628 F-G&amp;M-P may output a third color such as blue. 
     By way of another example,  FIGS. 37A-37F  are perspective diagrams of the display monitor  620  of  FIG. 36  presenting a video or gaming sequence  650 . By way of example, the video may correspond to a movie being played on a DVD drive or a game being played on a CD drive. In the illustrated embodiments, the sequence  650  corresponds to a spaceship  652  that encounters an asteroid  654  in space  656 . This is by way of example and not by way of limitation. 
       FIG. 37A  shows a first sequence where the asteroid  654  and spaceship  652  enter the display screen  626  from opposing sides. As such, sampled region  628 A includes the asteroid  654 , sampled region  628 H includes the spaceship  652  and the remaining sampled regions  628 B- 628 G and  628 I- 628 P include space  656  therein. As a result, the associated zone  624 A exudes a light effect similar to the asteroid  654 , the associated zone  624 H exudes a light effect similar to the spaceship  652  and the associated zones  624 B- 624 G and  624 I- 624 P exude a light effect similar to space  656 . For example, zone  624 A may be brown to correspond to a brown asteroid, zone  624 H may be orange to correspond to an orange spaceship, and zones  624 B- 624 G and  624 I- 624 P may be blue to correspond to blue space. 
       FIG. 37B  shows a second sequence where the asteroid  654  and space ship  652  move closer together and away from their respective sides. As such, sample regions  628 A- 628 G and  628 I- 628 P now include space  656  and sample region  628 H now includes exhaust  658  from the space ship  652 . As a result, zones  624 A- 624 G and  624 I- 624 P now exude a light effect similar to space  656  and the associated zone  624 H now exudes a light effect similar to the exhaust  658 . By way of example, zones  624 A- 624 G and  624 I- 624 P may be blue to correspond to blue space and zone  624 H may be yellow to correspond to the yellow exhaust. 
       FIGS. 37C and 37D  show a third and fourth sequence where the spaceship  652  fires bullets  659  at the asteroid  654  so as to split the asteroid  654  into two smaller asteroids  660  and  662 . The third and fourth sequence also show the spaceship  652  continuing to move towards the asteroid  654 , and the two smaller asteroids  660 ,  662  moving away from the spaceship  652  after splitting. As such, all the sample regions  628 A- 628 P now include space  656 . As a result, zones  624 A- 624 P now exude a light effect similar to space  656 . For example, zones  624 A- 624 P may be blue to correspond to blue space. 
       FIG. 37E  shows a fifth sequence where the spaceship  652  continues to move towards the asteroids  660 ,  662 , and the asteroids  660 ,  662  continue to move away from the spaceship  652  at an angle. As such, sample region  6280  now includes the first asteroid  660 , sample region  628 B now includes the second asteroid  662 , sample region  628 A now includes the spaceship  652  and sample regions  628 C- 628 N and  628 P now include space  656 . As a result, the associated zone  6240  exudes a light effect similar to the first asteroid  660 , associated zone  624 B exudes a light effect similar to the second asteroid  662 , the associated zone  624 A exudes a light effect similar to the spaceship  652 , and the remaining zones  624 C- 624 N and  624 P exude a light effect similar to space  656 . For example, zones  6240  and  624 B may be brown to correspond to a brown asteroid, zone  624 A may be orange to correspond to an orange spaceship, and zones  624 C- 624 N and  624 P may be blue to correspond to blue space. 
       FIG. 37F  shows a sixth sequence where the asteroids  660 ,  662  and the spaceship  652  have exited the side of the display screen  626 . As such, sample region  628 A now includes the exhaust  658  of the spaceship  652  and sample regions  628 B- 628 P now include space  656 . As a result, the associated zone  624 A now exudes a light effect similar to the exhaust  658 , and the remaining zones  624 B- 624 P exude a light effect similar to space  656 . For example, zone  624 A may be yellow to correspond to yellow exhaust, and zones  624 B- 624 P may be blue to correspond to blue space. 
     By way of another example,  FIGS. 38A and 38B  are simplified diagrams of a display monitor  680  presenting two segments  682 A and  682 B of a programmed sequence  682 . Display monitor  680  is similar to display monitor  620  of  FIG. 36 , and as such, the display monitor  680  includes a plurality of illuminable zones  684 . In the illustrated embodiment, the programmed sequence  682  corresponds to a computer program that allows users of the computer system to visualize their music. The computer program is arranged to display a stunning light show (e.g., different colors or patterns) on the display screen of the display monitor  680  that changes, throbs, and pulses to the beat of the user&#39;s music. For example, the computer program may adjust its color and patterns relative to the frequency of the music being played in the computer system. The music may be imported from a CD or DVD player, MP3 player, internet, or it may be stored in the computer system itself. By way of example, the computer program may correspond to the computer program iTunes produced by Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. 
     The programmed sequence  682  may take on many forms. In the illustrated embodiment, the programmed sequence  682  is a multicolored graphical display that includes a plurality of patterns  686  and  688  that move through a wall paper back drop  690 . The plurality of patterns  686  and  688  may follow a random or predetermined route.  FIG. 38A  illustrates the patterns  686  and  688  in a first position, and  FIG. 68B  illustrates the patterns  686  and  688  in a second position along the route. These positions may or may not be consecutive. In this embodiment, the plurality of patterns  686  and  688  represent frequency distributions having peaks  692  and troughs  694 . The patterns  686  and  688  may adjust their configuration as they move through the wall paper backdrop  690 . For example, the peaks and troughs  692  and  694  may change their period and amplitude or they may change their color (e.g.,  686 ). The frequency distributions may be based on the frequencies of the music being played on the computer system or they may be predetermined. 
