.
`United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`IlllllllllllllIllIllllIllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`U8005345367A
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,345,367
`
`Pierce et a1.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Sep. 6, 1994
`
`
`[75]
`
`{54] THIN FORM FACTOR COMPUTER CARD
`,
`Inventors: Michael E. Pierce, Orangevflle; John
`A. Horn, Davis; Duncan D.
`MaCG'egm" Shingle Springs» all Of
`Calif.
`
`Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif.
`[73] Assignee:
`[21] Appl. No.: 948,689
`[22} Filed:
`Sep.22, 1992
`[51]
`Int. CLS ................................................ G08B 5/22
`[52] US. Cl. .................................... 362/32; 362/253;
`362/800; 340/653
`[58] Field Of Search ......................... 362/32, 253, 800;
`206/328, 334, 454; 116/202; 340/653, 63669658579;
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,359,222 11/1982 Smith, III et al.
`.................. 340/286
`
`
`
`3/1990 Hames ..
`.. 340/653
`4,907,118
`4,940,969 7/1990 Taylor ................................. 340/653
`
` 4,524,269 6/1985 Ezawa a a1. ‘ .. 34O/686
`
`5/1991 Voorhees ............................ 362/800
`5,016,147
`5,068,652 11/1991 Kobayashi .......................... 362/800
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0064802 4/1982 Japan ................................... 340/653
`
`PM”? Exa’”i”e’_lra 5' Lazarus
`Assistant Examiner—Y. Quach
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—~Blakely Sokoloff Taylor &
`Zafma“
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A right-angle surface-mounted light-emitting diode is
`mounted on a printed circuit board within a thin form
`factor computer cartridge. The LED is mounted, inside
`the cartridge assembly, close to, and facing toward, the
`opaque edge of the cartridge. The edge of the cartridge
`frame has a small diameter hole, through which a clear
`light-transmitting material is installed. This light-trans-
`mitting material forms a light pipe which conducts the
`light emanating from the LED out of the card.
`
`20 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`10
`
`PX 1034
`
`EXHIBIT
`Petitioner — Kyocera
`
`Kyocera PX 1034_1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 6, 1994
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
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`5,345,367
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`E
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`8
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`‘6
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`Figure 1
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`Kyocera PX 1034_2
`
`Kyocera PX 1034_2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 6, 1994
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
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`5,345,367
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`32
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`14
`
`Figure 3
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`
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`Kyocera PX 1034_3
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`Kyocera PX 1034_3
`
`

`

`1
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`5,345,367
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`THIN FORM FACTOR COMPUTER CARD
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`(1) Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to status indicator lights
`for computer systems. More specifically, the present
`invention implements status indicator lights in thin form
`factor computer cards.
`(2) Art Background
`It is quite common for computer systems to have a
`slot into which may be inserted a thin form factor mem-
`ory cartridge. A “memory cartridge” is a plug—in mod-
`ule containing random access memory (RAM)) chips
`that can be used to store data or programs. Memory
`cartridges are used primarily in portable computers as
`smaller,
`lighter, substitutes for disk drives. Memory
`cartridges typically use a nonvolatile form of RAM
`which does not lose its contents when power is turned
`off, or battery-backed RAM, which maintains its con-
`tents by drawing current from a rechargeable battery
`within the cartridge.
`To encourage the development of memory car-
`tridges, various standards have been established. One
`such standard was established by the Personal Com-
`puter Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA).
`However, other standards exist, for example, in Japan,
`JEIDA is the equivalent association to PCMCIA.
`The PCMCIA PC Card Standard 2.0 outlines the
`architecture and specifications for an interchangeable
`integrated circuit card, with both data storage (“Mem-
`ory”) and peripheral expansion (“I/O”) card types de-
`fined. Cards interface through a standard 68-pin con-
`nector to operate interchangeably in the same 68-pin
`slot of a host computer system. A variety of devices are
`now, or will soon be, available, such as RAM, dynamic
`RAM (DRAM), and flash memory storage products, as
`well as, modem, facsimile (fax),
`local area network
`(LAN), small computer system interface (SCSI) and
`wireless I/O applications.
