Keyboard accessories for electronic devices

Abstract

SOLUTION: To provide an electronic accessory and a keyboard for a computing device.EFFECT: A modular electronic device system that can include a computing device in electronic communication with an input device. Various types of sensors contained in either or both of the computing device and input device are used to determine orientation and hinge angle between the computing device and input device. Input settings can be changed according to the data from the various sensors. The input device can also include an elongated tail that is configured to attach to the computing device. The elongated tail can allow multiple physical configurations for ease of use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 503,382, filed on May 19, 2023, entitled "Keyboard Accessory for Electronic Device", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The described embodiments generally relate to electronic accessories and keyboards for computing devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a detachable keyboard that determines the keyboard position for a portable computing device and includes sensors for changing input settings based on signals from the sensors.

Background Art

[0003] Portable computing devices have become increasingly popular and widespread around the world in recent years. Thus, the convenience and adaptability of portable computing devices such as tablet computers and smartphones have helped to meet the needs of users for many purposes. When using a portable computing device such as a tablet computer or smartphone, it is common to use an external input device such as a keyboard, trackpad, or mouse. Conventional external input devices are convenient for improving productivity and ease of input, but can be inconvenient to use for various reasons. The external input device can remain active while in an undesirable position, such as when stored behind or under the tablet computer. The external input device can also be removed when changing configurations, creating an unstable or uncertain position for the portable computing device or losing functionality over time. As a result, there is a continuing need for improvements in portable computing devices, especially for the related cases of these systems.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] One or more examples of the present disclosure relate to a modular electronic device system. The modular electronic device system may include a computing device including a first sensor, a processor, and a memory device, and an input device detachably connected to the computing device at a hinge and including a second sensor, wherein the memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine an angle of the computing device with respect to gravity based on a first signal from the first sensor, to determine an angle of the input device with respect to gravity based on a second signal from the second sensor, to determine a hinge angle between the computing device and the input device at the hinge based on the angles of the computing device and the input device, and to change the input setting in accordance with the determination of the hinge angle. In some examples, changing the input setting includes enabling or disabling the input device, the processor is configured to enable the input device based on the hinge angle being within a first hinge angle range, and the processor is configured to disabling the input device based on the hinge angle being within a second hinge angle range different from the first hinge angle range.

[0005] In certain examples, the first hinge angle range includes 30 to 120 degrees, and the second hinge angle range includes angles outside the first hinge angle range. In at least one example, the processor is configured to change the input settings based on at least three consecutive sensor samples indicating that the hinge angle is within the first or second hinge angle range. In certain examples, the first and second sensors are configured to generate sensor signals at a sampling rate of approximately 10 Hz to approximately 15 Hz. In one example, the input device comprises a first Hall effect sensor and a second Hall effect sensor spaced at least 3 inches apart from the first Hall effect sensor by a threshold interval. In at least some examples, the computing device comprises a first pair of magnets having a first polarity configuration and a second pair of magnets having a second polarity configuration different from the first polarity configuration, and the first and second Hall effect sensors are configured to identify one of the first or second polarity configurations depending on the arrangement of the input device when it is in contact with the computing device. In at least one example, the processor is configured to change the input settings based on sensor data from the first and second Hall effect sensors, in addition to the hinge angle.

[0006] This disclosure further relates to a keyboard. The keyboard may include a set of key mechanisms, a trackpad adjacent to the set of key mechanisms, a first sensor, a second sensor located away from the first sensor, a processor, and a memory device that, when executed by the processor, stores instructions causing the processor to determine input states of the keyboard based on sensor signals from the first and second sensors. In at least one example, the input states include a first input state that allows the processor to send a signal to a computing device in response to user input to the trackpad or at least one of the key mechanisms of the set of key mechanisms. In a particular example, the input states include a second input state that does not allow the processor to send a signal to the computing device in response to user input to the trackpad or at least one of the key mechanisms of the set of key mechanisms. In one example, the first and second sensors are configured to detect the polarity direction of a set of magnets located within the computing device.

[0007] In at least some examples, the first and second sensors are configured to detect the individual polarities of separate magnets within a set of magnets. In one or more examples, the first and second sensors are embedded within the trackpad. In at least one example, the first and second sensors are embedded in opposing corners of the trackpad. In certain examples, the keyboard further comprises a printed circuit board, and the first sensor, the second sensor, and one or more other sensors associated with the trackpad communicate electrically with the printed circuit board.

[0008] This disclosure further relates to a computing device. The computing device may include a housing; a display portion formed within the housing and configured to present an on-screen keyboard for user input in a first input state; at least one sensor configured to generate gravity data including at least the roll angle and pitch angle of the computing device; a processor; and a memory device that, when executed by the processor, stores instructions causing the processor to transmit a signal to at least one of the display portion or the keyboard based on the gravity data, the signal including a computer executable instruction for switching between a first input state and a second input state, the second input state configured for user input at the keyboard. In at least one example, the at least one sensor includes an inertial measurement unit. In a particular example, the processor is configured to receive additional gravity data from the keyboard, including at least the keyboard roll angle and keyboard pitch angle. In one example, the processor is further configured to transmit a signal to at least one of the display portion or the keyboard based on the additional gravity data and the gravity data.

[0009] This disclosure further relates to another example of a keyboard. The keyboard may include a housing including a set of periphery parts, a set of key assemblies disposed within the housing, an elongated tail portion extending along the width direction of the housing and including a mounting portion configured to be detachably connected to a computing device, and a flexible portion connected to the housing from a first end of the flexible portion to a second end of the flexible portion opposite the first end. As used herein, the terms elongated tail portion, retaining element, and connecting member refer to the elongated tail portion. The flexible portion may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a flex circuit embedded between the inner and outer layers, and the flexible portion has uniform smoothness without surface aberration between the first and second ends. In one or more examples, a flex filler layer is disposed between the inner and outer layers adjacent to the flex circuit in the lateral direction, a flex cover layer is disposed on top of the flex filler layer and the flex circuit, and the flex cover layer is further disposed between the inner and outer layers.

[0010] In certain examples, the inner layer includes a first inner surface, and the flex cover layer includes a top and bottom surface, with the top surface bonded to the first inner surface and the bottom surface bonded to the upper side of the flex circuit and flex filler layer. In one example, the outer layer includes a second inner surface, with the bottom side of the flex circuit and the flex filler layer bonded to the second inner surface. In at least some examples, the flex circuit and flex filler layer are kiss-cut to form a predetermined gap on each side of the flex circuit between the flex circuit and the flex filler layer. In one or more examples, the flex circuit includes a color and shape that are imperceptible to the naked eye when the flexible portion is viewed from the outside. In at least one example, uniform smoothness is defined by a substantially constant distance between the outer surfaces of the inner and outer layers from the first end to the second end. In certain examples, surface irregularities include wrinkles or folds, whether projecting inward or outward relative to at least one of the outer surfaces of the inner or outer layer. In one example, when the keyboard is detached from the computing device, the flexible portion curves around the back of the mounting part so as to conceal it from at least a rearward view, and is attached to the back of the mounting part.

[0011] This disclosure further relates to another example of a keyboard. The keyboard may include a retaining element comprising a keyboard body, a set of input keys disposed within the keyboard body, a mating portion configured to be detachably connected to a computing device, and an adjustable portion connected to the keyboard body, wherein the adjustable portion comprises an electrical conduit and a filler layer disposed laterally adjacent to the electrical conduit, and the electrical conduit and the filler layer are kiss-cut to form a predetermined gap between the electrical conduit and the filler layer. In some examples, an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer surround the electrical conduit and the filler layer. In one or more examples, the predetermined gap is sized to correspond to the shrinkage of at least one of the inner fabric layer or the outer fabric layer. In certain examples, the electrical conduit and the filler layer have the same thickness. In one example, the predetermined gap is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0012] The disclosure further relates to another example of a keyboard. The keyboard may include a keyboard frame having a periphery defining the width of the keyboard frame, a set of key mechanisms supported by the keyboard frame, and a connecting member. The connecting member may include a rigid bar extending longitudinally in the direction of the periphery of the keyboard frame and configured to be detachably connected to a computing device, a rigid bar having a front end extending longitudinally in the direction of the periphery and a rear end extending longitudinally in the direction of the periphery and facing the front end, and a flexible flap attached to the rigid bar and the keyboard frame, which is continuous from a first end to a second end and configured to wrap at least partially around the rear end of the rigid bar to connect.

