Animated logo for a portable computer
A portable computer comprises a housing and an EL panel within the housing, positioned to emit light outwardly from the housing. The EL panel includes a plurality of EL lamps that, together, form a logo. The EL lamps can be addressed separately, enabling one to produce the appearance of motion for decorative effect or to indicate a condition of the portable computer or both.
1 . A portable computer comprising:
a housing;
an EL panel within the housing itself and positioned to emit light outwardly from said housing;
said EL panel including a plurality of EL lamps, together forming a logo, wherein said EL lamps can be addressed separately.
2 . The portable computer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said EL lamps operate in sequence to produce the appearance of motion.
3 . The portable computer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said EL lamps operate in sequence to indicate a condition of the portable computer.
4 . The portable computer as set forth in claim 1 wherein said EL lamps operate in a pattern to indicate a condition of the portable computer.
5 . The portable computer as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of said EL lamps operates as long as the portable computer is not turned off.
6 . A portable computer having a flat panel display that emits light in a first direction, said portable computer further comprising:
an outer shell for enclosing at least a rear portion of said flat panel display;
an EL panel within said outer shell itself and positioned to emit light from said outer shell in a second direction, opposite to said first direction;
said EL panel including a plurality of EL lamps, together forming a logo, wherein said EL lamps can be addressed separately.
7 . The portable computer as set forth in claim 6 wherein said EL panel is formed as an integral part of said shell.
8 . The portable computer as set forth in claim 6 wherein said EL panel is positioned within the outer surface of said shell and said portable computer includes a transparent, protective cover for said EL panel.
9 . The portable computer as set forth in claim 6 wherein at least a portion of said shell is transparent and said EL panel is positioned to emit light through said transparent portion.
10 . A portable electronic device comprising:
a base unit including at least one microprocessor;
a display unit including a flat panel display and a shell enclosing at least the rear portion of said flat panel display;
wherein at least a portion of said shell is transparent;
an EL panel within said shell and positioned to emit light outwardly from said shell;
said EL panel including a plurality of EL lamps that can be addressed separately.
11 . The portable electronic device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said plurality of EL lamps form a logo.
12 . The portable electronic device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said plurality of EL lamps back light an opaque logo.
13 . The portable electronic device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said EL lamps operate in sequence under the control of said microprocessor to produce the appearance of motion.
14 . The portable electronic device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said EL lamps operate in sequence under the control of said microprocessor to indicate a condition of the portable electronic device.
15 . The portable electronic device as set forth in claim 10 wherein said EL lamps operate in a pattern under the control of said microprocessor to indicate a condition of the portable electronic device.