U.S. patent application number 16/143444 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-02 for computing device and input device thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Primax Electronics Ltd.. Invention is credited to Chung-Yuan Chen, Chuan-Tai Hsiao, Wei-Chiang Huang, Ming-Hui Yeh.
Application Number | 20200004130 16/143444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68841476 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200004130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang; Wei-Chiang ; et
al. |
January 2, 2020 |
COMPUTING DEVICE AND INPUT DEVICE THEREOF
Abstract
A computing device and an input device are provided. Each of the
computing device and the input device includes a control unit, a
light source, a projection plate and a casing. The control unit,
the light source and the projection plate are accommodated within
the casing. The light source emits light beams. The projection
plate includes a pattern. After the light beams pass through the
projection plate, the light beams are projected outside the casing
and an image corresponding to the pattern of the projection plate
is formed on a projection surface that is located outside the
casing. Since the projection plate is cheap and small, the
fabricating cost of the computing device or the input device is
reduced and the purpose of developing the computing device or the
input device toward light weightiness, slimness and small size is
achievable.
Inventors: |
Huang; Wei-Chiang; (Taipei,
TW) ; Chen; Chung-Yuan; (Taipei, TW) ; Hsiao;
Chuan-Tai; (Taipei, TW) ; Yeh; Ming-Hui;
(Taipei, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Primax Electronics Ltd. |
Taipei |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
68841476 |
Appl. No.: |
16/143444 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/03543 20130101;
G03B 21/145 20130101; G06F 3/02 20130101; G06F 3/0202 20130101;
G03B 21/001 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101; G03B 29/00 20130101;
G06F 3/0354 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03B 29/00 20060101
G03B029/00; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16; G03B 21/14 20060101
G03B021/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 29, 2018 |
TW |
107122636 |
Claims
1. An input device, comprising: a control unit in communication
with a computing device, wherein when the input device is operated
by a user, the control unit generates a control signal to the
computing device; a light source emitting plural light beams; a
projection plate comprising a pattern; A a casing, wherein the
control unit, the light source and the projection plate are
accommodated within the casing; and a connecting port, wherein
after the plural light beams are transmitted through the projection
plate, an image corresponding to the pattern is projected outside
the casing and formed on a projection surface that is located
outside the casing, and wherein the image formed on the projection
surface indicates an information about the connecting port.
2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a
first lens, wherein when the plural light beams pass through the
first lens, travelling directions of at least portions of the
plural light beams are changed, wherein the first lens is arranged
between the light source and the projection plate, or the
projection plate is arranged between the light source and the first
lens.
3. The input device according to claim 2, further comprising a
second lens, wherein when the plural light beams pass through the
second lens, travelling directions of at least portions of the
plural light beams are changed, wherein the projection plate is
arranged between the first lens and the second lens.
4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein the projection
plate is sandwiched between the first lens and the second lens, and
the first lens and the second lens are contacted with the
projection plate.
5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the projection
plate is a film.
6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein the pattern is
formed on the film through a printing process or a developing
process.
7. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the projection
surface is a desk surface where the input device is placed.
8. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device
is a mouse device or a keyboard device.
9. A computing device, comprising: a control unit, wherein when the
computing device is operated by a user, the control unit generates
a control unit to the computing device; a light source emitting
plural light beams; a projection plate comprising a pattern; a
casing, wherein the control unit, the light source and the
projection plate are accommodated within the casing; and a
connecting port, wherein after the plural light beams are
transmitted through the projection plate, an image corresponding to
the pattern is projected outside the casing and formed on a
projection surface that is located outside the casing, and wherein
the image formed on the projection surface indicates an information
about the connecting port.
10. (canceled)
11. The computing device according to claim 9, wherein when the
connecting port is being used, the light source stops emitting the
plural light beams under control of the control unit.
12. The computing device according to claim 9, further comprising a
first lens, wherein when the plural light beams pass through the
first lens, travelling directions of at least portions of the
plural light beams are changed, wherein the first lens is arranged
between the light source and the projection plate, or the
projection plate is arranged between the light source and the first
lens.
