HK1138077B - Active enclosure for computing device - Google Patents

Description

Active enclosure for computing device

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application having an application date of 22/12/2004, application number 200480042692.0, entitled "active case for computing device".

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to computing devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved features for altering the appearance of a computing device.

Background

Most computing devices, including portable computers and desktop computers, give feedback to their users through a display screen or speakers. As is well known, a display screen is used to display textual or graphical information to a user, while a speaker is used to output sound to the user. For example, a display screen may be used to display a graphical user interface (GUl), while a speaker may be used to output music or audio messages. The computing device also gives feedback to the user through a small indicator disposed on the computing device. For example, some indicators utilize light to indicate that the computing device (or a display screen of the computing device) is on/off, or that a disk drive is reading data from or writing data to a disk. Although displays, speakers and indicators work well, they are limited in the type of feedback they give to the user. For example, while a movie may be played with a DVD drive of a computing device, the display screen outputs only video related to the movie, the speakers output only audio related to the movie, and the indicator indicates only that the DVD drive is playing the movie. Therefore, there is a need to provide additional feedback to the user.

The computing device also has a housing for enclosing components and circuitry related to the operation of the computing device. Enclosures are commonly used to shield and protect these components and circuitry from adverse conditions such as impact and dust, in some cases the enclosure is configured to enclose all components of the computing device, while in other cases the enclosure is configured to enclose individual components or subsets of components. For example, the housing may be used to enclose a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a display screen, a disk drive, and a speaker so as to form a single unit, or, for example, a plurality of different housings may be used to individually enclose a CPU, a display screen, a disk drive, and a speaker so as to form a plurality of separate units.

It is well known that the housings of computing devices, especially on a production line, are often manufactured to have the same appearance, i.e., they look the same. For example, shells from a particular production line may have the same box shape and/or the same neutral color. This can be somewhat frustrating for computer users who want the computer to be more personalized or for computer users who want the computer to be different from the computers of other users. More recently, manufacturers have attempted to remedy this problem by providing computing devices with brightly colored or translucent housings. For example, some computer and telephone manufacturers are now selling various housings having different colors and patterns. For example, iMAC produced by apple Computer of Cupertino, CAComputers come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Despite these recent advances to overcome substantially the same old look, the housing of the computing device is still a passive structure that presents an unalterable or unchangeable appearance. That is, a housing with a color or pattern has a single color or pattern associated with it that does not change over time.

In some devices related to displaying video, the visual experience of the video has been enhanced using external light beams. Unfortunately, however, none of the external lights can change the visual appearance of the device housing. That is, the external light is generally located outside the periphery of the housing, and is generally provided for changing the environment in which video is displayed without adequately changing the device housing itself (even in the case of using light, the appearance of the housing remains unchanged).

Accordingly, there is a need to improve the appearance of the housing of a computing device.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a computing device. The computing device includes a housing for enclosing various internal components related to the operation of the computing device. The computing device also includes an indicator assembly for indicating an event associated with the computing device. The indicator assembly is configured to generate an indicator image at an exterior surface of the housing when activated and to remove the indicator image from the exterior surface of the housing when deactivated.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a housing indicator system. The housing indicator system includes a housing having at least an inner bezel. The inner rim has a light receiving recess for forming 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 configured to illuminate the reduced thickness portion to form an indicator image at an outer surface of the inner bezel. The shape of the notch produces an indicator image having a similar shape on the outer surface of the inner bezel.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a housing indicator system. The housing indicator system includes a housing having a transparent outer layer and a translucent inner layer. The translucent inner layer includes a light receiving recess for forming a reduced thickness portion. The reduced thickness portion represents an illuminated area of the translucent layer. 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 at an area outside the reduced thickness portion; and a light guide configured to guide light from the light source to the reduced thickness portion.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a computer system. The computer system includes a processor configured to generate a light control signal. The computer system also includes an optical function operatively coupled to the processor. The light feature includes one or more light emitting diodes capable of emitting light 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 signal into a stable continuous current for driving the light emitting diode. The current intensity is based at least in part on the light control signal. The current intensity affects the light intensity of the light emitting diode.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of illuminating an enclosure. The method includes generating a light control signal associated with a desired light intensity. The method also includes converting the optical control signal to a voltage representative of the desired light intensity. The method also includes converting the voltage to a current representative of the desired light intensity. The current drives the LED to produce light. The method additionally includes directing light from the LED through the housing such that an image is formed at an exterior surface of the housing.

Drawings

The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings

Wherein like reference numerals refer to like structural elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a computer illumination process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a computer illumination process according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computer system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a computer system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a computer system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a computer system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a computer system according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an LED array according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a graphical illustration showing color mixing by the LED array of FIG. 8, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a computer according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a computer, according to one embodiment of the invention.

17A-C are cut-away cross-sectional top views of a computer wall according to several embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a computer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a computer, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a computer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

21A-D are cut-away cross-sectional top views of a computer wall according to several embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a computer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a top view of a computer, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 24 is a schematic view of a light source apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram of a light source apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 is a schematic view of a light source apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a computer having a light reflecting system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a simplified diagram of a color changing electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a cut-away view of a general-purpose computer according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a computer system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a computer system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a computer network, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of an illumination process according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a monitor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a monitor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a monitor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

37A-37F are perspective views of a monitor presenting a sequence in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 38A-38B are diagrams of a monitor presenting a sequence, according to one embodiment of the invention.

39A-39B are diagrams of a monitor presenting a sequence, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 40 illustrates a computer system including a base and a monitor, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 41A and 41B illustrate an indicator image appearing on a surface of a housing when the indicator is opened and an indicator image disappearing from the surface of the housing when the indicator is closed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a diagram of an indicator, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 44 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 45 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 46 illustrates a blurred indicator image and a sharp indicator image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 48 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 49 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 50 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 51 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 52 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 53 is a diagram of a housing indicator system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 54 is a diagram of the layers of a computer system with an optical feature, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 55 is a diagram of a light assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 56 is a diagram of a light assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 57 is a simplified diagram of an optical driver, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 58 is an exemplary circuit diagram of an optical driver according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 59 is an exemplary circuit diagram of an optical switch according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 60 is a diagram of a graphical user interface according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to electronic devices that are capable of changing their decorative or ornamental appearance, i.e. the exterior appearance seen by a user. These electronic devices typically include an illuminable housing. The illuminable housing includes at least one wall configured to transmit light therethrough and is configured to enclose, cover and protect the light apparatus and 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 performing operations related to 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 device typically includes one or more light sources and is configured to generate light that is transmitted through one or more light-transmitting walls of the illuminable housing. It will be appreciated that transmitted light illuminates one or more walls, giving the walls a new appearance, i.e., a new color, pattern, performance, brightness, and/or the like. That is, the transmitted light effectively changes the decorative appearance of the electronic device. For example, a light source capable of producing green light may cause the light-transmitting wall to emit green light.

In most cases, the light is controlled so as to produce a light effect having a particular characteristic or property. Thus, the electronic device may be configured to provide additional feedback to the user of the electronic device and enable the user to personalize or change the appearance of their electronic device on an ongoing basis. That is, the housing of the electronic device is active, rather than passive, i.e., the housing has the ability to be modified and changed. For example, light may be utilized to present housing behavior that reflects a user's desires or mood, reflects input or output of the electronic device, or reacts to tasks or events related to the operation of the electronic device.

It is contemplated that the present invention may be applied to any of a number of suitable known consumer electronic products that perform useful functions via electronic components. For example, consumer electronics may relate to computing devices and systems that process, transmit, retrieve, and/or store data. These computing devices and systems may generally involve desktop computers (combination and single-body computers), portable computers or handheld computing devices that may be conveniently transported by a user, located on a desk, floor or other surface. For example, portable computers include laptop computers, while handheld computing devices include Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and mobile phones.

Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed below with reference to fig. 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 color changing electronic device 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The word "change color" refers to the fact that the electronic device 10 is capable of changing its visual appearance.

The color changing electronic device 10 generally includes: a housing 12 configured to form an outer protective covering for the color changing electronic device 10; a light system 14 configured to adjust the illumination or coloration of the housing 12. The housing 12 of the chameleonic electronic device 10 surrounds and protects the internal components 18 disposed within it. These internal components 18 may be a plurality of electrical components that provide specific functionality to the color changing electronic device 10. For example, the internal electrical components 18 may include devices for generating, transmitting, and receiving data related to the operation of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the color changing electronic device is a component of a computer system, such as a general purpose computer. Thus, the internal electrical components may include a processor, memory, controller, I/O device, display, and/or the like.

The color changing electronic device 10 is configured to change its visual appearance by a light beam. That is, the housing 12 is configured to allow light to pass therethrough, and the light system 14 is configured to produce light that is transmitted through the housing 12. In one embodiment, the light system 14 includes a light device (not shown). The light device, which is arranged inside the housing 12 and comprises at least one light source, is configured to emit light 20 incident on the inner surface of the housing 12. It should be appreciated that the light 22 transmitted through the walls of the housing 12 changes the appearance of the housing 12, and thus the visual appearance of the color changing electronic device 10. For example, the light 20 may cause the housing 12 to emit a particular brightness such as a bright or dim light, a particular color such as green, red, or blue, a particular pattern such as a rainbow or dots, or a changing behavior such as a strobing effect or fade-in/fade-out.

In some cases, the light system 14 is arranged to cooperate with the electrical components 18. For example, events related to the electrical components 18 may be monitored, and the light system 14 may be controlled based on the monitored events. Thus, a lighting effect corresponding to a particular event may be produced. For example, the housing 12 may be configured to flash red when an event is implemented. While 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 different devices that provide different functions. That is, the electrical components 18 are generally configured to perform functions related to operating the chameleonic electronic device 10, while the light system 14 is generally configured to change the appearance of the housing 12 of the device.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a computer lighting process 30 according to one embodiment of the invention. The computer illumination process 30 is executed by a computer (or computer system) to provide an illumination effect for the computer, such as illuminating a housing associated with the computer. The lighting effect of the housing is provided by a light system. Typically, the light system is located inside the illuminated enclosure. In one embodiment, the computer corresponds to a general purpose computer such as an IBM compatible computer or an Apple compatible computer. For example, Apple-compatible computers may include different models, such as iMac, G3, G4, Cube, iBook, or Titanium models, which are manufactured by Apple Computer inc.

The computer lighting process 30 begins at block 32 and at block 32, computer related events are monitored. In one embodiment, the monitored events are recognized by an operating system or microprocessor used within the computer. These events may take many forms, such as operating system events or microprocessor events. These events may relate to, for example, signals, conditions, or states of the computer.

After block 32, the process proceeds to block 34, where at block 34, a light system associated with the computer is controlled 34 based on the monitored events to provide a decorative appearance to the housing also associated with the computer. In other words, the computer lighting process 30 is used to provide a dynamic decorative appearance to the housing of the computer that changes in accordance with monitored computer events. For example, the housing and light system generally corresponds to the housing and light system described in fig. 1. After controlling the light system at block 34, the computer lighting process 30 is complete and ends. However, it should be noted that the above-described processing may be repeatedly performed, or may be performed whenever a new event occurs.

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of a computer illumination process 40 according to another embodiment of the invention. The computer system (or computer) executes a computer illumination process 40 to provide an illumination effect for the computer system, such as illuminating a housing associated with the computer system. The lighting effect of the housing is sufficient to be provided by a light system. Typically, the light system is located inside the illuminated enclosure. In one embodiment, the computer system corresponds to a general purpose computer such as an IBM compatible computer or an Apple compatible computer. For example, Apple-compatible computers may include different models, such as iMaC, G3, G4, Cube, iBook, or Titanium models, which are manufactured by Apple Computer lnc, Of Cupertino, CA.

The computer lighting process 40 generally begins at block 42, where the hardware and software of the computer system is monitored at block 42. Here, one or more devices, units or systems associated with the computer system may be monitored. For example, the monitored device or system may include one or more of a microprocessor, an operating system, an application or utility, or an input/output (I/O) device. After block 42, the process proceeds to block 44, where status information relating to the devices, units or systems is obtained from the monitoring at block 44. For example, the state information may correspond to an I/O connectivity state, a wireless connectivity state, a network connectivity state, a processor state (e.g., sleep, power off), a program state (e.g., error, alarm, wait for input, new mail has been received, load), a remote state (e.g., retrieve information from the internet), and/or the like.

After block 44, the process proceeds to block 46 where the illumination characteristics are determined at block 46. Lighting characteristics generally refer to the manner in which a housing associated with a computer is illuminated to create a decorative appearance. The lighting characteristics are typically based on the status information and predetermined configuration information. In one embodiment, the predetermined configuration information identifies the type and nature of lighting that will be provided for particular status information (e.g., which lights to operate, how long to operate the light sources, what color the light sources output, etc.). For example, a red flash may be identified when a program status such as error is monitored.

In one embodiment, the predetermined configuration information is stored in a database. Thus, the computer references the information stored in the database to determine the lighting characteristics of a particular event. The user may access the predetermined configuration information stored in the database through a light control menu viewable on the display screen as part of the GUI interface. The light control menu may include light control settings for one or more events of the computer. In fact, the light control menu may be used as a menu for viewing and/or customizing the light control settings. In fact, the light control menu may serve as a control panel for viewing and/or customizing the light control settings, i.e., the user may quickly and conveniently view and make changes to the light control settings. Once the user saves the changes, the modified light control settings will be employed (e.g., as predetermined configuration information) to process future events transmitted and/or received by the computer.

After determining the illumination characteristic, the process proceeds to block 48 where a drive signal for a light element associated with the light system is determined based on the illumination characteristic at block 48. Typically, the optical element is disposed within a portion of the computer system. For example, the optical element may be disposed within a main housing of the computer system. In another embodiment, the optical element may be disposed within a housing of a peripheral device associated with the computer system. After determining the drive signal, the process proceeds to block 50 where the drive signal is used to control the light element at block 50. For example, the drive signal may activate one or more of the light elements described above to emit light incident on the interior surface of the housing. Once the drive signal controls the light element, the decorative appearance of the housing is changed. Typically, the housing has one or more portions configured to allow light to pass therethrough, thereby transmitting light through them, thereby achieving a decorative appearance of the housing.