`The PCMCIA standard primarily defines physical
`specifications for an interchangeable card. For example,
`PCMCIA specifies that the width and length of a card
`must be exactly the same size as that of a credit card.
`Furthermore, the thickness is specified to be 130 thou-
`sandths of an inch (3.3 millimeters) along the edge of the
`card, and then the center area of the card is allowed to
`have a maximum thickness of 197 thousandths of an
`inch (5 millimeters). However, the PCMCIA standard,
`by itself, does not guarantee interoperability. While it
`establishes some electrical and software requirements,
`these requirements are not stringent enough to guaran-
`tee that a PCMCIA card will function properly in every
`manufacturer’s PCMCIA slot. Therefore,
`the ex-
`changeable card architecture (ExCA) standard, which
`is an extension of the PCMCIA standard, was devel-
`oped by Intel Corporation. ExCA is a clarifying en-
`hancement of the PCMCIA specification that guaran-
`tees interoperability between cards.
`Memory cards typically do not have status indicator
`lights. However, it is desirable for I/O devices to have
`status indicator lights. An example of a prior art status
`indicator light for an I/O device is a power light to
`indicate that the unit has electric power supplied to it.
`Another example is a link integrity light for a LAN
`which lights to indicate that the network is functioning
`properly. Additionally, modems often have transmit
`
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`and receive indicator lights that light when the modem
`is respectively transmitting or receiving data.
`It is common for the status indicator lights of I/O
`devices to be light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A LED is a
`semiconductor device that converts electrical energy
`into light. LEDs work on the principle of electrolumi-
`nescence and are highly efficient, producing relatively
`little heat for the amount of light which is output. Most
`LEDs are red, although yellow, green and blue LEDs
`are available. LEDs are also available that emit light in
`the infrared and ultraviolet ranges.
`A right angle surface mount LED is designed to
`mount to the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB)
`such that light from the LED is emitted parallel to the
`surface of the PCB. This is in contrast to more com-
`monly used surface mount LEDs which emit light per-
`pendicularly to the surface of the PCB to which they
`are mounted. A small form factor right angle surface
`mount LED is manufactured by the Dialight Company,
`Manasquan, N.J.
`Light pipes are also well known in the art and widely
`used. A light pipe is an extruded material, such as cer-
`tain plastic filaments, which provides a path for light. A
`light pipe is typically used when it is desirable to mount
`an LED which will act as the light source to a PCB for
`ease of manufacture, but it is desirable to see the light
`from the LED at a place remote from the location of the
`LED. The light pipe is then used to transmit the light
`from the LED to the remote location. Typical places
`where light pipes are used include: LED indicators for
`personal computers, speedometers on automobile dash-
`boards, or consumer electronic components such as
`video cameras.
`
`The PCMCIA/ExCA specification requires the exte-
`rior of an entire card to be opaque. Furthermore, be-
`cause of the small size of the PCMCIA card, standard
`LEDs are too large to protrude, or shine diffusely,
`through the card frame. Therefore, prior art PCMCIA
`cards have been manufactured without status indicator
`lights.
`Alternately, LEDs have previously been installed
`into peripheral adapter cables or modules that are con-
`nected into PCMCIA I/O Cards. That approach uses
`additional conductors and pins on the external connec-
`tor, and increases the bulk of the adapter module itself.
`A critical requirement for any adapter cable is that it be
`as small, thin and flexible as possible. Thus, as more
`LEDs are incorporated into the adapter module, the
`size increases beyond acceptable limits, and the cable
`increases in size and becomes less flexible.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to
`provide status indicator lights for the edge of a thin
`form factor computer cartridge which is visible when
`the cartridge is inserted into the computer cartridge
`slot.
`
`It is a further object of the present invention to re-
`duce the power requirements of the status indicator
`lights while maintaining an acceptable level of percepti-
`bility.
`It is a further object of the present invention to pro-
`vide the status indicator lights in the computer cartridge
`while maintaining an appearance of computer cartridge
`opacity.