13. The computing device according to claim 12, further comprising
a second lens, wherein when the plural light beams pass through the
second lens, travelling directions of at least portions of the
plural light beams are changed, wherein the projection plate is
arranged between the first lens and the second lens.
14. The computing device according to claim 13, wherein the
projection plate is sandwiched between the first lens and the
second lens, and the first lens and the second lens are contacted
with the projection plate.
15. The computing device according to claim 9, wherein the
projection plate is a film.
16. The computing device according to claim 15, wherein the pattern
is formed on the film through a printing process or a developing
process.
17. The computing device according to claim 9, wherein the
projection surface is a desk surface where the computing device is
placed.
18. The computing device according to claim 9, wherein the
computing device is a notebook computer.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a computing device and an
input device, and more particularly to a computing device and an
input device with a projecting function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the information age, most people rely on the help of
computers to complete their tasks in order to work efficiently. The
common input device of a computer includes for example a mouse
device, a keyboard device, a trackball device, or the like.
Moreover, for increasing the application and entertainment, an
input device with a projecting function has been introduced into
the market.
[0003] Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic
perspective view illustrating the outward appearance of a
conventional mouse device. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the
concepts of the projecting function of the mouse device as shown in
FIG. 1. The conventional mouse device 1 comprises a casing 11,
left/right buttons 12, a LCD panel 13, a microcontroller (not
shown), a magnifying lens 14, a projection light source 15 and a
light-transmissible projection panel 16. The left/right buttons 12
are exposed outside the casing 11 so as to be operated by the user.
The microcontroller, the LCD panel 13 and the projection light
source 15 are accommodated within the casing 11. Moreover, the
microcontroller is electrically connected with the LCD panel 13.
The light-transmissible projection panel 16 is installed on the
casing 11 and located at a focusing position of the magnifying lens
14. The image shown on the LCD panel 13 is controlled by the
microcontroller. The projection light source 15 emits a light beam
to the LCD panel 13. When the associated information is shown on
the LCD panel 13 under control of the microcontroller and in
response to the light beam from the projection light source 15, the
image shown on the LCD panel 13 is enlarged by the magnifying lens
14. The enlarged image is projected onto the light-transmissible
projection panel 16 so as to be viewed by the user. The technology
of the mouse device 1 is disclosed in Taiwanese Utility Model No.
TWM385747, which is entitled "Projection mouse" and detailed
descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0004] As mentioned above, the input device is equipped with the
LCD panel to provide the projecting function. However, the
installation of the LCD panel increases the fabricating cost of the
input device. Moreover, the bulky volume of the LCD panel is
detrimental to the development of the input device toward light
weightiness, slimness and small size. In other words, the
conventional input device with the projecting function needs to be
further improved. Moreover, the computing device with the
projecting function has not been disclosed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention provides a computing
device and an input device with the projecting function. Each of
the computing device and the input device includes a light source
and a projection plate. Since the projection plate is cheap and
small, the fabricating cost of the computing device or the input
device is reduced and the purpose of developing the computing
device or the input device toward light weightiness, slimness and
small size is achievable.
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an input device. The input device includes a control
unit, a light source, a projection plate and a casing. The control
unit is in communication with a computing device. When the input
device is operated by a user, the control unit generates a control
signal to the computing device. The light source emits plural light
beams. The projection plate includes a pattern. The control unit,
the light source and the projection plate are accommodated within
the casing. After the plural light beams are transmitted through
the projection plate, an image corresponding to the pattern is
projected outside the casing and formed on a projection surface
that is located outside the casing.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a computing device. The computing device includes
a control unit, a light source, a projection plate and a casing.
When the computing device is operated by a user, the control unit
generates a control unit to the computing device. The light source
emits plural light beams. The projection plate includes a pattern.
The control unit, the light source and the projection plate are
accommodated within the casing. After the plural light beams are
transmitted through the projection plate, an image corresponding to
the pattern is projected outside the casing and formed on a
projection surface that is located outside the casing.