After utilizing the drive signal, the process proceeds to block 52, where a determination is made as to whether the computer lighting process 40 should end at block 52. When the decision 52 determines that the computer lighting process 40 should not end, the computer lighting process 40 repeats the operation 42 and subsequent operations again so that the lighting characteristics can be continuously updated according to the status information. On the other hand, when the decision 52 determines that the computer lighting process 40 should end, the computer lighting process 40 is complete and ends. Generally, the computer illumination process 40 may be repeatedly performed, or the computer illumination process 40 may be performed in an event-driven manner.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device 60, according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the computing device 60 may correspond to the color changing electronic device 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The computing device 60 generally includes various computer components 62, as one example, these computer components 62 may correspond to the electrical components 18 in fig. 1. Computer component 62 is generally configured to process, retrieve, and store data associated with computing device 60. For example, computer components 62 may include a CPU (Central processing Unit), an I/O controller, a display controller, memory, and the like. These computer components may also include operating systems, utilities, applications, and/or the like.

The computing device 60 also includes an event monitor 64 operatively coupled to the computer component 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 of the computer components, the input data and output data may correspond to internal inputs and outputs generated between various portions of the computer components and external inputs and outputs generated outside of the computer components. For example, internal input/output may relate to data passing between a CPU and an I/O controller, while external input/output may relate to data passing between an I/O controller and an I/O device such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. In one embodiment, the event monitor is part of the functionality provided by the computer component. For example, the event monitor may be included in the CPU. In another embodiment, the event monitor provides functionality independent of the computer component. For example, the event monitor may be a separate processor chip 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 the light control signals to a light device 72, more specifically to a plurality of light elements 74 arranged inside the housing. The light control signal is typically based on events tracked by the event monitor 64. That is, when the computer component 62 processes an event, the light effect manager 70 directs the light control signal to the light element 74. The light control signal carries illumination characteristics relating to a desired light effect that each light element is to provide at the housing. That is, the light control signal sent to each light element may cause the light elements to emit the same light effect (e.g., they all emit green light of the same intensity) or different light effects (e.g., one element emits green light and the other element emits blue light). These light elements 74 work together to create a light effect that dynamically changes the decorative appearance of the housing.

In one embodiment, the light effect manager 70 is configured to determine the lighting characteristics based on the specific events (or data) monitored and the corresponding predetermined configuration information. As explained earlier, the predetermined configuration information relates to information selected and stored by the user. In one embodiment, the light effect manager 70 is part of the functionality provided by the computer component 62. For example, the light effect manager 70 may be included in a processor chip of the computing device 60, which also includes a CPU therein. In another embodiment, the light effect manager 70 provides functionality independent of the computer component. For example, the light effect manager 70 may be a separate processor chip connected to a separate chip housing the CPU.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system 100, according to one embodiment of the invention. For 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., a CPU or microprocessor), the processor 102 being configured to execute instructions and to perform operations associated with the computer system 100. For 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 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 may be coupled to the computing system 100. The I/O controller 104 typically operates by exchanging data between the computing system 100 and 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 a wired connection, such as a wire or cable. In other cases, the I/O devices 106 may be connected to the I/O controller 104 through a wireless connection. For example, the I/O devices 106 may be internal or peripheral devices such as memory, disk drives, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, speakers, 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 operatively coupled to the processor 102. The display controller 108 is configured to process display commands to generate text and graphics on the display device 110. For example, the display 110 may be a monochrome display, a Color Graphics Adapter (CGA) display, an Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA) display, a Variable Graphics Array (VGA) display, an advanced VGA display, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), a plasma display, and so forth.

The computing system 100 also includes a light source controller 112 operatively coupled to the processor 102. The light source controller 112 generally provides processing of light commands from the processor 102: to generate light 116 in a controlled manner by the light source 114. By way of example, the light source 114 may be one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), light emitting semiconductor dies, lasers, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, neon tubes, liquid crystal displays (1CD), or the like, arranged to produce light, and more particularly colored light. The light source 114 is typically disposed inside an enclosure 120, which enclosure 120 covers and protects some aspects of the computing system 100. More specifically, enclosure 120 may cover and protect one or more computer components having functionality used in the operation of computing system 100. For example, the shell 120 may be configured to cover one or more of the components described above. The enclosure 120 generally includes a wall 122, the wall 122 configured to transmit light therethrough. Accordingly, at least a portion of the light 116 incident on the wall 122 by the light source 114 is transmitted through the wall 122, thereby creating a light effect 124 that changes the visual appearance of the enclosure 120, and thus the computing system 100.

Light effects are generally defined as the way in which light 116 generated by the light source 114 and controlled by the light source controller 1]2 acts on or affects the housing 120. Say, the housing is a canvas, the light is paint, and the light effect is painting. Thus, 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 part of the wall 122.

Light effects can be classified as static (not changing over time) or dynamic (changing over time). For example, the static light effect may cause the enclosure to continuously emit a fixed color such as blue, a fixed shade such as light blue, a fixed pattern or artistic design such as rainbow, stripes, dots, flowers, etc., or a fixed orientation such as a color or pattern located within a particular area of the enclosure. In addition, the dynamic light effect may cause the enclosure to emit different colors, intensities, or patterns at different times and in different orientations. I.e. its colour, intensity, pattern and position can be changed. For example, the 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 a rainbow, to flash on and off, or to fade in and out), light effects that change regionally around the enclosure (e.g., move from a first side to a second side of the enclosure, move from the center to the outside, move in a continuous manner around the enclosure, patterns that start at a certain point on the enclosure and radiate away, etc.), or any combination of the two.

In one embodiment, the computer system may perform computer lighting processing when computer system related events occur within or outside the computer system. The illumination process typically provides an illumination effect for the computer system, such as illuminating a housing associated with the computer system. In general, the illumination process includes: monitoring events related to a computer system (e.g., software or hardware); and controlling the light source based on the monitored event to provide a decorative appearance to a housing associated with the computer system corresponding to the monitored event. The monitored events are typically identified by an operating system or microprocessor used within the computer system. Events may take many forms, such as operating system events or microprocessor events. For example, an event may relate to a signal, a condition, or a state of a computer system. An example of the lighting process is described in more detail in co-pending patent application entitled "COMPUTING device with dynamic decorative appearance" (assigned DEVIC WITH DYNAMIC organic brand name: aplp 218) filed on even date, 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 well known, a bus provides a path for data to travel between components of the computer system 100. In addition, bridges are used to perform the adjustments necessary to bridge communications between different buses (i.e., each bus follows a different standard). In addition, memory provides a place to hold data used by the computer system. The memory may be, for example, Read Only Memory (ROM) or Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM typically provides at least temporary data storage for processor 102, while ROM typically stores programming instructions for processor 102.

In an embodiment, the lighting characteristics of the light system that produce the light effect may be determined by predetermined configuration information stored in a database, i.e. the computer system determines the lighting characteristics with reference to information stored in the database. Lighting characteristics generally refer to the manner in which a housing associated with a computer is illuminated to produce a decorative appearance (e.g., which lights to operate, how long to operate the light sources, what color the light sources output, etc.). The user may access the predetermined configuration information stored in the database through a light control menu viewable on a display screen that is part of the GUl interface. The light control menu may include light control settings for lighting characteristics. In fact, the light control menu may serve as a control panel for viewing and/or customizing the light control settings, i.e., the user may quickly and conveniently view and make changes to the light control settings. Once the user saves the changes, the modified light control settings will be employed (e.g., as predetermined configuration information) to handle future lighting processes.

Referring now to fig. 6-10, the placement of the cover 120 relative to the above-described components will be described in detail. In one embodiment, enclosure 120 is configured to cover the entire computer system described above. For example, in FIG. 6, the shell 120 is configured to cover the processor 102, the I/O controller 104, the I/O devices 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 housing 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, a illuminable enclosure 120 is configured to cover the display 110 and the light source 114. In fig. 9, a illuminable enclosure 120 is configured to cover peripheral I/O devices (e.g., I/O device 106) and light sources 114.

In yet another embodiment, enclosure 120 may represent multiple enclosures configured to individually cover individual components or collections of components of computer system 100 described above. For example, in fig. 10, the first enclosure 120A is configured to cover the processor 102, the I/O controller 104, the internal I/O device 1061, the display controller 108, the light controller 112, and the first light source 114A. In addition, the second cover 120B is configured to cover the display 110 and the second light source 114B. The third enclosure 120C is configured to cover the peripheral I/O device 106P and the third light source 114C. It should be appreciated that fig. 7-10 are merely representative embodiments, and thus are not limiting, and it should be appreciated that other configurations of one or more enclosures 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. For example, Apple-compatible computers may include different models, such as the iMac, G3, G4, Cube, iBook or Titanium models, which are manufactured by Appk Computer inc.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a general purpose computer 130 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. For example, general purpose computer 30 may correspond to computer system 100 as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8. The computer 130 generally includes a base 132 and a monitor) 34 (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 of which are configured to enclose various internal components associated with the operation of the respective devices. Generally, the housings 138, 139 are adapted to enclose their internal components in their peripheral edge regions so as to cover and protect their internal components from adverse conditions.

With respect to the base 132, the internal components may be processors, controllers, bridges, memories, and the like. Typically, these internal components take the form of integrated circuits: however, these internal components may take various other forms (e.g., circuit boards, cables, fans, power supplies, batteries, capacitors, resistors). These internal components may also be various I/O devices such as hard disk drives, modems, etc. The base 132 may also include a plurality of I/O connectors for allowing connection to peripheral devices such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, speakers, etc., and in the illustrated embodiment, a base housing 138 is used to enclose at least the processor and controller. For example, the controller may be an input/output (I/O) controller, a display controller, a light source controller, and/or the like. With respect to monitor 134, the internal component may be a display screen; display screens are well known for displaying graphical user interfaces (perhaps including a pointer or cursor) and other information to a user.

In most cases, the housings 138, 139 include one or more walls 142, 143, respectively, and this wall or walls 142, 143 serve to structurally support the internal components within the housing in their stowed position. The walls 142, 143 also define the shape or form of the housing, i.e., the contours of the walls embody the outward physical appearance of the housing. The contour may be linear, curvilinear or both. In the illustrated embodiment, the base housing 138 includes six (6) rectangular planar walls that form a box-shaped housing. However, it should be understood that this is not a limitation and that the form and shape of the housing may vary according to the particular needs or design of each computer system. For example, the housing may be formed in a simple shape such as a cube, cylinder, pyramid, cone or sphere, or may be formed in a complex shape such as a combination of simple shapes, or may be formed as an object such as an apple, house, car or the like.

In one embodiment, the base housing 138 includes at least one light-transmissive wall configured to allow light to pass therethrough. In most cases, the light-transmissive walls constitute the majority of the area of the enclosure, and in the illustrated embodiment, the entire enclosure 138 can be illuminated, thus configuring all six rectangular planar walls 142 to allow light to pass therethrough. However, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that the number of light-transmissive walls may vary according to the particular needs of each computer system. For example, the housing may include any number of opaque walls and light-transmissive walls. Furthermore, the light-transmitting wall does not need to transmit light over its entire surface, in other words, only the non-trivial part of one wall is required to transmit light, and the wall is considered to be a light-transmitting wall. The light-transmitting wall is typically formed from a transparent or translucent medium, such as a transparent and/or frosted plastic material.

For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall 142 has been removed to show the light source 140A disposed within the housing 138. The light source 140A is configured to generate light 144A to illuminate the interior of the housing 138, and more particularly the interior of the light-transmitting wall 142. The light source 140A causes light 144A to be incident on the interior of the wall 142, the light 144A thereby being transmitted through the wall 142 of the housing 138, thereby creating a light effect 146A that changes the visual appearance of the housing 138, and thus the base 132. That is, the light 144A generated inside the housing 138 and transmitted through the wall 142 effectively changes the visual appearance of the housing 138 as seen by a user when viewing the housing 138. For example, the light effect 146A may cause the housing 138 to emit a fixed or varying color or pattern. Although a single light source 140A is shown in fig. 5, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that multiple light sources may be used. For example, individual light sources may be strategically positioned within the enclosure 138 to illuminate specific regions or zones of the enclosure 138.

In another embodiment, the monitor housing 139 includes at least one light transmissive wall configured to allow light to pass therethrough. In most cases, the light-transmitting wall constitutes the majority of the area of the envelope. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire housing 139 is illuminated, thus configuring all of its walls 143 to allow light to pass through. However, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that the number of light-transmissive walls may vary according to the particular needs of each computer system. For example, the housing may include any number of opaque walls and light-transmissive walls. Further, the light-transmitting wall does not need to transmit light over its entire surface. In other words, only the non-trivial portion of a wall needs to be light transmissive, and the wall is considered a light transmissive wall. The light-transmitting walls are typically formed of a transparent or translucent medium, such as a clear and/or frosted plastic material.

Again, for ease of discussion, a portion of the wall 143 has been removed to show the light source 140B disposed within the housing 139. The light source 140B is configured to generate light 144B to illuminate the interior of the housing 139, and more particularly the interior of the light-transmitting wall 143. The light source 140B causes light 144B to be incident on the interior of the wall 143, the light 144B thereby being transmitted through the wall 143 of the housing 139, thereby creating a light effect 146B that changes the visual appearance of the housing 139, and thus the monitor 134. That is, light 144B generated inside housing 139 and transmitted through wall 143 effectively changes the visual appearance of housing 139 as viewed by a user looking at housing 139. For example, the light effect 146B can cause the housing 139 to emit a fixed or varying color or pattern. Although a single light source 140B is shown in fig. 5, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that multiple light sources may be used. For example, individual light sources may be strategically positioned within the housing 139 so as to illuminate specific regions or zones of the housing 139.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a general purpose computer 150 according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, the general purpose computer 150 may correspond to a computer system as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8. The general purpose computer 150 includes a single unit 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 related to the operation of the computer 150. Generally, the housing 152 is adapted to enclose the internal components in its perimeter region so as to cover and protect the internal components from adverse conditions. In one embodiment, the housing 152 includes a plurality of shells 164 that cooperate to form the housing 152. Any number of housings may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 164 includes a bottom housing 164A, a top housing 164B, and a front housing 164C.

