Notebook computer having multiple types of input with interchangeable input modules

Abstract

A notebook computer has a conformal space that is located on the top of its main body base to hold interchangeable input modules that provide multiple types of input. An exemplary input module provides at least two different types of input, representatively typing input and handwriting input. The input module has typing input subassembly on the first side and handwriting input subassembly on the second side that is opposite to the first side. The input types may be changeable through switching sides by releasing, inverting, and putting back said input module in the conformal space that is constructed on the top of the main body base. Each input type is automatically switched on and coupled to the input / out control circuitry of the notebook computer and in a ready to use mode when the module is put into the conformal space that is on the main body base.

Description

[0001] Notebook computer having multiple types of input with interchangeable input modules

[0002] Background of the Invention

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention generally relates to a computer system, and in a preferred embodiment thereof, more particularly relates to a notebook computer having an input module that provides at least two different input methods, representatively a keyboard for typing input and a digitizer pen tablet for handwriting or free form drawing input. The different types of input may be changed smoothly. The input module may be used physically on or off the main body base of the notebook computer according to different application circumstances and user preference. Modules that provide different types of input are interchangeable to put on or off and coupled to the notebook computer for the desired input.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art

[0006] Notebook computers, such as the popular clam shell style notebook computer, typically comprise a main body base with a keyboard module is assembled on its top side, and a lid module which is pivotally mounted to a rear side edge of the main body base for pivotal movement relative thereto between a generally horizontal storage and transport orientation in which the lid module is parallel to the top side of the main body base and extends across and covers the keyboard, and an upwardly and rearwardly tilted use orientation in which a display screen on the bottom side of the lid module faces the user. The main body base in general encloses the components and circuitry of the notebook computer, e.g., a microprocessor, graphics processor and related cooling system, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), internal storage hard drive, solid-state storage units, a battery, wireless connection elements, and input / output support circuitry supporting various interactive methods. The keyboard module is assembled on the top side of the main body base by fasteners (typically screws) and is not for the notebook computer users to operationally detach and re-attach frequently in its normal daily use.

[0007] The keyboard provides only the typing input method. The keyboard becomes ineffective to input scientific formulae with symbols and scientific notations. It is also impossible to draw a free form sketch, to take a handwriting digital note when reading a document or a book, to sign online documentation, or to annotate contents during an online meeting presentation. For such needs, a second input module that supports sketching and handwriting is needed. User often purchases a third-party handwriting input module such as a pen tablet or digitizer to use with the notebook computer. Such third-party module is not ergonomically friendly nor convenient to carry around with the notebook computer. To make things worse, often there are software or firmware compatibility issues between the notebook and the third-party digitizer that results in poor user experiences.

[0008] It is desirable to have the notebook computer with an input module that provides both typing and handwriting inputs. These two inputs are seamlessly integrated in this module and can switched within seconds whenever a different input is desirable. Such a notebook computer improves user experiences and use efficiency.

[0009] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a notebook computer having an input module that offers different inputs and is capable of operatively effortlessly switching among these different inputs to satisfy user demands and improve user experiences. Brief Summary of the Invention

[0010] Broadly speaking, the invention pertains to a new architecture of notebook computer. In carrying out principles of the present invention, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, an electronic apparatus representatively in the form of a notebook computer is provided.

[0011] The notebook computer includes a display screen and a main body base. The main body base has a topside portion operative to releasably and changeably support a selectively variable one of a plurality of different types of input modules each operative by a user of the computer to type input, or to handwrite input, or manipulate the cursor movement on the display screen respectively. When the input module is put into place it is connected and coupled electrically to the input / out circuitry of the notebook computer and ready to use. The inputs can be changed in a matter of seconds.

[0012] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as an apparatus, a device, and a computer system. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment an input module has the keyboard on a first side and the pen tablet built on a second side that is opposite to the first side. The module provides a plurality of different types of input, including (1) a keyboard for typing, (2) a keyboard / touchpad combination for typing and cursor maneuvering, and (3) a pen / tablet for handwriting.