[0013] In some examples, the flexible flap comprises a first mounting point to the keyboard frame and a second mounting point to a rigid bar, such that the distance between the first and second mounting points allows the keyboard to rotate 180 degrees relative to the computing device while remaining attached to the computing device. In one or more examples, in a first keyboard configuration, the flexible flap at least partially covers the rigid bar in at least one or more viewing angles of the keyboard, and in a second keyboard configuration, the flexible flap at least partially exposes the rigid bar in at least one or more viewing angles of the keyboard. In certain examples, the first keyboard configuration includes a closed-mode configuration or a typing-mode configuration, and the second keyboard configuration includes a relative arrangement between the keyboard and the computing device that defines a 180-degree hinge angle. In one example, the flexible flap includes a specified rigidity that allows the keyboard to remain attached to the computing device at hinge angles ranging from 0 to 180 degrees. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like structural elements, will make the disclosure readily understood.

[0015] [Figure 1] An exemplary modular electronic device system is shown.

[0016] [Figure 2] An exemplary modular electronic device system is shown in which a computing device updates an input state in response to a change in a signal from a sensor.

[0017] [Figure 3] A method of updating an input setting is shown.

[0018] [Figure 4] A top view of an exemplary input device is shown.

[0019] [Figure 5] A top view of another exemplary input device is shown.

[0020] [Figure 6] A front view of an exemplary computing device is shown.

[0021] [Figure 7] A side view of an exemplary computing device is shown.

[0022] [Figure 8] A top view of an exemplary keyboard is shown.

[0023] [Figure 9] A top view of the electrical connections in an exemplary keyboard is shown.

[0024] [Figure 10] An enlarged view of a flexible flap and an attachment portion of an input device is shown.

[0025] [Figure 11] This shows exemplary modular electronic device systems in multiple configurations.

[0026] [Figure 12] This shows a cross-sectional view of a flexible flap containing a flexible printed circuit.

[0027] [Figure 13] This document describes a manufacturing process for producing flexible flaps containing flexible printed circuits.

[0028] [Figure 14] A cross-sectional view of the trackpad is shown.

[0029] [Figure 15] A conceptual block diagram of a computer system configured to implement one or more aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Herein, representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are described in detail. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit these embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, the following description is intended to include alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents that may be included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein and in the accompanying claims.

[0031] The following disclosure relates to a modular electronic device system capable of implementing various electrical connectors, sensors, material configurations, and functional components (e.g., magnets). Such elements can be used to provide countless different device interactions and user experiences.

[0032] Aspects of this disclosure include computing devices and input devices, each of which may include various types of sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors, magnetometers, accelerometers, fingerprint scanners, etc.). These sensors may generate signals that are interpreted by the computing device to identify the orientation of the input device relative to the computing device. Based on the interpretation of signals generated by sensors included in the computing device and input device, the computing device may change one or more input settings of the input device. For example, input settings may include enabling or disabling the input device, changing the functionality of the input device, changing the illumination portion of the input device, similar functions, and combinations thereof. Exemplarily, many computing devices, such as touchscreen tablet computing devices, can be used in several positional configurations, in addition to other positional configurations, such as a “typing” mode where the computing device is upright and the input device is positioned substantially horizontally in front of the computing device, an “inverted” mode where the display portion of the computing device faces away from the input device (e.g., the input device is positioned behind the display portion), and a “closed” mode where the computing device is not used and the input device covers the display of the computing device. Users may use input devices, such as keyboards, to assist in the functionality of the computing device. Without a component to detect the orientation of an input device relative to a computing device, the computing device may remain active (even unintentionally or undesirably) when the input device is in a certain position, such as when it is tucked behind or under a tablet computer. This often leads to limitations in certain functions, resulting in battery drain, unintended input, and other undesirable effects.

[0033] This disclosure also relates to an input device including an elongated tail that can be attached to a computing device and is capable of various input configurations as desired by the user. The elongated tail may include a flexible portion made of a material having various physical properties that affect the functionality, flexibility, and motion of the input device. The elongated tail of the input device can allow the input device to remain connected to the computing device in various positional configurations. Other systems may become unattachable when transitioning from one positional configuration to another, degrading the functionality of the input device. The elongated tail can also facilitate electrical connections between the computing device and the input device. In some embodiments, the electrical connections may also include a flexible circuit within the flexible portion of the elongated tail. The flexible circuit within the flexible portion of the elongated tail may be imperceptible to the naked eye. In some cases, the structure of the tail may be configured to conceal the presence and appearance of the flexible circuit or other internal components within the tail, while still allowing the tail to flex in multiple different orientations relative to the input area of ​​the input device and the body of the connected computing device. The manufacturing processes described herein can also enable increased functionality and lifespan of modular electronic device systems.

[0034] These embodiments and other embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the detailed descriptions provided herein with reference to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature including at least one of the first, second, or third selections should be understood to mean a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that may include one of each enumerated selection (e.g., only one of the first selections, only one of the second selections, or only one of the third selections), multiple of a single enumerated selection (e.g., two or more of the first selections), two selections simultaneously (e.g., one of the first selections and one of the second selections), or a combination thereof (e.g., two of the first selections and one of the second selections).

[0035] Figure 1 shows a modular electronic device system 100 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. As shown, the modular electronic device system 100 includes a computing device 102. In certain implementations, the computing device 102 includes a tablet computing device. The computing device 102 may include at least one sensor, processor, and memory device. In some embodiments, the modular electronic device system 100 also includes an input device 104. The input device 104 may be detachably connected to the computing device 102 via a connection 106 and may include at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the sensors included in the computing device 102 and the input device 104 may be Hall effect sensors, inertial measurement units, accelerometers, or other devices that can be used to detect the orientation of the computing device relative to a reference direction (e.g., relative to the direction of gravity). As used herein, the term “direction of gravity” refers to the direction of gravity toward the Earth’s surface. Furthermore, although gravity is unidirectional, the direction of gravity can also be interpreted as a linear axis extending in either direction (whether toward or away from the Earth’s surface). Related to this, the term “gravity data” refers to information representing spatial orientation or position. Gravity data may include orientation relative to the direction of gravity. Additionally or alternatively, gravity data may include positional data such as data from altimeters, gyroscopes, accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), similar devices, and combinations thereof. As used herein, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) refers to an electronic device capable of measuring the force, angular velocity, and / or orientation of an object in three-dimensional space. Specifically, an IMU may include a combination of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and possibly a magnetometer to detect the rotation of the IMU around three vertical axes of rotation and / or the displacement of the IMU along those axes.In certain implementations, gravity data may include roll, pitch, and yaw relative to a reference plane (e.g., the ground substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity). The modular electronic device system 100 may also include a connection 106 configured to transmit and / or receive signals between a computing device 102 and an input device 104 (as indicated by the bidirectional arrow 108).

[0036] In some embodiments, a processor included in the computing device 102 can determine the angle of the computing device 102 with respect to gravity by acquiring signals from sensors included in the computing device 102 (e.g., located in or on the housing or body structure of the computing device 102). The processor included in the computing device 102 can also determine the angle of the input device 104 with respect to gravity by acquiring signals received from sensors included in the input device 104. Using these two calculated angles acquired through the sensors included in the computing device 102 and the input device 104, the processor can determine the hinge angle between the computing device 102 and the input device 104. As used herein, the term “hinge angle” refers to one or more angles between the computing device and the input device. For example, the hinge angle may be a physical angle between one axis (or plane) of the computing device and one axis (or plane) of the input device. The connection 106 may include a hinge structure (e.g., an elastic tail structure) that connects the computing device 102 to the input device 104 and holds the devices 102 and 104 together at the hinge angle. In some examples, a first hinge angle can be defined between one axis of the computing device and one axis of the input device, and a second hinge angle can be defined between a second axis of the computing device and a second axis of the input device, which are positioned differently from the first axes of the computing device and the input device. Depending on the detection or measurement of the calculated hinge angle, the computing device 102 can send a signal 108 to the input device 104 via connection 106, thereby changing the input settings of the input device 104.

[0037] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 1, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a first input state 202 and a second input state 204 of the modular electronic device system 100. As used herein, the terms “input state” or “input setting” refer to the characterization, modification, or processing of user input to the input device 104. In some embodiments, changing the input state (or input setting) includes enabling or disabling the input device 104. The input device 104 may be enabled by supplying power to the input device 104 from a power source (e.g., within the computing device 102) and disabled by cutting off power to the input device 104 from the power source.