The internal components may be processors, controllers, bridges, memories, and the like. Typically, these internal components take the form of integrated circuits; however, these internal components may take various other forms (e.g., circuit boards, cables, fans, power supplies, batteries, capacitors, resistors). In the illustrated embodiment, a housing 152 is used to enclose at least the processor and the controller. For 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 hard disk drives, modems, etc. For example, as shown, the computer 150 may include a disk drive 166 and a display 168: the disk drive 166 is used for storing and retrieving data from a magnetic disk. Display 168 is used to display a graphical user interface (perhaps including a pointer or cursor) and other information to the user. The all-in-one machine 151 may further include a plurality of I/O connectors for allowing connection to peripheral devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a printer, a scanner, a speaker, etc.). For example, the computer system 150 may include I/O port connectors for connecting to peripheral components such as a keyboard 170 and a mouse 172. Keyboard 170 allows a user of computer 150 to enter alphanumeric data. The mouse 172 allows the user to move an input pointer on the graphical user interface and make selections on the graphical user interface.

In most cases, the housing 152 includes one or more walls 156, and the wall(s) 156 serve to structurally support the internal components within the housing in its assembled position. The wall 156 also defines the shape or form of the housing, i.e., the contour of the wall represents the outward physical appearance of the housing. The contour may be linear, curvilinear or both.

In one embodiment, the housing 152 includes one or more light-transmissive walls having light-transmissive portions configured to allow light to pass therethrough. The light-transmitting portion may be an edge of the wall or a surface of the wall. The light-transmitting portion may constitute the entire wall or a part of the wall, i.e. the light-transmitting wall need not transmit light over its entire surface. In other words, only the non-trivial portion of a wall needs to be light transmissive, and the wall is considered a light transmissive wall. In most cases, the light-transmitting portion constitutes a large area of the light-transmitting wall. For example, the size of the light-transmissive region is typically determined by the amount of light required to pass through the housing in order to effectively change the appearance of the housing, thereby making the device (e.g., not the indicator) feel differently to the user. Any suitable arrangement of light-transmitting walls, light-transmitting portions and opaque walls may be used, as long as the external appearance of the system changes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 156' provided by the top housing 164 are light-transmissive walls that are illuminated by light from the light source 154 disposed inside the enclosure 152. For ease of discussion, a portion of wall 156' has been removed to illustrate light source 154 disposed within it. 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 source 154 causes light 160 to be incident on the wall 156 ', and the light 160 is transmitted through the wall 156' to create a light effect 162 that changes the visual appearance of the housing 152, and thus the computer system 150. That is, the light 160 generated inside the housing 152 and transmitted through the wall 156' effectively changes the visual appearance of the housing 152 as viewed by a user 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 light 160. In general, the light source 154 provides light 160 to illuminate the housing 152, and more specifically the wall 156, while the light source controller provides processing of light commands to generate light in a controlled manner, in some embodiments, the light 160 is arranged to generate a light effect 162 at the surface 174 of the wall 156. In other embodiments, the light 160 is arranged to produce a light effect 162 on the edge 176 of the wall 156. In still other embodiments, the light 160 is arranged to produce a light effect 162 at the surface 174 and the edge 176 of the wall 156.

To describe in further detail, the light source 154 is generally configured to include at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) in accordance with the present invention. LEDs offer a number of advantages over other light sources. For example, LEDs are relatively small devices that are energy efficient and long lasting. LEDs also operate relatively cold and are low cost. In addition, LEDs obtain a variety of colors, such as white, blue, green, red, and the like. In most cases, the light source 154 includes a plurality of LEDs that cooperate to produce a desired light effect. The LEDs may be a plurality of individual LEDs or a plurality of integrated LED arrays having a plurality of individual LEDs grouped together.

In one embodiment, the individual LEDs, whether they are individual LEDs themselves or grouped together in an array, all have the same color. Thus, LEDs of the same color may produce a light effect 162 as one color or at least one shade of one color. This can typically be achieved by maintaining the same light intensity for all LEDs at the same time by means of the light source controller. LEDs of the same color may also produce light effects 162 having varying colors. This can typically be achieved by adjusting the light intensity of all LEDs simultaneously with the light source controller. By doing so, for example, a flashing or fading in and out light effect may be produced.

LEDs of the same color may also produce a light effect comprising a pattern of a plurality of different chromaticities with one color. This is typically accomplished by maintaining different light intensities for different LEDs with a light source controller. For example, LEDs disposed within a first spatial region (i.e., a first region of the illuminable housing 152) may produce a first color chromaticity (first light intensity), while LEDs disposed within a second spatial region (i.e., a second region of the illuminable housing 152) may produce a second color chromaticity (second light intensity). For example, spatially partitioned LEDs may produce light effects with stripes, spots, quadrants, and the like. LEDs of the same color may also produce light effects 162 with varying patterns. This is typically accomplished by activating the LEDs at different times or adjusting the intensity of the LEDs at different times with the light source controller. For example, LEDs of the same color disposed within a first spatial region may produce one color at a first time, while LEDs of the same color disposed within a second spatial region may produce one color at a second time. For example, spatially partitioned LEDs may produce a light effect that alternates or moves between different zones.

In another embodiment, the individual LEDs, whether themselves or at least a portion of the individual LEDs grouped in an array, are of different colors. Thus, LEDs of different colors may produce a light effect as a specific color or at least one chromaticity of a specific color. This is typically achieved by mixing different colors of light with a light source controller to produce a composite light color.

Different colored LEDs may also produce light effects 162 with varying colors. This is typically achieved by adjusting the intensity of the different colored LEDs with a light source controller. By doing so, for example, a light effect may be created that changes from a first color to a second color (e.g., from blue to green).

Different colored LEDs may also produce a light effect 162 comprising a pattern with multiple colors. This is typically accomplished by activating different colored LEDs or LED arrays located at different locations around the computer system with a light source controller. For example, an LED or array of LEDs disposed within a first spatial region (i.e., a first region of the illuminable housing 152) may produce a first color, while LEDs disposed within a second spatial region (i.e., a second region of the illuminable housing 152) may produce a second color. For example, spatially partitioned LEDs may produce light effects with rainbow stripes, different colored speckles, different colored quadrants, and the like. Different colored LEDs may also produce light effects 162 with varying patterns. This is typically accomplished by activating different colored LEDs at different times or adjusting the intensity of different colored LEDs at different times with the light source controller. The different colored LEDs may be located in the same spatial region or may be located in different spatial regions. For example, an LED disposed within a first spatial region may produce light of a first color at a first time, while an LED disposed within a second spatial region may produce light of a second color at a second time. This can be done in a specific sequence (e.g., 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 according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the integrated LED array 180 (or multiple LED arrays 180) may correspond to the light source 154 described in fig. 11. The integrated LED array 180 typically includes a plurality of individual LEDs 182, with the LEDs 182 producing an overall first effect that is one color at a time. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the individual LEDs 182 described above represents a different color, such as a red LED 182A, a green LED 182B, and a blue LED182C, which cooperate to produce a composite color C. These three colors are generally considered to be the three primary colors of light, so they can be mixed to produce almost any color. That is, the composite color C may be a variety of colors, such as most colors in a color spectrum. Although only one LED is shown for each color, it should be noted that this is not a requirement and the number may vary according to the specific needs of each device.

For ease of discussion, FIG. 14A is a three-dimensional graphical representation showing color mixing with respect to red, green, and blue LEDs (182A-C). As shown, the red cursor generated by the red LED 182A is R, the green cursor generated by the green LEDl82B is G, and the blue cursor generated by the blue LED182C is B. In addition, the mixed cursors generated by the red LED 182A and the green LED 182B are RG, the mixed cursors generated by the green LED 182B and the blue IED 182C are GB, and the mixed cursors generated by the blue LED182C and the red LED 182A are BR. Further, the mixed cursor generated by the red LED 182A, the green LED 182B, and the blue LED182C is W (representing white light).

Referring now to FIG. 14B, which is a two-dimensional graphical representation showing color mixing for the red, green, and blue LEDs 182A-C, each color has an intensity (1) range between a peak intensity 192 and a zero intensity 194. Thus, the light source controller can produce almost any color by adjusting the intensity (1) of each LED (182A-C). For example, to produce the highest chromaticity of red R, the intensities of green G and blue B are reduced to zero intensity 194, and the intensity of red R is increased to its peak intensity 192. The highest chromaticity of green and blue can be achieved in a similar manner. Further, to produce the chromaticity of red and green RG, the intensity of green G and red R is increased to a level above zero intensity 194 while the intensity of blue B is reduced to zero intensity 194. The chromaticities of green and blue GB and blue and red BR can be achieved in a similar manner. Furthermore, to produce white chromaticity, the intensities of red R, green G and blue B are increased to the same level above zero intensity 194.

Although the integrated LED array 180 is illustrated and described as using three primary colors, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and other combinations may be used. For example, the integrated LED array may be configured to include only two of the three primary colors.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a computer system 210 according to one embodiment of the invention. By way of example, computer system 210 may generally correspond to computer 150 in FIG. 12. The computer system 210 generally includes an illuminable housing 212, the housing 212 being illuminable by light from a light source 214 disposed within the housing. The illuminable housing 212 generally includes a transparent or translucent wall 216 configured to allow light to pass therethrough. For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall 216 has been removed to show the light source 214 disposed within it. The light source 214 is generally configured to generate light 218 to illuminate a surface of the wall 216 of the illuminable housing 212. That is, light 218 emitted by the light source 214 is incident on the inner surface 220 of the wall 216. The light 218 then passes (laterally) through the wall 216 to an outer surface 222 of the wall 216, where it creates a light effect 224 that changes the visual appearance of the wall 216, and thus the computer system 210.

In one embodiment, as the light 218 is transmitted through the wall 216, a characteristic glow is generated at the outer surface 222 of the wall 216. By characteristic glow is meant that the color of the wall 216 is emitted from the wall 216 and not from the light source 214, i.e., the light 218 is changed in transmission through the wall 216. In most cases, the characteristic glow is generated by a light-directing element arranged in the wall 216 or on the wall 2] 6. The light directing element is typically configured to scatter incident light by reflection and/or refraction.

For ease of discussion, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional top view of the computer system 210 shown in FIG. 15, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the light source 214 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes 226 (LEDs), with the light emitting diodes 226 disposed at various locations within the illuminable housing 212. The LED226 may be a single LED226A or an LED array 226B. The LEDs 226 may be positioned in various orientations so long as the light 218 is incident on the inner surface 220 of the wall 216. For example, the axes of the LEDs 226 may be directed directly toward the inner surface 220, or they may be directed at an angle relative to the inner surface 220. Further, the wall 216 is configured to transmit light 218 through the wall 216 from the inner surface 220 to the outer surface 222. For example, the wall 216 may be formed from a transparent or translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like. In most cases, the wall 216 is also configured to scatter the transmitted light to produce a characteristic glow 228 emanating from the outer surface 222 of the wall 216. For example, the wall 216 may include a light directing element 230 (shown in dotted lines) that scatters light by reflection and/or refraction.

In one embodiment, the light directing element 230 is an additive disposed inside the wall 216. For example, referring to fig. 17A, the wall 216 may include a plurality of light scattering particles 232 (e.g., adding crimes) dispersed between the inner surface 220 and the outer surface 222 of the wall 216. As shown, when light 218 is incident on the inner surface 220, it is transmitted through the wall 216 until it intersects with light scattering particles 232 disposed inside the wall 216. After intersecting the light scattering particles 232, the light 218 is scattered outward in multiple directions, i.e., the light reflects off the surface and/or refracts through the light scattering particles, thereby producing a characteristic glow 228. For example, the light scattering posts 232 may be formed of small glass particles or white pigments. In addition, by varying the amount of light scattering particles 232 disposed within the wall 216, the characteristics of the glow can be altered, i.e., the larger the column, the greater the light scattering.

In another embodiment, the light directing element 230 is a layer, coating, or texture applied to the inner surface 220 or the outer surface 222 of the wall 216. For example, referring to fig. 17B and 17C, 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. The light scattering coating 234 may be a paint, film, or spray coating, for example. Additionally, the light scattering texture 236 may be a molded surface of the wall or a blasted surface of the wall. As shown, when light 218 is incident on the interior surface 220, it intersects the light scattering coating 234 or texture applied to the interior surface 220 of the wall 216. After intersecting the light scattering coating 234 or the light scattering texture 236, the light 218 is scattered outward in multiple directions, i.e., the light reflects off the surface and/or refracts through the light scattering particles, forming the characteristic glow 228.

Although not shown, in another embodiment, the wall thickness may be varied 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 view of a computer system 240 according to another embodiment of the invention. By way of example, computer system 240 may generally correspond to computer 150 in FIG. 12. Desktop computer system 240 generally includes an illuminable housing 242, the housing 242 being illuminable by light from a light source 244 disposed within the housing. The illuminable housing 242 generally includes a transparent or translucent wall 246 configured to allow light to pass therethrough. For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall 246 has been removed to show the light source 244 disposed within it. The light source 244 is generally configured to generate light 248 to illuminate the edge of the wall 246 of the illuminable housing 242. That is, light 248 emitted by the light source 244 is incident on the inner edge 250 of the wall 246. Light is then directed through the wall 246 (longitudinally) to an outer edge 252 of the wall 246, on the outer edge 252, which creates a light effect 254 that changes the visual appearance of the wall 246 and thus the computer system 240. In essence, wall 246 acts like a light pipe configured to divert or transmit light. Light pipes are well known in the art.

For ease of discussion, FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional top view of the computer system 240, as shown in FIG. 14, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the light source 244 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes 256 (LEDs), with the light emitting diodes 256 disposed at various locations within the illuminable housing 242. The LED 256 may be a single LED or an array of LEDs. The LEDs 256 can be positioned in various orientations so long as the light 248 is incident on the inner edge 250 of the wall 246. For example, the axes of the LEDs 256 may be directed directly toward the inner edge 250, or they may be directed at an angle relative to the inner edge 250. Further, the wall 246 is configured to transmit light 248 through the wall 246 from the inner edge 250 to the outer edge 252, thereby creating a light effect 254 that emanates from the outer edge 252 of the wall 246. For example, the wall 246 may be formed of a transparent or translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like. In some cases, the wall 246 may include light directing portions 258, 259 that reflect light back and forth until it exits the outer edge 252.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a computer system 260 according to another embodiment of the invention. By way of example, computer system 260 may generally correspond to computers 150, 210, and 240 of fig. 12, 15, and 18, respectively. Desktop computer system 260 generally includes an illuminable housing 262, which housing 262 is illuminable by light from a light source 264 disposed within it. The illuminable housing 262 generally includes a transparent or translucent wall 266 configured to allow light to pass therethrough. For ease of discussion, a portion of the wall 266 has been removed to show the light source 264 disposed within it. The light source 264 is generally configured to generate light 268 to illuminate the surfaces and edges of the walls 266 of the illuminable housing 262. That is, the light 268 emitted by the light source 264 is incident on the inner surface 270 and/or the 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 creates light effects 278A and 278B that change the visual appearance of the wall 266, and thus the computer system 260.