     Similarly to  FIGS. 34-37 , regions of the display screen are mapped to counterpart illuminable zones  684 . As such, when regions of the display screen change so do the counterpart zones. As mentioned, there is generally a sample region for every illuminable zone  684 . The sample region may correspond to any suitable zone  684 , however, they typically correspond to individual zones positioned nearest the location of the individual sample region. As shown in  FIGS. 38A and 38B , the peaks and troughs  692  and  694  move into and exit different regions of the display screen as they change their configuration and position. As such, the illuminable zones  684  are continuously changing so as to produce a light effect that corresponds to the changing regions. For example, in  FIG. 38A , the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the illuminable zone  684 ′ corresponds to the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the trough  694 ′ of pattern  688 , and in  FIG. 38B , the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the illuminable zone  684 ′ corresponds to the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of a peak  692 ′ of the pattern  686 . In addition, in  FIG. 38A , the configuration of the illuminable zone  684 ″ corresponds to the configuration of a peak  692 ″ of the pattern  686 , and in  FIG. 38B , the configuration of the illuminable zone  684 ″ corresponds to the configuration of the wall paper backdrop  690 . 
     By way of another example,  FIGS. 39A and 39B  are simplified diagrams of the display monitor  680  presenting two segments  700 A and  700 B of a programmed sequence  700 . Like the programmed sequence  682 , the programmed sequence  400  corresponds to a computer program that allows users of the computer system to visualize their music. The programmed sequence  700  may take on many forms. In the illustrated embodiment, the programmed sequence  700  is a graphical display that includes a plurality of pulsating distributions  702 A-I that move through a wall paper back drop  704 . The pulsating distributions  702 A-I are generally configured to act like an equalizer and thus they change (move up and down) in accordance with the frequency of the music being played in the computer system.  FIG. 39A  illustrates the pulsating distributions  702 A-I in a first position, and  FIG. 39B  illustrates the pulsating distributions  702 A-I in a second position. 
     Similarly to  FIGS. 34-38 , regions of the display screen are mapped to counterpart illuminable zones  684 . As such, when regions of the display screen change so do the counterpart zones. As mentioned, there is generally a sample region for every illuminable zone  684 . The sample region may correspond to any suitable zone  684 , however, they typically correspond to individual zones positioned nearest the location of the individual sample region. As shown in  FIGS. 39A and 39B , the pulsating distributions  702 A-I move into and exit different regions of the display screen as they change their configuration and position. As such, the illuminable zones  684  are continuously changing so as to produce a light effect that corresponds to the changing regions. For example, in  FIG. 39A , the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the illuminable zone  684 ″ corresponds to the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the pulsating distribution  702 F, and in  FIG. 39B , the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the illuminable zone  684 ″ corresponds to the configuration (e.g. color, intensity) of the wall paper backdrop  690 . 
     It should be noted that a methodology similar to methodology shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39  may also be used to change the zones in accordance with the music itself rather than with the visual output of the display screen. 
     Although the description thus far has been primarily directed at illuminating larger portions of a housing, in some cases, it may only be desirable to illuminate a small portion of the housing. This may be useful for indicators that indicate events associated with the system in which they are used. By way of example, the events may relate to signals, conditions or status of the system. 
       FIG. 40  shows a computer system  750  including a base  752  and a monitor  754 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The base  752  and monitor  754  may be separate components or they may be integrated into a single component. In the illustrated embodiment, the base  752  and monitor  754  are separate components, i.e., they each have their own housing. The monitor  754  includes a monitor housing  756 A and the base  752  includes a base housing  756 B. Both housings  756 A and B are configured to enclose various internal components associated with operation of the respective devices. In general, the housings  756  serve to surround their internal components at a peripheral region thereof so as to cover and protect their internal components from adverse conditions. By way of example, the monitor housing  756 A may enclose internally a display and related display components and the base housing  756 B may enclose internally various electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for the computer system  750 . 
     In order to alert a user to a particular status of the computer system  750 , each of the components (base, monitor) may include an indicator  760 . For example, each of the components may include a power/sleep indicator that alerts a user as to when the components are on/off or in a sleep mode. The indicators  760  are typically illuminated when the component is on, and not illuminated when the component is off. Furthermore, the indicator may turn on and off or cycle with increasing or decreasing intensity (ebb) when in sleep mode. 
     Indicators have been used in computer systems  750  for a long time. Unlike conventional indicators, however, the indicators  760  shown in  FIG. 40  use the principles described in the previous embodiments. Mainly, that a light source disposed inside the housing  756  is configured to illuminate a portion of the housing  756  thereby causing the housing  756  to change its appearance, i.e., change its color. By way of example, a change in color may indicate a change in status of the system. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 41A and 41B , the indicator image  762  appears on the surface of the housing  756  when the indicator is on, and it disappears from the surface of the housing  756  when the indicator is off One advantage of this type of indicator is that there is no trace of the indicator  760  when the indicator  760  is off. The indicator  760  only exists when the indicator  760  is turned on. Furthermore, the indicator  760  avoids substantial breaks, lines, pits, protrusions in the surface of the housing  756 , which are aesthetically unpleasing and degrade the look of the computer system. In conventional indicators, the indicator always exists at the surface of the housing. As should be appreciated, conventional indicators typically include a small clear plastic insert, which is located in front of an LED, and which is inserted within an opening in the housing thus causing it to protrude outside the housing. Substantial breaks also exist at the interface between the insert and housing thereby making it visually unappealing. Alternatively, the LED itself may be placed in the opening in the housing. This, however, also typically protrudes from the housing and may also include substantial gaps. 