[0008] The above objects and advantages of the present invention
will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in
the art after reviewing the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
outward appearance of a conventional mouse device;
[0010] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the concepts of the
projecting function of the mouse device as shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
outward appearance of an input device according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
outward appearance of the input device as shown in FIG. 3 and taken
along another viewpoint;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
structure of a portion of the input device as shown in FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
projection module of the input device as shown in FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion
of the projection module of the input device as shown in FIG.
6;
[0016] FIG. 8 schematically illustrating the projecting concept of
the mouse device as shown in FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a
projection module of an input device according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion
of the projection module of the input device as shown in FIG.
9;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a
projection module of an input device according to a third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion
of the projection module of the input device as shown in FIG.
11;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
outward appearance of a computing device according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
projection module of the computing device as shown in FIG. 13;
and
[0023] FIG. 15 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion
of the projection module of the computing device as shown in FIG.
14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
outward appearance of an input device according to a first
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the input
device is a mouse device 2. The mouse device 2 comprises a control
unit 21. A computing device 3 is also shown in FIG. 3. The
computing device 3 comprises a host 31 and a monitor 32. The mouse
device 2 is connected with the host 31, and thus the control unit
21 is in communication with the host 31. In FIG. 3, the mouse
device 2 is connected with the host 31 in a wired transmission
manner. Alternatively, the mouse device is connected with the host
in a wireless transmission manner. A cursor 322 and a graphic-based
window 321 are displayed on the monitor 32. When the user's palm
holds the mouse device 2 to operate the mouse device 2, the control
unit 21 generates a control signal S2 to the host 31 according to
the displacement amount of the mouse device 2. According to the
control signal S2, the cursor 322 shown on the monitor 32 is
correspondingly moved.
[0025] Please refer to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7. FIG. 4 is a schematic
perspective view illustrating the outward appearance of the input
device as shown in FIG. 3 and taken along another viewpoint. FIG. 5
is a schematic perspective view illustrating the structure of a
portion of the input device as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a
schematic perspective view illustrating the projection module of
the input device as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded
view illustrating a portion of the projection module of the input
device as shown in FIG. 6. The mouse device 2 further comprises a
casing 22 and a projection module 23A. The control unit 21 and the
projection module 23A are accommodated within the casing 22. The
casing 22 comprises a light-transmissible part 221 corresponding to
the projection module 23A. Preferably but not exclusively, the
light-transmissible part 221 is a perforation or a transparent
structure for allowing the light beam to pass through.
[0026] In this embodiment, the projection module 23A comprises a
light source 231, a first lens 232, a projection plate 233 and a
fixing element 234. The first lens 232 is arranged between the
light source 231 and the projection plate 233. The fixing element
234 is used for fixing the first lens 232 and the projection plate
233. The light source 231 emits plural light beams L2. When the
light beams L2 outputted from the light source 231 pass through the
first lens 232, the travelling directions of at least portions of
the light beams L2 are changed. In an embodiment, the first lens
232 is a concave-convex lens or a plano-convex lens, and the fixing
element 234 is a sleeve for fixing the first lens 232 and the
projection plate 233 therein. It is noted that the type of the
first lens 232, the type of the fixing element 234 and the way of
fixing the first lens 232 and the projection plate 233 are not
restricted.
[0027] The projection plate 233 has a pattern 2331. For example,
the projection plate 233 is a film. The pattern 2331 on the
projection plate 233 indicates the information to be displayed
(e.g., a logo). The pattern 2331 is formed on the film through a
printing process or a developing process. The way of forming the
pattern 2331 is well known to those skilled in the art, and is not
redundantly described herein.
[0028] The projecting operations of the mouse device 2 will be
described as follows. FIG. 8 schematically illustrating the
projecting concept of the mouse device as shown in FIG. 4. After
the light beams L2 outputted from the light source 231 pass through
the first lens 232, the light beams L2 pass through the projection
plate 233. After the light beams L2 pass through the projection
plate 233, the light beams L2 are projected outside the casing 22.
Consequently, the image 2331' corresponding to the pattern 2331 is
formed on a projection surface 4 that is located outside the casing
22. Preferably but not exclusively, the projection surface 4 is a
desk surface where the mouse device 2 is placed.