In one embodiment, light 268 emitted by the light source 264 is incident on the inner edge 272 and the inner surface 270 of the wall 266 through a plurality of IEDs or LED arrays. For example, referring to fig. 21A, the light source 264 includes at least a first LED 279 and a second LED lED 280. The first LED 279 is configured to generate a first light 282 to illuminate a surface of the wall 266 of the illuminable housing 262, and the second LED280 is configured to generate a second light 284 to illuminate an edge of the wall 266 of the illuminable housing 262. With respect to the first LED 278, the first light 282 is first incident on the inner surface 270 of the wall 266, and then it is directed through the wall 266 (laterally) to the outer surface 274 of the wall 266, where it creates a light effect 278A. With respect to the second LED280, the second light 284 is first incident on the inner edge 272 of the wall 266, and then it is directed through the wall 266 (longitudinally) to the outer edge 276 of the wall 266, where it creates a light effect 278B. It will be appreciated that the light effect 278A changes the visual appearance of the surface of the wall 266, while the light effect 278B changes the visual appearance of the edge of the wall 266.

In another embodiment, the light 268 emitted by the light source 264 is incident on the inner edge 272 and the inner surface 270 of the wall 266 via the offset LED. For example, referring to fig. 21B, the light source 264 includes an LED290, the LED290 being offset relative to the wall 266 and producing light 292 to illuminate the surfaces and edges of the wall 266 that may be illuminated by the housing 262. That is, light 292 emitted by the LED290 is incident on the inner surface 270 and the inner edge 272 of the wall 266. Thus, a first portion of the light 290 is directed through the wall 266 (laterally) to the outer surface 274 of the wall 266 where it creates a light effect 278A that changes 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 (longitudinally) to an outer edge 276 of the wall 266 where it creates a light effect 278B that changes 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 incident on the inner edge 276 by the LED. For example, referring to FIG. 21C, 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. In addition, the light source 264 includes an LED296, the LED296 configured to generate light 298 to illuminate the surfaces and edges of the wall 266 of the illuminable housing 262. Light 298 emitted by the LED296 is incident on the inner edge 272 of the wall 266. The light 298 is then directed through the wall 266 (longitudinally) to the outer edge 276 of the wall 266 where it produces a light effect 278B that changes the visual appearance of the surface of the wall 266, as shown, the light 298 also intersects the light scattering particles 294 during transmission through the wall, so that a portion of the light 298 is scattered outward in multiple directions, thereby producing a light effect 278A that changes the visual appearance of the surface of the wall 266.

In another embodiment, the wall 266 may include a light scattering coating and the light 268 emitted by the light source 264 is incident on the inner edge 272 through the LED. For example, referring to fig. 21D, the wall 266 includes a light scattering coating 300 applied on the inner surface 270. In addition, the light source 264 includes an LED 302, the LED 302 configured to generate light 304 to illuminate the surface and edges of the wall 266 of the illuminable housing 262. Light 304 emitted by the LED 302 is incident on the inner edge 272 of the wall 266. The light 304 is then directed through the wall 266 (longitudinally) to an outer edge 276 of the wall 266 where it creates a light effect 278B that changes 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 outward in multiple directions, whereby it produces a light effect 278A that also changes the visual appearance of the surface of the wall 266.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a computer system 310 according to another embodiment of the invention. By way of example, computer system 310 may generally correspond to computer 150 in FIG. 12. Desktop computer system 310 generally includes an illuminable housing 312, which housing 311 is illuminable by light from an illuminated object 314 disposed within it. The illuminable housing 312 generally includes a transparent or translucent wall 316 configured to allow light to pass therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the illuminated object 314 is visible through a transparent or translucent wall 316. That is, the illuminated object 314 produces a first light effect (not shown) that is transmitted through the surface of the wall 316, thereby producing a second light effect 320 that changes the visual appearance of the computer system 310. It should be appreciated that the shape of the light effect 320 generally corresponds to the shape of the illuminated object 314. For 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 apples (as shown).

For ease of discussion, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional top view of the computing device 310, as shown in FIG. 22, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the illuminated object 314 is disposed inside the illuminable housing 3] 2. The illuminated object 314 is typically positioned adjacent to a wall 316 of the housing 312 that can be illuminated, however, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and the illuminated object 314 can be positioned elsewhere within the housing 312. For example, the illuminated object 314 may be placed toward the center of the housing 312. In addition, the illuminated object 314 can be positioned in various orientations as long as the first light effect 322 is incident on the inner surface 324 of the wall 316. For example, the axes of the illuminated objects may be directed directly toward the inner surface 324, or they may be directed at an angle relative to the inner surface 324.

In addition, the wall 316 is configured such that the light effect 322 is transmitted through the wall 316 from the inner surface 324 to the outer surface 326, i.e. the wall provides a window for transmitting the first light effect. For example, the wall 316 may be formed from a transparent or translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like. Thus, the first light effect 322 passing 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, thereby creating a characteristic glow emanating from the outer surface of the wall 316. That is, the wall 316 may include light directing elements that scatter light by reflection and/or refraction.

To describe in further detail, the illuminated object 314 generally includes a light source 330 and a housing 332. The outer frame 332 generally forms the shape of the illuminated object 314 and includes an outer frame wall 334 configured to cover at least a portion of the light source 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 330 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes 336 (LEDs), which light emitting diodes 336 are disposed at various locations within the casing 332. The LEDs 336 may be a single LED or an array of LEDs. The LEDs 336 are generally configured to generate light 338 to illuminate the bezel wall 334. Thus, the LEDs 336 can be positioned in a variety of orientations so long as the light 338 is incident on the inner surface of the bezel wall 334. In addition, the wall 316 is configured such that light 338 is transmitted through the wall from the inner surface to the outer surface. For example, the wall 334 may be formed of a transparent or translucent plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like. In most cases, the bezel walls 334 are configured to scatter transmitted light, thereby creating a characteristic glow that emanates from the outer surface of the bezel walls 334. For example, the bezel wall 334 can include light directing elements that scatter light by reflection and/or refraction.

Fig. 24 is a side view of a light source apparatus 380 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The light source apparatus 380 may generally correspond to any light source (e.g., a light emitting device) as described above, for example. The light source device 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 the enclosure where the light is desired. For example, the housing may correspond to any of the illuminable housings described above. The light pipe 384 generally includes a transmissive portion 386 inside it and a reflective portion 388 outside it. 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. Thus, when light 383 is incident on the inner edge 390 of the light pipe, the transmissive and reflective portions direct it through the light pipe to the outer edge 392 of the light pipe, where it emits light to another location that is remote from the light source location.

Any suitable light pipe may be used. For example, the light pipe may be rigid or flexible (as shown). The flexible light pipe allows for a wider range of light source positions relative to the housing position. For example, the light source may be positioned to prevent direct exposure to the illuminable portion of the enclosure, and thus the light pipe may be used to distribute light to the illuminable portion of the enclosure by bending around components (e.g., walls, frames, etc.) that prevent direct exposure. In one embodiment, the light sources are housed within an opaque portion of the housing and the light is directed to the illuminable portion of the housing using a light guide tube bundle to produce the desired light effect. In addition, multiple light pipes may be used to direct light to multiple locations around the housing. This can be done with a single light source or multiple light sources. For example, a single light source may be used to provide light to multiple light pipes, where each light pipe has one end positioned proximate to the light source and an opposite end positioned at a different location within the housing.

Fig. 25 is a side view of a light source apparatus 400 according to one embodiment of the invention. The light source apparatus 400 may generally correspond to any light source (e.g., light emitting device) as described above, for example. The light source apparatus 400 includes a light source 402 and a light pipe 404, the light pipe 404 configured to focus light 406 generated by the light source 402. The light pipe 404 covers a portion of the light source 402, and the light pipe 404 is typically formed of an opaque material such that light 406 emitted from the light source 402 is only directed out of an opening 408 formed by the light pipe 404. In this way, the light leaving the opening has a more strongly shaped configuration. This shaped configuration tends to illuminate a smaller portion of the housing than would otherwise be the case. The opening 408 can be formed in a number of shapes. For example, the openings 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 pipe 404 is configured to cover the sides of the light source 402. In some cases, it may be desirable to utilize a light pipe to block light from reaching a light sensitive region of an electronic device or to prevent a heat sensitive region from heating up.

Fig. 26 is a side view of a light source apparatus 410 according to one embodiment of the invention. The light source apparatus 410 may generally correspond to any light source (e.g., a light emitting device) as described above, for example. The light source device 410 includes a light source 412 and a lens 414, the lens 414 configured to focus light 416 generated by the light source 412. A lens 414 is generally positioned between the light source 412 and the illuminable wall (not shown) and is positioned to receive light emitted from the light source 412 and direct the light to a particular area of the illuminable wall. Thus, the light has a more strongly shaped configuration. As noted above, this shaped configuration tends to illuminate a smaller portion of the housing than would otherwise be the case.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional top view of a computer system 420 according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, 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 within the housing 422. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 422 includes three portions: end cap 422A, housing 422B, and front face 422C. End cap 422A encloses one side of housing 422B and front face 422C encloses the other side of housing 422B. Any suitable arrangement of light transmitting and light blocking walls may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap 422A and front face 422C are generally formed of a light blocking material, while the housing 422B is formed of a material that allows light to pass therethrough (e.g., a transparent or translucent material). Computer system 420 also includes a reflector 426. The reflector 426 is positioned between the light source 424 (which is positioned toward end cap 422A) and the front face 422C. In the illustrated embodiment, the reflector 426 is positioned in front of the display 428. The reflector 426 is configured to redirect light 430 generated by the light-emitting device 424. As shown, light 430 from the light emitting device 424 reflects off the surface of the reflector 426 to the first portion 432 of the housing 422B. The first part is defined by B. Subsequently, reflections 431 incident on the inner surface of the casing 422B are transmitted through the wall of the casing 422B and exit the outer surface of the first part 432 of the casing 422B at part 432. Thus, light is prevented from passing through the second portion 434 of the housing 422B.

While the principles of fig. 24-27 are described separately, it should be noted that in some cases they may be combined to produce other types of light devices. For example, any combination of light pipes, light guides, light lenses, and domain reflectors may be used to distribute light within the enclosure.

FIG. 28 is a simplified diagram of a color changing electronic device 440, according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the color changing electronic device 440 may generally correspond to the color changing electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 1. The color changing electronics 440 generally includes a housing 442 that is divided into a plurality of separate and spatially distinct illuminable zones 444. As shown, each zone 444 is disposed around the perimeter of the housing 442. The perimeter 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 optical element 446, the associated optical element 446 being disposed within the housing 442 proximate to the zone 444. It will be appreciated that the associated light element 446 is configured to illuminate its respective region 444 so as to change the ornamental appearance of the housing. For example, the associated light element may be an array of LEDs capable of illuminating the respective region with a plurality of colors (e.g., the array of LEDs may include red, green, and blue LEDs). As shown, each region 444 is configured to provide a light output 448.

The zones may be configured to produce various decorative appearances. In one embodiment, the zones are arranged to produce a uniform decorative appearance. This is typically accomplished by sending the same light command signal to each light element. For example, each zone may produce the same green light output to produce a uniform green envelope. In another embodiment, the zones are arranged to produce a patterned decorative appearance. This is typically achieved by sending different light command signals to the light elements. For example, a first set of alternating regions may produce a red light output and a second set of alternating regions may produce a blue light output, thereby producing a housing having a stripe. In another embodiment, the zones are arranged to produce a varying decorative appearance. This is typically achieved by sending different light command signals to the light elements at different times. For example, each zone may be set to activate at different times to produce a sequence of lights such as flashing, fading in and out, strobing, or moving from one zone to another.

FIG. 29 is a cut-away view of a general-purpose computer 450 according to one embodiment of the invention. The general purpose computer 450 includes a housing 452 for enclosing internal components 454 related to the operation of the general purpose computer 450. The housing 452 includes a number of walls defining the perimeter form of the housing, with the housing 452 being sectioned between top and bottom to show the internal components inside it. As shown, the internal components 454 may include a motherboard 456 that supports a CPU 458, RAM 460, ROM462, hard drive 464, 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 a heat sink 472 and a fan 474 for cooling the internal components 454. The housing 452 may also include a plurality of ports 476 for connecting to peripheral devices located outside of the housing 452. Additionally, the housing 452 may also include an indicator 477 and a power switch 478. In some cases, the monitor may be one of the internal components 454.

The internal components 454 may also include one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 480. The LED480 is generally configured to generate light within the housing 452. For example, LED480 may produce light that can be found in a color spectrum. The light is used to color or pattern the housing 452. This is typically accomplished by directing light through an illuminable portion of the housing 452. That is, the LEDs 480 produce light having various colors and patterns to impart a color or pattern to the portion of the housing 452 that can be illuminated. In one embodiment, the illuminable portion is capable of diffusing the light such that the illuminable portion appears to glow when the light is directed through the illuminable portion. The LED480 can be centrally located, peripherally located, or both to allow light to reach the illuminable portion of the housing 452, for example, although the LED480 is centrally located in fig. 29, the LED480 can also be located closer to the walls of the housing 452 to enclose the light blocking components contained within the housing 452. The LEDs 480 may be controlled by a separate processor or by the CPU 458 which also controls the operation of a general purpose computer.

The size of the illuminable portion typically constitutes a substantial portion of the overall housing 452. By substantially, it is meant that the area of the illuminable portion is large enough to achieve the overall appearance of the general purpose computer 450 when light is transmitted through the illuminable portion. In essence, the LEDs are dedicated to changing the appearance of the housing 452 so that one can get rid of the neutral and passive colors and patterns that have dominated the housings of general purpose computers for as long. In one embodiment, the entire housing 452 may be covered by the illumination portion. In another embodiment, one or more walls (the entire wall) of the housing 452 may be covered by the illumination portion. In another embodiment, portions of two or more walls of the housing 452 may be covered by an illuminated portion. In another embodiment, a substantial portion of one wall of the housing 452 may be covered by the illumination portion. In another embodiment, the area of the illuminable portion is substantially larger than the area of any one of the switch, connector or indicator located on the housing 452. These types of devices are typically too small to affect the overall appearance of a general purpose computer. I.e. they generally do not cover a substantial part of the wall to which they are attached.