       FIG. 42  is a diagram of an indicator  770 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The indicator  770  may for example be used in a computer system such as the one described in  FIG. 40  or another type of electronic device. As shown in  FIG. 42 , the indicator  770  includes a light source  772  that is placed behind a housing  774 . At least some portion of the housing  774  in close proximity to the light source  772  is illuminable, i.e., can be lit up. Generally speaking, an indicator image such as that shown in  FIG. 41  is formed at the outer surface  782  of the illuminable portion  776 , and may even glow, when light is made incident on the inner surface  784  of illuminable portion  776  via the light source  772 . 
     The light source  772  may be widely varied, however, in most cases it includes an LED or group of LEDs. By way of example, the light source  772  may include red, blue, green and/or white LEDs. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source  772  includes a pair of surface mount LEDs  786 A and  786 B that are in close proximity to one another and that are attached to a printed circuit board  788 . The surface mount LED  786 A includes red, green and blue LEDs, and the surface mount LED  786 B includes a white LED. The red, green, blue and white LEDs work together to produce the different colors of the color spectrum (e.g., mixing). This particular arrangement allows a computer system to change the color of the indicator according to specific tasks being performed in the computer system. In some cases, a UV-LED may be used. 
     The illuminable portion  776 , which may include one or more layers, is typically formed from a light passing material(s) that is translucent or semi-translucent. The translucency of the illuminable portion  776  is configured to allow the passage of light therethrough while preventing the user from clearly seeing or distinguishing objects through it as for example the light source  772 . That is, the illuminable portion  776  transmits light while causing sufficient diffusion to prevent perception of distinct objects located behind it. The illuminable portion  776  may, for example, include a light diffusing means located either internal or external to the illuminable portion  776  (see  FIGS. 17A-17C ). In one implementation, the illuminable portion  776  is a thin section of a white plastic housing. 
     In one particular embodiment, the illuminable portion  776  of the housing  774  is formed from multiple layers. For example, the housing  774  may include a transparent outer layer that forms an outer peripheral portion of the housing  774  and a translucent inner layer that forms an inner peripheral portion of the housing  774 . These layers can be located at various locations relative to one another, however, in most cases they are placed against one another and may even be molded or attached to one another thereby forming a single unit. The translucent inner layer is configured to mask out the undesirable internal components located within the housing  774  while providing a uniform, clean look for the housing  774  when viewed from the outer surface  782  of the housing  774  as for example through the transparent outer layer. The translucent inner layer is also configured to transmit light therethrough in order to be illuminable. This arrangement offers an appealing aesthetic look without being hampered by components internal to the housing  774 . 
     The inner layer can be formed from a variety of translucent or semi translucent materials and can be any of a variety of different colors or multiple colors. The outer layer, on the other hand, can be formed from a variety of clear materials such as clear plastic or glass. In one implementation, the outer layer is a thin sheet of clear plastic and the inner layer is a thin sheet of white plastic. As should be appreciated, the white surface provides the superior medium for producing different colors on the housing  774  via the light source  772 . 
     Although the light source  772  may be capable of producing shaped images, other means may be necessary to produce an indicator image with a desired shape. In cases such as these, the indicator  770  may include a masking element that blocks light from passing through some areas of the illuminable housing  774  while allowing light to pass through other areas of the illuminable housing  774 . The masking element generally includes an opening corresponding to the image to be illuminated. The light passing through the opening is projected onto the illuminable housing  774  thereby forming an image on the illuminable housing  774 . The indicator image is typically provided in the illuminable housing  774  in the vicinity of the opening. The light passing through the opening passes through the illuminable housing  774  to produce an illuminated image at an outer surface of the illuminable housing  774 . The shape of the image formed on the illuminable housing  774  typically corresponds to the shape of the opening. The shape of the opening and thus the image may be widely varied. For example, it may be a simple shape such a circle, rectangle, square, triangle, etc. or it may be a more complex shape such as an icon, logo, etc. 
       FIG. 43  is a diagram of a housing indicator system  800 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The housing indicator system  800  includes a light source  802 , a mask  804  and an illuminable housing portion  806 . The light source  802  is capable of producing very bright illumination. The illuminable housing portion  806 , which may be the entire housing or some smaller component, is configured to be translucent such that it transmits light without permitting objects disposed behind it to be distinctly seen, i.e., allows light to pass through diffusely (partially transparent). The mask  804 , on the other hand, blocks the light from illuminating all but the part of the illuminable housing portion  806  that is desired to be illuminated. The mask  804  generally includes an opening  808  having a shape that corresponds to the image desired to be created. During operation, the image is created when light is projected through the opening  808 , i.e., the image is transferred to the outer surface  810  of the illuminable housing portion  806  where it can be seen by a user. 
     While a mask  804  has been generally shown and discussed it should be noted that other masking elements may be used. For example, the masking element may come in the form of a light guide or light pipe that can form an image by directing light to a specific area. The light guide and pipe may further help guide light from one area to another such as when the light source is at a remote location. By way of example,  FIG. 44  shows a light guide  812  forming an image on the illuminable housing portion  806  via the light source  802  (see also  FIG. 25 ) and  FIG. 45  shows a light pipe  814  forming an image on the illuminable housing portion  806  via the light source  802  (see also  FIG. 24 ). 
