Patent · US Expired

Privacy filter apparatus for a notebook computer display

US6765550B2 · kind B2 · utility

50Cited by
28References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 27, 2001
Grant dateJul 20, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 25, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F1/1616
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.