[0014] To operatively select an input method, align the side of the module where the pogo targets are located to the side of the notebook’s main body base where the pogo pins are located, release and push the module in place on top of the main body base such that the pogo targets of the module engage the pogo pins of the main body base, making the electrical connection between the module and the notebook computer’s control circuitry. To change an input method, simply lift the module, invert it to make the opposite side that has the desired input method face up, and push the module back in place.

[0015] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

[0016] Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing

[0017] The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the embodiment(s) shown in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the prior art of a notebook computer;

[0019] FIG. IB. is a pictorial view showing the prior art of a typical user setting;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of this invention, in particular the embodiment showing an input module that is placed on the top of the main body base and is connected to the input / output circuitry in the main body base;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a pictorial perspective view showing the operation process of changing the inputs according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 4A is a perspective drawing showing the main body base of the notebook computer with a set of pogo pins that is used to connect the input module and the input / output circuitry within the main body base of the notebook computer;

[0023] FIG. 4B is an exploded partially perspective view of the operative pogo pins set with typical pin assignments;

[0024] FIG. 5A is a perspective drawing showing the input module;

[0025] FIG. 5B is a schematic, partially cross-sectional diagram illustrating the construction of the input module;

[0026] FIG. 5C is a partially exploded, cross-sectional diagram showing the functional layer structure and elements of the input module;

[0027] FIG. 6A is a perspective view drawing showing the notebook computer having the typing input;

[0028] FIG. 6B is a pictorial drawing showing an example use setting for typing;

[0029] FIG. 6C is yet another pictorial drawing showing another example use setting for typing;

[0030] FIG. 7A is a perspective drawing showing the notebook computer having the handwriting input;

[0031] FIG. 7B is a pictorial view showing an example use setting for handwriting;

[0032] FIG. 7C is yet another pictorial drawing showing another example use setting for handwriting;

[0033] FIG. 8A is a side view drawing showing the notebook computer in an opened orientation and use condition;

[0034] FIG. 8B is a side view of notebook computer in half closing condition;

[0035] FIG. 8C shows a side view of the notebook computer in a closed orientation with the input module stowed for conveniently and securely carrying around;

[0036] FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of an office desk with the one embodiment of the present invention, showing more desk working space that is a clear contrast to the prior art of FIG. IB.

[0037] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 A, the prior art of notebook computer in the clam shell style has a keyboard subassembly, or a keyboard and touchpad combination subassembly, installed and attached to the main body base often by screws. This subassembly is only taken apart when it is in the way of a repair operation or internal components upgrade operation such as adding more DRAM modules or a large capacity hard drive. This subassembly is not freely removable and is not designed to be taken apart during normal use.

[0039] FIG. IB shows pictorial view of a typical office desk setting of a notebook computer user as a prior art, where often at least one external larger size monitor is used, together with an external keyboard, an external tablet with its paired pen, and a mouse. These added peripherals not only take desk space but also prove to be very inconvenient to use because switching them back and forth is needed. While the keyboard is part of the notebook computer, it is not convenient to carry a pen tablet around together with a notebook computer. In addition, it is a material waste to have these multiple peripherals built individually.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment according to the present invention. A notebook computer 80 has a clam shell configuration in which a lid module 1 (with a display panel that displays user input and viewing output content such as image, video, text, etc.) and a main body base 3 are coupled through hinges 4 to allow opening and closing operation. Tn its top side that faces the display surface of the lid module, the main body base 3 has a space 32 (shown in FIG. 3) that is conformal to the external contour shape of an input module 2 for receiving the input module 2 between lid module 1 and main body base 3. The input module 2 is changeable and can be freely and effortlessly taken out of or put back into this conformal space. The input module 2 comprises two different subassemblies that are constructed respectively on its two opposite sides of large surface area, namely a keyboard subassembly 21 for typing input and a tablet subassembly 22 plus a pen 223 for the handwriting input. Details of this input module 2 are shown in FIG’s 5A, 5B and 5C. The main body base 3 further in general encloses the components and circuitry (not shown) of the notebook computer, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processor and related cooling system, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), internal storage hard drive, solid-state storage units, a battery, wireless connection elements, USB connectors, thunderbolt connectors, radio-frequency data transmission port, and various input / output support circuitry.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a pictorial and schematic drawing that illustrates the process of interchanging inputs provided by input module 2. Assume the input module 2 of the notebook computer is in the configuration of keyboard or a keyboard / touchpad input. When a handwriting input is desired, there are three sequential steps involved to make the switch from the typing input to the handwriting input. Step ®, the user releases the input module 2 from the conformal space 32, disconnecting the pogo targets 2311 which is coupled to the main body input / output circuitry for the typing input through the pogo pins 31; step (2), the user flips the input module upside down, making the handwriting side face up; step (3), the user aligns the pogo targets 2312 which is for the handwriting input to the pogo pins 31, and inserts the input module 2 back into the conformal space 32. Similar sequential steps apply if the notebook computer is in the configuration having the handwriting input and it is desired to switch to the typing input. These two inputs are seamlessly changeable within seconds, greatly improving user experience and work efficiency.