Although fig. 29 is directed to a general purpose computer, it should be understood that the LEDs may be placed within any other device associated with a general purpose computer. For example, the LEDs may be placed within a housing of a peripheral device such as an input device (e.g., a mouse) or an output device (e.g., a speaker) connected to a general purpose computer. In the case of an input device, the input device is configured to provide its primary function of inputting data while other data is being transmitted through the LED. In the case of output devices, the output devices are arranged to provide their primary function of outputting data as other data is transmitted through the LEDs. In either case, the LEDs may be controlled by the main CPU of the general purpose computer or by a separate processor of the general purpose computer.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a computer system 481, according to one embodiment of the present invention. This particular embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 4. For example, computer system 481 includes a plurality of light elements 74A-D. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the light elements 74A-D has its own separate housing 482A-D. Each housing 482A-D includes one or more light-transmissive walls. In one embodiment, each enclosure 482A-D corresponds to a different component of the computer system 481. For example, the housing 482A may be used to house base components such as processors, controllers, memory, internal I/O devices, and/or the like; the housing 482B may be used to house a monitor component, such as a display screen; housing 482C may be used to house external peripheral I/O devices such as disk drives, printers, mice, keyboards, speakers, etc.; and the housing 482D may be used to house a docking station in the case of a portable computer.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a computer system 500 according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, computer system 500 may correspond to the computer system described in fig. 30. Computer system 500 includes a base 502, which base 502 is operatively coupled to a plurality of peripheral devices, such as a monitor 504, a keyboard 506, a mouse 508, speakers 510, an external disk drive 512, and a printer 514. Each of these assemblies is provided with an illuminable housing, i.e. a housing having at least one light-transmitting wall and in which a light source is arranged. As described throughout this document, the light source is configured to generate light so as to transmit the light through the light-transmitting wall, thereby changing the decorative appearance of the light-transmitting wall.

A light effect manager, such as the light effect manager 70 shown in fig. 30, can be utilized to control and adjust the decorative appearance of the individual illuminable housings. Control and adjustment of the decorative appearance of the individual illuminable housings can be achieved in many different ways.

In one embodiment, the one or more light sources located within the base and the one or more light sources located within the peripheral device are configured to activate when the base communicates with the peripheral device or handles a task related to the peripheral device. For example, when the base sends a signal to the printer, such as a signal to print a document, the base and printer may emit light effects related to printing. In addition, when the external disk drive sends data to the base, the external disk drive and the base may emit light effects related to data retrieval. Further, the base and speaker may emit light effects related to the output audio when the base is playing music through the speaker. In the case of audio, the light effect may correspond to the frequency of the audio signal in order to produce a light effect that varies with the music or sound being played. The light effect may be different for different devices. For example, the base may be blue when the base is in communication with a monitor, and green when in communication with a printer.

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a computer network 520, according to one embodiment of the invention. Computer network 520 includes a plurality of computer systems 522A-522C connected by a network 524. The network may be, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), the Internet, and the like, or a combination thereof. The network 524 may also be a wired network or a wireless network. For example, computers 522A-522C may be configured as any of the computer systems described above. It should be appreciated that each computer system 522A-522C includes a housing that is capable of changing its ornamental appearance by light.

The computer systems 522A-522C may individually change their ornamental appearance. Alternatively, the computer systems 522A-522C may centrally control their decorative appearance. Centralized control may be provided by one of the computer systems 522A-522C or by another computer. In one embodiment, one or more light sources located within each of the computer systems 522A-522C are configured to be activated when the computer systems 522A-522C communicate with or process tasks associated with another one of the computer systems 522A-522C. For example, when computer system 522A sends information to computer system 522B or requests information from it, both systems may emit specific light effects. In one embodiment, the master light effect manager residing in one of the computer systems 522A-522C provides centralized control of the decorative appearance of the computer systems 522A-522C by interacting with slave light effect managers residing in other ones of the computer systems 522A, 522C.

Fig. 33 is a flow diagram of an illumination process 600 according to another embodiment of the invention. For example, the lighting process 600 is performed by a computing device or system that includes a display screen. For example, the computing device or system performing the lighting process 600 may be the computing device or system shown in fig. 4-12.

The illumination process 600 begins at step 602 by periodically sampling regions of the display screen to obtain an indication of the color of each region at step 602. After obtaining the color indication, the process proceeds to step 604, where the color indication is associated to a shell area (region) corresponding to the computing device or system at step 604. For example, the housing may belong to a main housing for enclosing a base computer, screen display, or peripheral device. In one embodiment, step 604 relates to a mapping operation during which the area of the screen display sampled at step 602 is mapped to a corresponding region of the housing.

After associating the color indications to the zones, the process proceeds to step 606, where the light elements are driven according to the associated color indications, step 606. The optical elements are located in various regions of the housing. The driven light elements are used to illuminate zones of the housing. After step 606, the illumination process 600 is complete and ends. However, the illumination process 600 is typically performed frequently or periodically so that the light elements can be driven 606 according to color indications obtained from the screen display.

In one embodiment, the illumination process 600 simulates the colors appearing in the regions of the screen display to the various regions of the housing. In one example, the E-field of the screen display may be associated with a color configuration, and the regions of the housing may have the same configuration. This is often done to extend the feel of the display screen to the housing. For example, if the area of the display screen is blue, then the corresponding area of the housing is also blue. Also if different areas of the display screen are different colors, then different areas of the housing are also different colors.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a display monitor 620 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Display monitor 620 includes a housing 622 that is divided into several separate and spatially distinct illuminable zones 624. Any number of zones may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 622 includes 16 illuminable zones 624. Each zone 624 has an associated light element (not shown) disposed within the housing proximate to the zone. It will be appreciated that the relevant light element is configured to illuminate its respective region. For example, the associated light element may be an array of LEDs capable of illuminating the respective region with a plurality of colors (e.g., the array of LEDs may include red, green, and blue LEDs). In the illustrated embodiment, each zone 624 is disposed about the perimeter of the housing 622 and includes a portion that is located at the front of the monitor 620 and a portion that is located at the side of the monitor 620. However, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and the zones may be configured differently with respect to the monitor 620. For example, the zones may be positioned behind the monitor 620, or the zones may be positioned on only one side of the monitor 620.

As shown, the housing 622 is configured to structurally support the display 626 in its assembled position within the housing 622. As shown, the portion of the display 626 that is visible to the user is positioned at the front of the monitor 320 behind the opening in the housing 622. As previously described, the display 626 is configured to present text and graphics to a user. For example, the display screen may present text and graphics related to an application program or operating system program. During the illumination process, such as during the illumination process 600, a region 628 of the display 626 is periodically sampled to obtain a color indication. In one embodiment, the color indication represents a primary color being displayed within the region (e.g., multiple colors may be displayed in one region). For example, if the area appears substantially blue, then the color indication is blue. The colors indicate the light elements used to drive the zones 624 as described above. Region 628 may be any suitable region located within the display screen. In the illustrated embodiment, region 628 is disposed around an outer perimeter of display 626.

In one embodiment, a region 628 of the display 626 is mapped to a corresponding region 624 of the housing 622. Therefore, when the area of the display screen is changed, its corresponding area is also changed. In the illustrated embodiment, each zone 624 has a sample region 628. The sample region 628 may correspond to any suitable zone 624. However, in the illustrated embodiment, each sample region corresponds to a respective zone disposed at a position closest to each sample region. For example, the sample region 628 'corresponds to the region 624'. Thus, when the sample region 628 'changes from the first color to the second color, the corresponding region 624' also changes from the first color to the second color.

In one embodiment, various locations of the display screen 626 are sampled using an event monitor, such as any of the event monitors described above. When a certain graphic inch is displayed, the event monitor changes the light effect manager. Thus, the light manager may send control signals to the light elements to dynamically adjust one or more of the zones according to the sample. For example, referring to fig. 35, when a change occurs to the sample region 628 ', the event monitor sends event information to the light effect manager, and the light effect manager sends a corresponding control signal to the light element housed under the area 624 ', commanding the light element to illuminate (i.e., the light element illuminates the area 624 ' with light), thereby causing the area 624 ' to change with the sample region 628 '. For example, if the sample region 628 'turns blue, then the region 624' will also turn blue. It should be noted that changing to the same color is not a limitation, and the region may be configured to change to a color different from the color of the sample region. In one embodiment, the light effect manager is configured to reference a lighting table containing lighting characteristics before sending the control signal to the light source.

As another example, fig. 36 is a perspective view of a display monitor 620 presenting a first window 640 and a second window 642 over a wallpaper backdrop 644 on a display 626. In this configuration, some of the sampled regions 628 correspond to the color of the first window 640, some of the sampled regions 628 correspond to the color of the second window 642, and the remaining sampled regions correspond to the color of the wallpaper backdrop 644. In the illustrated embodiment, the various zones 624 associated with different sampled regions 628 are configured to output similar colors. For example, the sample regions 628A-E and the zones 624A-E located proximate to the sample regions 628A-E may output a first color such as green, the sample regions 6281-L and the zones 624I-L located proximate to the sample regions 6281-L may output a second color such as white, and the sample regions 628F-G & M-P and the zones 6241-G & M-P located proximate to the sample regions 628F-G & M-P may output a third color such as blue.

37A-37F are perspective views of the display monitor 620 of FIG. 36 presenting a video or game sequence 650. For 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 embodiment, the sequence 650 corresponds to a space vehicle 652 encountering an asteroid 654 in space 656. This is by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

Fig. 37A shows a first sequence in which the asteroid 654 and the spacecraft 652 enter the display 626 from opposite sides. Thus, the sampling region 628A includes the asteroid 654, the sampling region 628H includes the spacecraft 652, and the remaining sampling regions 628B-628G and 6281-628P include the space 656 therein. As a result, the relevant zone 624A emits a light effect similar to the asteroid 654, the relevant zone 624H emits a light effect similar to the spacecraft 652, and the relevant zones 624B-624G and 6241-624P emit light effects similar to the space 656. For example, zone 624A may be brown corresponding to small brown stars, zone 624H may be orange corresponding to orange space, and zones 624B-624G and 6241-624P may be blue corresponding to blue space.

Fig. 37B shows a second sequence in which the asteroid 654 and the spacecraft 652 move away from their respective sides in a direction closer to each other. Thus, the sample regions 628A-628G and 6281-628P now include the space 656, and the sample region 628H now includes the exhaust 658 from the spacecraft 652. As a result, the zones 624A-624G and 6241-624P now emit light effects similar to the space 656, and the associated zone 624H now emits light effects similar to the exhaust 658. For example, the zones 624A-624G and 6241-624P may be blue corresponding to a blue color of the blue space, and the zone 624H may be yellow corresponding to yellow exhaust.

Fig. 37C and 37D show a third and fourth sequence in which a spacecraft 652 launches a bullet 659 into an asteroid 654, thereby splitting the asteroid 654 into two smaller asteroids 660 and 662. The third and fourth sequences also show a spacecraft 652 that continues to move toward the asteroid 654 and two smaller asteroids 660, 662 that move away from the spacecraft 652 after the split. Thus, all of the sample regions 628A-628P now include a space 656. As a result, the regions 624A-624P now emit light effects similar to the space 656. For example, the regions 624A-624P may be blue corresponding to the blue color space.

Fig. 37E shows a fifth sequence in which the spacecraft 652 continues to move toward the asteroids 660, 662, and the asteroids 660, 662 continue to move at an angle away from the spacecraft 652. Thus, the sample region 6280 now includes the first asteroid 660, the sample region 628B now includes the second asteroid 662, the sample region 628A now includes the spacecraft 652, and the sample regions 628C628N and 628P now include the space 656. As a result, the relevant zone 6240 emits a light effect similar to the first asteroid 660, the relevant zone 624B emits a light effect similar to the second asteroid 662, the relevant zone 624A emits a light effect similar to the spacecraft 652, and the remaining zones 624C, 624N, and 624P emit a light effect similar to the space 656. For example, zones 6240 and 624B may be brown corresponding to small brown planets, zone 624A may be orange corresponding to an orange space, and zones 624C-624N and 6241' may be blue corresponding to blue space.

FIG. 37F shows a sixth sequence in which the asteroids 660, 662 and the space vehicle 652 have all left the side of the display 626. Thus, the sample region 628A now includes the exhaust 658 of the spacecraft 652, and the sample regions 628B-628P now include the space 656. As a result, the relevant region 624A now emits a light effect similar to the exhaust 658, and the remaining regions 624B-624P emit a light effect similar to the space 656. For example, zone 624A may be yellow, corresponding to yellow exhaust, and zones 624B-624P may be blue, corresponding to blue space.

As another example, fig. 38A and 38B are diagrams of a display monitor 680 presenting two segments 682A and 682B of a programmed sequence 682. The display monitor 680 is similar to the display monitor 620 of FIG. 36, and thus, 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 a user of the computer system to see their music. The computer program is arranged to display a beautiful light display (such as different colors or patterns) on the display screen of the display monitor 680 that changes with the tempo of the user's music, beats and pulses. For example, the computer program may adjust its color and pattern relative to the frequency of music being played in the computer system. Music may be imported from a CD or DVD player, MP3 player, the internet, or it may be stored in the computer system itself. For example, the computer program may correspond to a computer program iTunes produced by Apple computer Cupertino, CA.

The programming sequence 682 can take a variety of forms. In the illustrated embodiment, the programmed sequence 682 is a multi-color graphical display that includes a plurality of patterns 686 and 688 moving within the wallpaper backdrop 690. These patterns 686 and 688 may follow a random or predetermined path. Fig. 38A shows patterns 686 and 688 in a first position, and fig. 38B shows patterns 686 and 688 in a second position along the line. These locations may or may not be continuous. In this embodiment, these patterns 686 and 688 represent a histogram distribution having peaks 692 and valleys 694. The patterns 686 and 688 may adjust their configuration as they move within the wallpaper backdrop 690. For example, the peaks 692 and valleys 694 may change their period and amplitude, or they may change their color (e.g., 686). The frequency distribution may be based on the frequency of music being played on the computer system, or they may be predetermined.