`It is a further object of the present invention to pro-
`vide indicator lights for thin form factor computer
`cards while eliminating the need to place the indicator
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`Kyocera PX 1034_4
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`Kyocera PX 1034_4
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`

`

`3
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`5,345,367
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`lights in a separate module coupled to the computer
`card.
`
`Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention
`to satisfy the above-mentioned objects of the present
`invention in a way which is inexpensive to implement.
`An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing
`at least one status indicator on the thin edge of a thin
`form factor computer cartridge such that the indicator
`is visible when the cartridge is inserted into a computer
`cartridge slot.
`The invention uses a right-angle surface-mounted
`light-emitting diode (LED). The LED is mounted on a
`printed circuit board (PCB) within the cartridge, inside
`the assembly, close to, and facing toward, the edge of
`the card. The edge of the card frame is modified by
`drilling a small diameter hole, through which a clear
`light-transmitting material is installed. This light-trans-
`mitting material forms a light pipe which conducts the
`light emanating from the LED out of the card.
`The light pipe diameter is actually smaller than the
`LED itself, and catches almost all of the light emanating
`from the LED. The concentrated light emitted from the
`light pipe, though smaller in diameter, is brighter than
`the typical unfocused scattered light from the LED,
`and can be viewed over a wide angle. The light is en-
`hanced by the contrast of a dark card frame color back-
`ground. The structural integrity of the frame is not
`significantly compromised.
`The material of the light pipe appears as opaque as
`the rest of the card when the LED is extinguished, and
`the outside edge is flush with the surface of the card
`frame, so that these mechanical modifications do not
`violate any of the PCMCIA/ExCA specifications.
`The present invention is a low cost solution for fulfill-
`ing the requirement of status indicators for the thin form
`factor computer card. By using the light pipe to concen-
`trate the light from the LED into a small area, it permits
`reduction of power to the LED thereby reducing criti-
`cal system power consumption.
`One embodiment of this invention is incorporated
`into a PCMCIA/ExCA Local Area Network (LAN)
`I/O card for IEEE 802.3 10 BASE-T (“Twisted Pair
`Ethernet”) and IEEE 802.3 10 BASE-5 (“Thick Ether-
`net”), which requires LED status indicators. Previ-
`ously, the LED status indicator lights were contained in
`a module of a cable assembly which attached to the
`LAN card. In this embodiment, the size of an adapter
`cable assembly was significantly reduced by the present
`invention because it permitted the LED indicators to be
`relocated from the cable assembly module to the LAN
`card. Furthermore, the conductors in the adapter cable
`which had been used to provide power and control to
`the LED indicators in the module of the adapter cable
`assembly could be put to other uses. In this way, one
`LAN I/O card layout can support both types of 802.3
`Ethernet interfaces through the same adapter connec-
`tor.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The objects, features and advantages of the method
`and apparatus of the present invention will be apparent
`from the following detailed description of the invention
`in which:
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an optical waveguide.
`FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a computer cartridge
`with its top cover removed wherein the cartridge con-
`tains a status indicator of the present invention.
`
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`FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the computer car-
`tridge of FIG. 2 as it would be visible when inserted
`into a cartridge receptacle of a computer.
`FIG. 4 illustrates an edge view of the computer car-
`tridge of FIG. 2 with its side cover removed and top
`cover not removed.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing
`status indicator lights on a thin edge of a thin form
`factor computer cartridge. In the following description,
`for the purposes of explanation, specific devices, signals
`and data structures are disclosed in order to more thor-
`oughly understand the present invention. However, it
`will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
`invention may be practiced without these specific de-
`tails. In other instances, well-known circuits, devices
`and data structures are not disclosed herein to avoid
`obscuring the present invention unnecessarily.
`Referring now to FIG. 1, a top View of an optical
`waveguide 16 is depicted. Optical waveguide 16 is a
`cylindrical light pipe which causes a light concentrating
`effect. Light enters a funnel through receptor edge 6
`and funnels through funnel 4 before entering transmis-
`sion cylinder 2. The concentrated light leaves wave-
`guide 16 through transmitter edge 8.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of a computer
`cartridge 10 containing a status indicator which uses the
`teachings of the present invention is depicted.
