CN112558689A

CN112558689A - Sliding input device cover

Info

Publication number: CN112558689A
Application number: CN202010887062.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·K·巴拉基; 张广韬; J·拉夫; R·P·布鲁克斯
Original assignee: Apple Inc
Current assignee: Apple Inc
Priority date: 2019-09-26
Filing date: 2020-08-28
Publication date: 2021-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-28
Also published as: CN112558689B

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to sliding input device covers. Disclosed herein is a computing system that includes an electronic device, a cover or housing for the electronic device, and an input device that is slidably movable but attached to the cover or housing. By positioning the electronic device over the input device, rotation of the electronic device, which changes its vertical viewing angle, also translates the input device. These may provide improved overall possible viewing angle adjustability, increased system stability at high viewing angles, similar opening and closing behavior of laptop computers, lighter weight, and implementation using low cost components.

Description

Sliding input device cover

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/906,572 entitled "SLIDING INPUT DEVICE COVER" filed on 26.9.2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to interfaces for electronic devices. In some specific examples, embodiments herein relate to a keyboard and a cover for a touch screen device.

Background

Many electronic devices have keyboards and associated devices to receive input and interaction from a user. These electronic devices include computers such as personal computers, tablets, and smart phones, as well as other "smart" devices such as media players, video and audio equipment, vehicle consoles, home automation controllers, and related devices. Keyboards and other interface devices are designed with buttons or keys that are pressed by a user to generate input signals for a processor or controller. These devices are typically designed to provide a controlled amount of resistance to the user's fingertip in order to provide tactile feedback when the user presses a button or key. The feel, sound, cost and size of each button or key is tightly controlled to effectively provide the desired user experience. While some keyboards are "virtual," such as software keyboards displayed on touch screen devices, it may be beneficial to provide a stroke of keys or movement of keys to help a user feel, see, and hear more easily when and where keys are pressed, and to provide more satisfactory interaction with the device as a whole.

Providing this type of key or button may be cost prohibitive. Touch screen devices that do not have a built-in mechanical keyboard may be connected to a peripheral keyboard or keyboard housing or cover, but those devices may typically have improperly sized keys, may be covered by the touch screen device, require a battery or internal weight to balance the weight of the touch screen device, require two-handed operation, and are poorly adjustable. Thus, improvements in interface devices present many challenges and areas.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computing system including an electronic device having a back surface; a housing having a rear portion and a bottom portion joined by a hinge, wherein the rear portion is mounted to the rear surface of the electronic device; and an input device in electronic communication with the electronic device and contacting the electronic device and the bottom portion of the housing. Rotation of the electronic device relative to the input device may cause lateral translation of the input device relative to the hinge.

In some embodiments, the electronic device is rotatable relative to the input device between a first position and a second position, and a center of gravity of the electronic device moves parallel to a translational direction of the input device as the electronic device rotates relative to the input device. The electronic device may also include a display, wherein the housing and the input device are movable relative to each other between an open configuration in which the display is exposed and a closed configuration in which the display is covered by the housing or the input device. The electronic device is selectively attachable to and detachable from the input device. The electronic device is pivotably mounted to the input device.

The position of the input device relative to the hinge may be continuously adjustable over a range of relative positions, the electronic device being stable throughout the range of relative positions. The relative range of positions may include a first position in which the electronic device is at an angle of about 120 degrees relative to the input device and a second position in which the electronic device is at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to the input device. The input device may be movable between a locked position relative to the bottom portion and an unlocked position relative to the bottom portion as a result of mounting the electronic device to the input device.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer cover including a rear panel for mounting to an electronic device; a bottom panel joined to the rear panel by a hinge, wherein the bottom panel has an inner surface; and an input device mounted to the inner surface of the bottom panel and configured to translate laterally relative to the hinge when mounted to the inner surface.

In this cover, the rear panel may include a mountable portion for mounting to the electronic device and a rotatable portion for connecting the mountable portion to the hinge, wherein the rotatable portion is connected to the mountable portion by a second hinge. The input device may include length and width dimensions that are less than or equal to length and width dimensions of the bottom panel. The input device may include a recess in which the electronic device may reside and may be mountable to the bottom panel in at least two different relative positions. The hinge may be a compliant mechanism. The rear panel may be movable to a face-to-face orientation with the input device.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device cover, comprising: a first panel configured to be mounted to a rear surface of an electronic device; a second panel connected to the first panel at a hinge; and an input device mounted to the second panel, positioned above the second panel, and translatable relative to the second panel between a first position covering a first proportion of the second panel and a second position covering a second proportion of the second panel, wherein the second proportion is less than the first proportion.

In the second position, a portion of the input device may extend laterally away from an edge of the second panel. The input device may be further from the hinge in the second position relative to the first position. The input device may include a keyboard and a touchpad surface. The input device may be slidable between the first position and the second position.

Drawings

The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a computing system.

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a computing system in a first configuration.

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the computing system in a second configuration.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of a computing system in a third configuration.

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of a computing system in a fourth configuration.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of a computing system in a fifth configuration.

Fig. 7 shows a top view of the input device.

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view of an electronic device mated with an input device and a bottom portion of a housing.

FIG. 9 shows another diagrammatic side sectional view of an electronic device mated with an input device and a bottom portion of a housing.

FIG. 10 shows another diagrammatic side sectional view of the electronic device, the input device and the bottom portion of the housing.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of components of a computing system.

FIG. 11A shows a diagrammatic top view of a pin and slot feature of the computing system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of another computing system with a removable input device.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of another computing system.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of another computing system.

Fig. 15 illustrates a second configuration of the computing system of fig. 14.