Similar to FIGS. 34-37, the areas of the display screen are mapped to corresponding illuminable zones 684. Therefore, when the area of the display screen is changed, the corresponding area is also changed. As described above, there is typically one sample region per illuminable zone 684. The sample regions can correspond to any suitable regions 684, however, they generally correspond to respective regions disposed at locations closest to the respective sample regions. As shown in fig. 38A and 38B, as the peaks 692 and valleys 694 change their configuration and position, they move into and out of different areas of the display screen. Thus, the illuminable zones 684 are also continuously changing, thereby producing light effects corresponding to the changing regions. For example, in fig. 38A, the configuration (e.g., color, intensity) of the illuminable region 684 'corresponds to the configuration (e.g., color, intensity) of the valleys 694' of the pattern 688, and in fig. 38B, the configuration (e.g., color, intensity) of the illuminable region 684 'corresponds to the configuration (e.g., color, intensity) of the peaks 692' of the pattern 686. Additionally, in fig. 38A, the configuration of the illuminable zones 684 "corresponds to the configuration of the peaks 692" of the pattern 686, and in fig. 38B, the configuration of the illuminable zones 684 "corresponds to the configuration of the wallpaper backdrop 690.

As another example, fig. 39A and 39B are diagrams of a display monitor 680 presenting two segments 700A and 700B of a programmed sequence 700. Like programmed sequence 682, programmed sequence 00 corresponds to a computer program that allows a user of the computer system to see their music. The programmed sequence 700 can take on a variety of forms. In the illustrated embodiment, the programmed sequence 700 is a graphical display that includes a plurality of pulsating distributions 702A-I moving within a wallpaper backdrop 704. The pulse profiles 702A-I are generally configured to function like a street leveler, and thus, they change (move up and down) depending on the frequency of music being played in the computer system. FIG. 39A shows the pulsatile profiles 702A-I in a first position, and FIG. 39B shows the pulsatile profiles 702A-I in a second position.

Similar to FIGS. 34-38, the areas of the display screen are mapped to corresponding illuminable zones 684. Therefore, when the area of the display screen is changed, the corresponding area is also changed. As described above, there is typically one sample region per illuminable zone 684. The sample regions can correspond to any suitable regions 684, however, they generally correspond to respective regions disposed at locations closest to the respective sample regions. As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, as the pulsatile profiles 702A-I change their configuration and position, they move into and out of different areas of the display screen. Thus, the illuminable zones 684 are also continuously changing, thereby producing light effects corresponding to the changing regions. For example, in fig. 39A, the configuration (e.g., color, intensity) of the illuminable zones 684 "corresponds to the configuration (e.g., color, intensity) of the pulsatile distribution 702F, and in fig. 39B, the configuration (e.g., color, intensity) of the illuminable zones 684" corresponds to the configuration (e.g., color, intensity) of the wallpaper backdrop 690.

It should be noted that a methodology similar to that shown in fig. 38 and 39 can also be used to change the regions based on the music itself rather than on the visual output of the display screen.

Although the description so far has been primarily directed to illuminating a larger area of the housing, in some cases, only a small portion of the housing may need to be illuminated. This may be useful for indicators that indicate events related to the system in which they are used. For example, an event may relate to a signal, a condition, or a state of a system.

FIG. 40 illustrates a computer system 750, the computer system 750 including a base 752 and a monitor 754, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The base 752 and the monitor 754 may be separate components or they may be integrated into a single component. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 752 and the monitor 754 are separate components, i.e., they each have their own housing. The monitor 754 includes a monitor housing 756A and the base 752 includes a base housing 756B. Both of the housings 756A and 756B are configured to enclose various internal components related to the operation of the respective devices. Generally, the housings 756 are intended to surround their internal components in their peripheral regions so as to cover and protect their internal components from adverse conditions. For example, the monitor housing 756A may internally enclose a display and related display components, while the base housing 756B may internally enclose various electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for the computer system 750.

To alert a user to a particular condition of the computer system 750, each of the components (base, monitor) described above may include an indicator 760. For example, each component may include a power on/sleep indicator that alerts the user when the components are on/off or in sleep mode. Indicator 760 is typically illuminated when the assembly is open and indicator 760 is not illuminated when the assembly is closed. Additionally, the indicator may turn on and off or cycle as the intensity increases or decreases (decays) while in the sleep mode.

Indicators have been used in computer system 750 for a long time. However, unlike conventional indicators, the indicator 760 shown in fig. 40 utilizes the principles described in the previous embodiments. Primarily, 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. For example, a change in color may indicate a change in system status.

As shown in fig. 41A and 41B, when the pointer is opened, a pointer image 762 appears on the surface of the casing 756, and when the pointer is closed, the image disappears from the surface of the casing 756. One advantage of this type of indicator is that indicator 760 is not traced when indicator 760 is closed. Indicator 760 is present only when indicator 760 is open. In addition, the indicators 760 avoid the formation of substantial cracks, lines, pits, protrusions in the surface of the housing 756 that are aesthetically displeasing and can degrade the appearance of the computer system. In conventional indicators, the indicator is always present on the surface of the housing. It will be appreciated that conventional indicators typically include a small transparent plastic insert that is positioned in front of the LED and inserted into an opening in the housing so that it protrudes outside the housing. There is also substantial cracking in the interface between the insert and the housing, making it unattractive to look at. Alternatively, the LED itself may be placed within an opening in the housing. However, this will also typically protrude from the housing and may also include substantial gaps.

FIG. 42 is a diagram of an indicator 770, according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, indicator 770 may be used in a computer system such as that described in FIG. 40 or another type of electronic device. As shown in fig. 42, the indicator 770 includes a light source 772 positioned behind a housing 774. At least some portion of the housing 774 in close proximity to the light source 772 can be illuminated, i.e., can be illuminated. In general, an indicator image such as that shown in fig. 41 is formed on the outer surface 782 of the illuminable portion 776, and may even glow when light is made incident on the inner surface 784 of the illuminable portion 776 by the light source 772.

The light source 772 can vary widely, but in most cases it comprises an LED or group of LEDs. For 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 mounted LEDs 786A and 786B that are abutted against one another and attached to a printed circuit board 788. The surface-mounted LEDs 786A include red, green, and blue LEDs, and the surface-mounted LEDs 786B include white LEDs. Red, green, blue and white LEDs work together to produce different colors (e.g., mixing) in the color spectrum. This particular arrangement allows the computer system to change the color of the indicator according to the particular task being performed in the computer system. In some cases, UV-LEDs may be used.

The illuminable portion 776 can comprise one or more layers and is typically formed of one or more transparent or translucent light transmissive materials, the transparency of the illuminable portion 776 being configured to allow light to pass therethrough while preventing a user from clearly seeing or discerning objects such as the light source 772 therethrough. That is, the illuminable portion 776 transmits light but at the same time causes sufficient diffusion so that objects behind it cannot be clearly seen. For example, the illuminable portion 776 can include a euhedral member located inside or outside the illuminable portion 776 (see fig. 17A-17C). In one embodiment, the illuminable portion 776 is a thinner portion of a white plastic housing.

In a particular embodiment, the illuminable portion 776 of the housing 774 is formed from a plurality of layers. For example, the housing 774 may include a transparent outer layer forming an outer perimeter portion of the housing 774 and a translucent inner layer forming an inner perimeter portion of the housing 774. The layers may be located in various positions relative to each other, but in most cases they are placed against each other and may even be moulded or attached to each other to form a single unit. The translucent inner layer is configured to hide unwanted internal components within the housing 774 while providing a uniform, clean appearance to the housing 774 when the housing 774 is viewed from an exterior surface 782 of the housing 774 (e.g., through the transparent outer layer). The translucent inner layer is also configured to transmit light therethrough so as to be illuminable. This arrangement provides an attractive aesthetic appearance while not being obstructed by components inside housing 774.

The inner layer may be formed of various transparent or translucent materials and may be any of a variety of different colors or colors. On the other hand, the outer layer may be formed of various transparent materials such as transparent plastic or glass. In one embodiment, the outer layer is a transparent plastic sheet and the inner layer is a white plastic sheet. It will be appreciated that a white surface provides a good medium for generating different colors on the housing 774 by the light source 772.

Although the light source 772 is capable of producing a shaped image, other means are required to produce a pointer image having a desired shape. In cases such as these, the indicator 770 may include a shading element that serves to block 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 shading element typically comprises an opening corresponding to the image to be illuminated. The light passing through the opening is projected on the illuminable housing 774, thereby forming an image on the illuminable housing 774. The pointer image is typically provided at a location near the opening in the illuminable housing 774. Light passing through the opening is transmitted through the illuminable housing 774 to produce an illuminated image at the outer surface of the illuminable housing 774. The shape of the image formed on the illuminable housing 774 generally corresponds to the shape of the opening. The shape of the opening and thus the image can vary widely. For example, it may be a simple shape such as a circle, rectangle, square, triangle, or it may be a more complex shape such as an icon, logo, or the like.

Fig. 43 is a diagram of a housing indicator system 800 according to one embodiment of the 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 may be the entire housing or a smaller component configured to be translucent such that it transmits light but does not allow objects disposed behind it to be clearly seen, i.e., allows light to be diffusely transmitted (partially transparent). On the other hand, the mask 804 blocks light from illuminating all other portions of the illumination housing portion 806 except those portions that need to be illuminated. The shroud 804 generally includes an opening 808, the opening 808d having a scoop shape corresponding to the shape of the image to be formed. In operation, when light is projected through the opening 808, an image is generated, i.e., transferred to an outer surface 810 of the illuminable housing portion 806, where the image is visible to a user at the outer surface 810.

While the mask 804 is generally shown and discussed, it should be noted that other masking elements may be used. For example, the shading elements may be in the form of light guides or light pipes that can form an image by directing light to a particular area. The light guide and light pipe may also help to guide light from one region to another, such as when the light source is located at a distal location. For example, FIG. 44 shows a light hand 812 (see also FIG. 25) that forms an image on the illuminable housing portion 806 via the light source 802, and FIG. 45 shows a light pipe 814 (see also FIG. 24) that forms an image on the illuminable housing portion 806 via the light source 802.

It may also be desirable to produce a sharp indicator image without blurred edges. It should be appreciated that light may escape through the illuminable housing portion 806, causing a distorted image, particularly at the edges of the image. For example, fig. 46 shows a blurred indicator image 816 and a sharp indicator image 818. Several embodiments for forming a sharp image as shown in fig. 46 will now be described.

FIG. 47 is a diagram of a housing indicator system S20, according to one embodiment of the invention. The housing indicator system 820 includes a housing 822 and a light source 824 disposed behind the housing 822. The light sources 824 may be placed adjacent to the inner surface of the housing 822 or they may be spaced apart. For example, the light source 824 may include one or more LEDs such as RGB LEDs and white LEDs. The housing 822 includes at least an inner bezel 826 with a first receiving notch 828 formed in the inner bezel 826 forming a reduced thickness portion 830. Reduced thickness portion 830 is configured to be translucent while thicker portion 832 of inner bezel 826 is configured to be opaque. The thicker portion 832 of the bezel 826 acts like a mask, preventing light from passing through the area of the bezel 826 (except for the notch 828). The walls 834 of the notch 828 act like a light guide, helping to guide light from the light source 824 to the reduced thickness portion 830. Because reduced thickness portion 830 is translucent, it can be illuminated when light is introduced into notch 828 by light source 824. Additionally, the shape of the notch 828 creates an indicator image having a similar shape on the outer surface 834 of the inner bezel 826. For example, if the recess is formed as a cylinder, the indicator image will be circular, as shown in fig. 41A.

The thickness of reduced thickness portion 830 may be adjusted to achieve the intensity of the illumination provided. For example, its thickness may be made larger in order to reduce its transparency (and thus the illumination intensity at the outer surface smaller), or it may be made smaller in order to increase its transparency (and thus the illumination intensity at the outer surface larger). The thickness of the reduced thickness portion may also be adjusted to affect objects that are visible through it, i.e. if it is too thin, the user can see the light source arranged behind it. In most cases, the thickness is designed such that a maximum amount of illumination is produced, while still preventing objects disposed behind it from being clearly visible.

In one embodiment, the inner trench edge 826 is formed of a white material such that it acts like a canvas to the color of light generated by the light source 824. For example, if the light source 824 generates red light, the reduced thickness portion 830 also turns red. The housing 822 may additionally include a transparent outer bezel 836. The transparent 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, according to one embodiment of the invention. As with the housing indicator system shown in fig. 47, the housing indicator system 840 shown here includes a notch 828 having a reduced thickness portion 830. However, unlike the housing indicator system of fig. 47, the housing indicator system 840 includes an illuminable plug 842 inserted or formed in the recess 828. The illuminable plug 842 acts like a light guide/pipe to direct light from the light source 824 to the reduced thickness portion 830. For example, the illuminable plug 842 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material. In the case of a UV LED, the illuminable plug 842 may additionally include a UV brightener.

The illuminable plug 842 generally includes a light receiving area 844 for collecting light and an illumination area 846 for emitting light. The illuminable plug 842 directs light from the light source 824 from the light receiving region 844 through the illuminable plug 842 to the illumination region 846. Illumination area 846 is adjacent reduced thickness portion 830 such that light emitted from illumination area 846 travels to the inner surface of reduced thickness portion 830 and then passes through reduced thickness portion 830, thereby illuminating reduced thickness portion 830 at its outer surface 834.

The illuminable plug 842 may include a protruding member 848, the protruding member 848 extending away from the inner bezel 826 when the illuminable plug 842 is disposed within the recess 828. The protruding member 848 may include a void or recess 850. The light source 824 may be positioned at least partially within the void 850 such that the light plug 842 captures a greater portion of the light generated by the light source 824, i.e., the protrusion surrounds the light source 824. The light plug 842 has a shape that conforms to the shape of the recess 828.

FIG. 49 is a diagram of a housing indicator system 860, according to one embodiment of the invention. As with the housing indicator system shown in fig. 47 and 48, the housing indicator system 860 includes a recess 828 having a reduced thickness portion 830 and an illuminable plug 862 inserted or formed within the recess 828. However, unlike the illuminable plug as shown in fig. 48, the illuminable plug 862 includes a light blocking plate 864 on its peripheral surface. The light barrier 864 is configured to prevent light from being emitted from the side of the illuminable plug 862. For example, the light blocking plate 864 may be formed of an opaque material.

In one particular embodiment, the illuminable plug 862 is formed from a transmissive portion 866 located inside it and a reflective portion 868 located outside it. Because the exterior of the illuminable plug 862 is reflective, as light travels from the light receiving area 844 to the illumination area 846, the light reflects off the sides of the illuminable plug 862. The reflecting portion 868 also prevents light from escaping through the side walls of the notch 828, and when light is incident on the light receiving region 844, the light is transmitted to the illumination region 846 where it is emitted onto the reduced thickness portion 830 at the illumination region 846.