[0039] As further shown, the computing device 102 may include at least one sensor 206. As used herein, the term “sensor” means a device configured to sense, detect, capture, measure, or estimate a particular characteristic (e.g., the color or intensity of light or other electromagnetic radiation, the magnitude or direction of a magnetic field, voltage, resistance, motion, vibration, similar physical properties, or a combination thereof). Thus, a sensor can generate sensor data or a sensor signal based on the detected characteristic (e.g., a sensor may output an electrical signal or react to a change in physical properties by changing its electrical properties, and a controller or other electronic device may detect the output signal or change in electrical properties). Examples of sensors may include cameras, image sensors, photodetectors, optical transducers, photovoltaic sensors (e.g., solar cells), photoresistors, phototransistors, photodiodes, photodetectors, pyroelectric detectors, etc. Further examples of sensors include ambient light sensors, photometers, light meters, illuminometers, radiometers, optometers, data loggers, lux meters, colorimeters, spectrometers, spectrophotometers, spectroradiometers, charge-coupled devices, active pixel sensors, etc. Further examples of sensors include different sensing devices such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, inclinometers, barometers, infrared sensors, global positioning system sensors, and Hall effect sensors.

[0040] In these and other examples, the sensor 206 can generate the sensor signal 208 in a variety of ways. In at least one example, the sensor 206 generates the sensor signal 208 in response to detecting a particular positional configuration of the computing device 102 relative to the direction of gravity. For example, a sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or IMU within the computing device 102 can generate a sensor signal representing at least one of the roll position, yaw position, and / or pitch position of the computing device 102 relative to the ground or the direction of gravity.

[0041] Similarly, the input device 104 may include a sensor 210 that can generate a sensor signal 212. In one or more examples, the sensor 210 generates the sensor signal 212 in response to detecting a particular position configuration of the input device 104 relative to the direction of gravity. For example, a sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or IMU within the input device 104 may generate a sensor signal representing at least one of the roll position, yaw position, and / or pitch position of the input device 104 relative to the ground or the direction of gravity.

[0042] Based on a combination of sensor signals 208 and 212, the computing device can respond by switching from a first input state 202 to a second input state 204 (or maintaining the current input state). For example, based on sensor signals 208 and 212, the processor within the computing device 102 can determine that the input device 104 is in a positional configuration that satisfies the criteria for switching from the first input state 202 to the second input state 204. Such criteria, such as the hinge angle, are further described below with respect to Figure 3. The input state may include fully enabling the input device for the input, partially enabling and partially disabling it for the input, or completely disabling it for the input. Furthermore, the input setting may include different settings for the visual appearance of the input device, such as changing the backlight output setting (e.g., on or off) or color / hue (e.g., red or white) depending on the determined hinge angle value and the position of the computing device 102 relative to the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the input state may include different input modes such as a typing mode in which keys or buttons on the input device's keyboard perform a first set of functions (e.g., typing letters and numbers), an application-specific input mode in which the same keys or buttons perform a second set of functions (e.g., controlling a cursor, computer game functions, or GUI objects), a book-like mode (in which the computing device's display is in portrait orientation and the input to the input device is reconfigured to correspond to the user's 90-degree rotated view of system 100), a trackpad-only mode (in which case only the trackpad or trackpad portion of the input device is enabled and keys or buttons are disabled), a keyboard-only mode (in which case only the keyboard or key portion of the input device is enabled), or a different application or configuration-based input mode.

[0043] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 2, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 2.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a computing device 102 that updates the input setting 320 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3 shows a computing device 102 that updates the input setting 320 in response to signals 208 and 212 acquired from one or more sensors, as described above.

[0045] The following provides one exemplary implementation. Specifically, sensors 206, 210 may include, but are not limited to, Hall effect sensors, inertial measurement units, and accelerometers. In some embodiments, the computing device 102 may include at least one inertial measurement unit (or other sensor 206) that generates a sensor signal 208 including computing device gravity data 302. The input device 104 may include at least another inertial measurement unit (or other sensor 210) that generates a sensor signal 212 including input device gravity data 310. The computing device gravity data 302 and input device gravity data 310 may include the relative orientation of the computing device 102 and input device 104 with respect to the direction of gravity. The hinge angle 318 between the computing device 102 and input device 104 may be determined based on the gravity data 302, 310 provided by the inertial measurement units contained within the computing device 102 and input device 104. If a predetermined set of conditions is met, such as the hinge angle falling within the range of the hinge angle 318, the computing device may decide to update the input setting 320 (or otherwise maintain the current input setting). In other embodiments, at least one accelerometer included in the computing device 102 and at least one accelerometer included in the input device 104 may generate sensor signals 208, 212, including computing device gravity data 302 and input device gravity data 310, which are used to determine the hinge angle 318 and change the input setting 320, as described above.

[0046] In these and other examples, sensors 206, 210 can generate respective sensor signals representing gravity data (i.e., gravity data 302, 310) at various sampling rates. In some embodiments, the sampling rates of sensors 206, 210 included in computing device 102 and input device 104 are approximately 10 Hz to approximately 15 Hz. In at least some examples, the aforementioned sampling rates can provide improved accuracy of relative device motion, while lower sampling rates may, in some cases, lead to delays (or inaccurate results) in changes in input conditions. In addition, or alternatively, the aforementioned sampling rates can provide optimized power draw, while sampling at higher rates may, in some cases, consume too much power for a typical mobile computing device. Of course, other sampling rates can also be utilized. For example, in other examples, the sampling rate may be lower (e.g., between approximately 5 Hz and approximately 10 Hz) or higher (e.g., between approximately 15 Hz and approximately 80 Hz). The term "approximately" can be interpreted to encompass up to + / - 10 percent of a given value, or in some cases, up to + / - 20 percent of a given value.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, gravity data 302 may include the roll angle 304, pitch angle 306, and yaw angle 308 of the computing device 102. Similarly, gravity data 310 may include the roll angle 312, pitch angle 314, and yaw angle 316 of the input device 104. Thus, gravity data may include the angles of the computing device 102 with respect to three perpendicular coordinate axes, such as the X, Y, and Z axes of a Cartesian coordinate system. As used herein, the roll angle refers to the angle of rotational displacement around the X-axis, which is the angle of rotational displacement around an axis (e.g., the X-axis) that extends from the front to the back of the modular electronic device system 100 (as shown in Figure 7 for reference). In this context, the pitch angle refers to the angle of rotational displacement around an axis (e.g., the Y-axis) that extends from the left end to the right end of the modular electronic device system 100 and is perpendicular to the axis (e.g., the Y-axis) from which the roll angle is calculated (as shown in Figure 7 for reference). Furthermore, as used herein, the yaw angle refers to the angle of rotational displacement around an axis (e.g., the Z-axis) that extends substantially vertically through the modular electronic device system 100 (as shown in Figure 7 for reference) and is perpendicular to both the axis on which the roll angle is calculated and the axis on which the pitch angle is calculated.

[0048] As shown by the dashed lines in Figure 3, the yaw angles 308 and 316 may be arbitrary. In some embodiments, the yaw angles 308 and 316 may be useful in identifying the rotational displacement between the computing device and the input device about the vertical axis. This may further be used by the computing device 102 to change the input setting 320. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the roll angles 304 and 312 may be arbitrary.

[0049] For illustrative purposes, the angles described above may be used to determine a hinge angle 318 between a computing device 102 and an input device 104. The hinge angle 318 is the difference between the roll angle 304, pitch angle 306, or yaw angle 308 of the computing device 102 and the corresponding roll angle 312, pitch angle 314, or yaw angle 316 of the input device 104. For example, if the computing device 102 has a pitch angle 306 of 115 degrees relative to the horizontal and the input device has a pitch angle 314 of 10 degrees relative to the horizontal, the hinge angle 318 is determined to be 105 degrees. The computing device 102 can then change the input setting 320 based on this hinge angle (or otherwise maintain the current input setting). A similar subtraction process can be used to determine the hinge angle based on the roll angle 304 or yaw angle 308 of the computing device 102 and the roll angle 3012 or yaw angle 316 of the input device 104. In some embodiments, the hinge angle may include multiple angles based on the difference between the roll angle, pitch angle, and yaw angle of the computing device 102 and the input device 104. In these embodiments, one or more of the differences between the roll angle, pitch angle, and yaw angle must satisfy several criteria that allow the computing device to change the input setting. In some embodiments, these criteria may be a set of angles as further described below with respect to Figure 3.

[0050] For example, the computing device 102 may include a tablet computing device 102, and the input device 104 may include a keyboard. The calculated hinge angle 318 may vary depending on the orientation of the input device relative to the computing device 102 in three directions. Calculating the hinge angle 318 between the tablet computing device 102 and the keyboard 104 in various directions allows at least one input setting 320 to be changed according to this orientation. In some embodiments, changing the input setting includes enabling or disabling the input device 104.