Fig. 16A illustrates a first configuration of a hinge of a computing system.

Fig. 16B shows a second configuration of the hinge of fig. 16A.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

In the field of tablet computers and related electronic devices, it may be desirable to include a keyboard, touchpad, and related input devices in order to impart additional user interface functionality to the tablet computer similar to a laptop or notebook computer. Conventionally, tablet computers are provided with a housing that includes a keyboard or similar feature to protect the tablet computer in addition to adding such functionality. However, in many cases, using a tablet computer with a keyboard housing is inconvenient and a compromise for the user. When the tablet computer is in a typing configuration, it may be difficult for the user to find a comfortable viewing angle because the housing only provides a limited number of stable viewing positions. Many do not provide any stability at high viewing angles (e.g., about 120-135 degrees or more relative to a horizontal support surface). With existing housings that provide greater adjustability, increasing the viewing angle of the tablet computer tends to make the tablet computer and housing assembly more and more unstable as the tablet computer is rotated to larger and larger viewing angles, as the center of gravity of the device moves rearward, away from the user, and behind the support surface provided by the housing. To counteract this effect, it is often necessary for the housing and keyboard to use heavy or expensive mechanical components, such as friction hinges and balance weights. In some cases, functionality and ease of use are sacrificed, such as by removing the touchpad or by making the keyboard uncomfortably small, in order to ensure device stability at high viewing angles.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to covers or housings for electronic devices, such as tablet computers, in which an input device is slidably or translatably mounted to a hinge (or similar panel and hinged housing or case structure) mounted to the electronic device (or a portion thereof). The electronic device is movable between a stowed or closed position and an open or viewing position. In the open position, the panel of the housing may contact a rear surface of the electronic device, and a bottom edge or surface of the electronic device may be supported by and in contact with a top surface of the input device. When in this configuration, rotation of the electronic device may result in sliding or translational movement of the input device relative to the panel structure. In other words, rotation of the electronic device may exert a horizontal force against the input device, which causes it to translate along a panel of the housing or cover that is located on the support surface. Similarly, application of a horizontal force to the input device may cause rotation of the electronic device due to a connection, attraction, or contact between the electronic device and the top of the input device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable substantially unlimited adjustability of the viewing angle of an electronic device (within the limits or boundaries of the viewing angle). In all of these perspectives, the electronic device can be positioned relative to the input device in a manner such that the interactive portion of the input device is fully exposed, uncovered, and accessible to the user, even when the device is adjusted. Further, the electronic device and housing assembly become more stable as the viewing angle increases because the center of gravity of the electronic device moves forward as the input device moves forward (i.e., away from the hinge joining the folded back and bottom panels). In other words, as the input device translates relative to the bottom portion of the housing or cover, the center of gravity moves in the same forward direction as the input device. Thus, the center of gravity of the electronic device may be described as moving parallel to the translational direction of the input device (and with the same directional polarity) as the electronic device is rotated relative to the input device. For example, if the input device is translated in a positive X-direction, the center of gravity of the electronic device also moves parallel to the X-axis in at least a portion of the positive X-direction (rather than in the negative X-direction) due to having the same polarity as the translation direction of the input device.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide laptop-like input device functionality for a tablet computer using relatively inexpensive and lightweight materials. In some embodiments, the keyboard and the trackpad may both be disposed on the input device, while the input device does not have a larger width and length dimension than the tablet itself when the housing, the computer, and the input device are all in a collapsed configuration. The input device may be stowed in a safe and compact manner when not in use. Positioning the center of gravity of the electronic device above the bottom portion of the housing also reduces or eliminates the need for a balancing weight in the housing or a frictional preload in the hinge of the housing.

In addition, moving the tablet and input device to the stowed position may be performed using a one-handed closing operation (similar to closing a laptop). In other words, when the electronic device is in an open configuration and has its bottom end in contact with a retaining surface on top of the input device, a single force applied to the top end of the electronic device (i.e., a force that causes the electronic device to rotate about the bottom surface or about the interface between the electronic device and the input device) may cause the electronic device to rotate in a manner that reduces the viewing angle and, ultimately, detach or detach the electronic device from the top surface of the input device (while moving the input device back to a stowed position) and also move the front or display surface of the electronic device to its closed position facing the input device. Thus, the computing system may be moved into the closed configuration using the same type of arm motion that the user applies to close the laptop by rotating the display of the laptop down over the upward facing keyboard.

In some cases, the sliding input device is movable relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. In this way, the input device may be prevented from moving (e.g., falling or sliding out of the confines of the length and width dimensions of the closed configuration housing) when not in use. Attaching the electronic device to the input device may cause the input device to unlock relative to the housing so as to be able to slide and translate.

The input device may be made slidable or translatable over a bottom panel of the hinge or housing cover when the bottom panel is resting on a support surface, or the cover panel may be slidable under the input device when the input device is supporting the assembly on a support surface. The input device may be permanently attached to the rear panel of the housing, or in some cases, the input device may be removable from the housing panel. For example, the input device may be magnetically held to the housing panel and may be non-destructively, reversibly detachable from (and reattachable to) the housing panel without modifying the input device or the electronic device or adding an attachment agent such as an adhesive) to reposition the input device relative to the housing panel.

Additionally, portions of the housing may be attached to each other at a hinge. The rear panel or rear portion may comprise two sub-panels joined by a hinge or other connection point. In some cases, the hinge may be designed to have adjustable connection points between the sub-panels. The rear portion of the housing may be attached to the bottom portion of the housing via a hinge (which is a living hinge, and extendable or stretchable hinge, a multi-pivot hinge, etc.).

