US 2002/0158967 A1 · Privacy filter apparatus for a notebook computer display

Abstract

The display of a notebook computer includes a privacy filter extending over the display screen to limit the viewing angle within which the image on the screen can be discerned. To allow for normal viewing when the privacy feature is not required, the privacy filter is movable from the screen by sliding into a cavity extending from one side of the screen to be rolled onto a roller or to be stored partly behind the screen. Alternately, a privacy filter is provided that is electrically switchable between a mode in which the viewing angle is limited and a mode in which normal viewing is permitted. The movable privacy filter includes closely spaced louvers surrounded by clear plastic or, alternately, a polarizer. The switchable privacy filter includes a liquid crystal device and a polarizer.

Claims19

Dependent claims

Display apparatus for a computing system, comprising:

a display panel including a display surface, wherein said display panel causes a visible image to be produced on said display surface in response to electrical signals generated within said computing system;
a display cover extending around said display panel, wherein said display cover includes a window outwardly exposing said display surface and a cavity extending from a first end of said window to a closed end of said cavity;
and
a privacy filter including a filter sheet, wherein said privacy filter is movable between a closed position with said filter sheet extending to cover said display surface and an open position exposing said display surface through said window, wherein a first portion of said privacy filter in said open and closed positions extends into said cavity, and wherein said filter sheet limits a viewing angle through which said visible image is discernible.

1 more element

Display apparatus for a computing system, comprising:

a display panel including a display surface, wherein said display panel causes a visible image, including darkened areas and illuminated areas having light polarized in a first plane, to be produced on said display surface;
a liquid crystal device extending externally across said display surface, wherein said display surface is visible through said liquid crystal device;
and
an external polarizer extending externally across said liquid crystal device, wherein said liquid crystal device is electrically switchable between a first mode causing light from said illuminated areas to be cross-polarized with said polarizer and a second mode causing light from said illuminated areas to be plane polarized with said external polarizer.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Privacy filter apparatus for a notebook computer display

Life of this patent

Privacy filter apparatus for a notebook computer display

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19