[0051] In some embodiments, the computing device can change the input setting 320 when the hinge angle 318 is within one of a first set of hinge angles or a second set of hinge angles. The first set of hinge angles may include 30 to 120 degrees. The second hinge angle range may include angles outside the first hinge angle range. In some embodiments, the first set of hinge angles may represent a range of angles at which the user is expected or intended to use the input device 104. Thus, the input device 104 can be enabled via the input setting 320 when the hinge angle 318 is within the first set of hinge angles. The input device 104 may be disabled when the hinge angle 318 is within the second hinge angle range. This allows the user to use the computing device 102 without accidental input from the input device 104, such as when viewing media.

[0052] It will be understood that a wide variety of hinge angles, including those different from those described above, can be implemented to change the input setting 320. In some examples, the range of hinge angles used to change the input setting 320 depends on the computing device 102 being in a vertical position (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the ground or within approximately 20 degrees of the angle of that position). For example, at a hinge angle of 0 degrees, when the computing device 102 is positioned vertically and the input device 104 is in contact with the computing device 102, the input device 104 may be disabled. However, when the input device 104 is pulled away from the vertical position relative to the computing device 102, the input device 104 may be activated for use (e.g., to type in a location where the input device 104 may be positioned at 90 degrees from the computing device 102). At a certain point in time while the computing device 102 is still in a vertical position, the input device 104 may be deactivated when the input device 104 is pulled further away from a hinge angle of 0 (for example, to a hinge angle of 180 degrees where the input device 104 is perpendicular to the computing device 102). The input device 104 may remain deactivated at an even larger hinge angle when the input device 104 is flipped so that it abuts against the back of the computing device 102.

[0053] In another example, the hinge angle range used to change the input setting 320 depends on the computing device 102 being positioned in a “screen up” configuration (for example, the display portion being substantially horizontal or parallel to the ground with its face up, or within an angle range of approximately 20 degrees of that position). For example, at a hinge angle of 0 degrees when the computing device 102 is positioned screen up and the input device 104 is in contact with the computing device 102, the input device 104 may be disabled. However, when the input device 104 is pulled upward from its horizontal position relative to the computing device 102, the input device 104 may be activated for use. At a particular point in time while the computing device 102 is still in the screen up position, the input device 104 may be deactivated when the input device 104 is pulled further away from the 0 hinge angle (for example, to a hinge angle of 270 degrees where the input device 104 is positioned perpendicular to the computing device 102). The input device 104 may remain deactivated at an even larger hinge angle when it is flipped over so that it is facing downwards and in contact with the back of the computing device 102.

[0054] In yet another example, the hinge angle range used to change the input setting 320 depends on the computing device 102 being positioned in a “screen down” configuration (e.g., the display portion is facing downwards and substantially horizontal or parallel to the ground, or within an angle range of approximately 20 degrees relative to that position). For example, when the computing device 102 is positioned screen down and the input device 104 is in contact with the computing device 102 at a hinge angle of 0 degrees, the input device 104 may be disabled. However, when the input device 104 is pulled downwards from its horizontal position relative to the computing device 102, the input device 104 may be activated for use. At a particular point in time while the computing device 102 is still in the screen down position, the input device 104 may be deactivated when the input device 104 is pulled further away from the 0 hinge angle (e.g., to a 180-degree hinge angle where the input device 104 is aligned horizontally with the computing device 102). The input device 104 may remain deactivated at an even larger hinge angle when it is flipped so that the input device 104 is facing upwards and in contact with the back of the computing device 102.

[0055] In one or more examples, the computing device 102 may modify the input setting 320 in a way that may help improve accuracy. For example, the processor of the computing device 102 may modify the input setting 320 based on a threshold number of consecutive sensor readings (e.g., at least three consecutive sensor samples) indicating that the hinge angle 318 is within a first hinge angle range or a second hinge angle range. In some examples, this method helps to address erroneous / noisy readings from sensors 206, 210 so that the computing device 102 does not modify the input setting 320 by enabling or disabling input devices 104 when undesirable.

[0056] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 3, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 3.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a keyboard 400 relating to one or more examples of the present disclosure. As shown, the keyboard 400 may include a keyboard frame 402, a key mechanism 404, and a trackpad 406 adjacent to the key mechanism 404. The frame 402 may optionally be a housing or enclosure for other components of the keyboard 400. Thus, as used herein, the terms “keyboard frame” and “housing” refer to the part of the keyboard in which other elements are arranged and contained. For example, the keyboard frame may be made of metal, plastic, or other material and provide structural integrity to the keyboard, as well as space for arranging a trackpad, key mechanism, or other elements inside. As used herein, the term “key mechanism” may include any physical mechanism arranged on the keyboard that is designed to be pressed by a user. In some examples, the key mechanism may be operable to produce a representation of letters, numbers, symbols, or functions of an input device.

[0058] The keyboard 400 may also include a pair of Hall effect sensors 408, a printed circuit board (PCB) 410, and at least one other sensor 412. The printed circuit board 410 may include a processor and a memory device coupled to the printed circuit board 410. The memory device, when executed by the processor, can store instructions that cause the processor to change the input settings of the keyboard 400 based on signals from the first Hall effect sensors 408 and the second Hall effect sensors 408. In some cases, the processor may also change the input settings of the keyboard 400 based on signals from the first Hall effect sensors 408 and the second Hall effect sensors 408, in addition to the identified hinge angle (as described above). The at least one other sensor 412 may include an accelerometer or an inertial measurement unit and may be one embodiment of sensor 210. The at least one other sensor 412 may provide gravity data to the processor, which uses the gravity data to determine the hinge angle, as shown in Figures 2-3. Although not shown in Figure 4, the computing device 102 may include the corresponding magnet pair described below with respect to Figure 6.

[0059] In some embodiments, the pair of Hall effect sensors 408 are spaced apart. This can be achieved with various positional configurations and spacings. In some embodiments, the first Hall effect sensor 408 is spaced at least 3 inches apart from the second Hall effect sensor 408 by a threshold distance. The Hall effect sensors 408 are redundantly spaced apart to help protect against accidental triggering of the sensors 408 (e.g., caused by external devices such as a headphone case with a magnet). Thus, by spaced apart the pair of Hall effect sensors, accidental triggering (and associated changes in input state) can be avoided. In certain implementation forms, the likelihood of an accidental trigger event affecting both Hall effect sensors 408 and resulting in an undesirable change in input settings is significantly reduced by spaced the Hall effect sensors 408 at least 3 inches apart by a threshold distance. When both Hall effect sensors 408 experience a true trigger event based on a computing device magnet positioned adjacent to the pair of Hall effect sensors 408 in correspondence, the input settings may be modified by the processor according to instructions stored on a memory device.

[0060] Any feature, component, or part, including its arrangement and configuration shown in Figure 4, may be included, individually or in any combination, in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any feature, component, and / or part shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included, individually or in any combination, in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 4.

[0061] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the keyboard 500 relating to one or more examples of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the keyboard 500 includes elements similar to those described above with respect to the keyboard 400 of Figure 4. The keyboard 500 may include a keyboard frame 502, a key mechanism 504, and a trackpad 506 adjacent to the key mechanism 504. The keyboard 500 may also include a pair of Hall effect sensors 508, a memory device, and one or more other sensors 512. The elements shown in Figure 5 are identical or similar to those described above with respect to Figure 4.

[0062] However, Figure 5 shows different positional configurations of a pair of Hall effect sensors 508. As shown, the Hall effect sensors 508 are located within the trackpad 506. The pair of Hall effect sensors 508 can be located in different locations relative to the trackpad 506. In certain embodiments, the pair of Hall effect sensors 508 are located at the corners of the trackpad 510 (e.g., opposite corners) to maximize the distance between the sensors 508 for the reasons described above.

[0063] As described above, spaced-out sensors can provide redundant trigger protection. Furthermore, in the implementation shown in Figure 5, the pair of Hall effect sensors 508 can efficiently utilize electrical wiring coupled to the printed circuit board 510. In addition, by positioning the sensors 408 or 508 at opposing corners of their respective support structures (i.e., 402 or 510), the placement of the sensors 408, 508 can be more easily determined relative to the magnetic elements of the computing device, as discussed in relation to the magnets 608, 610 in the device 600 in Figure 6.

[0064] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 5, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 5.

[0065] Figure 6 shows a computing device 600 including a housing 604 and a display portion 602 formed within the housing. As used herein, “display portion” refers to a screen or other user interface portion. Exemplary types of displays include light-emitting diode (LED) displays, quantum LED (QLED) displays, organic LED (OLED) displays, liquid crystal displays, digital light processing displays, plasma panel displays, rear projection displays, microdisplays, and the like. The display portion may include capacitive touch functionality.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the computing device 600 may include pairs of magnets 608, 610 embedded within the computing device 600. These magnets may have different polarity configurations. For example, the magnets at opposing corners in the configuration shown in Figure 6 may have opposite polarities.