In aspects of the present disclosure, the input device may have a variety of different types of input reception or output provision, such as, for example, a keyboard, a trackpad, a keyboard plus trackpad, a supplemental display for an electronic device, or an input device with a dynamic function row or other touchscreen interface. The input device may provide additional functionality, such as storing a touchpad or other small input device within the input device, providing inductive charging for other accessories, or providing other supplemental features.

As used herein, an electronic device is "pivotally mounted" to an input device when the electronic device is able to pivot about a pivot axis when in contact with the input device, and the electronic device moves with the input device when the input device translates parallel to a horizontal plane containing the pivot axis.

As used herein, the stability of a device or assembly increases (i.e., it becomes more stable) as its center of gravity moves toward the center of its width and length dimensions or its center of gravity moves downward. A device or assembly may be considered "stable" in a certain position when horizontal forces applied to the top end of the device under normal use conditions tend to cause the device to slide horizontally on an unobstructed horizontal support surface rather than rotate (i.e., tip over). Additionally, modifying the device in some manner to increase the amount of force necessary to tip the device over a horizontal support surface may be referred to as increasing the stability of the device.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a computing system 100 according to the present disclosure. The computing system 100 may include an electronic device 102 having a display 104. The electronic device 102 may be positioned in a housing 106 having a first rear portion 108 (i.e., a mountable portion), a second rear portion 110 (i.e., a rotatable portion) joined to the first rear portion 108 by an upper hinge 112, and a bottom portion 114 connected to the second rear portion 110 by a lower hinge 116. An input device 118 including a keyboard 120 and a trackpad 122 or other input surface may be movably mounted to the base portion 114, such as by being slidable or translatable relative to the base portion 114 along a translation axis. For example, the input device 118 may be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1. In other words, the input device 118 may translate in a direction toward or away from the lower hinge 116. In some embodiments, the input device 118 is simultaneously attached to the bottom portion 114 in a manner that prevents vertical movement of the input device 118 relative to the bottom portion 114 (i.e., movement in a direction at least partially perpendicular to the inner surface of the bottom portion 114).

The electronic device 102 may include a tablet, a smart phone, a display, similar devices, or combinations thereof that may be used with the input device 118. Accordingly, the electronic device 102 may include a processor, internal memory, input and output devices, such as touch screen displays, buttons, speakers, tactile feedback generators, related devices, and combinations thereof. The electronic device 102 may advantageously have a substantially flat front surface within (or on) which the display 104 is positioned. The electronic device 102 may also have a rear surface or back surface that may be substantially planar and configured to engage the first rear portion 108 of the housing 106. The electronic device 102 may include attachment features that help the electronic device 102 remain engaged with the housing 106, such as internal magnets that attract magnets associated with the housing 106, fasteners, adhesives, related devices, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first rear portion 108 is integrally connected to the rear surface of the electronic device 102, and thus the housing 106 and the electronic device 102 are a single unit. In this case, the second rear portion 110 may still be able to pivot relative to the electronic device 102 at the upper hinge 112.

The housing 106 may include panels in the

portions

108, 110, 114 that are substantially planar and substantially rigid as compared to the

hinges

112, 116. Thus, when the housing 106 is positioned on a support surface below the bottom portion 114, those panels may provide support for the electronic device 102 and the input device 118. See, for example, horizontal support surface 200 in fig. 2. The housing 106 may include a variety of materials, such as leather, flexible polymers, rubber, elastomeric materials, or other compliant, soft, and bendable materials on its outer surface or forming the

hinges

112, 116. Thus, the

hinges

112, 116 may be referred to as "living" hinges, wherein the

hinges

112, 116 are made of a flexible, resilient material, rather than comprising pivoting, rotating hinges (e.g., door hinges or pin-in-barrel hinges). In some embodiments, the

hinges

112, 116 may comprise a pivoting hinge instead of, or in addition to, a living hinge.

The major width and length dimensions of the bottom portion 114 may be substantially equal to the major width and length dimensions of the electronic device 102. As such, the overall dimensions of the computing system 100 may be substantially equal to those major width and length dimensions when the computing system 100 is in a fully stowed configuration. See fig. 6. As used herein, the major width and length dimensions are the largest width and length dimensions of the electronic device 102 and the bottom portion 114, rather than the smaller thickness dimensions typical of these types of devices. For example, in the electronic device 102, the major width and length dimensions are measured in a viewing plane through which the display 104 is visible.

The input device 118 may include one or more interfaces for receiving input from a user. In some embodiments, the input device 118 may be referred to as an interface device or electronic interface. Keyboard 120 may include a set of key switches and key caps for providing alphanumeric input and other input tasks for electronic device 102. The trackpad 122 may include a touch-sensitive surface for detecting capacitive or resistive touch, such as from a user instrument (e.g., a finger).

The input device 118 may have a housing 124 surrounding the keyboard 120 and the trackpad 122. The housing 124 may have a top surface 126 configured to engage a bottom surface or bottom edge 128 of the electronic device 102. Bottom edge 128 may reside in a groove or recess in top surface 126. See fig. 7 and 10.

In some casesIn an embodiment, the input device 118 may have an electrical connection to the electronic device 102 through a set of conductive pads or other electrical conductors that contact the electronic device 102. In some cases, input device 118 may have a wireless connection to an electronic device in addition to or in lieu of a physical or "wired" electronic connection. Such wireless connections may be via a wireless communication protocol, e.g.

Similar wireless interfaces, and combinations thereof. Additionally, the input device 118 may have electrical connections to the electronic device 102 via electrical conductors that pass through the housing 106 to the electronic device 102. For example, the electronic device 102 may have conductive pads on the rear surface of its housing that contact exposed electrical connectors on the inner surface of the first rear portion 108 of the housing.

