Display for port area of electronic equipment

Abstract

Embodiments of an electrical/electronic unit display system are described, which embodiments feature a dual-use for the port area of an electronic unit's exterior surface. Whereas a port area is normally used only for insertion of a cartridge or other data-storage container to cooperate with a data-retrieval drive, such as a reader or recorder, the invented system adapts the port area to also be used for display of information regarding the electronic unit and/or the cartridge itself. An exterior or otherwise-visible surface of the cartridge may be used for display, when the cartridge is in the port, the visible surface being readily observed by the equipment operator. Alternatively, the exterior or other visible surface of the port door may be used for display. The displays may be active, as in instrument faces built into the door and/or the cassette/cartridge. Or, the displays may be passive, as in a screen provided on the door and/or cassette/cartridge that reflects or transmits an image generated remotely by a prism or other transmitter. This way, the space required by the cassette, port or door may be effectively utilized also as a display, permitting the unit's 'faceprint' to be minimized.