     It may be further desirable to produce sharp indicator images that do not have blurred edges. As should be appreciated, light may bleed through the illuminable housing portion  806  thereby causing a distorted image, especially at the edges of the image. By way of example,  FIG. 46  shows a fuzzy indicator image  816  and a crisp indicator image  818 . Several embodiments for making sharp images as shown in  FIG. 46  will now be described. 
       FIG. 47  is a diagram of a housing indicator system  820 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The housing indicator system  820  includes a housing  822  and a light source  824  disposed behind the housing  822 . The light source  772  may be placed adjacent the inner surface of the housing  822  or it may be spaced away. The light source  824  may, for example, include one or more LEDs such as a RGB LED and a white LED. The housing  822  includes at least an inner bezel  826  having a light receiving recess  828  that forms a reduced thickness portion  830  in the inner bezel  826 . The reduced thickness portion  830  is configured to be translucent while the thicker portions  832  of the inner bezel  826  are configured to be opaque. The thicker portion  832  of the bezel  826  acts like a mask, which prevents light from passing through areas of the bezel  826  (other than the recess  828 ). The walls  834  of the recess  828  act like a light guide, which helps guide light from the light source  824  to the reduced thickness portion  830 . Because the reduced thickness portion  830  is translucent, it can be illuminated when light is introduced into the recess  828  via the light source  824 . Furthermore, the shape of the recess  828  produces an indicator image of similar shape on the outer surface  834  of the inner bezel  826 . For example, if the recess is formed as a cylinder then the indicator image will be a circle such as that shown in  FIG. 41A . 
     The thickness of the reduced thickness portion  830  can be adjusted to effect the intensity of the illumination provided. For example, the thickness can be made larger to reduce its translucency (thus making the intensity of the illumination at the outer surface smaller) or it can be decreased to increase its translucency (thus making the intensity of the illumination at the outer surface greater). The thickness of the reduced thickness portion can also be adjusted to effect what can be seen therethrough, i.e., if it is too thin a user may be able to see the light source disposed behind it. In most cases, the thickness is designed to produce the greatest amount of illumination while still preventing objects disposed behind it from being distinctly seen. 
     In one embodiment, the inner bezel  826  is formed from a white material so that it acts like a canvas to the light colors created by the light source  824 . For example, if the light source  824  produces red light then the reduced thickness portion  830  turns red. The housing  822  may additionally include a clear outer bezel  836 . The clear outer bezel  836  cooperates with the inner bezel  826  to form the housing  822 . 
       FIG. 48  is a diagram of a housing indicator system  840 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Like the housing indicator system shown in  FIG. 47 , the housing indicator system  840  shown herein includes a recess  828  having reduced thickness portion  830 . However, unlike the housing indicator system of  FIG. 47 , the housing indicator system  840  includes an illuminable plug  842  that is inserted or formed into the recess  828 . The illuminable plug  842  operates as a light guide/pipe for directing the light from the light source  824  to the reduced thickness portion  830 . The illuminable plug  842  may for example be formed from a clear or translucent material. In the case of UV LEDs, the illuminable plug  842  may additionally include UV brighteners. 
     The illuminable plug  842  generally includes a light receiving area  844  for collecting light and an illuminating area  846  for emitting light. The illuminable plug  842  directs light from the light source  824  through the light plug  842  from the light receiving area  844  to the illuminating area  846 . The illuminating area  846  is adjacent the reduced thickness portion  830  so that light emanating from the illuminating area  846  travels to the inner surface of the reduced thickness portion  830  and subsequently through the reduced thickness portion  830  thereby illuminating the reduced thickness portion  830  at its outer surface  834 . 
     The illuminable plug  842  may include a protruding member  848 , which extends away from the inner bezel  826  when the illuminable plug  842  is positioned in the recess  828 . The protruding member  848  may include a void or recess  850 . The light source  824  may be positioned, at least in part, in the void  850  so that the light plug  842  captures a larger portion of the light being generated therefrom, i.e., the protrusion surrounds the light source  824 . The shape of the light plug  842  coincides with the shape of the recess  828 . 
       FIG. 49  is a diagram of a housing indicator system  860 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Like the housing indicator system shown in  FIGS. 47 and 48 , the housing indicator system  860  includes a recess  828  having reduced thickness portion  830  and an illuminable plug  862  that is inserted or formed into the recess  828 . Unlike the illuminable plug shown in  FIG. 48 , however, the illuminable plug  862  includes a light barrier  864  at its peripheral surface. The light barrier  864  is configured to prevent light from emanating out of the sides of the illuminable plug  862 . For example, the light barrier  864  may be formed from an opaque material. 
     In one particular embodiment, the illuminable plug  862  is formed by a transmissive portion  866  at its interior and a reflective portion  868  at its exterior. Because the exterior of the illuminable plug  862  is reflective, the light reflects off the sides of the illuminable plug  862  as it travels from the light receiving area  844  to the illuminating area  846 . The reflective portion  868  also prevents light from bleeding through the side walls of the recess  828 . When light is made incident on the light receiving area  844 , the light is transmitted to the illuminating area  846  where it emits the light onto the reduced thickness portion  830 . 