[0067] Based on the inherent polarity (or polarity configuration) of magnet pairs 608 and 610, a keyboard sensor (e.g., Hall effect sensor 508) can identify a specific positional relationship of the computing device 600 to an input device (e.g., 500). For example, based on the Hall effect sensor in the keyboard detecting a first polarity configuration of magnets 608 and / or 610, a processor (in the computing device or keyboard) can decide to change or maintain the input settings in a manner supplementing or alternatively to the method described in relation to Figure 3. Similarly, based on the Hall effect sensor detecting a second polarity configuration, a processor (in the computing device or keyboard) can decide to change or maintain the input settings. It will be understood that the detected polarity configuration depends on which magnet pair (either magnet pair 608 or magnet pair 610) is positioned in close proximity to the Hall effect sensor in the keyboard. Therefore, in one configuration, the Hall effect sensor may be close to the first pair of magnets 608 (for example, when the trackpad 506 is in front of the magnets 608 and the display portion 602), and in a second configuration, the Hall effect sensor may be close to the second pair of magnets 610 (for example, when the trackpad 506 is behind the magnets 610 and the display portion 602). Each pair of magnets 608, 610 may have different polarity configurations (for example, one pair 608 has a forward-facing N pole and the other pair 610 has a forward-facing S pole), and therefore the polarity of the magnetic field sensed by the Hall effect sensor 508 may be used to determine whether the trackpad 506 is positioned in front of or behind the display portion 602. Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as when the input device 400 is used with a computing device, the Hall effect sensor 408 may be located outside the trackpad 406, and the magnets of the computing device may be located at the corresponding outer corners of the housing of the computing device.

[0068] Sensors (e.g., 408 / 508) and magnets (e.g., 608) can be used in conjunction with the determined hinge angle 318 to control or change the input settings 320 of the system (e.g., 100). For example, in some configurations, computing device gravity data 302 may indicate that the pitch angle 306 is vertical (e.g., 90 degrees to the horizontal plane, or parallel to the direction of gravity), and input device gravity data 310 may indicate that the pitch angle 314 is also vertical. In this case, the position of the input device 104 relative to the front of the computing device's display may be undefined. For example, the input device 104 may cover the front of the display portion, or it may be positioned behind the computing device 102 and not cover the display portion. Thus, the sensors and magnets of system 100 may be referenced to help determine whether the input device 104 is in a closed / covering position or in an inverted / behind position of the display. In the closed position, the input settings of the computing device 102 may be set to a first state (for example, the display may be disabled because it is covered and inaccessible), and in the inverted position, the input settings of the computing device 102 may be set to a second state (for example, the display may be enabled).

[0069] Based on the input state, the display portion can present different graphic representations. For example, computing device 600 can display an on-screen keyboard for a first input state on the display portion 602. As another example, computing device 600 can remove an on-screen keyboard for a second input state (for example, when the keyboard is active) from the display portion 602.

[0070] As further shown in Figure 6, the computing device 600 includes at least one sensor 606 capable of generating gravity data for the computing device 600 in the same or similar manner as described above. The computing device 600 may also include a processor and a memory device. The memory device may store instructions, when executed by the processor, that cause the processor to send a signal to at least one of the display portion or the keyboard based on gravity data. The signal may include a computer-executable instruction that changes between a first input state and a second input state, the second input state configured for user input on the keyboard. In some embodiments, the gravity data generating sensor 606 may be an inertial measurement unit. The processor may also be configured to receive additional gravity data from the keyboard, including keyboard roll angle, keyboard pitch angle, and keyboard yaw angle.

[0071] Sensor 606, which generates gravity data, can work in conjunction with the keyboard's Hall effect sensors, which are capable of detecting magnet pairs 608 and 610. Therefore, based on the combination of gravity data and Hall effect sensor data, a processor (in the computing device or keyboard) can decide to change the input settings.

[0072] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 6, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 6.

[0073] Figure 7 shows a modular electronic device system 700 relating to one or more examples of the present disclosure. System 700 may include equivalent features of System 100. As shown, the modular electronic device system 700 may include a hinge angle 706 between a computing device 702 and an input device 704. As previously described, this hinge angle 706 is used to change the input setting. In some embodiments, the computing device 702 can change the input setting when the hinge angle 706 is within a hinge angle range. For example, the input device 704 may have a first input setting (e.g., enabling typing (or other input to the input device 704)) when the hinge angle 706 is between 40 and 120 degrees. Other examples of hinge angle ranges include, but are not limited to, hinge angles 706 of 45 to 135 degrees, 30 to 150 degrees, or 50 to 140 degrees. When the hinge angle 706 is outside this hinge angle range, the input device 704 may have a second input setting (for example, disabled by the computing device 702).

[0074] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 7, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 7.

[0075] Figure 8 shows a keyboard 800 relating to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The keyboard 800 may include the same or similar elements described above in relation to the system 100 or input devices 104, 400, and 500. Specifically, the keyboard 800 may include a housing 802 having a set of peripheries (for example, a rim 804 extending along one side of the rectangular periphery shown in Figure 8), a trackpad 808, and a set of key assemblies 806 disposed within the housing 802. As used herein, the term “key assembly” refers to any component that accepts user input in the keys of a keyboard (such as a mechanical keyboard or a touchscreen keyboard). This may include, but is not limited to, key mechanisms, keyboard touchscreen display keys, capacitive touch elements, etc.

[0076] As illustrated, the keyboard 800 also includes an elongated tail portion 810. As used herein, the terms “elongated tail portion,” “retaining element,” and “connecting member” refer to a portion of the input device that extends beyond the keyboard frame or housing and provides a physical and / or electrical connection of the keyboard 800 to a computing device. In some embodiments, the elongated tail portion 810 is laterally elongated and has a lateral side-to-side width greater than its length measured between the rear end of the frame 802 and its mounting portion 812.

[0077] The elongated tail portion 810 may include a mounting portion 812 at its rear end. As used herein, the terms “mounting portion,” “mating portion,” and “rigid bar” refer to a portion of the elongated tail portion 810 that can be detachably mounted to a computing device. This mounting portion 812 is detachably coupled to a computing device such as the computing device 102 shown in Figure 1 and configured to provide electrical communication via an electrical connector 820. As used herein, the term “electrical connector” may include one or more elements for transmitting data and / or power between components connected to the electrical connector. In some examples, an electrical connector includes at least one of a set of electrical contacts (e.g., electrical contact pads or pins), magnetic contacts, pins, ports, sockets, card readers, male-to-female connectors, associated circuits (e.g., converters or protective electronic components), and combinations thereof. The mounting portion 812 is connected to the periphery portion 804 of the keyboard housing 802 via a flexible portion 814 of the elongated tail portion.

[0078] As used herein, the terms “flexible portion,” “adjustable portion,” and “flexible flap” refer to the elongated tail portion exhibiting flexible properties. The flexible portion 814, which may include multiple layers exhibiting specific properties such as rigidity, color, durability, and opacity, may extend along the width direction of the keyboard housing 802 from a first end 916 to a second end 918. The flexible portion 814 provides a flexible electrical connection between the keyboard 800 and the computing device 102. For example, the flexible portion 814 may allow the keyboard 800 and the computing device 102 to rotate relative to each other while still maintaining the electrical connection via the mounting portion 812. The flexible portion 814 may also provide additional or alternative functionality. For example, the flexible portion 814 may be constructed with sufficient desired rigidity to support the computing device 102 (e.g., hold it in a position spaced apart from the support surface) or to provide a specific viewing angle while the elongated tail portion 810 is attached to the computing device. As another example, the flexible portion 814 may include a desired rigidity that allows the user to lift the keyboard 800 and, at the same time, lift the computing device 102 via the grips on the keyboard 800 (for example, in a similar manner to lifting a notebook computer).

[0079] In these and other examples, the elongated tail portion 810 can be aesthetically pleasing (as further described below), and the flexible portion 814 can be opaque and have a uniform visual appearance. For example, the elongated tail portion 810 may include a smooth surface that can conceal various components (e.g., flexible circuits) beneath it.

[0080] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 8, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 8.

[0081] Figure 9 shows a keyboard 900 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The keyboard 900 may include the same or similar elements as those described above. The keyboard 900 may also include a printed circuit board 924 located within a keyboard housing 902. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 924 may be located beneath or attached to the trackpad 908. As shown, the printed circuit board 924 is connected to a flex circuit 922. The flex circuit may extend from the printed circuit board 924 through a flexible portion 914 to an electrical connector 920 in a mounting portion 912.