Although the illuminable portion is generally described as a continuous piece of the inner bezel, the illuminable portion may also be provided by a separate piece of translucent material (such as a plug or insert) that is inserted and secured within an opening or aperture in the transparent or non-transparent inner bezel. Like the inner bezel, the translucent material may be any of a variety of different colors or colors, but in most cases it corresponds to the color of the inner bezel so as to mimic a continuous part, which generally means that the surface of the inner bezel does not include substantial cracks, lines, pits, which tend to make the housing aesthetically displeasing and degrade the overall appearance of the computer system.

FIG. 50 is a diagram of a housing indicator system 870, according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the system 870 includes an illuminable plug 872 similar to that of fig. 48, but unlike fig. 48, the inner bezel 826 includes an opening 874 rather than a notch. 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. A lighted plug 872 is disposed within opening 874. The illumination area 846 of the light plug 872 becomes an illuminable area of the housing 822. In most cases, the illumination area 846 of the light plug 872 is flush with the outer surface of the inner bezel 826 so as to create a uniform-and-continuous appearance. The light plug 872 is shaped to conform to the shape of the opening 874. Thus, there is substantially no gap between the side surface of the light plug 872 and the inner surface of the opening 874. In some cases, an inner rim is molded around the illuminable plug to eliminate any gap that exists between them. Essentially, the two parts are fused together.

FIG. 51 is a diagram of a housing indicator system 880, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the housing indicator system 880 includes an illuminable plug 882 similar to fig. 50, but unlike fig. 50, the illuminable plug 882 further includes a shield member 884 adjacent the illumination area 846 of the illuminable plug 882. The shield member 884 functions like the reduced thickness portion 830 described above. Although the shield member 884 can be formed of various colors, it is generally configured to match the color of the inner bezel 826. By so doing, the inner bezel 826 appears as a single continuous piece. The two parts may be formed of similar materials or of dissimilar materials. In one particular embodiment, the inner bezel 826 and the shield member 884 are formed from the same white plastic material.

Fig. 52 is a diagram of a housing indicator system 890 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the housing indicator system 890 includes an illuminable plug 892 similar to that of fig. 51, but unlike fig. 51, the illuminable plug 892 includes a light barrier 894 on its peripheral surface. Similar to the light barrier described in fig. 49, the light barrier 894 is configured to prevent light from being emitted from the side of the illuminable plug 892, thereby reflecting more light through the shielding member 884. In this particular embodiment, it is generally preferred to use a light barrier 894 having a minimum thickness in order to prevent visible seams at the light plug/bezel interface. It should be appreciated that when the light plug 892 is disposed within the opening 874, substantial thickness may appear as a line at the outer surface of the inner bezel 826. In some cases, it may be desirable to extend the light barrier 894 only to the inner surface of the shield member 884. In this way, the shield member 884 can hide any lines formed by the light barrier 894.

The method for manufacturing the above-described device may vary widely. For example, the bezel may be manufactured by molding, machining, or the like, and may be attached using any suitable means (e.g., fasteners, adhesives, molding, etc.). Similar to the bezel, the optical plug may be manufactured by molding, machining, and the like. Additionally, any suitable means, such as press fitting, molding, adhesives, etc., may be used to attach the optical plug to the bezel. Further, the light blocking plate may be formed on the surface of the light plug by plating, deposition, painting, or the like. Further, the shielding member may be formed on the surface of the optical plug by molding, adhesion, or the like.

Several examples of manufacturing steps will now be described. In one embodiment, the optical plug and the inner bezel including the recess or opening are molded separately. After molding, the optical plug is press fit into the notch or opening of the bezel. After press fitting, an outer bezel is molded over the inner bezel and the optical plug. In another embodiment, the optical plug is molded first. After molding the light plug, an inner bezel is molded around the light plug. After molding the inner bezel, an outer bezel is molded over the inner bezel and the optical plug. In yet another embodiment, the optical plug is first manufactured by molding the optical plug, after which the shielding member is molded over the optical plug, and then the light barrier is plated on the outer peripheral surface of the optical plug.

Fig. 53 is a diagram of a housing indicator system 900 according to one embodiment of the invention. The housing indicator system 900 includes a housing 902 and an indicator assembly 904. The housing 902 includes a transparent layer 902A and a translucent layer 902B. Both layers are typically formed of a plastic material. The layer 902 may be attached using any suitable means. In the embodiment shown, the two layers 902 are molded together. As shown, the translucent layer 902B includes a light receiving recess 906 forming a reduced thickness portion 907. The reduced thickness portion 907 represents that area of the translucent layer 902B that is illuminated to indicate the occurrence of an event.

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 907. For example, the light source 909 may include an rgb LED 909A and a white LED 909B, both of which are attached to a corpse brush circuit board 910. The light directing system 908 is configured to direct light from the light source 909 to the reduced thickness portion 907.

The light guiding system 908 comprises a light barrier 911, which light barrier 911 is configured to prevent light from entering the translucent layer 902B in areas other than the reduced thickness portion 907. Specifically, the baffle 911 covers the sides of the recess 906 and the portion of the inner surface of the translucent layer 902B surrounding the recess 906. The light barrier 911 may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the light barrier 911 is a thin metal disc that is positioned within the recess 906 over a portion of the translucent layer 902B. More specifically, the thin metal disc includes a tubular portion 912 that is inserted within the recess 906 and a flange portion 913 that covers the inner surface of the translucent layer 902B. For example, the thin metal disc may be press fit into the recess 906.

The light guiding system 908 further comprises a light guide 914 for guiding light from the light source 909 to the reduced thickness portion 907. A light guide 914 is disposed within the space provided between the translucent layer 902B and the printed circuit board 910. The light guide 914 may be attached to the light barrier 911, the translucent layer 902B, the light source 909, and/or the printed circuit board 910. The light guide 914 may vary widely. In the illustrated embodiment, the light guide 914 is a light pipe formed from an opaque white plastic. Opaque white plastic helps to mix and distribute light evenly. The light pipe generally includes an opening 915, the shape and size of the opening 915 conforming to the shape and size of the recess 906, and gaskets 916 may be provided between the light pipe and the opaque layer 902B and between the light pipe and the printed circuit board 910 for sealing the interface. The gasket 916 helps prevent light from escaping the light guiding system 908 while providing certain manufacturing tolerances. The light pipe may be attached to the light panel/translucent layer and/or the light source/printed circuit board using any suitable means. In some cases, rather than attaching the light pipe directly, the light pipe is sandwiched between the printed circuit board 910 and the translucent layer 902B.

FIG. 54 is a diagram of the layers of computer system 920 with optical function 921, according to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the optical function 921 may be utilized in a manner that illuminates a portion of the entire enclosure of the computing system 920 or illuminates 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, a user may enter data through 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 software running on the computing system 920, such as color software 926. Operating systems are well known and will not be described in detail herein. For example, the operating system may correspond to OS/2, DOS, Unix, Linux, and the like.

Color software 926 is software that includes a set of instructions for telling computer system 920 what to do with light function 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 for controlling the overall activity of the computing system 920. The color software 926 may be divided into multiple components. Each component may be associated with a particular program, such as a music program, a movie video editing program, a sleep behavior program, a car shell lighting program, or the like.

The computer system also includes a software driver 928 for enabling communication between the software 926 and the main processor 930.

Main processor 930 is configured to control computing system 920. The main processor 930 is generally responsible for interpreting instructions collected from the input device and communicating the results to the output device. Host processor 930 typically takes the form of an integrated circuit, but may also include other circuitry. Computing system 920 may additionally include a Special Management Unit (SMU)932 that may assist main processor 930 or may perform certain tasks in computing system 920. SMU 932 may be, for example, an auxiliary integrated circuit that is configured to continuously receive power to provide operation when main processor 930 is in a sleep mode. Although SMU 932 is shown as a separate component, in some cases SMU 932 may be integrated with main processor 930.

The computer system 920 also includes one or more light drivers 934 configured to drive one or more light sources 936. There is typically one light driver 934 per light source 936. These light drivers 934 are configured to convert control signals, 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 920. The control signal may be, for example, a duty cycle signal that may be converted to a voltage signal and/or a current signal that drives the intensity of the light source 936.

In one embodiment, the light driver 934 is configured to convert the up-cycle signal to a voltage and further to a stable continuous current driven by the light sources 936. Continuous means that the voltage or current through the light source 936 is not generally turned on and off. One advantage of driving the light sources 936 with a continuous current is that the connection between the light driver 934 and the light sources 936 can span a large distance. Thus, the light source 936 can be placed at a remote location relative to the precursor actuator 934. In most products, it is not conceivable to place the light source 936 in close proximity to the light driver 934 because the position of these two mechanisms is controlled by different considerations. For example, the position of the light sources 936 is controlled by the industrial design, while the position of the light driver 934 is limited by its routing considerations relative to other chips and circuits.

To elaborate, a significant problem arises when the current is switched on and off, and the current lines connecting the light sources 936 to the light drivers 934 span a certain degree of distance. When the current is switched on and off, it emits radiation (e.g., capacitive coupling, magnetic coupling) that causes interference. The interference is most pronounced in the audio microphone input amplifier because it produces a buzz through the speaker. Interference may also be significant in other low level inputs such as sensor inputs. By providing a continuous current, the system 920 no longer switches undesirable periodic currents or voltages, and thus, the light source connections can span a longer distance without causing nuisance.

Although continuous, the voltage or current levels may be adjusted to achieve various levels of light intensity at each light source 936. For example, the current level may be made lower to produce low intensity light, or higher to produce high intensity light. By varying the light intensity, one or more static or dynamic light effects may be created.

In one embodiment, the light function 921 includes a plurality of light sources 936, where each light source 936 is capable of emitting a different color of light. The intensity of each of these light sources 936 can be adjusted between low and high to produce different light effects. In one embodiment, the light feature 921 includes at least red, green, and blue light sources such that almost any color in the color spectrum (e.g., color mixing) can be produced. For example, to produce a bright red color, red light may be put high and the other light put low (off). To produce a pink color, it is possible to put "red light on medium level and the other light on low level (off). To produce a deep violet color, red and blue light can be put high and green light low (off).

In addition, although white light can be produced by mixing red, blue and green light together, it is not usually exactly white. To obtain a practically accurate white color, the light function 921 may also comprise a white light source. White light may be used alone to produce white color, or may be combined with other colors to achieve hue. For example, to produce a pink color, white light may be placed at a high level and red light at a medium level while keeping the other light at a very low level. The light sources may be any of those previously described (e.g., LEDs), and they may also be configured to illuminate a translucent housing (e.g., casing, indicator, etc.) in any of the previously described manners.

Fig. 55 is a diagram of a light assembly 940 according to one embodiment of the invention. The light assembly 940 generally includes a processor 942, a plurality of light drivers 944, and a plurality of LEDs 946. These components may generally correspond to the SMU, light driver, and light source in fig. 54, for example. In this embodiment, the processor 942 includes a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) unit 948, the PWM unit 948 having a plurality of channels 950, the channels 950 having programmable duty cycles that control the intensity of light at each LED 946. The number of channels typically varies depending on the number of LEDs used, i.e., one channel per LED 946. In the illustrated embodiment, the light assembly 940 includes at least red, green, blue, and white LEDs, and thus, there are four channels 950, each channel 950 corresponding to a different color. Each LED946 also has an optical driver 944. An optical driver 944 is disposed between processor 942 and LED 946. The light driver 944 is configured to convert the PWM signal into a steady-state continuous current capable of driving the LEDs 946. In one embodiment, the optical driver 944 includes a PWM-to-voltage converter and a voltage-to-current converter.

In the embodiment shown, light assembly 940 includes four light drivers 944A-D, each configured to drive a different LED 946A-D. The first light driver 944A is configured to drive the red LEDs 946A, the second pre-driver 944B is configured to drive the green LEDs 946B, the third light driver 944C is configured to drive the blue LEDs 946C, and the fourth light driver 944D is configured to drive the white LEDs 946D. Although the red, green, and blue LEDs 946A-C may be separate components, they are typically grouped together as part of an LED system. For example, they may be mounted to the same structural base. On the other hand, a white LED 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. For example, the packaged device may be a surface mount device that is sufficiently attached to a printed circuit board. Although a separate component, the RGB LED system is typically placed in close proximity to the white LEDs to provide color mixing. For example, they may be mounted in similar locations within the electronic device housing.

In an alternative to the above embodiments, the processor may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that allows the processor to output a voltage that is insufficient to output a PWM signal. In this embodiment, the processor includes a plurality of channels, each outputting a voltage, and each channel corresponding to a different LED. In addition, since the output is a voltage, the optical driver includes only a voltage-to-current converter, which receives a voltage from the processor and outputs a current to the Lmacro D. Still alternatively, the processor may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that allows the processor to output a current instead of outputting a PWM signal or voltage. In this embodiment, the processor includes a plurality of channels, each channel outputting a current, and each channel corresponding to a different LED. Furthermore, since the output is a current, the optical driver can be eliminated, i.e. the current from the processor is output directly to the LED.

Although a steady and continuous current output is typically required for the reasons described above, in some cases this may not be possible for every light source. That is, it may be desirable for at least one light source to use different control circuits. For example, in some cases, the light assembly 952 may include a light switch 954 as shown in fig. 56 instead of a light driver. In a circuit including the optical switch 954, the current is left at a constant level, i.e., the current does not change as much as the optical driver 944. The optical switch 954, which has two states (on and off), is controlled by the PWM output. The PWM output achieves the duration in either state. The duration of time that the switch 954 is in either state is used to vary the intensity at the light source 946 associated with the light switch 954. For example, to produce bright lighting, switch 954 may be turned on for 99ms and Ims turned off. To produce dim illumination, switch 954 may be turned on for 1ms and off for 99 ms. In the illustrated embodiment, the light switch 954 is used to drive the white LEDs 946D, while the light drivers 944A-C are used to drive the red, green, and blue LEDs 946A-C.

