Abstract: A laptop computer includes a video camera mounted to the lid, preferably embedded into the bezel above the display. The camera includes a CMOS imaging array, video data from which is communicated along a dedicated path from the camera to a graphics controller for output to the display, thereby bypassing the system bus. This makes it possible to display full frame, full data rate video with minimum impact on the overall system performance. Panning and zooming are implemented by software that controls the addresses in the pixel array from which data are transferred to the graphics controller's associated display memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary laptop computers having flat panel speakers. In one embodiment, a portable computer (10) is provided comprising a base (12) having a processor (14) and a lid assembly (16) hingedly connected to the base. The lid assembly has a front side (20) containing a display (24), and a back side (22), preferably having a recessed area (26). The computer includes at least one flat panel speaker assembly fixedly attached to the back side, preferably within the recessed area, and in electrical communication with the processor. In this manner, the flat panel speaker assembly is firmly attached to the lid assembly and does not need to be rotated or otherwise moved with respect to the lid assembly for exemplary audio quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat dissipation systems for use in hinged computing devices which includes a thermally conductive joint (36). The joint has first and second receptacles (104, 108) which are generally parallel to and adjacent one another. A first heat pipe (22) is at least partially disposed within the first receptacle and is adapted to be thermally coupled to a heat source within the hinged computing device. A second heat pipe (30) is at least partially disposed within the second receptacle and is adapted to be thermally coupled to a heat sink. The thermally conductive joint permits the transfer of heat from the first heat pipe to the second heat pipe to transfer heat from the heat source to the heat sink portion of the hinged computing device.

Abstract: A laptop computer includes a video camera mounted to the lid, preferably embedded into the bezel above the display. The camera includes a CMOS imaging array, video data from which is communicated along a dedicated path from the camera to a graphics controller for output to the display, thereby bypassing the system bus. This makes it possible to display full frame, full data rate video with minimum impact on the overall system performance. Panning and zooming are implemented by software that controls the addresses in the pixel array from which data are transferred to the graphics controller's associated display memory.

Abstract: An improved motherboard layout uses DIMM sockets in complementary pairs where the sockets have keys are in opposite locations. In essence, the first and second sockets in a pair are mirror images of each other. The sockets can be configured for single DIMMs (single-decker) or can be configured in a double-decker configuration. In circuit board layouts where both sockets are mounted on the same side of the motherboard, the sockets are disposed with their module-receiving recesses facing toward or away from each other, rather than in the same direction as in the prior art configuration. The complementary sockets can be disposed on opposite sides of the motherboard. In this type of layout, the respective keys are immediately opposite each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding a portable computer keyboard (6) to approximate a full size desktop keyboard. The device and method include a linkage assembly (8) for automatically separating first and second keyboard portions (44, 46) from each other when the display module (22) of the computer is opened into its operating configuration. The linkage assembly is further adapted to automatically move the keyboard into a collapsed position when the display module is closed into the carrying or carrying configuration. In one embodiment, the keyboard portions are pivoted away from each other to form an angle therebetween to improve user hand and wrist orientation during use of the keyboard.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a portable computer keyboard (6) with a forward and downward slope. The device and method include a linkage assembly (8) for automatically moving the keyboard into an inclined position when the display module (22) of the computer is opened into its operating configuration. The linkage assembly is further adapted to automatically move the keyboard into a substantially parallel orientation relative to the computer housing (10) when the display module is closed into the carrying or carrying configuration. A disabling mechanism (80) is coupled to the linkage assembly for preventing the linkage from moving the keyboard between the carrying and operating positions as the display module is opened and closed.