[0082] The flexible portion 914 may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a flex circuit embedded between the inner and outer layers. The flex circuit is housed within the flexible portion 914 of the elongated tail portion 910, but the flexible portion 914 may have uniform smoothness without surface aberration between the first end 916 and the second end 918. The aberration may include wrinkles or folds, whether they protrude inward or outward relative to the outer surface of the flexible portion 914. The flex circuit 922 functions as an electrical connection from the printed circuit board 924 to the computing device 102. In some embodiments, the presence of the flex circuit 922 includes a color and shape that is imperceptible to the naked eye when the flexible portion 914 is viewed from the outside. This adds to the aesthetic characteristics of the elongated tail portion 910, creating a smooth, streamlined appearance. As used herein, “unaided human eye” means the unaided eye of an average human observer who has normal vision and is not enhanced or supplemented by lenses, microscopes, cameras, or other scopes or instruments used to distinguish wavelengths beyond the natural human eye.

[0083] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 9, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 9.

[0084] Figure 10 shows a side view of the elongated tail portion 1000 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The elongated tail portion 1000 may include the same or similar elements as those described above in relation to the elongated tail portion 810. As shown in Figure 10, the flexible portion 1006 may be connected to the keyboard housing 1002 at a first mounting point 1008. The flexible portion 1006 may be connected to the upper or rear side of the mounting portion 1010 via an adhesive connection 1012 (for example, at a second mounting point 1014). By attaching the flexible portion 1006 to the rear side of the mounting portion 1010, the mounting portion 1010 can be hidden when the tail portion 1000 and computing device are viewed from the rear, or when the keyboard housing 1002 is in a closed position relative to the front of the computing device, or when viewed from the rear side of the elongated tail portion 1000. In this way, when the system is in a closed configuration or viewed from the rear, only the smooth and consistent rear side of the tail portion 1000 can be seen. This contributes to the smooth and uniform aesthetic desired by many users. The smooth curve on the back of the tail section 1000, as well as the handle, can also improve the carrying comfort of the system.

[0085] It will be understood that the elongated tail section 1000 has various different design factors that can contribute to different properties such as rigidity or flexibility. One example of a design factor is the length 1004 between the first mounting point 1008 and the second mounting point 1014. For example, a longer length 1004 can make the flexible section 1006 more flexible. This increased flexibility can allow the rear side of the flexible section 1006 to rest on (e.g., beneath) a surface supporting the input device and computing device. In contrast, if the length 1004 is shorter, the flexible section 1006 may be stiffened. In this case, the computing device 102 may be suspended above the surface below and / or generate a specific viewing angle. In some cases, if the flexible section 1006 is too stiff, this suspension may cause the computing device 102 to bounce or move while the input device is in use, unless the input to the input device is suppressed. In this way, the length of the flexible portion 1006 allows the stability of the computing device 102 to be controlled. The adhesive connection 1012 between the flexible portion 1006 and the mounting portion 1010 is also of variable length. The length of the adhesive connection 1012 can also determine the physical angle, stiffness, and stability of the mounting portion 1010 relative to the computing device 102 (not shown).

[0086] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 10, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 10.

[0087] Figure 11 shows several exemplary configurations of the modular electronic device system 100 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The elongated tail portion 1110 may include the same or similar elements as described above, such as the tail portion 1000. A first configuration 1101 shows the modular electronic device system 100 in one usable mode (e.g., typing mode). In this configuration, the computing device 1106 is mounted to the mounting portion 1112 of the elongated tail portion 1110 of the keyboard 1108 (for example, the display portion 1116 of the computing device 1106 and the key assembly 1114 (which may or may not be protruding) of the keyboard 1108 are arranged in an open clamshell configuration). As described above, the flexible portion of the elongated tail portion 1110 can be mounted to the rear of the mounting portion 1112, concealing the mounting portion 1112 when viewed from the rear in this configuration. In some embodiments, the computing device 1106 may be supported solely by the elongated tail portion 1110, while in other embodiments, the computing device 1106 and the elongated tail portion 1110 may be placed on a surface below, such as a table. In some examples, the advantage of placing the computing device 1106 on the elongated tail portion 1110 is that it is placed on a surface below, thereby increasing stability. In addition, the computing device 1106 may include a stand or legs to support the computing device 1106 in addition to the tail portion 1110.

[0088] The second configuration 1102 shows a modular electronic device system 100 in a closed state. In this configuration, the key assembly 1114 faces, contacts, or at least partially abuts the front, input surface, or display surface of the display portion 1116 of the computing device 1106. It will be understood that the flexible portion of the elongated tail 1110 can withstand many cycles (e.g., thousands of cycles) of opening and closing while still maintaining the electrical connection between the keyboard 1108 and the computing device 1106, regardless of the configuration.

[0089] A third configuration 1103 represents the modular electronic device system 100 in what is called a retracted, stowed, or rear-supported mode. The retracted mode allows the user to continue using the computing device 1106 with the display portion 1116 facing upward or outward. However, the keyboard assembly 1114 of the keyboard 1108 is in contact with, against, or facing the rear side of the computing device 1106 (e.g., in contact with its rear cover 1118). This configuration shields or protects the key assembly 1114, the trackpad, and other possible components of the keyboard 1108 (e.g., when only the display portion 1116 is utilized), thereby potentially limiting damage or unintended input. In storage mode, the mounting portion 1112 of the elongated tail section 1110 is attached to the computing device 1106 in the opposite direction to the second configuration 1102, and the smooth rear surface of the tail section 1110 terminates closer to the front of the display section 1116 (at the mounting portion 1112) than the rear surface (where the rear cover 1108 is located).

[0090] A fourth configuration 1104 represents a modular electronic device system 100 in inverted mode. Inverted mode allows the keyboard 1108 to be rotated behind the computing device 1106 such that the rear side of the keyboard 1108, without the key assembly 1114, abuts against or faces the rear side of the computing device 1106. In configuration 1104, the key assembly 1114 is positioned outward and facing away from the display portion 1116. As shown, the flexible portion of the elongated tail 1110 bends to enable this configuration without separating it from the computing device 1106. In some embodiments, the stiffness or length of the flexible portion may be modified so that the elongated tail 1110 automatically detaches from the computing device 1106 when rotated into inverted mode. This stiffness may allow the flexible portion to remain attached to the computing device 1106 and may be in the range of 0 to 180 degrees. In at least these configurations, the elongated tail portion 1110 can provide both electrical and physical connections between the keyboard 1108 and the computing device 1106.

[0091] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 11, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 11.

[0092] Figure 12 shows a cross-section facing the end of the flexible portion 1200 of the elongated tail portion 1004 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The cross-section may pass through the tail portion 910 in the flex circuit 922 along a horizontal cross-sectional line extending across the page of Figure 9 within the flexible portion 914. The elongated tail portion 1004 may include the same or similar elements as described above. The flexible portion 1200 may include an inner layer 1202, an outer layer 1210, and a flex circuit 1206 embedded between the inner layer 1202 and the outer layer 1210. The inner layer 1202 and the outer layer 1210 may include a fabric material having a specific opacity, color, and texture (optional). The fabric material may be flexible and bendable together with the tail portion.

[0093] In some embodiments, the filler layer 1208 can be positioned adjacent to the flexible circuit 1206, and the space between the inner layer 1202 and the outer layer 1210 can be occupied by another material of the same thickness as the flexible circuit. The filler layer 1208 positioned adjacent to the flexible circuit 1206 can help prevent the inner layer 1202 and the outer layer 1210 from forming surface irregularities such as wrinkles or folds that may form when the material is compressed to fill the void adjacent to the flexible circuit 1206. In addition, the filler layer 1208 can exhibit material properties such as stiffness and opacity that affect the functionality of the flexible portion. The material properties of the filler layer 1208 can differ from those of the other layers and / or the flexible circuit 1206. For example, a rigid filler layer 1208 can be configured to have an elongated tail portion that can be removed from the computing device when placed in inversion mode. In some embodiments, the filler layer 1208 can be adapted to the material properties of the flexible circuit such that its thickness, color, transparency / opacity, and smoothness are indistinguishable to the naked eye through the inner layer 1202 or the outer layer 1204.

[0094] In some embodiments, the flexible portion 1200 may include a cover layer 1204 between the flex circuit 1206 and the outer layer 1210. The cover layer 1204 can be an inner layer that conceals the flex circuit 1206 from human vision. In these embodiments, the cover layer 1204 may have a variety of colors and finishes to create an aesthetically pleasing design.