`In one embodiment of the present invention, com-
`puter cartridge 10 is designed to conform to the thin
`form factor computer cartridge PCMCIA/ExCA stan-
`dard. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the
`art that
`the teachings of the present invention are
`readily extensible to other thin form factor computer
`cartridges. In fact, the present invention may be used in
`any application where a status indicator which occupies
`a small display area is desired.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, edges 14, 22, 28 and 30
`together form a thin card frame for computer cartridge
`10. Edge 22 corresponds to the end of the cartridge 10
`which is inserted into a computer system cartridge re-
`ceptacle (not shown) of a computer system (not shown).
`When cartridge 10 is inserted into the receptacle, the
`exterior surface of edge 14 is visible through the outside
`surface of the computer system.
`Cylinder 2 of optical waveguide 16 is inserted into a
`hole 32 in edge 14 so that transmitter edge 8 of wave-
`guide 16 aligns collinearly with the exterior surface of
`edge 14. Light source 18 is coupled to optical wave-
`guide 16 and to light source controller 20. Light source
`18 and controller 20 are mounted to printed circuit
`board (PCB) 12. PCB 12 is attached to the card frame.
`The card frame is a black polycarbonate plastic frame
`that supports the PCB 12, and bottom 26. Light source
`18 emits light when activated by the controller 20. The
`light source projects light into receptor edge 6 of opti-
`cal waveguide 16 which funnels and transmits the light
`through hole 32 in the cartridge 10, so that the light is
`visible at transmitter edge 8.
`Light source 18 is a small form factor right angle
`surface mount light-emitting diode (LED) of a kind
`manufactured by the Dialight Company, Manasquan,
`NJ. LEDs are well known in the art and widely used.
`A “LED” is a semiconductor device that converts elec-
`trical energy into light. LEDs work on the principle of
`electroluminescence and are highly efficient, producing
`
`Kyocera PX 1034_5
`
`Kyocera PX 1034_5
`
`

`

`5
`relatively little heat for the amount of light output. Most
`LEDs are red, although yellow, green and blue LEDs
`are available. Multiple or bi-colored LEDs are also
`available.
`
`5,345,367
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`6
`that waveguide 16 will stay in the cartridge 10 without
`becoming loose.
`Because optical waveguide 16 is a light pipe which
`tapers down or funnels, there is a light concentrating
`effect. Waveguide 16 essentially receives the LED out-
`put, and funnels the light photons down into the center
`of the light pipe. By funneling the light into a smaller
`area, the status indicator is brighter. The human eye is
`much more sensitive to contrast than it is to actual light
`levels. Therefore, one can see the contrast of the com-
`pact display area better.
`This effect permits a lower power to be used to light
`the LED, which is a critical design requirement in this
`type of card. By having a smaller display that is still
`bright, less power is required to drive a LED which
`emits a noticeable brightness. For example, LEDs, typi-
`cally require about 10 milliamps to be seen clearly. The
`funneling achieved by waveguide 16 enables the LED
`to be powered by only one milliamp.
`Care must be taken to isolate the light pipe from
`incident light within the cartridge 10. When the cover is
`removed, this surface of the light pipe is exposed to
`ambient light. Therefore incident light is captured, and
`the light pipe transmits light. When the cover is on, and
`the LED is not lit, the light pipe is dark.
`For example, in one embodiment of the present in-
`vention, there are two LEDs. However, the light from
`each LED does not shine throughout the card. Each
`LED only shines in one direction such that light from
`one LED does not shine through the light pipe of the
`other LED. The light only goes through its correspond—
`ing light pipe. If something else were to emit light inside
`the card, opaque paint can be placed on the exterior of
`the light pipe at the locations where the unwanted light
`would enter the pipe.
`Alternately, if a component emits a non-directional
`light, or a multiplicity of LEDs are grouped compactly,
`the tooling of cartridge 10 may include an opaque phys-
`ical barrier that would isolate each LED and its corre-
`sponding light pipe from the other LEDs and corre-
`sponding light pipes. Alternately, the LED and light
`pipe can be encapsulated within an opaque material that
`would prevent any incident radiation from coming
`through.