Fig. 57 is a simplified diagram of an optical drive 960, according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the optical driver 960 may correspond to the optical driver 944 as shown in fig. 55 and 56. Optical drive 960 generally includes a pair of switches 962 and 964. The first converter 962 is configured to convert the PWM signal into a DC voltage. For example, first converter 962 receives a PWM signal from a processor and outputs a voltage signal to second converter 964. On the other hand, the second clamp 964 is configured to convert the voltage signal into a current signal. For example, the second converter 964 receives a voltage signal from the first converter 962 and outputs a current signal to the associated light source.

In operation, the duty cycle of the PWM signal is proportional to the desired intensity of the associated light source. Like the duty cycle, the voltage is also proportional to the desired intensity of the associated light source. In a particular embodiment, the voltage is between about 0mV to about 500 mV. The lower half of the range generally corresponds to the lower half of the duty cycle, while the upper half of the 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 0mA to about 20 mA. The lower half of the range generally corresponds to the lower half of the voltage, while the upper half of the range generally corresponds to the upper half of the voltage. For example, the voltage-to-current converter may correspond to a transimpedance amplifier or a gm stage.

Fig. 58 is an exemplary circuit diagram of an optical driver 970 according to one embodiment of the invention. This circuit diagram may represent the optical driver shown in the previous figures. The light driver 970 is configured to receive a PWM input from the SMU and output a steady-state continuous current to the LED based on the PWM input. The light driver 970 is typically placed in close proximity to the SMU and may be placed at a remote location from the LED. This is done for the reason described above that the optical drivers output continuous current and therefore they do not interfere when they are placed at a greater distance from the pre-driver 970.

As shown in fig. 58, each optical driver 970 includes a PWM-DC voltage converter 972 and a voltage-current carrier974. Each PWM-to-DC voltage converter 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 to a DC voltage. The DC voltage is based on the received PWM signal. The voltage-to-current converter 974 is configured to receive the voltage output from the PWM-to-DC voltage converter 972. The voltage-to-current converter 974 is also configured to convert the DC voltage to a steady-state continuous current. The current is based on the received DC voltage. The associated LED receives the current output from the voltage-to-current converter 974 to illuminate the LED.

Fig. 59 is an exemplary circuit diagram of an optical switch 980 according to one embodiment of the invention. This circuit diagram may represent the optical switch shown in the previous figures. The optical switch 980 is configured to receive a PWM input from the SMU and output a time division multiplexed signal to the LED based on the PWM input. The optical switch is typically placed in close proximity to the SMU and the LED.

FIG. 60 is a diagram of a graphical user interface 1000 according to one embodiment of the invention. GUl1000 represents a visual display panel for displaying a light profile of one or more light sources on a computer display screen. Through GUI 1000, a user may quickly and conveniently observe and make changes to light settings associated with one or more light sources. GUl1000 serve as a control panel for viewing and/or customizing light options associated with the various light sources.

As shown, GUI 1000 includes a window frame 1002 that defines a window 1004. The window 1004 typically contains one or more illumination fields 1006, including (but not limited to) housing illumination, indicator illumination, keyboard illumination, and the like. The illuminated field 1006 is typically turned on by field button 1008, i.e., by selecting the field button corresponding to the illuminated field presented to the user. The content of the illumination fields may vary widely and may include one or more on-screen options, switches, labels, warnings, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, field 1006 includes one or more lighting actions 1010 and one or more lighting attributes 1012.

The lighting action 1010 includes various actions that may be taken by a particular lighting assembly (i.e., housing, pointer, keypad, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, field 1004 is dedicated to indicator lighting, and more specifically, to turning on/off a sleep indicator. Thus, the lighting actions 1010 may include an "on" action 1014 and a "sleep" action 1016. If the "turn on" action 1014 is enabled, it instructs the computer system to illuminate the light source associated with the indicator when the computer hardware is turned on. If the "sleep" action is enabled 1016, it instructs the computer system to illuminate the light source when the computer hardware is in a sleep mode (not in use but still on).

On the other hand, lighting attributes 1012 enable the user to specify attributes for the lighting provided per lighting action 1010. The attributes may vary widely. In the illustrated embodiment, lighting attributes) 012 includes a color option 1018 and an intensity option 1020. Color options 1018 enable a user to specify the color of illumination provided for each action. Color option 1018 may take various forms, including a palette menu containing a variety of selectable base colors. Color option 1018 may also take the form of a color wheel menu that includes a much larger number of colors formed from the base colors. The color option 1018 may also take the form of a color spectrum menu that includes all colors in the color spectrum, such as using standard RGB color mixing. When the user selects a particular color in one of these menus, the color is typically represented as a word (as shown) or visually in a color box, i.e., if the user selects red, the color box is filled with red.

Light intensity option 1020 enables a user to specify a particular light intensity for the illumination provided for each action. The light intensity may be set to a certain intensity or it may change or be dynamic. When set at a certain intensity (static) inch, the light source maintains a constant light intensity throughout operation. The user may select the intensity by means of a slider bar. For example, by moving the slider, the user may increase or decrease the intensity. When the intensity is variable, the light intensity is configured to vary or fluctuate (e.g., flash on and off) during operation. For example, the light intensity of the sleep indicator is typically designed to fade up and down between a minimum and a maximum value in order to indicate that the computer system is in a sleep mode. It will be appreciated that the variable pre-intensity may vary over time, and therefore it may comprise a menu for selecting how the light intensity varies over time.

It should be noted that the GUI configuration as shown in fig. 60 is not limiting and that the configuration may vary according to the specific needs of each light source, e.g. each light source may have different light requirements and thus 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.

Claims (44)

1. A computer system, comprising:

a housing for enclosing components of the computer system, the housing being divided into a plurality of independent illuminable zones;

an event monitor configured to track events associated with the computer system, wherein at least one of the tracked events comprises providing a display on a display screen of the computer system, the display screen being proximate to the housing, and the event monitor is further configured to sample a plurality of regions of the display on the display screen to obtain color indications of the plurality of regions;

a light effect manager operatively coupled to the event monitor, the light effect manager configured to generate light control signals when the event is executed by the computer system, the light effect manager further configured to associate a particular event with a particular illuminable region of interest, wherein one or more of the light control signals are determined based on color indications of one or more sampled areas of the display on the display screen; and

a light device operatively coupled to the light effect manager and disposed in the housing, the light device comprising a plurality of light elements, each light element being positioned proximate to and disposed to illuminate an associated illuminable region, the light device being configured to work with the light effect manager and to respond to the control signal associated with a particular event to illuminate the particular illuminable region of the illuminable housing with the light element associated with the particular illuminable region in response to the particular event to dynamically change a decorative appearance of the illuminable region to provide a visual indication of the associated monitored event such that a perception of the display on the display screen is extended to the housing proximate to the display screen, wherein at least one of the controlled light elements is based on one or more of the one or more samples based on the one or more samples A light control signal indicative of the color of the area.

2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the event is one of input data or output data.

3. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the light control signal carries a lighting characteristic related to a desired light effect to be provided by the light device at the housing.

4. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the housing is changeable between a plurality of colors or patterns.

5. The computer system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of colors available are associated with colors available to the display screen.

6. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the light element comprises at least one light emitting diode.

7. A method for illuminating a housing of a computing system having a screen display, comprising:

providing an illuminable area to the housing around the screen display;

mapping an illuminable region of the housing to a region of the screen display;

sampling a region of the screen display for a color indication; and

colorizing the illuminable region of the housing in accordance with the obtained color indication mapped therein so as to extend the perception of the screen display to the housing, wherein the colorizing step comprises: illuminating the illuminable regions with light from at least one light element located at each of the illuminable regions of the housing.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the housing of the computing system houses at least a microprocessor, a memory, and an input/output port.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the housing of the computing system houses at least the screen display.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the method is performed periodically such that the illuminated area of the housing is the same or different color than the area of the screen display.

11. A housing indicator system comprising:

a housing including an inner bezel having a light receiving recess forming a reduced thickness portion in the inner bezel, the reduced thickness portion being translucent; and

a light source disposed behind the housing, the light source configured to illuminate the reduced thickness portion so as to form an indicator image at an outer surface of the inner bezel, the shape of the notch producing an indicator image having a similar shape on the outer surface of the inner bezel.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the light source comprises an RGB LED system and a white LED.

14. The system of claim 11, further comprising an illuminable plug disposed within the recess, the illuminable plug directing light from the light source to the reduced thickness portion.

15. A computing device, comprising:

a housing for enclosing various internal components related to the operation of the computing device, wherein one of the internal components is a processor configured to generate a light control signal; and

an indicator assembly for indicating an event related to the computing device, wherein the indicator assembly is configured to generate an indicator image at an exterior surface of the housing when activated and to remove the indicator image from the exterior surface of the housing when deactivated, wherein the indicator assembly comprises:

a light source capable of emitting light, the light from the light source being incident on an inner surface of the housing so as to form the indicator image at the outer surface of the housing; and

a light system operatively coupled to the processor, the light system comprising:

one or more light emitting diodes capable of emitting light to illuminate an illuminable portion of the housing; and

a light driver disposed between the processor and at least one of the light emitting diodes, the light driver configured to convert the light control signal into a stable continuous current for driving the light emitting diode, the magnitude of the current based at least in part on the light control signal, the magnitude of the current affecting the light intensity of the light emitting diode.

16. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the light control signal is a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal.

17. The computing device of claim 16, wherein the light driver comprises a PWM signal-to-voltage converter and a voltage-to-current converter.

18. The computing device of claim 16, wherein the current has an associated voltage, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal varies according to a desired light intensity of the light emitting diode, the voltage varies according to the duty cycle, and the current varies according to the voltage.

19. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the light system comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein each light emitting diode is capable of producing a different color of light, and wherein the intensity of each light emitting diode is adjustable to produce a different light effect.

20. The computing device of claim 19, wherein the light emitting diodes are selected from red, green, blue, and white light emitting diodes, each of which may be adjusted in intensity to produce a different color.

21. The computing device of claim 15, wherein there is one light driver for each light emitting diode in the light system.

22. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the light system comprises a light driver for at least one light emitting diode and a light switch for at least one light emitting diode.

23. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the processor comprises a pulse width modulation unit having at least one channel with a programmable duty cycle that helps control the light intensity of the light emitting diodes.

24. A method of illuminating an enclosure, comprising:

generating a light control signal related to the desired light intensity;

converting the light control signal to a voltage representative of the desired light intensity;

converting the voltage to a current representative of the desired light intensity, the current driving a light emitting diode to produce light; and

directing light from the light emitting diode through the housing such that an indicator image is created at an exterior surface of the housing, wherein the housing includes an inner bezel having a light receiving recess forming a reduced thickness portion in the inner bezel, the reduced thickness portion being translucent.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the voltage is converted to a steady continuous current.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the light control signal is a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal varies according to a desired light intensity of the light emitting diode, wherein the voltage varies according to the duty cycle, and the current varies according to the voltage.

28. An apparatus for extending the perception of a display screen to a housing surrounding the display screen, the housing being divided into a plurality of separate illuminable zones, each of the illuminable zones having a light element disposed within the housing proximate the illuminable zone, the apparatus comprising:

means for mapping an area of the display screen to a particular illuminable zone;

means for determining color indications of a plurality of regions on the display screen associated with the illuminable zone; and

means for illuminating and coloring the illuminable zones of the housing to expand the perception of the display screen based on the color indication of the area associated therewith, wherein the step of illuminating each illuminable zone is performed by the associated light element for the illuminable zone corresponding thereto.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the means for mapping the area of the display screen to a particular illuminable zone comprises:

means for monitoring events associated with a computing device operatively coupled to the display screen;

means for sampling a plurality of regions of a display on the display screen to obtain color indications of the plurality of regions; and

means for mapping specific events to corresponding illuminable zones based on predetermined configuration information.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the means for determining a color indication for a plurality of areas on the display screen associated with the illuminable zone comprises:

means for determining drive signals for the light elements based on the monitored events and the predetermined configuration information, wherein one or more of the drive signals are determined based on color indications of one or more sampling areas of the display on the display screen.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the means for illuminating and coloring the illuminable region of the housing to expand the feel of the display screen based on the color indication of the area associated therewith comprises:

means for controlling the light elements with the drive signals such that each light element illuminates only an associated illuminable zone in response to an associated event so as to significantly affect the appearance of the illuminable zone to provide a visual indication of the associated monitored event such that the perception of the display on the display screen is expanded to the housing proximate the display screen, wherein at least one of the light elements is controlled based on the determined drive signal.

32. The device of claim 31, wherein the light elements are light emitting diodes of various colors and the appearance of the housing may be multi-colored.

33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the event is selected from the group consisting of: processor state, data being processed, information displayed, I/O device state, I/O device mode, and program state.

34. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the event is selected from the group consisting of: network connectivity, computing device boot-up, and computing device shutdown.

35. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the computing device comprises a microprocessor operating in one of a plurality of states, and the event comprises a microprocessor state selected from: open, sleep, or close.

36. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the computing device comprises a microprocessor that can identify a plurality of different program state events, and the events comprise program state events selected from: bugs, new emails, wait for input, and load programs.

37. An apparatus for illuminating a housing of a computing system having a screen display, comprising:

means for providing an illuminable area to the housing about the screen display;

means for mapping an illuminable area of the housing to an area of the screen display;

means for sampling an area of the screen display for a color indication; and

means for colorizing the illuminable area of the housing in accordance with the obtained color indication mapped thereto so as to extend the perception of the screen display to the housing, wherein the means for colorizing further comprises: means for illuminating the illuminable region with light from at least one light element located at each of the illuminable regions of the housing.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the housing of the computing system houses at least a microprocessor, a memory, and input/output ports.

39. The device of claim 37, wherein the housing of the computing system houses at least the screen display.

40. The device of claim 37, wherein the device periodically performs operations such that the illuminated area of the housing is the same or different color than the area of the screen display.

41. A device for illuminating an enclosure, comprising:

a processor for generating a light control signal related to a desired light intensity;

a light driver for converting the light control signal to a voltage representative of the desired light intensity and converting the voltage to a current representative of the desired light intensity, the current driving a light emitting diode to produce light; and

a light pipe, light guide, light directing element or illuminable plug for directing light from the light emitting diode through the housing such that an indicator image is created at an outer surface of the housing, wherein the housing comprises an inner bezel having a light receiving recess forming a reduced thickness portion in the inner bezel, the reduced thickness portion being translucent.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the voltage is converted to a steady continuous current.

43. The apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the light control signal is a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein a duty cycle of the PWM signal varies according to a desired light intensity of the light emitting diode, wherein the voltage varies according to the duty cycle, and the current varies according to the voltage.