[0095] As the flexible portion circulates through different configurations of the modular electronic device system 100, the inner fabric layer 1202 or the outer fabric layer 1204 may shrink. This can cause the filler layer 1208 to shift and overlap with the flex circuit, potentially destroying a certain thickness from the first end of the flexible portion to the second end. To help prevent the effects of shrinkage, one or more layers may contain a predetermined gap between them. For example, a predetermined gap exists between the flex circuit 1206 and the filler layer 1208. In some embodiments, this gap may be 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. This predetermined gap can be obtained using countless different manufacturing methods. In at least some implementation configurations, a kiss-cut process is used, which is described below with respect to Figure 13.

[0096] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 12, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 12.

[0097] Figure 13 shows a process for manufacturing a flexible portion according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. In step 1300A, the flex circuit 1302 is placed between the inner layer 1304 and the filler layer 1306 of the flexible portion. Step 1300B shows a cutting tool 1308 preparing to cut the filler layer 1306 and the flex circuit 1302. As shown in step 1300C, the cutting tool 1308 cuts both the filler layer 1306 and the flex circuit 1302 on both sides of the flex circuit 1302, thereby removing a portion of the outer edge of the flex circuit 1302. By cutting this material, the cutting tool 1308 creates a predetermined gap 1312 between the flex circuit 1302 and the filler layer 1306. In step 1300D, the excess portion 1310 of the filler layer 1306 and the flex circuit 1302 is then extracted and removed by the cutting tool 1308.

[0098] In step 1300E, the filler layer 1306 is shown to be positioned adjacent to the flex circuit 1302 while maintaining a predetermined gap 1312. As used herein, the term “predetermined gap” refers to the space between elements that falls within a design range. For example, the predetermined gap may be a space of 1 to 5 millimeters between two elements. In other examples, the predetermined gap may be a space of 2 to 7 millimeters. The process shown in Figure 13 can produce components having a range of predetermined gaps. Step 1300F shows how, in some embodiments, a cover layer 1308 may be added on top of the filler layer 1306. Step 1300G shows how an outer layer 1314 may be applied on top of the cover layer 1308. The layers may be attached with adhesive in each step. In some embodiments, the adhesive may have physical properties such as stiffness or opacity, which may affect both the physical properties and aesthetics of the flexible portion.

[0099] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 13, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 13.

[0100] Figure 14 shows a cross-section of an exemplary trackpad assembly 1400 of a keyboard according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The keyboard may include a trackpad assembly 1400 which includes a glass layer 1402 and a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, a printed circuit board 1404 may be located beneath the glass layer 1402 of the trackpad. When a user applies a point load to the trackpad of the keyboard, the printed circuit board 1404, and in particular the electrical components 1405 mounted beneath the printed circuit board 1404, may be subjected to strain. This strain may damage the electrical components 1405 immediately or over time. To help reduce the amount of stress / strain the electrical components 1405 experience, some embodiments may include one or more reinforcing members 1406 on the bottom side of the electrical components 1405. In some embodiments, the reinforcing members 1406 may be made of a rigid material. For example, the reinforcing members 1406 may be made of stainless steel. In some embodiments, the reinforcing members 1406 may be attached to the printed circuit board 1404 via adhesive. The adhesive can also contribute to reducing the stress / strain experienced by the electrical component 1405.

[0101] In some embodiments, the trackpad assembly 1400 may also include at least one shim 1408 beneath the printed circuit board 1404. In some examples, the shim 1408 can limit the amount of deflection or displacement experienced by the trackpad, particularly by electrical components 1405 attached to the printed circuit board 1404. For example, the printed circuit board 1404 and associated electrical components 1405 may deflect downward in response to a load applied to the trackpad surface 1402. As the deflection of the printed circuit board 1404 and associated electrical components 1405 increases, so does the amount of undesirable stress / strain experienced by the electrical components 1405. Thus, the shim 1408 can advantageously provide a mechanical fastener for the printed circuit board 1404 and associated electrical components 1405. Therefore, the height of the shim 1408 can be selected to allow for greater or smaller deflection of the trackpad to control the stress / strain experienced by the electrical components 1405. In some embodiments, the shim 1408 may be made of stainless steel.

[0102] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 14, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 14.

[0103] Figure 15 shows a conceptual block diagram of a computer system 1500 that can be used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the computer system 1500 may include various sets and subsets of the components shown in Figure 15. Thus, Figure 15 shows various components that may be included in various combinations and subsets based on the operations and functions performed by the system 1500 in different embodiments. For example, the computer system 1500 may be part of the computing device 102 (or input device or electronic case) described above in relation to the aforementioned figure. Note that when used herein or by reference, the use of articles such as "a" or "an" is not intended to be limited to one, but is intended to mean one or more unless otherwise specifically indicated herein.

[0104] The computer system 1500 may include a central processing unit (CPU) or processor 1502 connected via a bus 1504 for electrical communication with a memory device 1506, a power supply 1508, an electronic storage device 1510, a network interface 1512, an input device adapter 1516, and an output device adapter 1520. For example, one or more of these components may be connected to each other via a board (e.g., a printed circuit board or other board) supporting the bus 1504 and other electrical connectors that provide electrical communication between the components. The bus 1504 may include a communication mechanism for communicating information between components of the system 1500.

[0105] The processor 1502 may be a microprocessor or similar device configured to receive and execute a set of instructions 1524 stored by memory 1506. Memory 1506 may be called main memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or another dynamic electronic memory device, for storing information and instructions executed by the processor 1502. Memory 1506 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions executed by the processor 1502. The processor 1502 may include, for example, one or more processors or controllers, such as a CPU for a computing device 102, and a touch controller or similar sensor or I / O interface used to control and receive signals from the display and any other sensors used. The power supply 1508 may include a power supply that can provide power to the processor 1502 and other components connected to bus 1504, such as a connection to a power grid or a battery system.

[0106] The storage device 1510 may include read-only memory (ROM) or another type of static storage device coupled to the bus 1504 for storing static or long-term (i.e., non-dynamic) information and instructions for the processor 1502. For example, the storage device 1510 may include a magnetic disk or optical disk (e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD)), solid-state memory (e.g., a solid-state disk (SSD)), or an equivalent device.

[0107] Instructions 1524 stored in memory 1506 or storage device 1510 may contain information for performing processes and methods using components of system 1500. Such processes and methods may include connection processes described herein, such as connecting an electronic case to a computing device, connecting an accessory device to an electronic case, controlling input settings, controlling display settings, controlling the enable / disable state of a keyboard 1514 or other input device 1513, and determining a hinge angle.

[0108] The network interface 1512 may include adapters for connecting the system 1500 to external devices via wired or wireless connections. For example, the network interface 1512 may provide connectivity to a computer network 1526 such as a cellular network, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a separate device capable of wirelessly communicating with the network interface 1512, other external devices or network locations, and combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the network interface 1512 is a wireless networking adapter configured to connect to another device having interface capabilities using the same protocol via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, BLE, Bluetooth Mesh, or related wireless communication protocols. In some embodiments, a network device or a set of network devices within the network 1526 may be considered part of the system 1500. In some cases, a network device may be considered connected to the system 1500 but not as a part of it.

[0109] The input device adapter 1516 can be configured to provide the system 1500 with connectivity to various input devices, such as a keyboard, an accessory device (e.g., accessory device 108), an associated device, and combinations thereof.

[0110] The output device adapter 1520 can be configured to provide the system 1500 with the ability to output information to the user, for example, by providing visual output using one or more displays 1532 (e.g., the display portion of a computing device described herein), by providing audible output using one or more speakers 1535, or by providing touch-sensitive haptic feedback via one or more haptic feedback devices 1537. Other output devices may also be used. The processor 1502 can be configured to control the output device adapter 1520 to provide information to the user via the output devices connected to the adapter 1520.

[0111] The features, components, and parts shown in Figure 15, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in any other example of devices, features, components, and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, the features, components, and / or parts shown and described with reference to other figures, including their arrangement and configuration, may be included individually or in any combination in the examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in Figure 15.

[0112] To the extent applicable to current technology, the delivery of invited content or any other content that may be of interest to a user can be improved by collecting and using data available from various sources. This disclosure considers that in some cases, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies a particular person, or personal information data that can be used to contact a particular person or to locate them. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, Twitter® IDs, addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), birth dates, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0113] This disclosure acknowledges that such use of personal data in the technology may be in the user's best interest. For example, personal data may be used to deliver more interesting and targeted content to the user. Thus, such use of personal data gives the user control over the content delivered. Furthermore, other uses of personal data that may benefit the user are also intended by this disclosure. For example, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into the user's overall wellness, or as positive feedback to individuals using the technology to pursue wellness goals.