Fig. 2-6 illustrate side views of computing system 100 in various configurations and relative component positions. Fig. 2-5 illustrate the computing system 100 in various open configurations in which the main user interface portions of the electronic device 102 and the input device 118 are accessible, viewable, and usable by a user. Fig. 6 illustrates a closed configuration in which the electronic device 102 and the input device 118 are covered by the housing 106 and their primary input or output surfaces are not accessible or viewable.

In FIG. 2, a viewing angle A is defined between a major surface (i.e., a viewer-facing surface or display surface) of the electronic device 102 and a top or upward-facing surface of the input device 118₁With a relatively high magnitude. In some embodiments, angle a₁May have a magnitude of about 135 degrees or greater. The distance S indicates the amount of available area of the input device 118. Thus, even at high viewing angles, all of the interactive areas of the input device 118 are still accessible and usable by the user.

In FIG. 3, perspective A is shown as input device 118 laterally translated relative to bottom portion 114 and hinge 116₂Less than angle A₁. This lateral translation is also accompanied by rotation of the electronic device 102 about a pivot axis that is positioned substantially at the touch input device of the electronic device 102118. In addition, overhang distance D in FIG. 3, measured between the forwardmost edge of input device 118 and the forwardmost edge of bottom portion 114₂Less than overhang distance D in FIG. 2₁. The overhang distance also represents the amount of the input device 118 that overhangs a support surface below the bottom portion 114 or is otherwise not positioned above the bottom portion 114. The magnitude of the angle between the

portions

108, 110, 114 at the upper hinge 112 and lower hinge 116 is also greater in the orientation of fig. 3 as compared to fig. 2. Thus, the electronic device 102 is repositioned to a smaller viewing angle in the input device 118, such as from angle A₁To an angle A₂The angle at hinges 112 and 116 may be increased while decreasing overhang distance D₂. In fig. 3, the amount of usable area of the input device 118 is equal to the distance S shown in fig. 2. Thus, changing the perspective of the electronic device 102 may not change the amount of available input area of the input device 118. In other words, the available interaction area of the input device 118 may remain consistent throughout the range of viewing angles of the electronic device 102.

In fig. 4, the input device 118 is translated to a fully retracted position, and the input device 118 may be positioned entirely above the bottom portion 114 (or at least with minimal or negligible overhang). The electronic device 102 is at an even more vertical viewing angle, such as angle A₃As shown. In one embodiment, angle A_3-May be about 120 degrees. In addition, there is no significant overhang distance (and in some embodiments, no overhang distance at all) when in the position shown in fig. 4. However, the distance S across the accessible and usable portion of the interactive surface of the input device 118 does not change. Thus, at least when the electronic device 102 has its bottom edge 128 in an open configuration over the input device 118, the amount of available area over the distance S remains constant for any viewing angle of the electronic device 102 as compared to the input device 118.

FIG. 5 illustrates a position in which the electronic device 102 is closing relative to the input device 118, such as by a magnitude less than the angle A₃Angle A of₄As shown. FIG. 6 illustrates a fully closed configuration in which the front surface of the electronic device 102 is in contact with the input device 118The top surfaces are oriented face-to-face and the

portions

108, 110, 114 of the housing 106 protect and sandwich the electronic device 102 and the input device 118. At the angle of arrival A₄At this time, the electronic device 102 may separate the bottom edge 128 from the input device 118 as the rear surface of the electronic device 102 moves into contact with the second rear portion 110 and the hinge 112 flattens. The electronic device 102 may be configured to automatically disengage the bottom edge 128 as the rotational closing force F is applied to, for example, opposing ends of the electronic device 102. The front exterior surface of the electronic device 102 may then close the distance to sit face-to-face with the input device 118.

When the computing system 100 is opened from the position shown in fig. 6 to the position of fig. 5, the user may pull the electronic device 102 from the input device 118, pivoting the lower hinge 116, and then pivoting the first rear portion 108 about the upper hinge 112 relative to the second rear portion 110 to move the bottom edge 128 of the electronic device 102 into a recess or groove in the input device 118. In some embodiments, a recess or groove in the input device 118 may be omitted, and the bottom edge 128 may be held against the input device 118 using another mechanism, such as a magnetic latch that attracts the bottom edge 128 to a retaining wire 130 on top of the input device 118.

With the bottom edge 128 held at the holding line 130, the bottom edge 128 (or an axis passing through the holding line 130) may be a pivot axis of the electronic device 102 relative to the input device 118. Pivoting the electronic device 102 about the pivot axis may cause sliding translational movement of the input device 118 relative to the bottom portion 114, as shown in fig. 2-4. During this rotational movement, the distance S may remain constant, and the entire keyboard 120, trackpad 122, and any other interfaces of the input device 118 may remain uncovered and available without moving under the electronic device 102.

Further, simultaneous movement of the electronic device 102 and the input device 118 may be generated, for example, by manipulating the electronic device 102 and the housing 106 at the top end 132. In this way, a user may move between the open and closed configurations of computing system 100 using a one-handed operation at top end 132. When the computing system 100 is closed by a user, the application of force F may help release the bottom edge 128 from the position of the retention line 130 so that the housing 106 may swing downward (about the hinges 112 and 116) to the position shown in FIG. 6. A reactive force (e.g., a force applied by a user to hold down the input device 118) need not be applied to the input device 118 or the bottom portion 114 to open or close the computing system 100.

