WO1994006073A1

WO1994006073A1 - Space efficient elements for portable computers

Info

Publication number: WO1994006073A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/008304
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dan Kikinis
Original assignee: Oakleigh Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 1992-09-04
Filing date: 1993-09-02
Publication date: 1994-03-17

Abstract

A keyboard (65) for computer input has two separable portions (67, 69) with means for communicating signals between the portions when assembled for use. The two portions are separable and rejoinable for storage with a smaller form factor than the keyboard assembled for use. A notebook computer combined with the separable keyboard includes a storage bay for storing the keyboard rejoined with the smaller form factor.

Description

Space Efficient Elements for Portable Computers

Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of input and output devices for computers, and relates more particularly to keyboards and equivalent input devices.

Background of the Invention

The market for portable computers, such as laptop and notebook computers, is presently one of the faster growing segments of the small computer marketplace. There is an increasing demand for computers that are truly portable and easy to use, and that retain functionality comparable to less portable models. As a result, there is a continuing effort to solve the many problems that portability and small size present to the computer designer.

Among the problems is the problem that form factor (sometimes called "footprint") and small size imposes on keyboards and other input devices for use with portable computers. Form factor for keyboards, which for purposes of this application is the ratio of the length to width (L/W), is determined to some extent by desirable form factor of displays that are typically hinged to the computer case. The form factor, which is also called sometimes "aspect ratio" as well as "footprint", of a portable computer is most often determined by the size of the display, so keyboards for notebook and other portable computers have been downsized considerably to fit in the size constraints of an overall package. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that keyboards generally have a higher form factor than displays, which aggravates the downsizing phenomenon. The result is keyboards for portable computers that are harder to use than conventional full-sized units.

Another problem is that typical keyboards for portable computers are "built-in" to the computer case. These present an aspect to the user that is not adjustable for height or angle. A separate keyboard, as is typical with a desktop computer, typically has at least tilt-up legs, so a user may adjust the angle of the keyboard to the support surface. The built-in aspect of the keyboard for most portable computers also dictates that the entire computer must be positioned on the surface where a user wishes to use the keyboard.

Another problem with portable computers, common to other types, is the necessity to provide adequate radiation shielding in operation along with adequate mechanical integrity, which is more problematic for portable units because of the desirability of minimum size and weight.

Summary of the invention

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a keyboard usable for computer input comprises a first portion and a second portion connectable to the first portion along an interface such that the keyboard assembled for use has a length L longer than a width W and a form factor L/W. The keyboard additionally comprises means for communicating keystroke signals between the first and second portions and means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer. The first and second portions are rejoinable for storage with a smaller form factor of about 4W/L.

In one embodiment keystroke signals are shared between the two portions by mating multi- pin connectors. In another communication between the two portions is over a multi- conductor cable, and the two portions are joined at one end of the interface between them by a pivot.

In various embodiments communication to a host is through a cable, via optical signalling systems, and by magnetic coupling. System embodiments are disclosed combining the keyboard of the invention with a notebook computer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a two-part keyboard according to the invention shown assembled for use.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the keyboard of Fig. 1 shown separated.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the keyboard of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown rotated and rejoined for storage with a smaller form factor.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a notebook computer according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the notebook computer of Fig. 4 showing the separable keyboard and display deployed for use.

Fig. 6A is a plan view of a keyboard according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6B is an elevation view of the interface area of the keyboard of Fig. 6A.

Fig. 7 is an elevation view of the keyboard of Fig. 6A, in the direction of arrow 51 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a two-part keyboard according to the invention comprising a hinge at one end of the interface.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a keyboard 11 according to the present invention comprising two parts 13 and 15. Part 13 and part 15 are separable along a parting line 17 which follows a broken-line path between keys on the face of the keyboard. The two parts plug together by means of connectors as described below.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the keyboard of Fig. 1 with parts 13 and 15 disconnected and moved apart to illustrate the parts separately. In Fig. 1 in this embodiment length dimension D1 is about 45 cm. and width dimension D2 is about 15 cm., which is a form factor of about 3:1. Dimension D3 of each of parts 13 and 15 is about one-half of D1 , or 22.5 cm. These dimensions may vary, but generally the form factor D1/D2 is from 2.5 to 3.5.

Fig. 3 shows parts 13 and 15 rotated by 90 degrees in opposite directions and placed side- by-side, forming a unit with a new form factor. The dimensions in this arrangement are D3 about 22.5 cm. and D4 about twice D2, or 30 cm. The form factor in this arrangement is about 30/22.5 = 1.33, as compared to a form factor of about 3.0 for the assembled keyboard as in Fig. 1.