[0042] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the main body base 3. The base 3 has on its top a conformal space 32 which accommodates the input module 2, and a set of pogo pins 31 which provides electrical connection, including power delivery from within the main body base 3 to the input module 2 and data and command communication between the input module 2 and the input / output circuitry of motherboard within the main body base 3. FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the pogo pins set 31. This embodiment has one power delivery pin, VCC, one ground pin GND, two pins D+ and D- acting as a differential data signal transmission pair.

[0043] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are highly schematic perspective and cross-sectional views to illustrate the construction of the input module 2. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the input module 2. The input module has a thin plate shape, typically less than 15 mm in thickness and larger than 250mm in diagonal length. The module has two opposite sides with large area, sides 21 and 22. A plurality of keys for typing, a touchpad for cursor movement, and a set of pogo targets 2312 that connects to pogo pins set 31 to enable handwriting input are arranged on side 21. A writing surface and pogo targets 2311 that connect to pogo pins set 31 to enable typing input are arranged on side 22 (not visible in this figure). When side 21 is in use, the pogo targets 2311 on the opposite side 22 are coupled physically and electrically to the pogo pins set 31, making connection between the typing and touchpad circuitry of input module 2 and the input / output circuitry within the main body base 3 and therefore providing the typing input. Similarly, when side 22 is in use, the pogo targets 2312 on the opposite side 21 are coupled physically and electrically to the pogo pins set 31, making connection between the handwriting circuitry of input module 2 and input / output circuitry within the main body base 3 and therefore providing the handwriting input. FIG. 5B provides a full cross-sectional view of the input module 2 through cutting plane line I - I of FIG. 5 A. Input module 2 is a layering stacking structure. The keyboard for typing input is constructed on side 21, which comprises a plurality of vertically movable keys and circuity underneath these keys. The pen tablet for handwriting input is constructed on the side 22 that is opposite to side 21, which comprises sensing layers of carefully designed and patterned metal loops that electromagnetically couple to a writing pen 223. The electromagnetic resonance (EMR) between these layers and the pen generates inductive current and signals when the writing pen is moving close to or on the writing surface that is laminated above these sensing layers.

[0044] FIG. 5C is an exploded schematic view of the cross-section under one example key 211. A thin and stiffened plate structure 24 is at the core of the input module 2. The plate 24 is light weight, flat, and strong. It may be built with metal such as aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Plate 24 is the base that supports the vertical movement of the keys 211 for the typing input on one side and supports a flat surface for the handwriting input on the opposite side. The keyboard for typing comprises three essential elements that are stacked on top of each other on plate 24. The first element is the key set 211 that provides the typing input interface and a switch mechanism that are designed to have an ergonomic travel distance typically within the range of 0.5mm to 4.0mm when a key is depressed. The second element is an electrical subassembly 212 that is below the key set 211. The subassembly 212 generates signals to the typing controller (not shown here in the figures) of the keyboard when a key is depressed. This subassembly may be a composite structure that includes a three-layer membrane, where metal traces separated by a center layer with holes through which the two outer layers can be shorted when a key is depressed. The third element 213 is typically the keyboard bracket, where keys 211 are attached and anchored onto the plate 24. The pen tablet for handwriting comprises three major elements. A first element, the cover layer 221 is a surface that provides paper like writing experience. A second element, sensing structure 222 has periodic patterned metal loops that may be vacuum laminated on plate 24, with sensing structure 222 being sandwiched between the support plate 24 and the writing layer 221. A third element, a writing pen 223 has metal coils built within it such that an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) between sensing structure 222 and pen 223 occurs when these two elements are physically in touch or close enough (can be as far away as 10mm). The EMR induced current signals in sensing structure 222 are converted to handwriting or free drawing inputs by a controller (not shown here) and firmware. On occasion, to ensure signal integrity, a shielding layer (not shown here because sometimes it is just a thin coating) may be sandwiched between layer 222 and support plate 24.