`However, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art
`that optical waveguide 16 need not be a light pipe. For
`example,
`in an alternate embodiment of the present
`invention, which does not require the light concentrat-
`ing effect of a light pipe, optical waveguide 16 could be
`configured to be a fiber optic strand. Furthermore, if
`light source 18 were placed against edge 14, optical
`waveguide 16 could be eliminated.
`Referring now to FIG. 3, a front view of cartridge 10
`is depicted. This is a view as would be seen from the
`exterior surface of a computer system when cartridge
`10 is inserted into the receptacle of the computer sys-
`tem. Edge 14 contains a hole 32 into which the optical
`waveguide is mounted so that transmitter edge 8 of the
`optical waveguide is visible from the exterior of the
`computer system when cartridge 10 is inserted into the
`receptacle.
`When the light source is “off”, with incident light to
`the optical waveguide blocked, transmitter edge 8 of
`the clear light pipe appears to be dark or a similar color
`to the polycarbonate edge 14. When the light source
`comes “on”, the optical waveguide transmits the light
`from the light source, through the light pipe, to show
`the status indicator at transmitter edge 8.
`
`Kyocera PX 1034_6
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`A right angle surface mount LED is designed to
`mount to the surface of a PCB such that light from the
`LED is emitted parallel to the surface of the PCB. This
`is in contrast to more commonly used surface mount
`LEDs which emit light perpendicularly to the surface
`of the PCB to which they are mounted.
`The LEDs of one embodiment of the present inven-
`tion are green. However, it will be apparent to one
`skilled in the art that there is nothing unique about the
`LEDs can be many colors. An example of a possible
`application of a bi-colored LED in an embodiment of 15
`the present invention is a transmit and receive indicator
`light for a modem wherein the indicator light displays a
`first color when the modem is transmitting and a second
`color when the modem is receiving. Neither is the pres-
`ent invention limited to LEDs which operate only in
`the visible spectrum. There are LEDs that operate in
`other spectra beside the visible (e.g. ultra-violet or infra-
`red LEDs). In fact infra~red is very important for future
`applications of the present invention. An example of a
`possible application is an infra-red link for a wireless
`local area network (LAN). In this example, optical
`waveguide 16 would be constructed of a material that is
`optically transparent to infra-red light in order to con-
`duct or guide the infra-red light.
`It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that light
`source 18 need not be a LED. In an alternate embodi-
`ment, light source 18 could operate on some other prin-
`ciple than electroluminescence. For example,
`light
`source 18 could be an incandescent light, or a different
`type of semiconductor device, such as a laser diode.
`The LED of light source 18 is controlled by light
`source controller 20. Controller 20 causes light source
`18 to emit light or not emit light depending upon the
`existence or not of a particular state. For example, if the
`present invention were being used to provide a “power
`on” status indicator, controller 20 would cause light
`source 18 to emit light when power was supplied to
`cartridge 10. When power was not supplied to cartridge
`10, controller 20 would prevent light source 18 from
`emitting light. In this way, controller 20 operates like a
`light switch to turn on and off light source 18.
`Furthermore, controller 20 need not be physically
`located in cartridge 10. It is merely sufficient that con-
`troller 20 be coupled to light source 18. For example,
`controller 20 could reside within the computer to which
`cartridge 10 has been inserted. Pins in the receptacle
`would then couple controller 20 to light source 18.
`In addition, light source 18 need not be constrained to
`a simple digital (two state, i.e. on/ofi) signal. Tech-
`niques are well known in the art for controller 20 to
`modulate the intensity of light emitted from light source
`18 thereby permitting an analog signal to be transmitted
`by light source 18. It is also possible for controller 20 to
`use time division multiplexing schemes that are well
`known in the art to cause light source 18 to emit a bit
`stream digital signal thereby transmitting a signal that
`has a large information content.