[0029] The focal distance, the size of the image 2331' on the
projection surface 4 or any other appropriate image effect may be
determined according to the optical data of the first lens 232
and/or the distance relationship between the first lens 232, the
projection plate 233 and the light source 231. The distance
relationship between the first lens 232, the projection plate 233
and the light source 231 may be specially designed by those skilled
in the art according to the practical requirements.
[0030] Please refer to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a schematic
perspective view illustrating a projection module of an input
device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion of the
projection module of the input device as shown in FIG. 9. Except
for the following aspects, the components of the input device of
this embodiment are substantially identical to those of the first
embodiment. In addition, the input device is also a mouse device.
In comparison with the first embodiment, the projection module 23B
of this embodiment further comprises a second lens 235. The
projection plate 233 is arranged between the first lens 232 and the
second lens 235. In addition, the projection plate 233 is separated
from the first lens 232 and the second lens 235. After the plural
light beams L2 pass through the projection plate 233, the plural
light beams L2 pass through the second lens 235. Consequently, the
travelling directions of at least portions of the light beams L2
are changed. In this embodiment, the first lens 232 and the second
lens 235 are concave-convex lenses. It is noted that the types of
the first lens 232 and the second lens 235 are not restricted. For
example, in another embodiment, at least one of the first lens 232
and the second lens 235 is a plano-convex lens.
[0031] Please refer to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a schematic
perspective view illustrating a projection module of an input
device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion of the
projection module of the input device as shown in FIG. 11. Except
for the following aspects, the components of the input device of
this embodiment are substantially identical to those of the second
embodiment. In this embodiment, the first lens 236 and the second
lens 237 of the projection module 23C are plano-convex lenses.
Moreover, the projection plate 233 is sandwiched between the first
lens 236 and the second lens 237. The two opposite surfaces of the
projection plate 233 are contacted with the first lens 236 and the
second lens 237, respectively. This design can reduce the overall
volume of the projection module 23C. The reduced volume of the
projection module 23C is helpful to the development of the input
device toward light weightiness, slimness and small size. It is
noted that the types of the first lens 236 and the second lens 237
are not restricted. For example, in another embodiment, at least
one of the first lens 236 and the second lens 237 is a
concave-convex lens.
[0032] From the above descriptions, the input device of the present
invention is equipped with the light source 231 and the projection
plate 233 having the pattern 2331. Consequently, the input device
of the present invention has the function of projecting the image
corresponding to the pattern 2331. Since the projection plate 233
is cheap and small, the fabricating cost of the input device is
reduced and the purpose of developing the input device toward light
weightiness, slimness and small size is achievable. It is noted
that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while
retaining the teachings of the invention.
[0033] For example, in some embodiments, the projection module 23A,
23B or 23C is not equipped with any lens. Under this circumstance,
the light beams L2 outputted from the light source 231 are directly
transmitted through the projection plate 233 and projected outside
the casing 22. In the above embodiments, the input device is the
mouse device. It is noted that numerous modifications and
alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the
invention. For example, in another embodiment, the input device is
a keyboard device with the function of projecting the image
corresponding to the pattern. In some other embodiments, the
projection plate is arranged between the light source and the first
lens.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the
outward appearance of a computing device according to an embodiment
of the present invention. In this embodiment, the computing device
5 is a notebook computer. The notebook computer comprises a control
unit 51, a casing 52 and a projection module 53. The control unit
51 and the projection module 53 are accommodated within the casing
52. The casing 52 comprises a light-transmissible part 521
corresponding to the projection module 53. Preferably but not
exclusively, the light-transmissible part 521 is a perforation or a
transparent structure for allowing the light beam to pass through.
Moreover, the computing device 5 further comprises a keyboard 54 or
a touchpad 55 to be operated by the user. When the user operates
the keyboard 54 or the touchpad 55, the control unit 51 generates a
control signal to control the computing device 5.