Fig. 7 shows a top view of the input device 118. A recess, groove, or channel 700 is positioned on the housing 124 and in the top surface 126 between the rearward edge 702 and the keyboard 120. The length of the recess or groove 700 may be equal to the length of the electronic device 102 that contacts the input device 118. The groove 700 may extend along the retention line 130 and may be a connection location of the electronic device 102 against the input device 118 at the top surface 126. The length S may extend from the channel 700 to the front edge of the input device 118, as shown in fig. 7. The length S may include sufficient space for a standard size keyboard 120 and a touch pad 122.

Fig. 8 and 9 show side cut-away views of embodiments of an electronic device 802 (which may be, for example, electronic device 102) positioned in a trench 700. The input device 818 and the bottom portion 814 are illustrated below the electronic device 802. The channel 700 may include a back surface 803 and a bottom surface 804 configured to engage a back surface 806 and a bottom surface 808, respectively, of the electronic device 802.

When the electronic device 802 is in an open position relative to the input device 818, the

magnetic elements

810, 812 in the electronic device 802 and the input device 818 may attract one another in a manner that helps retain the electronic device 802 within the channel 700. The

magnetic elements

810, 812 may exert sufficient attraction on each other to keep the electronic device 802 seated in the trench 700 at a relatively high viewing angle, such as when the electronic device 802 is positioned at an angle shown in dashed lines in fig. 8 and the

magnetic elements

810, 812 are spaced further apart than the positions shown in solid lines. Thus, the

magnetic elements

810, 812 may keep the electronic device 802 at least partially retained in the groove 700 (i.e., the electronic device 802 is at least partially within the recess of the groove 700 and below the adjacent top surface of the input device 818) even when the electronic device 802 is not in full contact with the

surfaces

803, 804 of the groove 700. The

magnetic elements

810, 812 may each comprise a permanent magnet, electromagnet, iron, or other magnetically attractive material, or combinations thereof, provided that at least one of the

magnetic elements

810, 812 comprises a magnetic field generating element configured to attract the other magnetic element.

When the electronic device 802 is rotated at the retaining wire (e.g., 130) or the groove 700, the magnetic attraction between the electronic device 802 and the input device 818 may ensure that a force (e.g., force F) applied to the top end (e.g., 132) of the electronic device 802 may transfer the force and slide the input device 818 relative to the bottom portion 814 of the housing. At a sufficiently high (or low) viewing angle, the electronic device 802 may rotate out of the groove 700 enough to sufficiently weaken the attraction between the

magnetic elements

810, 812, thereby allowing the electronic device 802 to be separated from the input device 818. Alternatively, a user pulling vertically upward on the electronic device 802 or downward on the input device 818 can overcome the magnetic attraction to the input device 818 in a manner that allows the electronic device 802 to be disconnected from the input device 818.

Further, as shown in fig. 9, a sufficient reduction in viewing angle (as shown in phantom) may weaken the attractive force between the

magnetic elements

810, 812 in a manner that allows the electronic device 802 to be removed from the trench 700. In some cases, a forward stop 820 (e.g., a side of a ridge) may be positioned on a top surface of the input device 818 or on a front side of the channel 700 to help facilitate removal of the electronic device 802 from the channel 700, as shown in phantom in fig. 9. When the front bottom edge 822 of the electronic device 802 contacts the forward stop 820, the forward stop 820 may ensure that the electronic device 802 begins to rotate out of the channel 700 rather than sliding or translating the front bottom edge 822 forward across the top of the input device 818. The rotation of the device 802 may assist the user in overcoming the magnetic attraction between the

magnetic elements

810, 812.

In some implementations, a mechanism can be provided to remove the electronic device 802 from the trench 700. For example, forward rotation of the electronic device 802 relative to the input device 818 may cause the input device 818 or a protrusion within the electronic device 802 to protrude into the channel 700, thereby driving the electronic device 802 out of the channel 700. In this way, the mechanism may automatically assist the user in moving electronic device 802 from a position similar to FIG. 4 to a position similar to FIG. 5, or from a position similar to the solid line position of electronic device 802 in FIG. 9 to the dashed line position shown in FIG. 9. In other words, the movement of the protrusion may apply a force to the electronic device 802 to overcome the attractive forces of the magnetic elements in the electronic device 802 and the input device 818.

In some embodiments, the input device 818 may have a rotatable structure at the location of the retention wire 130, and the rotatable structure may be configured to engage and retain the electronic device 802 while being able to rotate simultaneously with the input device 818. For example, the rotatable structure may cradle the bottom of the electronic device 802 in a groove similar to the groove 700, and may pivot with the bottom of the electronic device 802 relative to the input device 818. In this way, the rotatable structure may provide a consistent amount of support for the electronic device 802 over a wide range of viewing angles (e.g., may provide a consistent magnetic attraction force for the electronic device 802).

In some cases, the input device and the bottom portion may be releasably positionally lockable with respect to each other. When in the locked configuration, the input device may be prevented from translating relative to the bottom portion, and in the unlocked configuration, the input device may still be able to slide relative to the bottom portion. Fig. 10 shows a side view of another embodiment, wherein the input device 1018 includes a receiving portion 1040 and the bottom portion 1014 includes a movable protrusion 1042. The protrusion 1042 may extend into the receiving portion 1040, such that the input device 1018 may be mechanically prevented from moving in a horizontal direction (e.g., as shown by the double-sided arrow in fig. 10) by a physical obstruction between the protrusion 1042 and the receiving portion 1040. This locked configuration may prevent the input device 1018 from sliding out of the housing when the computing system (e.g., 100) is in a stowed or closed position (e.g., as shown in fig. 6) or when the electronic device 1002 is separated from the input device 1018 (e.g., as shown in fig. 5 and 10).

