Notebook computer keyboard system

Abstract

A modular laptop computer for accommodating selective placement and customization of user interface components. The computer includes a cavity having a connection or interface or coupling region, such as a universal serial bus jack for connecting to or mating with a corresponding interface on each component. The interface connections in the cavity are connected to one or more buses for providing an interface between the attached components and a computer processor. In this manner, the components such as keyboards, trackballs, drives, music players and so forth, can all be rearranged within the cavity in the positions of the user's preference.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the priority of PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US01 / 20336 filed 19 Jun. 2001, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 212,855 filed Jun. 20, 2000, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 268,037 filed Feb. 12, 2001, all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to computers and, more particularly, to an interface scheme for connecting and accommodating modular accessories to a computer. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Standard desk top computer keyboards have evolved into a device having a plurality of alphanumeric and function keys that also includes an integrally formed numeric keypad, traditionally located on the right-side of the desktop computer keyboard. The inclusion of the numerous keys requires standard desktop keyboards to be relatively large and of a substantial weight. As the desktop environment typically has less demanding size and we...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] A modular laptop computer is provided for accommodating selective placement and customization of user interface components. In a preferred embodiment, the computer housing is constructed to form a cavity through an upper surface in which components such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, speakers, storage devices, music players, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), etc., can be contained. A surface of a cavity supports a con

Problems solved by technology

These constraints dictate a compact size keyboard which incorporates function keys performing more than one function, and which does not include a numeric keypad, thus making entry of numeric data more difficult than on a desktop keyboard.

Moreover, the layout or placement of the components of a laptop computer about the computer keyboard, such as the location of a touch pad or mouse and the connection of various other accessory devices, are often fixed in a less than desirable position.

For example, a touch pad or mouse is typically located on the bottom-center region of the keyboard, and speakers may be located in a position that is obstructed by a user's wrists when the keyboard is in use, thereby obstructing sound produced by the speakers.

If a numeric keypad was included in the keyboard design, it would pose the following problems: the position of the keypad may not be properly aligned for all users (e.g. left handed and right handed users), and a numeric keypad with raised keys would not be practical because raised keys have a tendency to be depressed either accidentally or inadvertently while the computer is in use.

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