[0035] Please refer to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a schematic
perspective view illustrating the projection module of the
computing device as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a schematic
exploded view illustrating a portion of the projection module of
the computing device as shown in FIG. 14. In this embodiment, the
projection module 53 comprises a light source 531, a first lens
532, a projection plate 533 and a fixing element 534. The first
lens 532 is arranged between the light source 531 and the
projection plate 533. The fixing element 534 is used for fixing the
first lens 532 and the projection plate 533. The light source 531
emits plural light beams L5. When the light beams L5 outputted from
the light source 531 pass through the first lens 532, the
travelling directions of at least portions of the light beams L5
are changed. In an embodiment, the first lens 532 is a
concave-convex lens or a plano-convex lens, and the fixing element
534 is a sleeve for fixing the first lens 532 and the projection
plate 533 therein. It is noted that the type of the first lens 532,
the type of the fixing element 534 and the way of fixing the first
lens 532 and the projection plate 533 are not restricted.
[0036] The projection plate 533 has a pattern 5331. For example,
the projection plate 533 is a film. The pattern 5331 on the
projection plate 533 indicates the information to be displayed. The
pattern 5331 is formed on the film through a printing process or a
developing process. The way of forming the pattern 5331 is well
known to those skilled in the art, and is not redundantly described
herein.
[0037] The projecting operations of the computing device 5 will be
described as follows. After the light beams L5 outputted from the
light source 531 pass through the first lens 532, the light beams
L5 pass through the projection plate 533. After the light beams L5
pass through the projection plate 533, the light beams L5 are
projected outside the casing 52. Consequently, the image 5331'
corresponding to the pattern 5331 is formed on a projection surface
6 that is located outside the casing 52. Preferably but not
exclusively, the projection surface 6 is a desk surface where the
computing device 5 is placed.
[0038] In this embodiment, the computing device 5 further comprises
a connecting port 56. For example, the image corresponding to the
pattern 5331 on the projection plate 533 indicates the information
about the connecting port 56. In case that the connecting port 56
is a USB3.0 connecting port, the image corresponding to the pattern
5331 on the projection plate 533 indicates the information
"USB3.0". The image 5331' corresponding to the pattern 5331 is
projected outside the casing 52 and formed on the projection
surface 6 (e.g., a desk surface). The image 5331' on the projection
surface 6 (e.g., the desk surface) indicates the information
"USB3.0" near the connecting port 56. Consequently, the projected
image 5331' is helpful for the user to recognize the connecting
port 56. Preferably but not exclusively, when the connecting port
56 is being used, the light source 531 stops emitting the light
beams L5 under control of the control unit 51. That is, the
projecting function is disabled. Consequently, the power-saving
efficacy is enhanced.
[0039] The focal distance, the size of the image 5331' on the
projection surface 6 or any other appropriate image effect may be
determined according to the optical data of the first lens 532
and/or the distance relationship between the first lens 532, the
projection plate 533 and the light source 531. The distance
relationship between the first lens 532, the projection plate 533
and the light source 531 may be specially designed by those skilled
in the art according to the practical requirements. For example,
the projection module 53 as shown in FIG. 14 is further modified.
Each of the projection modules 23B and 23C with the two lenses (see
FIG. 9 and FIG. 11) is suitably used as the projection module of
the computing device. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the
projection module is not equipped with any lens. Under this
circumstance, the light beams L5 outputted from the light source
531 are directly transmitted through the projection plate 533 and
projected outside the casing 52. In this embodiment, the first lens
532 is arranged between the light source 531 and the projection
plate 533. It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations
may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For
example, in another embodiment, the projection plate is arranged
between the light source and the first lens.
[0040] From the above descriptions, the computing device 5 of the
present invention is equipped with the light source 531 and the
projection plate 533 having the pattern 5331. Consequently, the
input device of the present invention has the function of
projecting the image corresponding to the pattern 5331. Since the
projection plate 533 is cheap and small, the fabricating cost of
the computing device 5 is reduced and the purpose of developing the
computing device 5 toward light weightiness, slimness and small
size is achieved.
[0041] While the invention has been described in terms of what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be
limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which
are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
* * * * *