     Although generally described as a continuous piece of the inner bezel, the illuminable portion could also be provided by a separate piece of translucent material (e.g., plug or insert) that is inserted and affixed within an opening or hole in a translucent or non-translucent inner bezel. Like the inner bezel, the translucent material can be any of a variety of different colors or multiple colors although in most cases it would correspond to the color of the inner bezel in order to simulate a continuous piece. By continuous piece, it is generally meant that the surface of the inner bezel does not include substantial breaks, lines, pits, that tend to make the housing aesthetically unpleasing and degrade the overall look of the computer system. 
       FIG. 50  is a diagram of a housing indicator system  870 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the system  870  includes an illuminable plug  872  similar to  FIG. 48 , however, unlike  FIG. 48 , the inner bezel  826  includes an opening  874  rather than a recess. The opening  874  forms a through hole from the inner surface  833  of the inner bezel  826  to the outer surface  834  of the inner bezel  826 . The illuminable plug  872  is disposed inside the opening  874 . The illuminating area  846  of the light plug  872  becomes the illuminable area of the housing  822 . In most cases, the illuminating area  846  of the light plug  842  is flush with the outer surface of the inner bezel  826  to produce a uniform and continuous appearance. The shape of the light plug  842  coincides with the shape of the opening  874 . In this manner, there are substantially no gaps between the side of the light plug  842  and the inside surface of the opening  874 . In some cases, the inner bezel is molded around the illuminable plug in order to eliminate any gaps there between. In essence the two pieces are fused together. 
       FIG. 51  is a diagram of a housing indicator system  880 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the housing indicator system  880  includes a illuminable plug  882  similar to  FIG. 50 , however, unlike  FIG. 50 , the illuminable plug  882  further includes a screen member  884  adjacent the illuminating area  846  of the illuminable plug  882 . The screen member  884  acts like the reduced thickness portion  830  described above. Although the screen member  884  can be formed from various colors, it is typically configured to match the color of the inner bezel  826 . By doing so, the inner bezel  826  appears as a single continuous part. The two pieces may be formed from similar materials or from dissimilar materials. In one particular implementation, the inner bezel  826  and screen member  884  are formed from the same white plastic material. 
       FIG. 52  is a diagram of a housing indicator system  890 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the housing indicator system  890  includes a illuminable plug  892  similar to  FIG. 51 , however, unlike  FIG. 51 , the illuminable plug  892  includes a light barrier  894  at its peripheral surface. Similar to the light barrier discussed in  FIG. 49 , the light barrier  894  is configured to prevent light from emanating out of the sides of the illuminable plug  892  thereby reflecting more of the light through the screen member  884 . In this particular implementation, it is generally preferable to use a light barrier  894  with minimal thickness in order to prevent a visible joint at the light plug/bezel interface. As should be appreciated, a substantial thickness may appear as a line at the outer surface of the inner bezel  826  when the light plug  892  is positioned within the opening  874 . In some cases, it may be only desirable to extend the light barrier  894  to the inner surface of the screen member  884 . In this manner, the screen member  884  can hide any lines created by the light barrier  894 . 
     The methods of manufacturing the arrangements discussed above may be widely varied. By way of example, the bezels may be produced via molding, machining or the like and may be attached using any suitable means (e.g., fasteners, adhesives, molding, etc.). Similar to the bezels, the light plugs may be produced by molding, machining and the like. Furthermore, the light plug may be attached to the bezel using any suitable means as for example press fitting, molding, adhesives, etc. Moreover, the light barrier formed on the surface of the light plug may be formed by plating, deposition, painting, etc. In addition, the screen member may be formed on the surface of the light plug via molding, adhesives, etc. 
     Several examples of manufacturing steps will now be discussed. In one implementation, the light plug and inner bezel including the recess or opening are molded separately. After molding, the light plug is press fit into the recess or opening of the bezel. After press fitting, the outer bezel is molded over the inner bezel and light plug. In another implementation, the light plug is molded. After molding the light plug, the inner bezel is molded around the light plug. After molding the inner bezel, the outer bezel is molded over the inner bezel and light plug. In yet another implementation, the light plug is produced by first molding the light plug, thereafter molding the screen member over the light plug, and thereafter plating a light barrier on the outer peripheral surface of the light plug. 
       FIG. 53  is a diagram of a housing indicator system  900 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The housing indicator system  900  includes a housing  902  and an indicator assembly  904 . The housing  902  includes a clear layer  902 A and a translucent layer  902 B. Both layers are typically formed from plastic materials. The layers  902  may be attached using any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, the two layers  902  are molded together. As shown, the translucent layer  902 B includes a light receiving recess  906  that forms a reduced thickness portion  907 . The reduced thickness portion  907  represents that area of the translucent layer  902 B that is illuminated in order to indicate that an event has occurred. 
     The indicator assembly  904 , on the other hand, includes a light directing system  908  and a light source  909 . The light source  909  is configured to provide light to the reduced thickness portion  908 . The light source  909  may for example include a RGB LED  909 A and a white LED  909 B, both of which are attached to a printed circuit board  910 . The light directing system  908  is configured to direct the light from the light source  909  to the reduced thickness portion  907 . 