When the input device 1018 is seated in the channel 1000, the protrusion 1042 can move downward and out of the receiving portion 1040. In some implementations, the magnetic elements 1016, 1020 in each of the electronic device 1002 and the protrusion 1042 can repel each other, thereby applying a downward-directed force to the protrusion 1042 that causes it to translate out of the receiving portion 1040. Once this occurs, the input device 1018 may be in an unlocked configuration and it may slide laterally across the top surface of the bottom portion 1014 of the housing. The protrusion 1042 may be biased upward by a biasing member 1044 (e.g., a resilient dome or spring). Accordingly, placing the electronic device 1002 against the channel 1000 can overcome the biasing force of the biasing member 1044 to move the protrusion 1042. Movement of the input device 1018 from a deployed position (e.g., the position of fig. 3) to a retracted position (e.g., the position of fig. 4) relative to the bottom portion 1014 can realign the protrusion 1042 and the receptacle 1040, and removal of the electronic device 1002 from the channel 1000 can allow the protrusion 1042 to return into the receptacle 1040, thereby locking the input device 1018.

Although magnetic elements 1016, 1020 are shown in fig. 10, protrusion 1042 may be moved using other mechanical or physical forces. For example, insertion of the electronic device 1002 into the channel 1000 can cause a link or sliding member to move the protrusion 1042 out of the receptacle 1040. Additionally, although the protrusion 1042 and receptacle 1040 are illustrated on the input device 1018 and bottom portion 1014, respectively, near the groove 1000, their positions may be reversed or repositioned on either device. If its position is reversed, the protrusion 1042 can be attracted to the electronic device 1002 (or otherwise moved upward) in order to unlock the input device 1018 from the bottom portion 1014.

In some embodiments, the input device 1018 may be spring-loaded, wherein positioning the electronic device 1002 on the retaining wire (or in the channel 1000) unlocks the input device 1018 relative to the bottom portion 1014, and the biasing device causes the input device 1018 to automatically slide from a retracted, locked position (e.g., as shown in fig. 4) to an extended, unlocked position (e.g., as shown in fig. 3). Thus, when the electronic device 1002 is mounted to the input device 1018, the input device 1018 may be automatically unlocked and simultaneously translated away from the hinge of the housing. This may help the user more quickly bring the electronic device 1002 and the input device 1018 into a normal viewing or use position when the computing system is opened, and may encourage use of the components in the unlocked deployed configuration.

Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of other elements of the computing system 1100. In this view, the electronic device 1102 is mounted to the input device 1118 and the housing 1106. The electronic device 1102 is mounted by a magnetic element 1116 associated with the first rear portion 1108 and within the electronic device 1102. Thus, the first rear portion 1108 is held against the electronic device 1102 by magnetic attraction between the parts.

The pin and slot configuration may guide movement of the input device 1118 relative to the bottom portion 1114 of the housing 1106. The pin 1120 may be part of the input device 1118 and the slot 1122 may be part of the bottom portion 1114, or vice versa. The pin 1120 may be substantially stationary relative to the input device 1118 and the slot 1122 may be stationary relative to the bottom portion 1114. Thus, movement of input device 1118 with respect to bottom portion 1114 may cause pin 1120 to traverse slot 1122 within the limits of the end of slot 1122. In addition, pin 1120 and slot 1122 can guide movement of input device 1118 such that it is constrained to movement along the axis of motion relative to base portion 1114 (i.e., rather than in the plane of motion or in a three-dimensional range of positions relative to base portion 1114). The input device 1118 is infinitely adjustable relative to the base portion 1114 within a range defined by pin movement within the slot. In other words, the input device 1118 may be movable within a range of positions, and movement within that range may include an infinite number of instantaneous discrete adjustment positions at which the electronic device 1102 is stably supported. Thus, the input device 1118 is not limited to use in a limited number of different stable positions of the electronic device 1102.

Fig. 11A shows a diagrammatic top view of a pin 1120 in a slot 1122. The pin 1120 may be movable along the slot 1122 to

extreme end positions

1124, 1126, wherein the pin 1120 contacts the ends of the slot 1122 and thus limits movement of the input device 1118 relative to the bottom portion 1114 of the housing 1106. In some embodiments, the slot 1122 may include one or

more detents

1128, 1130, and the pin 1120 may be biased by a biasing member 1132 in a direction toward the side of the slot 1122 having the

detents

1128, 1130. As such, the pin 1120 may be biased into a position seated in the pawl 1128/1130, and the user must provide an increased input force (e.g., force F) to the electronic device 1102 or the input device 1118 in order to slide the input device 1118 as compared to a position in which the pin 1120 is not in the pawl 1130. In other words, the user may be required to overcome the biasing force to move the pin 1120 from the pawl 1128/1130. With this feature, the input device 1118 may be softly lockable into a preferred viewing position of the electronic device 1102 corresponding to a typical viewing angle. For example, the

detents

1128, 1130 may correspond to the exemplary preferred viewing positions of fig. 2 and 3. The use of

detents

1128, 1130 may limit unwanted or unintentional adjustment of the viewing angle of the electronic device 1102 when the pin 1120 is seated therein.

Although a pin-and-slot interface is shown in fig. 11, other types of motion limiting structures may be used to control lateral translation of the input device 1118 relative to the bottom portion 1114, such as gears, limited length springs, ridge-in-groove features, similar structures, and combinations thereof. Thus, many types of lateral motion constraints may be used to guide movement of input device 1118 relative to base portion 1114. Furthermore, features of input device 1118 and bottom portion 1114 may prevent input device 1118 from separating from bottom portion 1114 in a vertical direction (e.g., in a direction parallel to a normal direction extending from a top surface of input device 1118).