[0045] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a new and improved notebook computer 80 constructed in accordance with the present invention when the input module 2 is placed into the conformal space 32 of main body base 3 with the side 21 facing up for the typing input. FIG. 6B is a pictorial view of a new and improved notebook computer 80 constructed in accordance with the present invention being used by user 60 for the typing input. FIG. 6C is a pictorial view of a user 60 who has taken the input module off from the notebook computer’s main body base 3 and put it in a convenient place with an ergonomic position for the typing input. In this embodiment, the coupling connection between the input module and the main body base is wireless.

[0046] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a new and improved notebook computer 80 constructed in accordance with the present invention when the input module 2 is put into the conformal space 32 of main body base 3 with the side 22 facing up for the handwriting input. FIG. 7B is a pictorial view of a new and improved notebook computer 80 constructed in accordance with the present invention being used by user 60 for the handwriting input. FIG. 7C is a pictorial view of a user 60 who has taken the input module off from the notebook computer’s main body base 3 and put it in a convenient place with an ergonomic position to write and draw. In this embodiment, the coupling connection between the input module and the main body base is wireless.

[0047] FIG. 8A is an illustrative side view drawing showing an exemplary notebook computer in an open position for user to utilize any one of a plurality of input modules, for example a keyboard module for typing and a pen tablet module for handwriting; FIG. 8B is an illustrative side view of an exemplary notebook computer in half closing position; FIG. 8C shows an illustrative side view of an exemplary notebook computer of this invention in a closed position with the input module 2 being stowed in the main body base for convenient and secure transportation;

[0048] FIG. 9 is a pictorial illustration of a typical office desk when a user uses an exemplary notebook computer of the present invention. In comparison to FIG. IB which illustrates the prior art, the external keyboard and external pen tablet is eliminated. The desktop is cleaner with more working space.

[0049] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above exemplary embodiments that have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts. Thus, it is to be understood that the implementations defined in the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed features.

Claims

ClaimWhat is claimed is:

1. A notebook computer comprising: a main body base having an externally accessible connection structure operative to releasably and interchangeably support a selectively variable one of a plurality of different types of input module each operative by a user of the notebook computer to arrange a specified input type; an input / output control circuitry operatively coupleable to each of said plurality of different types of input module; and a lid module with a display screen pivotally secured to the main body base thereon.

2. The notebook computer of claim 1 wherein said externally accessible connection structure is operative to releasably support a keyboard module for typing input.

3. The notebook computer of claim 1 wherein said externally accessible connection structure is operative to releasably support a keyboard and a touchpad combination module for typing input and cursor movement and execution of command that is visually displayed on the display screen of the notebook computer.

4. The notebook computer of claim 1 wherein said externally accessible connection structure is operative to releasably support a pen tablet module for handwriting input or free hand drawing input.

5. The notebook computer of claim 1 wherein said externally accessible connection structure is operative to releasably support an integrated module that has a keyboard, a touchpad, and a pen tablet for typing input, cursor movement and command execution input, handwriting input, free hand drawing input, or a combination of inputs thereof.

6. The notebook computer of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of different types of input module interchangeably supportable by said externally accessible connection structure.

7. The notebook computer of claim 6 wherein one of said plurality of different types of input module is a keyboard module for typing input.

8. The notebook computer of claim 6 wherein one of said plurality of different types of input module is a keyboard and touchpad combination module for typing input, cursor movement and command execution inputs.

9. The notebook computer of claim 6 wherein one of said plurality of different types of input module is a pen tablet module for handwriting input or free hand drawing input.

10. The notebook computer of claim 6 wherein one of said plurality of different types of input module is a keyboard, a touchpad, and a pen tablet combination module for typing input, cursor movement and command execution input, handwriting input, free drawing input, or a combination of the inputs thereof.