[0114] This disclosure assumes that entities involved in the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage, or other use of such personal data will adhere to a robust privacy policy and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for the strict confidentiality of personal data. Such policies should be readily accessible to users and should be updated as data collection and / or use changes. Personal data from users should be collected for the lawful and legitimate use of the entity and should not be shared or sold for any other purpose. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should be carried out only after informing and obtaining the user's consent. In addition, such entities should consider taking all necessary steps to protect and secure access to such personal data and to ensure that others with access to personal data faithfully adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Furthermore, such entities may undergo third-party evaluations to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be tailored to the specific types of personal data being collected and / or accessed, and should comply with applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For example, in the United States, the collection or access to certain health data may be subject to federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Health data in other countries, on the other hand, may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be addressed accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained in each country with respect to different types of personal data.

[0115] Notwithstanding the foregoing, this disclosure also envisions embodiments that allow users to selectively prevent the use of or access to personal data. Specifically, this disclosure intends that hardware and / or software elements may be provided to prevent or prevent access to such personal data. For example, in the case of an advertising delivery service, the technology could be configured to allow users to choose to “opt in” or “opt out” of participating in the collection of personal data during or at any time thereafter when registering for the service. In another example, a user could choose not to provide mood-related data for a targeted content delivery service. In yet another example, a user could choose to limit the period for which mood-related data is retained or to prohibit the entire deployment of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt-in” and “opt-out” options, this disclosure intends to provide notices regarding access to or use of personal data. For example, a user may be notified when downloading an app that will access their personal data, and then again immediately before the app accesses their personal data.

[0116] Furthermore, the intent of this disclosure is that personal data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data when it is no longer needed. In addition, where applicable in certain health-related applications, data anonymization can be used to protect user privacy. Anonymization may be facilitated, where appropriate, by removing certain identifiers (e.g., date of birth), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across all users), and / or by other means.

[0117] Therefore, while this disclosure broadly covers the use of personal data to implement one or more different embodiments of the disclosed, it is conceivable that these different embodiments may also be implemented without requiring access to such personal data. That is, the different embodiments of the technology will not be rendered inoperable by the absence of all or part of such personal data. For example, content may be selectively delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on only a minimal amount of non-personal data or personal information, such as content requested by the user's associated device, other non-personal data available in the content delivery service, or publicly available information.

[0118] In the preceding description, certain technical terms have been used for illustrative purposes to provide a complete understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not necessary to practice the described embodiments. Therefore, the preceding descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. These descriptions are not intended to exhaust all embodiments or to limit embodiments to the exact forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. A modular electronic device system, A computing device comprising a first sensor, a processor, a memory device, a first magnet pair having a first polarity configuration, and a second magnet pair having a second polarity configuration different from the first polarity configuration, An input device having a frame and a flexible, elongated tail portion disposed on the periphery of the frame, wherein the flexible, elongated tail portion includes a mounting portion at its end, the mounting portion being detachably connected to the computing device above a support surface, the input device including a second sensor, a first Hall effect sensor, and a second Hall effect sensor, the second Hall effect sensor being spaced apart from the first Hall effect sensor, and the first and second sensors being configured to detect orientation relative to the direction of gravity, The memory device stores an instruction, and when the instruction is executed by the processor, the processor receives the instruction. Based on the first signal from the first sensor, the angle of the computing device with respect to the direction of gravity is determined. Based on the second signal from the second sensor, the angle of the input device with respect to the direction of gravity is determined. Based on the angle of the computing device and the angle of the input device, the hinge angle between the computing device and the input device in the flexible elongated tail portion is determined. The input settings are changed in accordance with the determination of the hinge angle. The processor is configured to set the input setting to a first state based on the fact that the hinge angle is within a first hinge angle range. The processor is configured to set the input setting to a second state based on the fact that the hinge angle is in a second hinge angle range different from the first hinge angle range. A modular electronic device system in which the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor are configured to identify one of the first polarity configuration or the second polarity configuration depending on the arrangement of the input device when it is in contact with the computing device.

2. Changing the input settings includes enabling or disabling the input device. The processor is configured to enable the input device based on the hinge angle being within the first hinge angle range, The modular electronic device system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to disable the input device based on the hinge angle being within the second hinge angle range.

3. The aforementioned first hinge angle range includes 30 degrees to 120 degrees, The modular electronic device system according to claim 2, wherein the second hinge angle range includes angles outside the first hinge angle range.

4. The modular electronic device system according to claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to change the input settings based on at least three consecutive sensor samples indicating that the hinge angle is within the first hinge angle range or the second hinge angle range.

5. The modular electronic device system according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate sensor signals at a sampling rate of approximately 10 Hz to approximately 15 Hz.

6. The modular electronic device system according to claim 1, wherein the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor are spaced apart by a threshold distance of at least 3 inches.

7. The modular electronic device system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to change the input settings based on sensor data from the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor, in addition to the hinge angle.

8. It's a keyboard, The casing and A set of key mechanisms coupled to the aforementioned housing, A trackpad is positioned on the housing adjacent to the set of keys, A first sensor having a first Hall effect sensor, A second sensor having a second Hall effect sensor, wherein the second Hall effect sensor is spaced at least a threshold distance from the first Hall effect sensor, and the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor are each positioned at diagonally opposite corners of the trackpad. Processor and A keyboard comprising a memory device for storing instructions, wherein, when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor causes the processor to obtain the angle of the display with respect to gravity, determine the angle between the display and the housing based on the angle of the housing with respect to gravity and the angle of the display with respect to gravity, and determine an input state for the keyboard based on the angle between the display and the housing.

9. The keyboard according to claim 8, wherein the input state includes a first input state that allows the processor to transmit a signal to a computing device in response to user input to at least one of the trackpad or the key mechanism of the set of key mechanisms.

10. The keyboard according to claim 8, wherein the input state includes a second input state in which the processor does not allow the computing device to transmit a signal in response to user input to at least one of the trackpad or the key mechanism of the set of key mechanisms.

11. The keyboard according to claim 8, further comprising a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor, wherein the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are configured to detect the polarity direction of a set of magnets arranged in a computing device.

12. The keyboard according to claim 11, wherein the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are configured to detect the polarity of each of a plurality of separate magnets of the set of magnets.

13. The keyboard according to claim 11, wherein the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are embedded in the trackpad.

14. The keyboard according to claim 13, wherein the first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are embedded in opposing corners of the trackpad.

15. The keyboard according to claim 11, further comprising a printed circuit board, wherein the first magnetic sensor, the second magnetic sensor, and one or more other sensors associated with the trackpad communicate electrically with the printed circuit board.

16. A computing device, The casing and A display portion is formed within the aforementioned housing, and the display portion is configured to present an on-screen keyboard for user input in the first input state. A first magnet pair, disposed inside the housing, having a first polarity configuration, and a second magnet pair, disposed inside the housing, having a second polarity configuration different from the first polarity configuration, At least one sensor configured to generate first gravity data including at least the roll angle and pitch angle of the computing device, Processor and A memory device for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor determines second gravity data relating to the keyboard, determines the angle between the display portion and the keyboard based on the first gravity data and the second gravity data, and transmits a signal to at least one of the display portion or the keyboard based on the angle. The signal includes a computer-executable instruction for switching between the first input state and the second input state, wherein the second input state is configured for user input on the keyboard. The computing device wherein the at least one sensor is configured to identify one of the first polarity configuration or the second polarity configuration depending on the arrangement of the keyboard when it is in contact with the computing device.

17. The computing device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor includes an inertial measurement unit.

18. The computing device according to claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to receive additional second gravity data from the keyboard, including at least a keyboard roll angle and a keyboard pitch angle.

19. The computing device according to claim 18, wherein the display portion is connected to the keyboard by a hinge, and the angle is the hinge angle of the hinge.

20. A modular electronic device system, A computing device comprising a first sensor, a processor, a memory device, a first magnet pair having a first polarity configuration, and a second magnet pair having a second polarity configuration different from the first polarity configuration, An input device detachably connected to the computing device at a hinge, comprising a second sensor, a first Hall effect sensor, and a second Hall effect sensor, wherein the second Hall effect sensor is spaced apart from the first Hall effect sensor, The memory device stores an instruction, and when the instruction is executed by the processor, the processor receives the instruction. Based on the first signal from the first sensor, the angle of the computing device with respect to the direction of gravity is determined. Based on the second signal from the second sensor, the angle of the input device with respect to the direction of gravity is determined. Based on the angle of the computing device and the angle of the input device, the hinge angle between the computing device and the input device in the hinge is determined. The input settings are changed in accordance with the determination of the hinge angle. A modular electronic device system in which the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor are configured to identify one of the first polarity configuration or the second polarity configuration depending on the arrangement of the input device when it is in contact with the computing device.

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