Fig. 12 illustrates another configuration in which the input device 1218 is removable from the bottom portion 1214 of the housing 1206. In this example, the input device 1218 may be releasably mounted to the bottom portion 1214 by a connector, such as a magnetic element or a mechanically interlockable component in the

devices

1214, 1218. The bottom end 1228 of the electronic device 1202 may be configured to contact an inner surface 1230 of the bottom portion 1214 when the input device 1218 is removed.

Removing the input device 1218 may allow the user to reposition the input device 1218 to any preferred position relative to the electronic device 1202. Additionally, features on the bottom portion 1214, such as the external trackpad 1240, display, or other interface device, may be exposed and available when the input device 1218 is removed from the bottom portion 1214. In some embodiments, the input device 1218 may have an interface element 1242, such as a keyboard, that is accessible and usable when the input device 1218 is attached with its top surface 1226 facing upward, and the interface element 1242 may be moved to a covered, stowed, and protected position by flipping the input device 1218 such that the top surface 1226 faces the surface 1230 of the bottom portion 1214. In this position, the housing 1206 and the input device 1218 may be mounted to one another such that the interface element 1242 is hidden or prevented from user interaction. In this way, interface element 1242 may be protected from receiving unintended or undesired inputs or providing undesired outputs. For example, the bottom portion 1214 can rotate about the hinge to position against the

rear portions

1208, 1210, and the input device 1218 can be stowed in a position that prevents a user from accidentally providing input via the interface element 1242 when behind the electronic device 1202. See also fig. 16A-16B. Thus, the input device 1218 may be moved into a face-to-face orientation with the

rear portions

1208, 1210.

Fig. 13 illustrates a perspective view of additional embodiments of a computing system 1300. The input device 1318 is illustrated as having a general interface region 1320, to illustrate that the input device 1318 may include various user interface elements, such as a keyboard, a display, a touchpad (e.g., a touchpad that covers substantially the entire interface region 1320), and so forth. In some embodiments, the input device 1318 may also include an auxiliary input device 1322 that is translatable between a stowed position within the recess 1324 of the input device 1318 (or within the recess of the bottom portion 1314) and an active or available position extending from the recess 1324 (as shown in fig. 13). The auxiliary input devices 1322 may include a trackpad or other interface devices described herein. Auxiliary input devices 1322 may extend from a front or lateral side surface of input device 1318.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of another embodiment in which an electronic device 1402 is mounted to a housing 1406 and an input device 1418, which allows for another type of translation between the parts. Here, the input device 1418 remains stationary relative to the support surface 1450 while the bottom portion 1414 of the housing 1406 can slide between various positions. Thus, relative movement of the bottom portion 1414 and the input device 1418 may include movement of the input device 1418 or the housing 1406 relative to the support surface 1450. Movement of the housing 1406, but not the input device 1418, relative to the support surface 1450 can advantageously keep the input device 1418 stationary as the electronic device 1402 rotates, similar to the keyboard portion of a laptop computer being stationary as the display portion rotates. Thus, the embodiment of FIG. 14 may provide a user experience more similar to that of a laptop computer user by minimizing the sliding of the keyboard.

Fig. 15 is a side view of another embodiment of a computing system 1500, wherein a first hinge 1512 includes a slidable, rollable, or otherwise movable connection between a first rear portion 1508 and a second rear portion 1510 of a housing 1506. Accordingly, even if the input device 1518 does not slide, the viewing angle R of the electronic device 1502 relative to the input device 1518 may be increased by movement of the first hinge 1512 relative to the rear portion 1508. In some embodiments, hinge 1512 may include wheels 1520 or other pins or rollers that are longitudinally movable along rear portion 1508 (such as within track 1522 therein). Dashed lines in fig. 15 indicate alternative tilt positions of the electronic device 1502 and the rear portion 1508. An appropriately designed amount of friction or preload in the wheel 1520 and rail 1522 interface may limit the amount of unintentional or undesirable movement of the wheel 1520 relative to the rail 1522.

In another exemplary embodiment, the

rear portions

1508, 1510 may be slidable relative to each other. Thus, unlike hinge 1512, which has wheels 1520 and tracks 1522, one of

rear portions

1508, 1510 may be bendable and may have an end that bends to slide across or under the other

rear portion

1510, 1508. For example, as the viewing angle of the electronic device 1502 increases, an upper end of the rear portion 1510 can slide between the other rear portion 1508 and the electronic device 1502, and the upper end can slide out as the viewing angle decreases. A predetermined amount of friction between the sliding panel and the stationary panel or electronic device 1502 may limit the amount of unintended or undesired movement of the panels relative to each other.

Fig. 16A and 16B illustrate side views of a housing 1606 with an expandable and collapsible hinge 1612. The hinge 1612 may connect the rear portion 1608 mounted to the electronic device 1602 to the bottom portion 1614. In some embodiments, the input device 1618 is removable from the bottom portion 1614, as discussed in connection with at least fig. 12. Thus, the hinge 1612 may accommodate differences in thickness T between the

portions

1608, 1614 of the housing 1606. As shown in FIG. 16A, hinge 1612 may include joining two rotatable surfacesThree pivots 1615, 1617 and 1619 of

plate members

1620 and 1622. Thickness T when no input device is included₁And thickness T₂In contrast, the center pivot in 1615 is therefore moved laterally outward and away from the electronic device 1602 so that the bottom portion 1614 contacts the electronic device 1602. When an input device is included, the pivot 1615 extends and straightens to align the

rotatable panel members

1620 and 1622, thereby increasing the thickness T₂Housed within housing 1606.