The form factor of the rearranged parts as in Fig. 3 is more compatible with the form factor of a portable computer than is the form factor of the piugged-together keyboard as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a portable computer 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising two-part keyboard 11 of Fig. 1. Keyboard parts 13 and 15, placed together as shown in Fig. 3, are fastened to a case 21. A display 23 is fastened to case 21 by hinges 25. In the configuration shown in Fig. 4, with the display folded against the case, and the keyboard parts separated and stored under the case as shown in the Figure, the unit forms a compact package for transport and storage.

Fig. 5 shows portable computer 19 of Fig. 4 with keyboard 11 separated from case 21 and assembled for operation, and display 23 rotated into position for use. Keyboard 11 is connected to the computer in this embodiment by a conventional cable 27, although the invention is not limited by the method of connection of the keyboard. For example, the keyboard could be battery powered and configured to communicate by an optical or other electromagnetic means not requiring a cable. The invention is similarly not limited by the manner in which the display is associated with the computer case. The display could just as well pivot at the "back" of the case rather than at the "front", as shown, which would be similar to more conventional designs. Moreover, the display might be removable and connectable by a cable or other communication means in a manner similar to a "cordless" keyboard. This would afford even more flexibility to the user in placement of components for use.

The provision of a keyboard in two or more parts according to the invention allows for a larger keyboard than would be the case with a built-in keyboard or a one piece separable keyboard, and therefore enhanced usability. The increase in size is primarily due to the difference in form factor between a conventional keyboard and a portable computer display case.

As an example of the limitations imposed by difference in form factor, consider the case described above for a notebook computer having a form factor of 1.33:1, with an integral keyboard having a form factor of 3:1. In this example length is the longer dimension and width the shorter, so the length of a notebook computer case is the dimension from left to right facing the computer and the width is from front to back.

Assuming the notebook computer to have dimensions of length 30.5 cm. (12 inches), and width about 23 cm. (9 inches), the length of the keyboard is restricted to 30.5 cm., and the form factor of 3:1 for the dictates a width for the keyboard of about 10 cm. (4 inches).

A two part keyboard according to the present invention for the case described immediately above can have a length equal to twice the width of the case, or about 46 cm. (18 inches), and a width equal to one-half the length, or about 15.3 cm (6 inches. The keyboard according to the invention, removed from the case and assembled for use, is 18 inches by 6 inches, as opposed to 12 inches by 4 inches for the conventional dedicated keyboard, and affords an increase in surface area of 225%.

Fig. 2 shows a two-part keyboard according to the present invention separated along a parting line, and Fig. 3 shows the two parts rotated to form a form factor storable in the form factor of the notebook computer. There are a number of ways the separation may be made and communication between the parts may be accomplished.

Figs. 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a two-part keyboard 29 wherein the parts 31 and 33 are completely separable. There are a number of connection schemes possible for keyboards to provide signals from the keys and to communicate the keystrokes and combinations to a host. The most common is a "row and column" scheme wherein the signals are multiplexed. A connector between the two sections of a completely separable two-part keyboard in this case may need as many as thirty pins. The point is, the number of pins to accomplish communication is not severely limiting, in any case.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 6A, B, and C, a male "edge" connector 35 is utilized in part 33 with sufficient "pins" to provide communication, and the edge connector engages a female mating connector 37 in part 31 in assembly. In this embodiment there are two "snap-in" connectors 39 and 41 in part 33 that engage two female counterparts 43 and 45 in part 31.

Fig. 6B is an elevation view of the interface between parts 31 and 33 in the direction of arrow 47 in Fig. 6A, and shows the relative placement of the edge connectors and the snap-in connectors. The snap-in connector has a "lip" that engages a shoulder in the matching socket, and a release button 49 is configured to deflect connectors 39 and 41 to release the parts to be separated. Button 49 is recessed to avoid interference with placement of the parts during storage.

Fig. 7 is a view of the two-part separable keyboard embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 6A, with the parts rotated 90 degrees and placed back together for storage beneath the case of a notebook computer 53. This view is in the direction of arrow 51 in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is not meant to show the detail of the embodiment of Figs. 6A and 6B. Fig. 7, however, shows additional detail. The re¬ arrangement places the two parts of the keyboard in the general relationship shown in plan view by Fig. 3.

The edges along which parts 31 and 33 are joined to store under notebook 19 are edges 55 and 57 (Fig. 6A), although the parallel edges opposite edges 55 and 57 might be used in another embodiment. Edge 55 is provided with an undercut groove 59, and edge 57 has at least one protruding wedge-shaped rail, of which rail 61 is exemplary. The rail or rails are inserted into the groove to assemble the two disconnected parts together in the smaller form factor ratio for storage.