`In one embodiment, optical waveguide 16 is a cylin—
`drical light pipe. However, it will be obvious to one
`skilled in the art that waveguide 16 could have other
`shapes (e.g. rectangular, hexagonal, etc.). There are
`various ways well known in the art that optical wave-
`guide 16 can be inserted into hole 32 of edge 14 such
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`The status indicator is not a bright light, but can be
`seen from a wide range of viewing angles. When
`viewed perpendicularly to transmitter edge 8, the status
`indicator is brighter than when viewed at any other
`angle.
`It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that edge 14
`is not constrained to be a black or opaque. In an alter-
`nate embodiment, edge 14 is transparent or translucent,
`the hole 32 in edge 14 can then be eliminated and light
`from the light source is perceptible because it diffuses
`through edge 14.
`Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view of cartridge 10
`is depicted. This is a view as would be seen if edge 30
`(FIG. 2) were removed from cartridge 10 and top 24
`was not removed. In FIG. 4, the case for cartridge 10 is
`formed by top 24, base 26 and the frame which is com-
`prised of edges 14, 22, 28 and 30 (FIG. 2). PCB 12 is
`mounted to the case adjacent, and parallel, to bottom
`26. Optical waveguide 16 is inserted into edge 14 so that
`it aligns with the exterior surface of edge 14. Light
`source 18 is coupled to optical waveguide 16 and con-
`troller 20. Light source 18 and controller 20 are
`mounted to PCB 12.
`
`One embodiment of this invention is incorporated
`into a Local Area Network (LAN) I/O card for IEEE
`802.3 10 BASE-T (“Twisted Pair Ethernet”) and IEEE
`802.3 10 BASE-5 (“Thick Ethernet”), which requires
`LED status indicators. In this embodiment, an adapter
`cable assembly (not shown)is coupled to edge 14 of
`cartridge 10. The assembly"is comprised of a flexible
`multi-conductor cable coupled to a connecting module
`containing an RJ-45 connector. The assembly is used
`for coupling the cartridge 10 to a LAN.
`Prior to the present invention, the connecting module
`of the adapter cable assembly had also contained LED
`status indicator lights. However, the present invention
`permitted the status indicator lights to be relocated into
`edge 14 of cartridge 10. Therefore, since the cable as-
`sembly no longer contained LED status indicators, the
`size of the connecting module was reduced. Further-
`more, conductors in the flexible cable which had been
`used to supply power and control signals to the LEDs
`were made available to be used for different functions.
`This permitted one LAN I/O card layout to support
`both types of 802.3 Ethernet interfaces using the same
`adapter connector. Alternately, the conductors which
`had been used by the LEDs in the connector module
`could have been eliminated from the flexible cable,
`thereby permitting a thinner flexible cable to be used in
`the cable assembly.
`While the present invention has been particularly
`described with reference to FIGS. 1—4 and with empha-
`sis on certain computer cartridges, it should be under-
`stood that the figures are for illustration purposes only
`and should not be taken as limitations upon the present
`invention. In addition, it is clear that the methods and
`apparatus of the present invention has utility in any
`application where a tiny status indicator is required for
`a small display area. It is contemplated that numerous
`alternatives, modifications, variations and uses may be
`made, by one skilled in the art, without departing from
`the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed above.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. In a computer cartridge having a small opaque
`display area, said display area containing a hole, and an
`indicator, said indicator indicating whether a first or
`second status exists, said indicator comprising:
`
`8
`a light source having a first state where substantially
`no light is emitted from said light source and a
`second state where a first intensity level of light is
`emitted from said light source;
`means for controlling said light source, coupled to
`said light source, said means for controlling said
`light source placing said light source in said first
`state to indicate said first status and placing said
`light source in said second state to indicate said
`second status;
`an optical waveguide means, coupled between said
`light source and said small display area, said optical
`waveguide means projecting through said hole and
`transmitting said light emitted from said light
`source to said small display area, when said small
`display area is viewed and said first state exists, said
`optical waveguide means not transmitting light and
`appearing to be opaque.
`2. The indicator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
`light source has a third state where a second intensity
`level of light is emitted from said light source, said
`second intensity level of light being different from said
`first intensity level of light and wherein said means for
`controlling said light source places said light source in
`said third state to indicate a third status.