     The light directing system  908  includes a light barrier  911  configured to prevent light from entering the translucent layer  902 B except at the reduced thickness portion  907 . The light barrier  911  in particular covers the sides of the recess  906  and a portion of the inner surface of the translucent layer  902 B that surrounds the recess  906 . The light barrier  911  may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the light barrier  911  is a thin metal disk, which is positioned within the recess  906  and over a portion of the translucent layer  902 B. More particularly, the thin metal disk includes a tube portion  912  that inserts into the recess  906  and a flange portion  913  that covers an inner surface of the translucent layer  902 B. The thin metal disk may for example be press fit into the recess  906 . 
     The light directing system  908  also includes a light guide  914  for directing the light from the light source  909  to the reduced thickness portion  907 . The light guide  914  is positioned within the space provided between the translucent layer  902 B and the printed circuit board  910 . The light guide  914  may be attached to the light barrier  911 , translucent layer  902 B, light source  909 , and/or the printed circuit board  910 . The light guide  914  may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the light guide  914  is a light tube formed from opaque white plastic. The opaque white plastic helps to mix and distribute the light evenly. The light tube generally includes an opening  915  that has a shape and dimension that coincides with the shape and dimension of the recess  906 . In order to seal the interfaces, gaskets  916  may be provided between the light tube and the translucent layer  902 B and between the tube and the printed circuit board  910 . The gaskets  916  help prevent light from escaping out of the light directing system  908  while providing some manufacturing tolerance. The light tube may be attached to the light barrier/translucent layer and/or the light source/printed circuit board using any suitable means. In some cases, the light tube is not directly attached, but rather sandwiched between the printed circuit board  910  and the translucent layer  902 B. 
       FIG. 54  is a diagram of the various layers of a computer system  920  with a light feature  921 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the light feature  921  may be used in a manner to illuminate a portion of an entire enclosure of the computing system  920  or another component coupled to the computing system  920 . The computing system  920  generally includes a user interface  922 . The user interface  922  allows a user to input and receive data. For example, the user may input data via a keyboard or mouse and may receive data through a graphical user interface located on a display. The computing system  920  also includes an operating system  924 . The operating system  924  is software that controls the computing system  920  and its peripheral devices. The operating system  924  also serves as a bridge between the computing system  920  and the software running on it as for example color software  926 . Operating systems are generally well known and will not be described in greater detail. By way of example, the operating system may correspond to OS/2, DOS, Unix, Linux and the like. 
     The color software  926  is software that includes a set of instructions that tell the computer system  920  what to do with the light feature  921 . The color software  926  may be application software that enables a user to perform and accomplish specific tasks in the computer system  920  or it may be part of the operating software  924  that controls the overall activity of the computing system  920 . The color software  926  may be broken up into several components. Each component may be associated with a particular program such as a music program, movie video editing program, sleep behavior program, enclosure illumination program or the like. 
     The computer system also includes software drivers  928  for enabling communication between the software  926  and a main processor  930 . 
     The main processor  930  is configured to control the computing system  920 . The main processor  930  is typically responsible for interpreting instructions gathered from input devices and transmitting the results to output devices. The main processor  930  typically takes the form of an integrated circuit although it may include other circuitry. The computing system  920  may additionally include a special management unit (SMU)  932 , which can assist the main processor  930  or perform special tasks in the computing system  900 . By way of example, the SMU  932  may be an auxiliary integrated circuit that continuously receives power so as to provide operations when the main processor  930  is in sleep mode. Although shown as a separate component, the SMU  932  may be integral with the main processor  930  in some circumstances. 
     The computer system  920  also includes one or more light drivers  934  that are configured to drive one or more light sources  936 . There is generally one light driver  934  for each light source  936 . The light drivers  934  are configured convert control signals as for example from the main processor  930  or SMU  932  into a form that can be used to illuminate the light sources  936  in a manner desired by the computing system  930 . By way of example, the control signal, which may be a duty cycle signal, may be converted into a voltage signal and/or current signal that drive the intensity of the light sources  936 . 
     In one embodiment, the light drivers  934  are configured to convert a duty cycle signal into a voltage and further into a stable continuous current that is driven through the light sources  936 . By continuous, it is generally meant that the voltage or the current passing through the light source  916  is not switched on and off. One advantage of driving the light sources  936  with a continuous current is that the connection between the light drivers  934  and light sources  936  can traverse a large distance. The light sources  936  can therefore be placed at remote locations relative to the light drivers  934 . In most products, it is not conceivable to place the light source  936  in close proximity to the light drivers  914  since the location of the two mechanisms is controlled by different considerations. For example, the location of the light source  936  is controlled by industrial design and the location of the light drivers  934  are constrained by routing considerations relative to other chips and circuitry. 
     To elaborate, significant problems arise when the current is switched on and off and the current line, which connects the light sources  936  to the light drivers  934 , traverses some degree of distance. As the current gets switched on and off, it emits radiation (e.g., capacitive coupling, magnetic coupling) that causes interference. The interference is most notable in audio microphone input amplifiers as it produces a hum through the speakers. The interference may also be noticeable in other low level inputs such as sensor inputs. By providing a continuous current, the system  920  no longer has an undesirable periodic current or voltage being switched and therefore the light source connection can traverse a long distance without causing interference. 
     Although continuous, the voltage or current level may be adjusted to achieve various levels of light intensity at each of the light sources  936 . For example, the current level may be made low to produce low intensity light and the current level can be made high to produce a high intensity current. By varying the light intensity, one or more light effects whether static or dynamic may be formed. 