When the storable unit is placed under the notebook computer, it is supported on the outside edges by shelf rails of which rail 63 is exemplary. There are also spring-loaded detents (not shown) for holding the stored keyboard in place under the computer case.

It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that there are alternative details for connectors, joining, and storing the two halves of the keyboard, which may be considered equivalent to the embodiment described, rather than outside the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a keyboard 65 wherein the two parts 67 and 69 are hinged together at one end of the joining interface at a hinge 71, and connection through the hinge is by a cable or other multi-conductor (not shown) with enough traces to provide communication between the halves of the keyboard. In this embodiment, the edge connector is no longer needed, but a snap- in connector at the end of the interface opposite the hinge is still useful to hold the keyboard in place in the unfolded condition for use. The rail and groove elements along meeting edges in the storable orientation are also no longer needed. The hinged keyboard may be stored in much the same manner as the plug- together embodiment described above.

It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that there are many changes that may be made in the embodiments described herein for the present invention without departing in any material way from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, there are a large number of connector and fastener schemes available that would be useful in place of those described in the preferred embodiments for placing a multi-part keyboard in condition to be used for computer input, or to be stored. Similarly, the invention is not limited to form factors used as exemplary herein. If the form factor of a computer case is smaller than that for a keyboard, a larger keyboard may be used by using the present invention than by a built-in keyboard of substantially the length of the computer case. There are similarly many other changes that may be contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A keyboard usable for computer input comprising: a first portion; a second portion connectable to said first portion along an interface such that said keyboard assembled for use has a length L longer than a width W and a form factor L/W; means for communicating keystroke signals between said first and said second portion; and means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer; said first and second portions rejoinable for storage with a form factor of about 4W/L.

2. A keyboard as in claim 1 wherein said means for communicating keyboard signals comprises a pair of mating multi-conductor connectors, one of said mating connectors mounted in said first portion and the other of said mating connectors mounted in said second portion, such that said mating connectors mate when said keyboard is assembled for use.

3. A keyboard as in claim 1 wherein said first portion and said second portion are joined by a pivot means at one end of said interface, such that said first and second portions may be rotated relative to one another from assembled for use with form factor L/W to a storage aspect with said first and said second portions rotated 180 degrees relative to one another.

4. A keyboard as in claim 3 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals comprises a multiconductor cable between said first and said second portion.

5. A keyboard as in claim 3 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals comprises a pair of mating multi-conductor connectors, one of said mating connectors mounted in said first portion and the other of said mating connectors mounted in said second portion, such that said mating connectors mate when said keyboard is assembled for use.

6. A keyboard as in claim 1 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer comprises a multiconductor cable connecting said keyboard and said host computer.

7. A keyboard as in claim 1 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer comprises an optical transmitter.

8. A keyboard as in claim 1 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer comprises a magnetic field generator.

9. A notebook computer comprising: a case for containing computer circuitry including memory means; a display connected to said computer circuitry; and a keyboard usable for computer input comprising: a first portion; a second portion connectable to said first portion along an interface such that said keyboard assembled for use has a length L longer than a width W and a form factor L/W; means for communicating keystroke signals between said first and said second portion; and means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer; said first and second portions rejoinable for storage with a form factor of about 4W/L.

10. A notebook computer as in claim 9 wherein said means for communicating keyboard signals comprises a pair of mating multi-conductor connectors, one of said mating connectors mounted in said first portion and the other of said mating connectors mounted in said second portion, such that said mating connectors mate when said keyboard is assembled for use.

11. A notebook computer as in claim 9 wherein said first portion and said second portion are joined by a pivot means at one end of said interface, such that said first and second portions may be rotated relative to one another from assembled for use with form factor L/W to a storage aspect with said first and said second portions rotated 180 degrees relative to one another.

12. A notebook computer as in claim 11 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals comprises a multiconductor cable between said first and said second portion.

13. A notebook computer as in claim 11 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals comprises a pair of mating multi-conductor connectors, one of said mating connectors mounted in said first portion and the other of said mating connectors mounted in said second portion, such that said mating connectors mate when said keyboard is assembled for use.

14. A notebook computer as in claim 11 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer comprises a multiconductor cable connecting said keyboard and said host computer.

15. A notebook computer as in claim 9 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer comprises an optical transmitter.

16. A notebook computer as in claim 9 wherein said means for communicating keystroke signals to a host computer comprises a magnetic field generator.