Although a pivoting hinge embodiment is shown in fig. 16A and 16B, other types of hinges may be used to achieve the variation in thickness T of the gap between the rear portion 1608 and the bottom portion 1614 of the housing 1606. For example, hinge 1612 may alternatively comprise an elastic material configured to stretch and stretch to accommodate thickness T₂And relax and contract to match thickness T₁. In this embodiment, the hinge 1612 may not necessarily move laterally outward away from the electronic device 1602 (e.g., as shown in fig. 16A) when in the reduced thickness configuration. In another embodiment, the hinge 1612 can elastically bend to bulge outward away from the electronic device 1602 when the thickness T is reduced.

Within the limits applicable to the present technology, the collection and use of data from a variety of sources may be used to improve the delivery of heuristic content or any other content to a user that may be of interest to the user. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or may be used to contact or locate a particular person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, personal information, and/or personal information,

ID. A home address, data or records relating to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), a date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology may be useful to benefit the user. For example, the personal information data may be used to deliver target content that is of greater interest to the user. Thus, using such personal information data enables the user to have planned control over the delivered content. In addition, the present disclosure also contemplates other uses for which personal information data is beneficial to a user. For example, health and fitness data may be used to provide insight into the overall health condition of a user, or may be used as positive feedback for individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

The present disclosure contemplates that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should enforce and adhere to the use of privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data is collected and/or used. Personal information from the user should be collected for legitimate and legitimate uses by the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. Furthermore, such acquisition/sharing should be performed after receiving user informed consent. Furthermore, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and secure access to such personal information data, and to ensure that others who have access to the personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third party evaluations to prove compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to the particular type of personal information data collected and/or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including specific considerations of jurisdiction. For example, in the united states, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the health insurance association and accountability act (HIPAA); while other countries may have health data subject to other regulations and policies and should be treated accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.

Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user selectively prevents use or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware elements and/or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of an ad delivery service, the present technology may be configured to allow a user to opt-in or opt-out of participating in the collection of personal information data at any time during or after registration service. In another example, the user may choose not to provide emotion-related data for the targeted content delivery service. In another example, the user may choose to limit the length of time that emotion-related data is kept, or to prohibit the development of the underlying emotional condition altogether. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to accessing or using personal information. For example, the user may be notified that their personal information data is to be accessed when the application is downloaded, and then be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

Further, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification may be used to protect the privacy of the user. De-identification may be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data on a user), and/or other methods, as appropriate.

Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may be implemented without the need to access such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology do not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content may be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to a content delivery service, or publicly available information.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claims

1. A computer cover, the computer cover comprising:

a rear panel for mounting to an electronic device;

a bottom panel joined to the rear panel by a hinge, the bottom panel having an inner surface;

an input device mounted to the inner surface of the bottom panel and configured to translate laterally relative to the hinge when mounted to the inner surface.

2. The computer cover of claim 1, wherein the rear panel includes a mountable portion for mounting to the electronic device and a rotatable portion for connecting the mountable portion to the hinge, the rotatable portion connected to the mountable portion by a second hinge.

3. The computer cover of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises length and width dimensions less than or equal to length and width dimensions of the bottom panel.

4. The computer cover of claim 1, wherein the input device includes a retention surface for retaining the electronic device to the input device.

5. The computer cover of claim 1, wherein the input device is mountable to the bottom panel in at least two different relative positions.

6. The computer cover of claim 1, wherein the hinge is a compliant mechanism.

7. The computer cover of claim 1, wherein the rear panel is movable to a face-to-face orientation with the input device.

8. An electronic device cover, comprising:

a first panel configured to be mounted to a rear surface of an electronic device;

a second panel connected to the first panel at a hinge;

an input device mounted to the second panel, positioned above the second panel, and translatable relative to the second panel between a first position covering a first proportion of the second panel and a second position covering a second proportion of the second panel, the second proportion being less than the first proportion.

9. The electronic device cover of claim 8, wherein in the second position, a portion of the input device extends laterally away from an edge of the second panel.

10. The electronic device cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the input device is further from the hinge in the second position relative to the first position.

11. The electronic device cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the input device comprises a keyboard and a touchpad surface.

12. The electronic device cover as recited in claim 8, wherein the input device is slidable between the first position and the second position.

13. A computing system, comprising:

an electronic device having a rear surface;

a housing having a rear portion and a bottom portion joined by a hinge, the rear portion mounted to the rear surface of the electronic device;

an input device in electronic communication with the electronic device and contacting the electronic device and the bottom portion of the housing;

wherein rotation of the electronic device relative to the input device causes lateral translation of the input device relative to the hinge.

14. The computing system of claim 13, wherein the electronic device is rotatable relative to the input device between a first position and a second position, and a center of gravity of the electronic device moves parallel to a translational direction of the input device as the electronic device rotates relative to the input device.

15. The computing system of claim 13, wherein the electronic device includes a display, wherein the housing and the input device are movable relative to each other between an open configuration in which the display is exposed and a closed configuration in which the display is covered by the housing or the input device.

16. The computing system of claim 13, wherein the electronic device is selectively attachable to and detachable from the input device.

17. The computing system of claim 13, wherein the electronic device is pivotally mounted to the input device.

18. The computing system of claim 13, wherein a position of the input device relative to the hinge is continuously adjustable over a range of relative positions, the electronic device being stable throughout the range of relative positions.

19. The computing system of claim 18, wherein the range of relative positions includes a first position in which the electronic device is at an angle of approximately 120 degrees relative to the input device and a second position in which the electronic device is at an angle of approximately 135 degrees relative to the input device.

20. The computing system of claim 13, wherein the input device is movable between a locked position relative to the bottom portion and an unlocked position relative to the bottom portion as a result of mounting the electronic device to the input device.