11. The notebook computer of claim 1 wherein: each one of the input module types has a first electrical connector thereon, and the externally accessible connection structure of the main body base has a second electrical connector positioned to be matingly engaged by the selected input module in response to said input module’s operative connection thereof to the input / output controlcircuitry of said notebook computer, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector forming a coupleable connection pair.

12. The notebook computer of claim 11 wherein the first electrical connector of the input module is a set of pogo targets and the second electrical connector of the externally accessible connection structure of the main body base is a set of mating pogo pins.

13. The notebook computer of claim 11 wherein the first electrical connector of the input module and the second electrical connector of the externally accessible connection structure of the main body base are coupleable Wi-Fi means.

14. The notebook computer of claim 1 1 wherein the first electrical connector of the input module and the second electrical connector of the externally accessible connection structure of the main body base are coupleable Bluetooth means.

15. The notebook computer of claim 11 wherein the first electrical connector of the input module is radio frequency millimeter wave data transmitting means, and the second electrical connector of the externally accessible connection structure of the main body base is radio frequency millimeter wave data receiving means.

16. An input module releasably attachable to the externally accessible connection structure of the main body base of a notebook computer and coupleable to the input / output control circuitry of the notebook computer, comprising: a thin plate shape body having two large and dominant opposite sides; a keyboard subassembly being constructed on the first side; a pen tablet subassembly being constructed on the second side that is opposite to the first side of said two large and dominant opposite sides; two sets of electrical connection targets each being placed on the first side and the second side respectively, the electrical connection targets comprising a group of pogo targets in circular or rectangular shape.

17. The input module of claim 16 wherein said keyboard subassembly comprises a plurality of vertically movable keys, a switch mechanism and signal generating circuity underneath each of these keys generating typing output signals as input signals to the coupled input / output control circuitry of said notebook computer.

18. The input module of claim 16 wherein the keyboard subassembly is an integrated keyboard and touchpad combination subassembly, generating typing output signals and cursor movement and software menu defined commands execution output signals, feeding as input signals to the coupled input / output control circuitry of said notebook computer.

19. The input module of claim 16 wherein the said pen tablet subassembly is an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) system that comprises a pen having a resonant circuit, an EMR sensor, and a pen positional signal microprocess unit.

20. The input module of claim 19 wherein the EMR sensor comprises a layering structure of patterned metal loops to generate electromagnetic inductive current as an output electrical signal that defines pen position where the pen is close to or in contact with on the surface of the pen tablet.

21. The input module of claim 19 wherein the pen comprises a resonant circuit configured with at least a coil, the resonant circuit resonating with the sensor through an electromagnetic field to generate an output electrical signal within the sensor that defines the pen position where the pen is close to or in contact with on the surface of the pen tablet.

22. The input module of claim 19 wherein the positional signal microprocess unit is an integrated circuit (IC) microprocessor that senses the electrical signals that are induced in the EMR sensor when the pen is engaged with the EMR sensor to perform writing or drawing actions and processes these signals to generate output signals as input signals to the coupled input / output control circuitry of said notebook computer, the output signals including the pen’s position, pen stroke’s weight, pen tip’s pressure level, and so on.

23. A method of constructing a notebook computer comprising the steps of: providing a lid module having a screen on which user inputs and the computer’s outputs can be displayed; providing a main body base having an externally accessible connection structure operative to releasably and interchangeably support a selectively variable one of a plurality of different types of input module; securing pivotally the said lid module on said main body base; providing a plurality of different types of input module each operative by a user to arrange one of a plurality of different types of input; and using said externally accessible connection structure to releasably secure a selected one of said plurality of different types of input module to said main body base.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said step of providing a plurality of different types of input module includes the steps of providing a keyboard module, a keyboard / touchpad combination module, a pen tablet writing input module, or a dual-sided keyboard / touchpad / pen / tablet writing input module.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein: said externally accessible connection structure includes a space that is conformal to the shape of said input module and formed on the top exterior surface of said main body base; and said using steps include the step of releasing an input module from the said conformal space and replacing a desired input module into the said conformal space.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein: the conformal space have a rectangular shape with or without rounded comers and a depth that matches the thickness of said input module.

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