     In one embodiment, the light feature  921  includes a plurality of light sources  936 , each of which is capable of emitting a different color of light. The intensity of each of the plural light sources  936  can be adjusted between low and high to produce different light effects. In one implementation, the light feature  921  includes at least a red, green and blue light source so that almost any color in the color spectrum can be produced. (e.g., color mixing). By way of example, in order to produce bright red, the red light can be placed at a high level and the other lights can be placed at a low level (off). In order to produce pink, the red light can be placed at a medium level and the other lights can be placed at a low level (off). In order to produce a deep purple, the red and blue light can be placed at a high level and the green light can be placed at a low level (off). 
     Furthermore, although white light can be produced by mixing red, blue and green light together, it is typically not an accurate white. In order to get a real accurate white, the light feature  921  may further include a white light source. The white light can be used alone to produce white or in combination with the other colors to effect hue. For example, in order to produce pink, the white light can be place at a high level and the red light can be placed at a moderate level while keeping the other lights at a very low level. The light sources may be any of those described previously (e.g., LED), and further may be configured to illuminate a translucent housing in any of the manners previously described (e.g., enclosure, indicator, etc.). 
       FIG. 55  is a diagram of light assembly  940 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The light assembly  940  generally includes a processor  942 , a plurality of light drivers  944  and a plurality of LEDs  946 . By way of example, these components may generally correspond to the SMU, light drivers and light sources discussed in  FIG. 54 . In this embodiment, the processor  942  includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) unit  948  having multiple channels  950  with a programmable duty cycle that controls the light intensity at each of the LEDs  946 . The number of channels typically varies according to the number of LEDs used, i.e., there is a channel for each LED  946 . In the illustrated embodiment, the light assembly  940  includes at least a red, green, blue and white LED and therefore there are four channels  950  each corresponding to a different color. There is also a light driver  944  for each LED  946 . The light driver  944  is positioned between the processor  942  and the LED  946 . The light driver  944  is configured to convert the PWM signal into a steady continuous current capable of driving the LEDs  946 . In one embodiment, the light driver  944  includes a PWM to voltage converter and a voltage to current converter. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the light assembly  940  includes four light drivers  944 A-D, each of which is configured to drive a different LED  946 A-D. A first light driver  944 A is configured to drive a red LED  946 A, a second light driver  944 B is configured to drive a green LED  946 B, a third light driver  944 C is configured drive a blue LED  946 C and a fourth light driver  944 D is configured to drive a white LED  943 D. Although the red, green and blue LEDs  946 A-C may be separate components they are typically grouped together as part of an LED system. By way of example, they may be mounted to the same structural base. The white LED, on the other hand, includes its own structural base. In one particular embodiment, the RGB LED system is formed as part of a first packaged device and the white LED system is formed as part of a second packaged device. By way of example, the packaged device may be surface mount device that attached to a printed circuit board. Although separate components, the RGB LED system is typically positioned in close proximity to the white LED so as to provide color mixing. By way of example, they may be mounted in a similar location within a housing of an electronic device. 
     In an alternate embodiment to the ones shown above, the processor may include a digital to analog converter (DAC) that allows the processor to output voltages rather than PWM signals. In this embodiment, the processor includes multiple channels, each of which outputs a voltage and each of which corresponds to a distinct LED. Furthermore, because voltage is being outputted, the light drivers would only include a voltage to current converter that receivers the voltage from the processor and outputs a current to the LED. Also alternatively, the processor may include a digital to analog converter (DAC) that allows the processor to output currents rather than PWM signals or voltages. In this embodiment, the processor includes multiple channels, each of which outputs a current and each of which corresponds to a distinct LED. Furthermore, because current is being outputted, the light drivers can be eliminated, i.e., the current from the processor is outputted directly to the LED. 
     Although steady and continuous current output is generally desired for the aforementioned reasons, in some cases it may not be possible for each light source. That is, at least one light source may be required to use a different control circuit. For example, in some cases, a light assembly  952  may include a light switch  954  instead of a light driver as shown in  FIG. 56 . In the circuit that includes the light switch  954 , the current is left at a constant level, i.e., does not vary as with the light drivers  944 . The light switch  954 , which has two states (on and off), is controlled by the PWM output. The PWM output effects the duration at any one state. The duration that the switch  954  stays at any one state is used to vary the intensity at the light source  946  associated with the light switch  954 . For example, in order to produce bright illumination, the switch  954  may be left on for 99 ms and turned off for 1 ms. In order to produce dim illumination, the switch  954  may be left on for 1 ms and turned off for 99 ms. In the illustrated embodiment, the light switch  954  is used to drive the white LED  946 D while light drivers  944 A-C are used to drive the red, green and blue LEDs  946 A-C. 
       FIG. 57  is a simplified diagram of a light driver  960 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the light driver  960  may correspond to the light driver  944  shown in  FIGS. 55 and 56 . The light driver  960  generally includes a pair of converters  962  and  964 . The first converter  962  is configured to convert a PWM signal to DC voltage. The first converter  962  receives the PWM signal from the processor for example, and outputs a voltage signal to the second converter  964 . The second converter  964 , on the other hand, is configured to convert the voltage signal into a current signal. The second converter  964  receives the voltage signal from the first converter  962 , for example, and outputs a current signal to the associated light source. 