`3. The indicator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
`optical waveguide means comprises a light pipe.
`4. The indicator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
`optical waveguide means concentrates said light from
`said light source as said optical waveguide means trans-
`mits said light to said small display area.
`5. The indicator as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
`optical waveguide means comprises a fiber optic device.
`6. The indicator as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
`light source is a solid state light-emitting device.
`7. The indicator as set forth in claim 1 wherein the
`light source is a light-emitting diode.
`8. The indicator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
`computer cartridge further comprises a printed circuit
`board coupled perpendicularly to said display area, and
`wherein the light source is mounted to said printed
`circuit board, said light source emitting light in a direc-
`tion which is oblique to said printed circuit board.
`9. The indicator as set forth in claim 8 wherein said
`light source emits light of a first color when placed in
`said second state and said light source has a third state
`where light of a second color is emitted from said light
`source, said second color different from said first color
`and wherein said means for controlling said light source
`places said light source in said third state to indicate a
`third status.
`10. The indicator as set forthin claim 1 wherein the
`light source is a laser diode
`11. The indicator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
`means for controlling said light source varies the light
`emitted by said light source thereby transmitting a sig-
`nal to said display area through said optical waveguide
`means having an information content greater than that
`of a simple two state signal.
`12. In a computer cartridge having a small opaque
`display area containing a hole and a printed circuit
`board coupled perpendicularly to said display area, and
`an indicator, said indicator indicating whether a first or
`second status exists, said indicator comprising:
`a light-emitting diode (LED), coupled to said printed
`circuit board and having a first state where substan-
`tially no light is emitted from said LED and a sec-
`ond state where a first intensity level of light is
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`5
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`Kyocera PX 1034_7
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`Kyocera PX 1034_7
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`

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`9
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`5,345,367
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`emitted from said LED, said LED emitting light in
`a direction which is substantially parallel to said
`printed circuit board surface;
`means for controlling said LED, coupled to said
`LED, said means for controlling said LED placing
`said LED in said first state to indicate said first
`status and placing said LED in said second state to
`indicate said second status;
`a light pipe, coupled between said LED and said
`display area, said light pipe projecting through said
`. hole and transmitting said light emitted from said
`LED to said small display area such that when said
`display area is viewed and said first state exists, said
`light pipe does not transmit said light and appears
`to be opaque.
`13. The indicator as set forth in claim 12 wherein said
`LED has a third state where a second intensity level of
`light is emitted from said LED, said second intensity
`level of light being different from said first intensity
`level of light and wherein said means for controlling
`said LED places said light source in said third state to
`indicate a third status.
`
`14. The indicator as set forth in claim 12, wherein said
`light pipe concentrates said light from said LED as said
`light pipe transmits said light to said small display area.
`15. The indicator as set forth in claim 12 wherein said
`LED emits a light of a first color when placed in said
`second state and said LED has a third state where light
`of a second color is emitted from said LED, said second
`color being different from said first color and wherein
`said means for controlling said LED places said light
`source in said third state to indicate a third status.
`
`16. In a computer cartridge having a small opaque
`display area containing a hole and a printed circuit
`board coupled perpendicularly to said display area, a
`method for indicating whether a first or second status
`exists, said method comprising the steps of:
`providing a light source, coupled to said mounting
`surface and having a first state where substantially
`no light is emitted from said light source and a
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`5
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`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`4O
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`65
`
`10
`second state where a first intensity level of light is
`emitted from said light source;
`providing a light pipe, coupled between said light
`source and said display area, said light pipe project-
`ing through said hole and transmitting said light
`emitted form said light source to said small display
`area such that when said display are is viewed and
`said first state exists, said light pipe does not trans-
`mit said light and appears to be opaque;
`controlling said light source using a means for con-
`trolling said light source, coupled to said light
`source, said means for controlling said light source
`placing said light source in said first state to indi-
`cate said first status and placing said light source in
`said second state to indicate said second status.
`17. The method, as set forth in claim 16, wherein said
`light source is a solid