Asus has filed a patent for a notebook with a built-in projector. In other words you’d be able to use the computer like a typical notebook — by tapping away on the keyboard and gazing into the LCD display. But you could also use the projector to blow up the image and show it on a display or wall.
Patent Bolt uncovered the patent applications recently. They were filed over a year ago and made public recently.
There are several different ways the system could work. For instance, the projector cold be built into the hinge connecting the laptop screen to the base of the computer — with the lens facing out from the side of the laptop.
This would let you open the screen to a 270 degree angle, stand up the laptop like a triangle, and point the side of the device at a screen to display videos, presentations, or other content.
In order to keep the notebook from slipping, this design would feature a non-skid surface on the edges of the computer.
Another design would feature a tiny pico projector tucked into the side of the display. When you want to use the projector you would just flip up the tab and point the lens at the display surface.
It’s worth noting that companies file for patents on product designs all the time — and many of those products never actually come to market. So while Asus is clearly at least thinking about notebooks with built-in projectors, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to buy one anytime soon.