     In operation, the PWM signal has a duty cycle that is proportional to the desired intensity of an associated light source. Like the duty cycle, the voltage is also proportional to the desired intensity of the associated light source. In one particular embodiment, the voltage is between about 0 mV to about 500 mV. The lower half of this range generally corresponds to the lower half of the duty cycle while the upper half of this range generally corresponds to the upper half of the duty cycle. Like the voltage, the current is also proportional to the intensity of the desired light source. In one particular embodiment, the current is between about 0 mA to about 20 mA milliamperes. The lower half of this range generally corresponds to the lower half of the voltage while the upper half of this range generally corresponds to the upper half of the voltage. By way of example, the voltage to current converter may correspond to a transimpendance amplifier or gm stage. 
       FIG. 58  is an exemplary circuit diagram of light driver  970 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The circuit diagram may represent the light drivers shown in the previous Figures. The light driver  970  is configured to receive PWM input from an SMU and to output a steady continuous current to an LED based on the PWM input. The light driver  970  is generally placed in close proximity to the SMU and may be placed remotely from the LED. This can be done for the aforementioned reasons, i.e., the light drivers output a continuous current and therefore they don&#39;t create interference when they a placed a far distance from the light driver  970 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 58 , each of the light drivers  970  includes a PWM to DC voltage converter  972  and a voltage to current converter  974 . Each of the PWM to DC voltage converters  972  is configured to receive a PWM input signal from the SMU. The PWM to DC voltage converter  972  is also configured to convert the PWM signal into a DC voltage. The DC voltage is based on the received PWM signal. The voltage to current converters  974  is configured to receive the outputted voltage from the PWM to DC voltage converter  972 . The voltage to current converters  974  is also configured to convert the DC voltage into a steady and continuous current. The current is based on the received DC voltage. The current outputted from the voltage to current converter  974  is received by an associated LED in order to illuminate the LED. 
       FIG. 59  is an exemplary circuit diagram of light switch  980 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The circuit diagram may represent the light switch shown in the previous Figure. The light switch  980  is configured to receive PWM input from an SMU and to output a time multiplexed signal to an LED based on the PWM input. The light switch is generally placed in close proximity to the SMU and the LED. 
       FIG. 60  is a diagram of a graphical user interface  1000 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The GUI  1000  represents the visual display panel for displaying the light profiles of one or more light sources on a computer display screen. Through the GUI  1000 , the user may quickly and conveniently review the light settings associated with the light source(s) and make changes thereto. The GUI  1000  serves as a control panel for reviewing and/or customizing the light options associated with the various light sources. 
     As shown, the GUI  1000  includes a window frame  1002  that defines a window  1004 . The window  1004  generally contains one or more illumination fields  1006  including but not limited to housing illumination, indicator illumination, keyboard illumination and the like. The illumination fields  1006  are generally opened via a field button  1008 , i.e., by selecting the field button the corresponding illumination field is presented to the user. The contents of the illumination fields may be widely varied. The contents may include one or more on screen options, switches, labels, warnings and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the field  1006  includes one or more illumination actions  1010 , and one or more illumination attributes  1012 . 
     The illumination actions  1010  include the various actions that may be taken by a particular illumination component, i.e., housing, indicator, keyboard, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the field  1004  is dedicated to indicator illumination, and more particularly an on/off sleep indicator. Thus, the illumination actions  1010  may include “on” action  1014  and “sleep” action  1016 . The “on” action  1014 , if it is enabled, instructs a computer system to illuminate a light source associated with an indicator when the computer hardware is turned on. The “sleep” action  1016 , if it is enabled, instructs a computer system to illuminate the light source when the computer hardware is in a sleep mode (not in use but still on). 
     The illumination attributes  1012 , on the other hand, gives the user the ability to designate an attribute of the illumination provided for each illumination action  1010 . The attributes may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, illumination attributes  1012  include a color option  1018  and an intensity option  1020 . The color option  1018  gives the user the ability to designate the color of the illumination provided for each action. The color option  1018  may come in various forms including a color palette menu that includes a plurality of basic colors that may be selected. The color option  1018  may also come in a color wheel menu that includes a much larger number of colors formed by the basic colors. The color option  1018  may also come in a color spectrum menu including all the colors in the color spectrum as for example using standard RGB color mixing. When a user selects a particular color in one of these menus, the color is typically indicated as a word (as shown) or visually in a color box, i.e., if a user selects red, then the color box is filled with red. 
     The light intensity option  1020  gives the user the ability to designate a particular light intensity of the illumination provided for each action. The light intensity may be set at one particular intensity or it may be variable or dynamic. When set at one intensity (static), the light source maintains a constant light intensity during operation. The user may be able to select the intensity via a slider bar. For example, by moving the slider, the user may increase or decrease the intensity. When intensity is variable, the light intensity is configured to vary or fluctuate during operation (e.g., blinking on and off). The light intensity of sleep indicators, for example, is generally designed to fade in and out between a minimum and maximum value so as to indicate that the computer system is in a sleep mode. As should be appreciated, the variable light intensity may be time dependent and thus it may include a menu for selecting how the light intensity varies over time. 
     It should be noted that the GUI configuration shown in  FIG. 60  is not a limitation and that the configuration may vary according to the specific needs of each light source. For example, each light source may have different light requirements and therefore the GUI may need to be modified. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140408
Publication Date: 20171024
Grant Date: 20171024
Priority Date: 20010615
Inventors: KERR DUNCAN R.
HOTELLING STEVEN P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2354/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10S362/80", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B47/175", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10S362/80", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09G2354/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B37/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B37/0245", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10S362/80", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F21S2/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B47/196", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B47/1985", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B47/165", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05B47/165", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 34911318